A Guide to True Sanatani Secularism

Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a distinctive figure in contemporary Indian politics. His identity as a devout Hindu monk, coupled with his important role in government, has earned him both admiration and criticism. But amid the political battles and divisive narratives, one thing stands out: his vision of governance is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma, which, upon closer examination, provides a model for what I call “Sanatani Secularism.”

To understand the essence of CM Yogi Adityanath’s wisdom, it is essential to recognize the philosophy underlying his actions and governance. Sanatana Dharma, often translated as ‘eternal duty’ or ‘eternal truth’, is not just a religion in the narrow sense, but a broad, inclusive philosophy that transcends rigid religious boundaries. This dharma advocates universal values ​​of truth, compassion, non-violence and respect for all beings. It promotes an inner spiritual journey for every individual, regardless of their religious background, while promoting harmony in society.

In this light, Yogi Adityanath’s governance can be seen not only as an expression of his personal beliefs, but also as an attempt to restore India’s deep-rooted civilizational ethos of inclusivity and respect for all. In many ways, his actions, policies, and public statements reflect what Sanatani secularism could look like: a model that integrates the spiritual values ​​of Sanatana Dharma with modern governance, ensuring a pluralistic society that thrives on mutual respect and unity. in diversity.

Sanatana Dharma and Secularism: A Historical Perspective

Secularism in its Western context often implies a strict separation of religion and state, born of historical struggles between the Church and the State in Europe. However, in India, secularism is presented differently. It is not about the rejection of religion, but about the equal treatment of all religions. The Indian Constitution enshrines this principle of sarva dharma sama bhava, which means that the state respects all religions and does not favor one over the other.

However, this noble ideal of Indian secularism has been misinterpreted over the years, leading to policies that often ignore the concerns of the majority Hindu community. This imbalance has led to an erosion of trust between communities and at times fostered a sense of alienation among Hindus. The wisdom of CM Yogi Adityanath seeks to correct this imbalance, not by promoting Hindu dominance, but by restoring the authentic spirit of secularism, rooted in Sanatana Dharma, which truly respects all religions.

Yogi Adityanath’s Leadership: The Sanatani Approach

CM Yogi Adityanath’s approach to governance is based on several key principles that reflect his Sanatani values:

Inclusivity through Dharma: One of the central tenets of Sanatana Dharma is the belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the idea that the entire world is one family. This worldview does not endorse the supremacy of any one group or religion. Instead, it advocates unity in diversity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of his or her faith, has a place in society. Yogi Adityanath’s governance reflects this principle. His focus on development programs such as the “One District One Product” (ODOP) program and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for housing is aimed at benefiting all sections of society, irrespective of caste or religion.

While critics often accuse him of majoritarianism, a closer look at his policies reveals a more nuanced approach. Under his leadership, communal harmony has improved in Uttar Pradesh, with the state witnessing fewer communal clashes compared to previous governments. This speaks to the Sanatani idea of ​​balance, where order and justice are maintained for the benefit of all, not just a select few.

Justice and rule of law: Yogi Adityanath’s dedication to maintaining law and order is another reflection of his Sanatani ethos. Dharma in a broader sense also means justice and righteousness. The rule of law is paramount in his government, with a strong emphasis on eradicating crime and corruption. His crackdown on criminal activities and mafia in Uttar Pradesh is an attempt to restore dharma, where justice triumphs over chaos. This focus on law and order benefits not only Hindus, but all communities, as everyone deserves to live in a society where he or she feels safe and secure.

Preservation of cultural heritage: CM Yogi Adityanath’s efforts to promote and preserve India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, especially in Uttar Pradesh, are often labeled as attempts to ‘saffronise’ the state. However, this view misses the larger point. His initiatives, such as the grand celebration of Diwali in Ayodhya and the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, are not just about religion but are part of a broader effort to reclaim and celebrate India’s ancient civilizational identity. This is crucial in a globalized world where countries increasingly want to rediscover their cultural roots.

Preserving and promoting one’s own culture does not necessarily mean the exclusion of others. In fact, Yogi Adityanath’s cultural projects attract people of all faiths, who appreciate India’s rich heritage. His vision of cultural renaissance is not about imposing one culture on another, but about ensuring that the cultural practices of the majority are not sidelined or degraded in the name of secularism.

Economic and social upliftment: The Sanatani way of life emphasizes the well-being of all beings, which is closely linked to Yogi Adityanath’s focus on economic and social progress. His government has taken numerous initiatives to uplift the marginalized, including Dalits, backward classes and women. For example, under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, financial assistance is provided to poor families to arrange the marriages of their daughters. His government’s relentless focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare and education in Uttar Pradesh is also in line with the Sanatani principle of serving all segments of society.

Addressing the misconceptions

Critics often claim that Yogi Adityanath’s rule is inherently majoritarian or that it seeks to undermine India’s secular structure. However, this criticism stems from a misunderstanding of both his leadership style and the Sanatani vision he is trying to promote. Sanatani secularism, as Yogi Adityanath envisions it, is not about rejecting minorities or diminishing their role in society. Instead, it advocates a model in which all religions are respected and given their place, but in which the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the majority are not neglected.

It is essential to recognize that the Indian state cannot be entirely modeled on Western notions of secularism, as India’s historical, cultural and social fabric differs enormously. In the West, secularism developed in response to centuries of religious conflict. However, in India, different religions have coexisted for thousands of years under the broader umbrella of Sanatana Dharma, which encourages dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Yogi Adityanath’s administration seeks to restore this balance and ensure that every community is respected without undermining the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the majority.

A vision for the future

CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision for Uttar Pradesh is not just about political power or electoral victories. It is about restoring dharma to governance – ensuring justice, well-being and cultural renaissance for all. His Sanatani secularism is not about alienating minorities, but about involving everyone in India’s rich and diverse civilizational heritage.

The blueprint for a truly secular India lies not in the rejection of its spiritual roots, but in its integration into the modern state. By promoting a sense of pride in India’s ancient heritage while ensuring development, justice and inclusivity for all, Yogi Adityanath presents a model that transcends the superficial debates of communalism and secularism. His rule offers a way forward where the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma can guide a truly pluralistic and harmonious society.

In this sense, CM Yogi Adityanath’s wisdom represents a profound, but often misunderstood, blueprint for India’s future, a future where secularism and spirituality are not in conflict, but work hand in hand to create a just, prosperous and create a united nation.

Written by – Prosenjit Nath