SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
The Friends of India Society International–UK (FISI-UK) recently hosted a highly engaging and thought-provoking event at the Nehru Centre featuring renowned author and speaker Ami Ganatra. Her insightful talk, “Civilizational India: What the World Needs to Understand,” captivated the audience and sparked meaningful discussions on India’s rich civilisational heritage and its relevance in the modern world.
The event attracted significant interest from members of the Indian and British Indian diaspora, reflecting a growing desire to better understand India’s deep historical and cultural roots—an important part of the identity of many British Indians today. The packed programme was attended by distinguished guests, including former Member of Parliament Virendra Sharma, Director of the Nehru Centre Naorem J. Singh, as well as several mayors, councillors, community leaders, and prominent members of the wider diaspora.
In her talk, Ami Ganatra explained that while India became a modern nation-state in 1947, its roots as a civilisation extend back thousands of years. She highlighted how this continuity is reflected not only in India’s vast body of literature, scriptures, and philosophical texts, but also in the values, behaviours, and social practices that continue to shape Indian society.
Drawing upon examples from Hindu thought and traditions, she explored several concepts that continue to influence Indian life. One such concept was Panch Ṛņa(Five Debts), which emphasises that every individual carries responsibilities towards nature, ancestors, sages, society, and the divine. She explained how these responsibilities encourage gratitude, service, duty, and a sense of interconnectedness—principles that remain deeply relevant in contemporary times.
Through these examples, she illustrated how India’s civilisational ethos has endured through centuries, shaping cultural norms, social relationships, and collective identity. She encouraged the audience to view India not only through the lens of its modern political history, but also as one of the world’s oldest living civilisations, whose ideas and values continue to resonate globally.
The question-and-answer session was equally engaging, with Ami Ganatra’s insightful responses offering fresh perspectives that resonated with the audience. Attendees left inspired by the exchange of ideas and eager to explore India’s civilisational heritage further.
The event concluded with an informal interaction with Ami Ganatra, providing attendees the opportunity to meet her and continue the discussion. She also spoke about her latest book, Why Are We This Way? A Guide to Hindu Shastras, which explores the principles and practices that continue to shape Hindu thought and society. Following her presentation, many audience members expressed keen interest in reading the book and exploring the themes discussed during the evening.
Email: [email protected] ; Website: www.fisiuk.com
