Aspirations of JIJNASA

From a socio-economic perspective, India is at a unique

historical moment in the world. India is at the cross roads of
development. The journey of this developing nation since
independence has been a long and arduous one. Today the
global Indian has truly arrived. India is being increasingly
regarded as a global leader in talent, higher education and
innovation. Stories abound in the media of Indians becoming
senators and judges in developed countries, heads of major
global technology companies and educational institutions of
repute, acquiring overseas companies in billion dollar deals
just to name a few. The brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit and
hard-working talented Indians have largely contributed to a
greater acceptance and respect for Indians across the globe,
enhancing Indians' self-confidence and self-esteem.
However, somewhere along the journey, we seem to have lost
our way on the moral and ethical front. From being a celebrated
land of sages and saintly rulers of impeccable character, today
we see the rising graph of crime, corruption and inequities in
our country. These pressing issues seem to eclipse the progress
we have achieved in other areas.
It is our strong conviction that an answer for this quandary lies
in our ancient but timeless books of wisdom. And that's where
we believe the workshops like JIJNASA will play a significant
role.
How?
We wish to inculcate the glorious Vedic values in today's youth
and thereby develop the exalted character of a true Indian with
examples and life philosophy drawn from the Bhagavad Gita
and Bhagavatam. Crime, corruption, inequities and other
challenges that seem to dominate our contemporary society
cannot be reined in merely by improved legislation and stricter
law enforcements. Crime and corruption begins in the heart of
the individual. To mitigate these debilitating vices in the
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society, the heart of the individual has to be transformed and a

fundamental revision of worldview is essential. Otherwise all
our attempts to mitigate these vices will merely be cosmetic trying to address the symptoms rather than the root cause of
the problems.
Srimad Bhagavatam describes the four pillars of spirituality
truthfulness, compassion, austerity and purity. No civilized
society can exist or function outside the framework of these
values. The Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam systematically
elucidate a comprehensive and logical meaning and purpose of
life that makes these values so intrinsic to ones life.
Chanakya Pandit, in his Niti Shastra has succinctly captured the
true Indian spirit. He says:
matrvat para dareshu, loshtravat para dravyeshu,
atmavat sarva bhuteshu, yah pashyati sa pandita
A learned person is one who regards every woman other than
his wife as his mother, who considers other's wealth to be
worthless pebbles and who treats all living entities - humans
and animals - as he would unto himself.
This is the true Indian culture. This is the true Indian heritage.
These are the true Indian values.
JIJNASA aims to bring about a awakening among Indians and
create a nation that is not only full of talent, creativity and
energy but also adorned with exalted values and character. A
nation we all ought to be proud of. We believe India truly has
immense talent and brilliance to contribute for the global good,
provided we build our character on the basis of the ancient
wisdom that we have inherited. JIJNASA aspires to provide the
impetus for and facilitate this transformation of the society, to
make Indians responsible global leaders who are guided by a
spiritual worldview and imbued with sublime values. JIJNASA
aspires to restore the pride of every Indian.
We welcome you all to participate in this workshop.
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