NAMASTE BHARAT
A JOURNEY TO THE GOLDEN PAST OF DIVINE BHARAT
WHY IS INDIA CALLED BHARAT?
The name Bharat can be traced back to the time of the legendary Emperor Bharata, the son of Queen Shakuntala and King Dushyant. Bharata is remembered as a wise ruler who unified the Indian subcontinent, and his name came to represent not just a kingdom but an entire civilisation. Over time, the subcontinent became known as Bharat, a name that symbolises India’s ancient roots, cultural richness, and spiritual depth.
BHARAT: THE SOUL OF INDIA
Bharat is not merely a name; it embodies the very spirit of the nation. It represents the land where history, mythology, and spirituality converge into a profound and enduring culture. Bharat, which translates to “Highest Human Perfection,” is a testament to the ideals of unity, wisdom, and humanity that continue to inspire generations.
THIS IS AN INDIA THAT IS MORE BHARAT
Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Shri S. Jaishankar’s initiative in writing a book on Why Bharat Matters is very inspiring expressing the emotional and well-founded holistic views about Bharat. As an example,
“Whether drawing strength from its heritage and culture or approaching challenges with the optimism of democracy and technology, this is certainly a New India, indeed an India that is able to define its own interests, articulate its own positions, find its own solutions, and advance its own model. In short, this is an India that is more Bharat.”
S. Jaishankar, Why Bharat Matters
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Bharat is a living example of unity in diversity. Despite the vast number of languages, cuisines, and cultural practices, the people of Bharat are united by a shared sense of identity and a deep connection to their ancient land. This unity is reflected not just in geography but in the values and traditions that bind its people together.
CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL RICHNESS
Bharat’s cultural landscape is vibrant and diverse, with traditions that have been passed down through generations. From classical art forms like Bharatanatyam and Hindustani classical music to the kaleidoscope of festivals celebrated throughout the year, the culture of Bharat is a celebration of life in all its forms. Festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and Pongal reflect the deep-rooted values of inclusivity and respect for all religions and communities.
Bharat is also the birthplace of spirituality and philosophy. The spiritual wisdom found in ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads forms the very foundation of Bharat’s cultural heritage. Sacred cities like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Amritsar have long been pilgrimage sites where people seek enlightenment and inner peace. In Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges, while Amritsar’s Golden Temple offers free meals to thousands every day in the spirit of langar, promoting the Sikh value of selfless service.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF YOGA AND MEDITATION
Bharat is also the cradle of yoga and meditation, practices that have transcended borders and touched millions of lives globally. These ancient practices, rooted in the philosophies of the Vedas and Upanishads, offer pathways to inner peace and spiritual awakening. Figures like Swami Vivekananda, who introduced the teachings of Vedanta and yoga to the West, and Adi Shankaracharya, who advocated Advaita Vedanta, are examples of Bharat’s enduring spiritual legacy. Today, yoga is a global phenomenon, embraced as a tool for physical and mental well-being.
COMPASSION AS A WAY OF LIFE
In Bharat, compassion and humanity are foundational values. The practice of seva—selfless service—is woven into the cultural fabric, where people dedicate their time and energy to helping others without expectation of reward. This tradition is seen across Bharat, from community kitchens run by Sikh gurdwaras, where anyone regardless of background is offered a meal, to countless volunteers who support hospitals, orphanages, and the marginalised.
The ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava—“The guest is God”—reflects Bharat’s deep-rooted hospitality. This belief has been upheld for centuries, with travellers and guests being welcomed with warmth and respect. The rural heartland of Bharat, in particular, upholds this tradition, where hospitality is extended to pilgrims and strangers alike, often with nothing expected in return.
HUMANITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL BEINGS
Bharat’s spiritual traditions also emphasise non-violence and compassion for all living beings, values that continue to guide the moral compass of the nation. Ancient philosophies like Buddhism and Jainism, which originated in Bharat, preach ahimsa—non-violence—as a way of life. The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who drew inspiration from these philosophies, emphasised the power of non-violent resistance, a principle that has influenced global movements for justice and equality.
The Bhartiya respect for elders, care for the vulnerable, and commitment to social responsibility further exemplify the deep humanity that permeates society. Across Bharat, from its bustling cities to its rural villages, the welfare of others is seen as a collective responsibility. This can be witnessed during times of crisis, when communities come together to support one another in the face of natural disasters or other hardships.
THE GLOBAL INFLUENCE OF BHARAT’S SPIRITUALITY
Bharat’s spiritual wisdom has left an indelible mark on the world. The teachings of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have been embraced globally, offering individuals a way to connect with their inner selves and find peace amidst the chaos of modern life. Bharat’s sacred texts, philosophies, and spiritual practices continue to inspire seekers worldwide, crossing borders and transcending cultural boundaries.
The land of Bharat is home to sacred places like Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ and Varanasi, the ‘City of Light,’ where people come from all corners of the globe to immerse themselves in spiritual practices and seek enlightenment. Amritsar’s Golden Temple is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a place where the values of equality, compassion, and selfless service are lived out daily.
BHARAT: A BEACON OF HUMANITY
At its core, Bharat is a land where humanity and compassion thrive. The teachings of its ancient philosophers and sages have instilled in its people a profound sense of empathy, tolerance, and responsibility towards others. In Bharat, every guest is welcomed, every voice is heard, and every individual is respected.
NAMASTE BHARAT: A JOURNEY OF REAWAKENING AND SUPPORTING VIKSIT BHARAT
Namaste Bharat seeks to revive the golden past of Bharat and share its timeless traditions with the world. Our initiative is aligned with the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to present Bharat as a soft spiritual superpower. By promoting a human-centred approach to tourism, Namaste Bharat invites the world to experience the hospitality, culture, and spirituality of Bharat and radiates its emotions as one world.one family.
We support the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed India—and aim to showcase Bharat as the powerhouse of wellbeing, culture, and happiness. Through this initiative, we hope to bring the emotions of “One World, One Family” to a global audience, welcoming them to experience the spirit, love, and timeless traditions of Bharat. We support the emotionally curated initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India for the launch of a new portal, ChaloIndia.com which reflects the convenience of offering tourism services for all over India on one platform and provide ever required personalised services.
NAMASTE BHARAT: POWERHOUSE OF WELLBEING, CULTURE, AND HAPPINESS
