Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in a city in Karnataka and he accused the I.N.D.I.A bloc of trying to destroy the strength of the Hindu religion. He was referring to Congress's boycott of Ram Temple's consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi says opposition destroying Sanatan Dharma

What is Sanatan Dharma? Is it a religion or a way of life? Where did it originate? Why has it been in the news? Join Priyanka Sharma on Gravitas Plus for more.

Gravitas Plus: The Sanatan Dharma controversy | Explained

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday (September 14), slammed the opposition's INDIA alliance calling it 'ghamandia' (arrogant). He further said that the bloc wants to destroy Sanatan Dharma and push the country back into "a thousand years' slavery".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing a massive gathering at Bina in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi dubbed the INDIA bloc as an “INDI alliance” that "does not have a leader" and also denounced it for having a hidden agenda of attacking Sanatan Dharma.</p>

<p>"The 'ghamandia' alliance met in Mumbai recently. They have neither any policies, nor issues, nor a leader. They have a hidden agenda of attacking Sanatan Dharma which they want to destroy," he said.</p>

<p>"They are bent on destroying the ideologies, cultures and traditions that have kept the country and our people together for centuries," the PM added.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister then asserted that Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak also drew inspiration from Sanatan&nbsp;Dharma.</p>

<p>"The people of this INDIA alliance want to erase that 'Sanatan&nbsp;Dharma' which gave inspiration to Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak. Today they have openly started targeting Sanatan, tomorrow they will increase the attacks on us. All 'Sanatanis' across the country and the people who love our country will have to be alert," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bina, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "The people of this INDIA alliance want to erase that 'Sanatana Dharma' which gave inspiration to Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak...This INDIA alliance wants to destroy 'Sanatana Dharma'. Today they have openly… <a href="https://t.co/wc0C2hBxtS">pic.twitter.com/wc0C2hBxtS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1702219241569788135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then said that Sanatan Dharma also inspired the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and that his struggle for freedom was centred around it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-demands-strong-action-as-us-cop-jokes-about-death-of-indian-student-635819">US assures India of strong action against cop who joked about Indian student's death</a></p>

<p>"Gandhi followed Sanatan Dharma all his life and his last words were, 'Hey Ram'", Modi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was PM Modi's first public response to DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on Sanatana Dharma that courted controversy.</p>

<p>The son of the Tamil Nadu chief minister sparked a row on Saturday (September 2) by saying that Sanatan&nbsp;Dharma is against social justice and must be "eradicated".</p>

<p>He then compared it with diseases like dengue and malaria, inviting sharp criticism.</p>

<p>"Few things cannot be opposed; they should only be abolished. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or coronavirus, we have to eradicate them. In the same way, we have to eradicate Sanatana (Sanatan Dharma). Rather than merely opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated," Stalin said.</p>

<p>His comments triggered severe backlash on social media and also invited sharp criticism from many political figures.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday (September 14), slammed the opposition's INDIA alliance calling it 'ghamandia' (arrogant). He further said that the bloc wants to destroy Sanatan Dharma and push the country back into "a thousand years' slavery".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday (September 14), slammed the opposition's INDIA alliance calling it 'ghamandia' (arrogant). He further said that the bloc wants to destroy Sanatan Dharma and push the country back into "a thousand years' slavery". While addressing a massive gathering at Bina in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi dubbed the INDIA bloc as an “INDI alliance” that "does not have a leader" and also denounced it for having a hidden agenda of attacking Sanatan Dharma. "The 'ghamandia' alliance met in Mumbai recently. They have neither any policies, nor issues, nor a leader. They have a hidden agenda of attacking Sanatan Dharma which they want to destroy," he said. "They are bent on destroying the ideologies, cultures and traditions that have kept the country and our people together for centuries," the PM added. The Indian Prime Minister then asserted that Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak also drew inspiration from Sanatan Dharma. "The people of this INDIA alliance want to erase that 'Sanatan Dharma' which gave inspiration to Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak. Today they have openly started targeting Sanatan, tomorrow they will increase the attacks on us. All 'Sanatanis' across the country and the people who love our country will have to be alert," he said. #WATCH | Bina, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "The people of this INDIA alliance want to erase that 'Sanatana Dharma' which gave inspiration to Swami Vivekananda and Lokmanya Tilak...This INDIA alliance wants to destroy 'Sanatana Dharma'. Today they have openly… pic.twitter.com/wc0C2hBxtS — ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2023 × He then said that Sanatan Dharma also inspired the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and that his struggle for freedom was centred around it. Also read: US assures India of strong action against cop who joked about Indian student's death "Gandhi followed Sanatan Dharma all his life and his last words were, 'Hey Ram'", Modi noted. This was PM Modi's first public response to DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks on Sanatana Dharma that courted controversy. The son of the Tamil Nadu chief minister sparked a row on Saturday (September 2) by saying that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and must be "eradicated". He then compared it with diseases like dengue and malaria, inviting sharp criticism. "Few things cannot be opposed; they should only be abolished. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or coronavirus, we have to eradicate them. In the same way, we have to eradicate Sanatana (Sanatan Dharma). Rather than merely opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated," Stalin said. His comments triggered severe backlash on social media and also invited sharp criticism from many political figures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'. Stalin emphasised that Udhayanidhi's remarks were aimed at critiquing principles within Sanatan Dharma (an alternative name for Hinduism used in Hindi language) that perpetuate discrimination against Scheduled Castes, tribals, and women.</p>

<h2><strong>Challenging discriminatory Sanatan ideologies</strong></h2>

<p>Stalin highlighted the legacy of Indian leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar who have spoken out against regressive Sanatan ideologies that justify discrimination based on birth. He noted that even as India achieves remarkable feats like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon, some continue to propagate caste discrimination rooted in Varnashrama principles and ancient texts.</p>

<h2><strong>Udhayanidhi's statements&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Udhayanidhi's controversial remarks were made during a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai. He called for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma to establish social justice and equality. Udhayanidhi emphasised that certain things should not be merely opposed but eradicated, comparing this to dealing with diseases like dengue and COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-even-parents-can-interfere-in-childrens-right-to-stay-in-live-in-relationship-allahabad-hc-633323">Not even parents can interfere in children's right to stay in live-in relationship: Allahabad HC</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP's response and genocide allegations</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fierce attack on Udhayanidhi, accusing him of calling for genocide. Stalin dismissed these allegations as a "false narrative," asserting that Udhayanidhi never used the word 'genocide' in his speech. He criticised the BJP's social media campaign for spreading falsehoods.</p>

<p>Stalin criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against Ayodhya seer Paramhans Acharya, who announced a ₹10 crore ($1.2 million) reward for beheading Udhayanidhi. He also responded to reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Udhayanidhi's remarks during a council of ministers meeting. Stalin questioned whether the Prime Minister was aware of the falsehoods being spread or if he knowingly commented on the issue.</p>

<p>Stalin suggested that the BJP's reaction to Udhayanidhi's remarks was an attempt to create divisions within the opposition alliance. He emphasised that the BJP's concern seemed more politically motivated than genuinely addressing discriminatory practices within Sanatan Dharma.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How much will it cost to change India’s name to Bharat?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Udhayanidhi's counteroffensive</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the BJP's allegations, Udhayanidhi mounted an offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused BJP leaders of distorting his statements. He challenged the BJP's track record in fulfilling promises and portrayed their reaction as an attempt to divert attention from larger issues.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'. Stalin emphasised that Udhayanidhi's remarks were aimed at critiquing principles within Sanatan Dharma (an alternative name for Hinduism used in Hindi language) that perpetuate discrimination against Scheduled Castes, tribals, and women. Challenging discriminatory Sanatan ideologies Stalin highlighted the legacy of Indian leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar who have spoken out against regressive Sanatan ideologies that justify discrimination based on birth. He noted that even as India achieves remarkable feats like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon, some continue to propagate caste discrimination rooted in Varnashrama principles and ancient texts. Udhayanidhi's statements Udhayanidhi's controversial remarks were made during a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai. He called for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma to establish social justice and equality. Udhayanidhi emphasised that certain things should not be merely opposed but eradicated, comparing this to dealing with diseases like dengue and COVID-19. Also read | Not even parents can interfere in children's right to stay in live-in relationship: Allahabad HC BJP's response and genocide allegations The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fierce attack on Udhayanidhi, accusing him of calling for genocide. Stalin dismissed these allegations as a "false narrative," asserting that Udhayanidhi never used the word 'genocide' in his speech. He criticised the BJP's social media campaign for spreading falsehoods. Stalin criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against Ayodhya seer Paramhans Acharya, who announced a ₹10 crore ($1.2 million) reward for beheading Udhayanidhi. He also responded to reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Udhayanidhi's remarks during a council of ministers meeting. Stalin questioned whether the Prime Minister was aware of the falsehoods being spread or if he knowingly commented on the issue. Stalin suggested that the BJP's reaction to Udhayanidhi's remarks was an attempt to create divisions within the opposition alliance. He emphasised that the BJP's concern seemed more politically motivated than genuinely addressing discriminatory practices within Sanatan Dharma. Also watch | How much will it cost to change India’s name to Bharat? Udhayanidhi's counteroffensive In response to the BJP's allegations, Udhayanidhi mounted an offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused BJP leaders of distorting his statements. He challenged the BJP's track record in fulfilling promises and portrayed their reaction as an attempt to divert attention from larger issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Unfair for PM Modi to…’: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defends son's ‘eradicate Sanatan’ remarks

<p>On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral.</p>

<p>On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy.</p>

<p>The Indian Embassy in Poland shared the photo on Twitter with the comment "What a lovely sight!!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism," The Indian Embassy tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a pleasant sight !!😇 This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism. 🙏🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/4fWLlBUAdX">pic.twitter.com/4fWLlBUAdX</a></p>
— India in Poland (@IndiainPoland) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPoland/status/1413464385155174401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The photograph of Warsaw University's library has gone popular on social media, making Indian internet users proud.<br />
<br />
The Upanishads are Hindu philosophical books written in late Vedic Sanskrit that constitute the basis of Hinduism.</p>

<p>They are the most recent section of the Vedas, Hinduism's oldest scriptures, and they deal with meditation, philosophy, and ontological knowledge.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral. On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy.

On social media platforms, a photograph of Upanishad words inscribed on the wall of a library in Poland has gone viral. On the wall of the University of Warsaw, Library is written late Vedic Sanskrit writings of Hindu philosophy. The Indian Embassy in Poland shared the photo on Twitter with the comment "What a lovely sight!!" "This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late Vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism," The Indian Embassy tweeted. What a pleasant sight !!😇 This is a wall of Warsaw University's library with Upanishads engraved on it. Upanishads are late vedic Sanskrit texts of Hindu philosophy which form the foundations of Hinduism. 🙏🙏@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/4fWLlBUAdX — India in Poland (@IndiainPoland) July 9, 2021 × The photograph of Warsaw University's library has gone popular on social media, making Indian internet users proud. The Upanishads are Hindu philosophical books written in late Vedic Sanskrit that constitute the basis of Hinduism. They are the most recent section of the Vedas, Hinduism's oldest scriptures, and they deal with meditation, philosophy, and ontological knowledge. (With inputs from agencies)

Picture of Upanishad Mantras engraved on library wall in Poland goes viral

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Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi says opposition destroying Sanatan Dharma

Gravitas Plus: The Sanatan Dharma controversy | Explained

'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi

‘Unfair for PM Modi to…’: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defends son's ‘eradicate Sanatan’ remarks

Picture of Upanishad Mantras engraved on library wall in Poland goes viral