Senior BJP leader Sunil Deodhar successfully organized ‘Dara Shikoh Balidan Diwas’ in New Delhi on August 29, on the eve of Dara Shikoh’s martyrdom anniversary.The concept for this event was envisioned by Sunil Deodhar Ji himself.
The objective of the programme was to rekindle national relevance around the life, philosophy, and cultural integration efforts of Dara Shikoh in the context of contemporary India.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished intellectuals, social activists and citizens from across the country.
Governor of Bihar, Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan, was present as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Avinash Dharmadhikari, former IAS officer and founder of Chanakya Mandal, served as the keynote speaker.
In his address, Dr. Arif Mohammad Khan said:
“Dara Shikoh brought the wisdom of the Upanishads to the wider public by translating them into Persian. It was for this very act that a fatwa was issued against him, and he was brutally beheaded. Aurangzeb’s inhumanity is evident from the fact that he sent Dara’s severed head in a covered dish to their father, Shah Jahan.”
Recalling his own days in Delhi, he added:
“I never witnessed any event organised to remember Aurangzeb, but I have attended several events in the memory of Dara Shikoh.”
Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Avinash Dharmadhikari said:
“Dara Shikohis alive, he elevated the Indian philosophical tradition by translating the Upanishads into Persian. His legacy will live on.”
Reflecting on contemporary ideological divisions, he added:
“There are some who hesitate to say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai.’ I say — those who know their parents naturally honour them. Perhaps those who don’t even know who their parents are, object to such chants.”
Sunil Deodhar, in his address, stated:
“Dara Shikoh, in a significant sense, sacrificed his life for Hindu culture. He gave priority to Indian civilisation and culture in his personal life — something Aurangzeb could never accept.”
He further said:
“The extremist ideology rooted in Aurangzeb’s thinking can only be countered through the vision and strategy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated:
“Pakistan is nothing more than an illegal occupation of Hindu home land by Islamic extremists. In today’s time, only Prime Minister Modi has the resolve and capacity to confront Pakistan’s sinister intentions. Through ‘Operation Sindoor’, he has made it absolutely clear — India will no longer tolerate, it will retaliate.” This event was not merely a tribute, but a celebration of India’s civilisational ethos — rooted in dialogue, inclusiveness, and coexistence. The audience deeply engaged with the speakers’ insights and historical references, gaining a richer understanding of Dara Shikoh’s multifaceted legacy.
Source – sarkaritel.com
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