GLOBAL IMPACT OF INDIAN CULTURE HIGHLIGHTED AS RJS PBH ANNOUNCES MEGA YOUTH INITIATIVES FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY.

GLOBAL IMPACT OF INDIAN CULTURE HIGHLIGHTED AS RJS PBH ANNOUNCES MEGA YOUTH INITIATIVES FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY. 

On the occasion of Balir Singh's 14th death anniversary RJS PBH has  organised Webinar on Global Contribution of Indian Culture.

NEW DELHI -- India's cultural, economic, and philosophical footprints across the globe took center stage at the 588th webinar organized by Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House, also known as RJS PBH, alongside RJS Positive Media. Amid deep discussions on historical grievances, global economic contributions, and the worldwide adoption of vegetarianism and yoga, organizers announced a major youth-centric Independence Day celebration aimed at connecting the younger generation with India's rich heritage.

The virtual event, organized by Sunil Kumar Singh, Senior Program Director at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, was held in memory of his late father, Shri Balbir Singh. Moderated by Uday Kumar Manna, Founder and National Convener of RJS PBH, the seminar served as a platform for global and national experts to dissect how Indian civilization has shaped the modern world.

Uday Kumar Manna opened the session by outlining the organization's expansive plans for the upcoming Independence Day. A mega event titled "Mera Rang De Basanti Chola" will be held on August 7 at the Nelson Mandela Auditorium of Delhi Metropolitan Education in Sector 62, Noida. The event will host approximately 300 attendees, including 150 youth participants, to foster a sense of national pride and positive values. 

To coordinate this massive undertaking, RJS PBH is launching a new physical branch in Noida on June 28, which will be spearheaded by Uday Shankar Singh. Additional events include a Kabir Jayanti seminar on June 29 featuring MLA Bhagwandas Kabirpanthi, and the launch of the seventh volume of their book series and a monthly newsletter on August 7.

The seminar took a sharp turn into historical controversies and debates during the address by the Chief Guest, Nitin Mehta, MBE, founder of the Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. Mehta presented a robust defense of India's historical achievements while critiquing the deliberate destruction of Indian heritage by colonial and missionary forces. He sparked a debate by noting that centuries ago, Indian culture thrived in regions like the Philippines and South America before Christian missionaries arrived and systematically destroyed indigenous libraries, statues, and cultural artifacts. He also pointed to Greece's ancient philosophical ties to Hindu thought, which were similarly suppressed.

Mehta boldly challenged Western historical narratives, asserting that pioneering scientific discoveries credited to European inventors were actually the intellectual property of Indian scientists. He cited Jagadish Chandra Bose as the true pioneer behind early wireless communication and noted the foundational contributions of Indian mathematicians like Ramanujan and ancient scholars who conceptualized complex geographical and mathematical theories long before the West. Despite this historical suppression, Mehta celebrated the modern resurgence of Indian influence, pointing to the UK, where yoga and vegetarianism are being adopted by millions of British citizens primarily out of compassion for animals and health awareness. He highlighted the political rise of the Indian diaspora, exemplifying former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who proudly displayed his Hindu faith at 10 Downing Street, as proof of India's enduring and peaceful cultural integration.

The economic and material impact of Indian culture on global trade was prominently featured in the address by Dr. Abhilash Gautam, Principal of the Army Institute of Education, Greater Noida. She detailed how ancient Indian trade networks established the economic foundations of many foreign nations. Exploring the textile industry, she noted that Indian fabrics like muslin and calico were highly prized in the Roman Empire, China, and Europe. Muslin, referred to as the "woven wind," was the preferred luxury attire for European royalty, dictating continental fashion trends. Furthermore, the export of Indian spices, particularly black pepper, known historically as "black gold," fundamentally altered global culinary and economic landscapes. Dr. Gautam also highlighted that ancient texts missing from India are still preserved in Chinese and Japanese monasteries, and that Indian architectural and spiritual influences remain deeply embedded in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.

The economic and cultural intersection was further elaborated by Rawindra Das, an Indian contemporary senior artist and former art editor. He explained that Indian art forms are driving significant micro-economic benefits today, with international buyers traveling directly to rural villages in Bihar to purchase Mithila paintings. This direct global-to-local economic loop has resulted in Mithila art being featured in major museums worldwide, including a dedicated museum in Japan. Das emphasized the profound influence of Indian architectural designs, such as pagodas and Mughal domes, on global architecture, and noted the immense international success of contemporary Indian diaspora artists like Anish Kapoor and Subodh Gupta. Das also pointed out the soft power of Indian cinema, recalling how legendary actor Raj Kapoor garnered an audience of 60 million for a single film in Russia, successfully bridging cultural divides during the Cold War era.

Dr. A. K. Merchant, Secretary General of the Temple of Understanding India Foundation and Visiting Faculty at the Ministry of Culture, added a sociological perspective. He contrasted the European colonial model, which was based on invasion, enslavement, and resource extraction, with India's non-violent, inclusive spread of culture. Dr. Merchant noted that throughout history, India never invaded another country or enslaved a population, a philosophy perfectly encapsulated by Swami Vivekananda's historic 1893 address in Chicago. He stated that while European powers are currently facing global decline, India is rising as the leader of the Global South, respected worldwide for its ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family).

The most interactive segment of the seminar occurred when Uday Kumar Manna initiated a comprehensive Q&A session, posing a critical question to the panel: "What is our individual role in enhancing and spreading positive Indian values at home and abroad?"

Dr. Merchant responded by stressing that the promotion of "Brand India" must begin within the domestic education system, which caters to 26 crore students. He argued that institutionalizing spiritual strength and positive thinking in schools is the only way to build a resilient future generation.

Dr. Abhilash Gautam answered that individuals must first become role models in their own right, as values cannot be taught unless they are actively practiced and visibly demonstrated to the youth.

Nitin Mehta provided a highly practical solution, emphasizing the revival of the family unit. He advised that families must share at least one meal a day together to ensure open communication and the transfer of values. Furthermore, he suggested that daily domestic prayers and small acts of compassion, such as feeding birds, create a foundation of peace that children will naturally emulate.

Rawindra Das offered a cultural solution to the question, lamenting that many modern Indian homes lack traditional art. He urged citizens to proudly display Indian art and cultural symbols in their living rooms, arguing that children cannot appreciate their heritage if it is completely absent from their immediate environment.

Adding to the Q&A, renowned singer and meditation teacher Phonsok Ladakhi made a brief appearance, answering that the most effective way to be a global model of Indian action is through the disciplined practice and teaching of yoga and meditation, which he actively promotes around the world.

The comprehensive event concluded with a vote of thanks from the organizer, Sunil Kumar Singh. He summarized the session by noting that India's global contribution is not merely historical but an ongoing, dynamic process where Indian cuisine, art, spirituality, and non-violent philosophies are providing sustainable alternatives to a stressed modern world. Singh pledged to continue supporting the positive movement initiated by Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House, ensuring that the legacy of Indian culture continues to guide global and national youth toward a constructive future.

RJS POSITIVE MEDIA 

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