Renaissance

Editorial-Vol 1, Issue 3

Of Nation and Nationalism

Our lead essay explores the roots of Indian nationalism from the perspective of Sri Aurobindo’s integral vision. Role of character-building education in nation-building is the focus of second essay. Also included is a review of a book on the brave heroes who valiantly fought against the invaders.

Guiding Light - Vol 1, Issue 3

The Ideal of Indian Nationalism

In these passages, Sri Aurobindo explains the true spirit and mission of Indian nationalism. The challenge before us is to develop our perception so that we can see their deep relevance of these words for our times, for a true rebirth of Indian nation.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 3

The Psychology of Indian Nationalism (Part 1)

In this opening part, author A V Sastri suggests that to comprehend the idea of nationalism as interpreted by Sri Aurobindo requires one to enter the whole region of his thought as it shapes and expresses itself in his major works.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 3

The Psychology of Indian Nationalism (Part 2)

Exploring India’s mission for the humanity, A V Sastri in this part explains that Indian nationalism at its core must be as inclusive, as many-sided, as much rooted in Divine and Humanity, at once as disciplined and liberal, as much one in spirit but myriad in expression as Sanatana Dharma.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 3

The Psychology of Indian Nationalism (Part 3)

In this part, A V Sastri briefly explores the nation-making in the West, which has been primarily an external evolution. But a subjective approach to forming a national identity can also bring great danger, as shown by the example of Germany. A spiritual view of individual and society is necessary.

Book of the Month - Vol 1, Issue 3

A Review of "Saffron Swords"

We feature a review by Rajat Mitra of a new book "Saffron Swords." The book tells the tales of 52 warriors who fought till their last breath to defend their motherland. Beloo Mehra introduces the book by invoking a few verses from Sri Aurobindo's Bhavani Bharati.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 3

Build Character to Build Nation (Part 1)

This essay, presented in two parts, expounds on Swami Vivekananda’s views on character development and also briefly discusses the basic themes of his philosophy of man-making education in the light of practical Vedanta.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 3

Build Character to Build Nation (Conclusion)

In this concluding part of the essay, we learn about the key methods and content areas, which as per Swami Vivekananda's educational thought must become the basis for a holistic education aimed at character-building of the students.

Editorial-Vol 1, Issue 2

The Demand from Us

This issue reminds of the immense work needed to be done for a true Indian reawakening. We conclude the two series from the previous issue - an essay by Sisirkumar Mitra and a lecture by Kundan Singh, and also feature a recently released book on India along with an author interview.

Guiding Light-Vol 1, Issue 2

Will India Arise?

In these passages Sri Aurobindo briefly explains why a full flowering of Indian civilisation was interrupted, why it is important for India to reassert its peculiar individuality, and why the future demands a true understanding of each civilisation's unique strengths.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 2

Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Part 3)

In this part of the essay, the author Sisirkumar Mitra describes the ideal role of the king in ancient India as the upholder of Dharma, and the ways in which this ideal worked in harmony with democratic freedom at the communal level of organisation.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 2

Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Conclusion)

In this concluding part, Sisirkumar Mitra describes the attempts made in ancient India to unify India politically, key reasons which led to political disunity of India and the impact of invasions. He concludes with highlighting the task ahead - to achieve a deeper unity from within.

Event Report-Vol 1, Issue 2

A Report on Abhyudaya Conclave

A report of Abhyudaya Conclave, 2019, organised by Vision India Foundation, Delhi. SAFIC was one of the organising partners for this educational event. Senior Associate Dr. Beloo Mehra was a delegate at the Conclave and has prepared this report.

Book of the Month-Vol 1, Issue 2

A Review of Maria Wirth's "Thank You India"

We are happy to feature a short review of Maria Wirth's book -- Thank you India: A German Woman's Journey to the Wisdom of Yoga (2018, Garuda Prakashan).

Insightful Conversations-Vol 1, Issue 2

Of Indian Wisdom and Cultural Reawakening: A Conversation with Maria Wirth (Part 1)

Part 1 of a free-flowing conversation with Maria Wirth -- about her new book, her love for India, the sure signs of an emerging Indian cultural renaissance, the ways to nurture and strengthen this reawakening and the factors that could possibly impede this resurgence.

Insightful Conversations-Vol 1, Issue 2

Of Love and Turmeric Latte: A Conversation with Maria Wirth (Part 2)

Part 2 of a free-flowing conversation with Maria Wirth -- about her new book, her love for India, the sure signs of an emerging Indian cultural renaissance, the ways to nurture and strengthen this reawakening and the factors that could possibly impede this resurgence.

Insightful Conversations-Vol 1, Issue 2

Of Indian-ness and Truthfulness: A Conversation with Maria Wirth (Part 3)

The concluding part of a free-flowing conversation with Maria Wirth -- about her new book, her love for India, the sure signs of an emerging Indian cultural renaissance, the ways to nurture and strengthen this reawakening and the factors that could possibly impede this resurgence.

Video-Vol 1, Issue 2

Sri Aurobindo and Renaissance in India (Part 3)

In this part, Kundan Singh explains that each civilisation has a unique cosmology, a worldview, and a particular set of ethos. He adds that unless Indians learn to see and know India from the standpoint of Indian cosmology, a true Indian renaissance will not be possible.

Video-Vol 1, Issue 2

Sri Aurobindo and Renaissance in India (Conclusion)

In this concluding part, Kundan Singh speaks about the need for developing a deeper self-knowledge - as an individual and as a civilisation, if we wish to truly contribute to the Indian renaissance. He also speaks of the need for transcending the various binaries that bind us in our ignorance.

Editorial-Vol 1, Issue 1

Welcome to the Inaugural Issue!

We are happy to launch Renaissance, on this special day of February 21, 2019 – the 141st birthday of the Mother. The theme of this journal takes its inspiration, guidance and significance from Sri Aurobindo's vision for the future of India and her role in the world.

Guiding Light-Vol 1, Issue 1

Sri Aurobindo on the Importance and Nature of the Indian Renaissance

Selected passages from a few of Sri Aurobindo's writings on the theme of Indian renaissance.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 1

Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Part 1)

In this part of the essay, the author Sisirkumar Mitra conveys how most of the history textbooks in India don't capture the 'whole' picture of history by completely ignoring the inward orientation of Indian cultural evolution.

Essay-Vol 1, Issue 1

Ancient Indian Polity and the Task Ahead (Part 2)

In this part of the essay, the author Sisirkumar Mitra describes the ideal of communal freedom and self-determination, and beginnings of the idea of State in ancient India.

Video-Vol 1, Issue 1

Sri Aurobindo and Renaissance in India (Part 1)

In this Part 1 of SAFIC special lecture, the speaker Kundan Singh argues how some of the current ideologically-driven and prejudicial discourse on Indian culture hamper the work of Indian renaissance.

Video-Vol 1, Issue 1

Sri Aurobindo and Renaissance in India (Part 2)

In this part, Kundan Singh explains what may be understood by Sri Aurobindo’s emphasis on the “recovery of the old spiritual knowledge and experience in all its splendour, depth and fullness” as the first, most essential work that must be done for a renewal of India’s unique civilizational spirit.