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In his book "Fundamental Unity of India", Dr. Radha Kumud Mukherjee says that the name Bharatavarsha is not a mere geographical expression having only a physical reference. It has a deep historical significance symbolising a fundamental unity. He says, <blockquote>''"The [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], one of the oldest literary records of humanity, reveals conscious and fervent attempts made by the rishis, those profoundly wise organisers of Hindu polity and culture, to visualise the unity of their mother-country, nay, to transfigure mother earth into a living deity and enshrine her in the loving heart of the worshipper.''"</blockquote>Thus, there has been a familial attachment between the territory of Bharata and the people. In fact, it is equated to the attachment of an individual to his mother which is the highest, as the mother is the dearest. This emotional attachment is depicted in the following verse :<blockquote>न मे वांछास्ति यशसि विद्वत्वे न च वा सुखे | प्रभुत्वे नैव वा स्वर्गे मोक्षेऽप्यानंददायके ||</blockquote><blockquote>परं तु भारते जन्म मानवस्य च वा पशोः | विहंगस्य च वा जन्तोः वृक्षपाषाणयोरपि ||</blockquote><blockquote>''na me vāṁchāsti yaśasi vidvatve na ca vā sukhe | prabhutve naiva vā svarge mokṣe'pyānaṁdadāyake ||''</blockquote><blockquote>''paraṁ tu bhārate janma mānavasya ca vā paśoḥ | vihaṁgasya ca vā jantoḥ vr̥kṣapāṣāṇayorapi ||''</blockquote>Meaning: I am not enamoured by fame, knowledge, luxuries of life, power, Svarga or [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|Moksha]], but my desire is to have rebirth in Bharata, as a human being or as an animal or as a bird, or as an insect or at least as a stone.

In his book "Fundamental Unity of India", Dr. Radha Kumud Mukherjee says that the name Bharatavarsha is not a mere geographical expression having only a physical reference. It has a deep historical significance symbolising a fundamental unity. He says, <blockquote>''"The [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]], one of the oldest literary records of humanity, reveals conscious and fervent attempts made by the rishis, those profoundly wise organisers of Hindu polity and culture, to visualise the unity of their mother-country, nay, to transfigure mother earth into a living deity and enshrine her in the loving heart of the worshipper.''"</blockquote>Thus, there has been a familial attachment between the territory of Bharata and the people. In fact, it is equated to the attachment of an individual to his mother which is the highest, as the mother is the dearest. This emotional attachment is depicted in the following verse :<blockquote>न मे वांछास्ति यशसि विद्वत्वे न च वा सुखे | प्रभुत्वे नैव वा स्वर्गे मोक्षेऽप्यानंददायके ||</blockquote><blockquote>परं तु भारते जन्म मानवस्य च वा पशोः | विहंगस्य च वा जन्तोः वृक्षपाषाणयोरपि ||</blockquote><blockquote>''na me vāṁchāsti yaśasi vidvatve na ca vā sukhe | prabhutve naiva vā svarge mokṣe'pyānaṁdadāyake ||''</blockquote><blockquote>''paraṁ tu bhārate janma mānavasya ca vā paśoḥ | vihaṁgasya ca vā jantoḥ vr̥kṣapāṣāṇayorapi ||''</blockquote>Meaning: I am not enamoured by fame, knowledge, luxuries of life, power, Svarga or [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|Moksha]], but my desire is to have rebirth in Bharata, as a human being or as an animal or as a bird, or as an insect or at least as a stone.

This concept of love for the motherland among the citizens is the very foundation of every nation. This feeling makes every citizen patriotic and makes him remain loyal to the nation not only in its prosperity but also in its adversity and to dedicate himself to the service of the Nation and offer great sacrifices for the welfare and happiness of the people.

This concept of love for the motherland among the citizens is the very foundation of every nation. This feeling makes every citizen patriotic and makes him remain loyal to the nation not only in its prosperity but also in its adversity and to dedicate himself to the seva (सेवा | selfless service) of the Nation and offer great sacrifices for the welfare and happiness of the people.

This is exemplified by none other than Sri Rama himself. It is said that after the defeat of Ravana in the war, Rama's younger brother Lakshmana appears to have told Rama that, instead of returning to Ayodhya, the place where they were insulted and from which they were driven out, they could as well become the rulers of Lanka which was a rich country. Then Rama replied thus,<blockquote>अपि स्वर्णमयी लङ्का न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते | जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ||</blockquote><blockquote>''api svarṇamayī laṅkā na me lakṣmaṇa rocate | jananī janmabhūmiśca svargādapi garīyasī ||''</blockquote>Meaning: May be, Lakshmana, Lanka is full of gold. But one's mother and the motherland are greater than even Svarga.

This is exemplified by none other than Sri Rama himself. It is said that after the defeat of Ravana in the war, Rama's younger brother Lakshmana appears to have told Rama that, instead of returning to Ayodhya, the place where they were insulted and from which they were driven out, they could as well become the rulers of Lanka which was a rich country. Then Rama replied thus,<blockquote>अपि स्वर्णमयी लङ्का न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते | जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी ||</blockquote><blockquote>''api svarṇamayī laṅkā na me lakṣmaṇa rocate | jananī janmabhūmiśca svargādapi garīyasī ||''</blockquote>Meaning: May be, Lakshmana, Lanka is full of gold. But one's mother and the motherland are greater than even Svarga.

Though he had won the war against Ravana and could have easily become the Raja of rich Lanka, Rama decided to go back to Ayodhya being eager to return to the mother and the motherland like a child eager to join its mother after having been separated for a long time. This shows his intense love for his mother and motherland though his coronation was cancelled at the last moment, and he was asked to undergo forest life for fourteen years, and as a result he had suffered great hardship.  

Though he had won the war against Ravana and could have easily become the Raja of rich Lanka, Rama decided to go back to Ayodhya being eager to return to the mother and the motherland like a child eager to join its mother after having been separated for a long time. This shows his intense love for his mother and motherland though his coronation was cancelled at the last moment, and he was asked to undergo forest life for fourteen years, and as a result he had suffered great hardship.  

This is the feeling towards motherland developed in this country as one of the values of life which inspires many to make great sacrifices in the service of the people and the motherland. In fact, it is this feeling towards the motherland alone, that preserves and protects our national unity.

This is the feeling towards motherland developed in this country as one of the values of life which inspires many to make great sacrifices in the seva (सेवा | selfless service) of the people and the motherland. In fact, it is this feeling towards the motherland alone, that preserves and protects our national unity.

== धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः ॥ Values Based On Dharma ==

== धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः ॥ Values Based On Dharma ==

# Simple Living reflecting sparing use of Natural Resources  

# Simple Living reflecting sparing use of Natural Resources  

# Gratitude (कृतज्ञता)  

# Gratitude (कृतज्ञता)  

# Service To Others (सेवा परोपकारः च |)  

# Seva (सेवा | selfless service) To Others (सेवा परोपकारः च |)  

# Sacrifice (त्यागः)  

# Sacrifice (त्यागः)  

# World is one Family (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् |)<ref name=":2" />

# World is one Family (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् |)<ref name=":2" />

The importance given to [[Atithi Satkara (अतिथिसत्कारः)|Atithi Satkara]] in the Bharatiya tradition is well known. The normal duty of a Grhastashrami or the householder is to feed guests first and only thereafter, the owner of the house, his wife and other members of the family have to have food. However, it is said that newly married daughters, daughters-in-law, young girls as also pregnant women should be served with meals even before the guests.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सुवासिनीः कुमारीश्च रोगिणो गर्भिणीः स्त्रियः । अतिथिभ्योऽग्र एवैतान्भोजयेदविचारयन् । । ३.११४ । ।<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>''suvāsinīḥ kumārīśca rōgiṇō garbhiṇīḥ striyaḥ । atithibhyō'gra ēvaitānbhōjayēdavicārayan । । 3.114। ।''</blockquote>This indicates the highest concern shown to women in view of their great importance to the happiness of the family. The verses also impress that any person who wants happiness at home and who desires that his family should prosper and secure enjoyment of life, must respect women always. There can be no doubt that the house in which husband and wife have mutual love and affection always secures happiness and good results, and is really equal to svarga. While, the house in which women are insulted and harassed, becomes a naraka.

The importance given to [[Atithi Satkara (अतिथिसत्कारः)|Atithi Satkara]] in the Bharatiya tradition is well known. The normal duty of a Grhastashrami or the householder is to feed guests first and only thereafter, the owner of the house, his wife and other members of the family have to have food. However, it is said that newly married daughters, daughters-in-law, young girls as also pregnant women should be served with meals even before the guests.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सुवासिनीः कुमारीश्च रोगिणो गर्भिणीः स्त्रियः । अतिथिभ्योऽग्र एवैतान्भोजयेदविचारयन् । । ३.११४ । ।<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>''suvāsinīḥ kumārīśca rōgiṇō garbhiṇīḥ striyaḥ । atithibhyō'gra ēvaitānbhōjayēdavicārayan । । 3.114। ।''</blockquote>This indicates the highest concern shown to women in view of their great importance to the happiness of the family. The verses also impress that any person who wants happiness at home and who desires that his family should prosper and secure enjoyment of life, must respect women always. There can be no doubt that the house in which husband and wife have mutual love and affection always secures happiness and good results, and is really equal to svarga. While, the house in which women are insulted and harassed, becomes a naraka.

Though the above verses indicate the utmost consideration given to women in Manusmrti, there is a verse on the basis of which Manusmrti is criticized and condemned as being against women. It reads as,<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने । रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यं अर्हति । । ९.३ । ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 9]. </ref></blockquote><blockquote>''pitā rakṣati kaumārē bhartā rakṣati yauvanē । rakṣanti sthavirē putrā na strī svātantryaṁ arhati । । 9.3 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The father protects the girl in her childhood, the husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age. At no stage should a woman be left free.

Though the above verses indicate the utmost consideration given to women in Manusmrti, there is a verse on the basis of which Manusmrti is criticized and condemned as being against women. It reads as,<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने । रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यं अर्हति । । ९.३ । ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 9]. </ref></blockquote><blockquote>''pitā rakṣati kaumārē bhartā rakṣati yauvanē । rakṣanti sthavirē putrā na strī svātantryaṁ arhati । । 9.3 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The father protects the girl in her childhood, the husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age. At no stage should a woman be left free (without protection).

On the basis of the last part of the above verse, and without reference to the earlier parts and other verses in Manusmrti referred to earlier, the criticism levelled against Manusmrti is that it wanted women to live like slaves of men throughout their life. However, the true meaning and purpose of the above verse is that a woman requires and is entitled to protection in every stage of life. And hence, it is the duty of the father, the husband and the sons to look after the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively. It does not mean that woman must be kept without freedom. Such an interpretation runs counter to the verse, which says that the house in which women are insulted and shed tears gets destroyed. The above true meaning of the verse becomes more clear when it is read with another provision in Manu in which the highest respect is required to be given to women. It says,<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>उपाध्यायान्दशाचार्य आचार्याणां शतं पिता । सहस्रं तु पितॄन्माता गौरवेणातिरिच्यते । । २.१४५ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''upādhyāyāndaśācārya ācāryāṇāṁ śataṁ pitā । sahasraṁ tu pitr̥̄nmātā gauravēṇātiricyatē । । 2.145 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|acharya]] is more venerable than a Upadhyaya (teacher); the father is more venerable than an acharya; but the mother is more venerable than the father.

On the basis of the last part of the above verse, and without reference to the earlier parts and other verses in Manusmrti referred to earlier, the criticism levelled against Manusmrti is that it wanted women to live like slaves of men throughout their life. However, the true meaning and purpose of the above verse is that a woman requires and is entitled to protection in every stage of life. And hence, it is the duty of the father, the husband and the sons to look after the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively.<ref name=":3" /> It does not mean that woman must be kept without freedom. Such an interpretation runs counter to the verse, which says that the house in which women are insulted and shed tears gets destroyed. The above true meaning of the verse becomes more clear when it is read with another provision in Manu in which the highest respect is required to be given to women. It says,<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>उपाध्यायान्दशाचार्य आचार्याणां शतं पिता । सहस्रं तु पितॄन्माता गौरवेणातिरिच्यते । । २.१४५ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''upādhyāyāndaśācārya ācāryāṇāṁ śataṁ pitā । sahasraṁ tu pitr̥̄nmātā gauravēṇātiricyatē । । 2.145 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: The [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|acharya]] is more venerable than a Upadhyaya (teacher); the father is more venerable than an acharya; but the mother is more venerable than the father.

A combined reading of the verses quoted above indicate that women were placed at a higher position. So the real meaning is, the women should be honoured and protected. It is a humane and a duty-oriented provision, the mandate to provide security. This should not be misunderstood as making her life insecure. For, if women are denied freedom and they are kept under subjugation they are bound to be in grief and tears, and as a consequence the happiness of the family disappears. Hence, a meaning consistent with the above verses alone is appropriate.

A combined reading of the verses quoted above indicate that women were placed at a higher position. So the real meaning is, the women should be honoured and protected. It is a humane and a duty-oriented provision, the mandate to provide security. This should not be misunderstood as making her life insecure. For, if women are denied freedom and they are kept under subjugation they are bound to be in grief and tears, and as a consequence the happiness of the family disappears. Hence, a meaning consistent with the above verses alone is appropriate.

# Rights of daughters

# Rights of daughters

# Stridhana

# Stridhana

also indicate that special provisions had been made in favour of women in many respects. They have been separately elaborated in the article Rights of Women.<ref name=":2" />

also indicate that special provisions had been made in favour of women in many respects. They have been separately elaborated in the article [[Rights of Women (स्त्रीत्वाधिकारः)|Rights of Women]].<ref name=":2" />

=== समानता || Equality ===

=== समानता || Equality ===

The first Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is about Equality. It says,<blockquote>''All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.''</blockquote>In this context, it is worth quoting the Charter of Equality incorporated in the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] that is almost similar but most ancient. The Vedas constitute the primordial source of Dharma. And both, the Rgveda, considered the ancient most of the Vedas, as well as the [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvana Veda]] speak about the virtue of equality. It is said, <blockquote>अज्येष्ठासो अकनिष्ठास एते सं भ्रातरो वावृधुः सौभगाय || ''ajyēṣṭhāsō akaniṣṭhāsa ētē saṁ bhrātarō vāvr̥dhuḥ saubhagāya ||''</blockquote>Meaning: No one is superior or inferior. All are brothers. All should strive for the interest of all and should progress collectively.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>समानी व आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः । समानमस्तु वो मनो यथा वः सुसहासति ॥४॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A7 Sukta 191].</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>''samānī va ākūtiḥ samānā hr̥dayāni vaḥ । samānamastu vō manō yathā vaḥ susahāsati ॥4॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let there be oneness in your resolutions, hearts and minds. Let the strength to live with mutual co-operation be firm in you all.<blockquote>समानी प्रपा सह वोन्नभागः | समाने योक्त्रे सह वो युनज्मि | अराः नाभिमिवाभितः || (Atharvanaveda – Samjnana Sukta)</blockquote><blockquote>''samānī va ākūtiḥ samānā hr̥dayāni vaḥ । samānamastu vō manō yathā vaḥ susahāsati ॥4॥''</blockquote>Meaning: All have equal rights to articles of food and water. The yoke of the chariot of life is placed equally on the shoulders of all. All should live together in harmony supporting one another like the spokes of a wheel of the chariot connecting its rim and the hub.

The first Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is about Equality. It says,<blockquote>''All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.''</blockquote>In this context, it is worth quoting the Charter of Equality incorporated in the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] that is almost similar but most ancient. The Vedas constitute the primordial source of Dharma. And both, the Rgveda, considered the ancient most of the Vedas, as well as the [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvana Veda]] speak about the virtue of equality. It is said, <blockquote>अज्येष्ठासो अकनिष्ठास एते सं भ्रातरो वावृधुः सौभगाय ॥५॥<ref>Rgveda, Mandala 5, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AB.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A6 Sukta 60]</ref> ''ajyeṣṭhāso akaniṣṭhāsa ete saṁ bhrātaro vāvr̥dhuḥ saubhagāya ॥5॥''</blockquote>Meaning: No one is superior or inferior. All are brothers. All should strive for the interest of all and should progress collectively.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>समानी व आकूतिः समाना हृदयानि वः । समानमस्तु वो मनो यथा वः सुसहासति ॥४॥<ref>Rigveda, Mandala 10, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A6.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AF%E0%A5%A7 Sukta 191].</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>''samānī va ākūtiḥ samānā hr̥dayāni vaḥ । samānamastu vō manō yathā vaḥ susahāsati ॥4॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let there be oneness in your resolutions, hearts and minds. Let the strength to live with mutual co-operation be firm in you all.<blockquote>समानी प्रपा सह वोन्नभागः | समाने योक्त्रे सह वो युनज्मि | अराः नाभिमिवाभितः || (Atharvanaveda – Samjnana Sukta)</blockquote><blockquote>''samānī va ākūtiḥ samānā hr̥dayāni vaḥ । samānamastu vō manō yathā vaḥ susahāsati ॥4॥''</blockquote>Meaning: All have equal rights to articles of food and water. The yoke of the chariot of life is placed equally on the shoulders of all. All should live together in harmony supporting one another like the spokes of a wheel of the chariot connecting its rim and the hub.<ref name=":3">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref>

As for question like was discrimination sanctioned by Dharma ? It is not so. The very expression Dharma is opposed to and inconsistent with any  kind of social inequality. These Vedic provisions emphasise on equality among all human beings. The last of them impresses that just as no spoke of a wheel is superior to another, no individual can claim to be, or regarded as, superior to others. The relevant provisions of the [[Shruti (श्रुतिः)|Shruti]] (Vedas) leave no room for doubt that discrimination on the ground of birth or otherwise had no Vedic sanction; they were plainly opposed to vedic injunction. This was the grand concept of equality in this country at the earliest period of civilization. It should however, be pointed out that some time later, the society had been divided into four [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]] (Chaturvana) namely,  

As for question like was discrimination sanctioned by Dharma ? It is not so. The very expression Dharma is opposed to and inconsistent with any  kind of social inequality. These Vedic provisions emphasise on equality among all human beings. The last of them impresses that just as no spoke of a wheel is superior to another, no individual can claim to be, or regarded as, superior to others. The relevant provisions of the [[Shruti (श्रुतिः)|Shruti]] (Vedas) leave no room for doubt that discrimination on the ground of birth or otherwise had no Vedic sanction; they were plainly opposed to vedic injunction. This was the grand concept of equality in this country at the earliest period of civilization. It should however, be pointed out that some time later, the society had been divided into four [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varnas]] (Chaturvana) namely,  

=== सेवा परोपकारः च || Service To Others<ref name=":2" /> ===

=== सेवा परोपकारः च || Service To Others<ref name=":2" /> ===

Great importance was attached to the quality of service to others. This value is brought out with illustration in the following verse:<blockquote>परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः | परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम् ||</blockquote><blockquote>''paropakārāya phalanti vr̥kṣāḥ paropakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ |'' ''paropakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ paropakārārthamidaṁ śarīram ||''</blockquote>Meaning: The trees bear fruits to serve others, the rivers flow to serve others, Cows give milk to serve others; this human body is (also) meant to serve others.

Great importance was attached to the quality of seva (सेवा | selfless service) to others. This value is brought out with illustration in the following verse:<blockquote>परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः | परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम् ||</blockquote><blockquote>''paropakārāya phalanti vr̥kṣāḥ paropakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ |'' ''paropakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ paropakārārthamidaṁ śarīram ||''</blockquote>Meaning: The trees bear fruits to serve others, the rivers flow to serve others, Cows give milk to serve others; this human body is (also) meant to serve others.

It is this value that inspires every individual to serve the society through every profession or avocation. It impresses that, as rivers serve others, animals and plants serve others, and are not selfish; man being the highest form of life should not lag behind in serving others.

It is this value that inspires every individual to serve the society through every profession or avocation. It impresses that, as rivers serve others, animals and plants serve others, and are not selfish; man being the highest form of life should not lag behind in serving others.

The last one is adhyatmik and concerns those who believe in Svarga and Moksha from rebirth. But the first three concern life in this world. That is why this value has inspired individuals as well as national life.  

The last one is adhyatmik and concerns those who believe in Svarga and Moksha from rebirth. But the first three concern life in this world. That is why this value has inspired individuals as well as national life.  

Swami Vivekananda recounted that renunciation and service have been our main national ideals. In this regard he said,<blockquote>''The National ideals of India are renunciation and service. Intensify her in those channels, and the rest will take care of itself.''</blockquote><blockquote>''The Indian nation cannot be killed. Deathless it stands, and it will stand so long as that spirit shall remain as the background, so long as her people do not give up their adhyatmikata.''</blockquote><blockquote>''Aye, a glorious destiny, my brethern, as far back as the days of the Upanishads we have thrown the challenge to the world''</blockquote><blockquote>''न धनेन न प्रजया त्यागेनैक अमृतत्त्वमश्नुः | na dhanena na prajayā tyāgenaika amr̥tattvamaśnuḥ |'' </blockquote><blockquote>''Meaning: Not by wealth, not by progeny, but by renunciation alone immortality is reached.'' </blockquote>We have to resurrect this ideal. Every individual works hard and takes all trouble, not with purely selfish interest but, to secure the happiness of all those who depend on him - his wife, children, aged parents, sisters and brothers. Because, he feels for them and considers that he has a duty towards them; that their interest is his own interest. Similarly, if an individual is also made to realise that all his fellow citizens also belong to his larger family of a nation and that he has the duty to serve them, he is capable of making enormous sacrifice for the nation as well. This leads us to the next important value in Bharatiya Parampara, the value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ie. World is one family.

Swami Vivekananda recounted that renunciation and seva (सेवा | selfless service) have been our main national ideals. In this regard he said,<blockquote>''The National ideals of India are renunciation and service. Intensify her in those channels, and the rest will take care of itself.''</blockquote><blockquote>''The Indian nation cannot be killed. Deathless it stands, and it will stand so long as that spirit shall remain as the background, so long as her people do not give up their adhyatmikata.''</blockquote><blockquote>''Aye, a glorious destiny, my brethern, as far back as the days of the Upanishads we have thrown the challenge to the world''</blockquote><blockquote>''न धनेन न प्रजया त्यागेनैक अमृतत्त्वमश्नुः | na dhanena na prajayā tyāgenaika amr̥tattvamaśnuḥ |'' </blockquote><blockquote>''Meaning: Not by wealth, not by progeny, but by renunciation alone immortality is reached.'' </blockquote>We have to resurrect this ideal. Every individual works hard and takes all trouble, not with purely selfish interest but, to secure the happiness of all those who depend on him - his wife, children, aged parents, sisters and brothers. Because, he feels for them and considers that he has a duty towards them; that their interest is his own interest. Similarly, if an individual is also made to realise that all his fellow citizens also belong to his larger family of a nation and that he has the duty to serve them, he is capable of making enormous sacrifice for the nation as well. This leads us to the next important value in Bharatiya Parampara, the value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ie. World is one family.

=== वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् || World is One Family<ref name=":2" /> ===

=== वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् || World is One Family<ref name=":2" /> ===

# Everyone should establish control over their senses

# Everyone should establish control over their senses

# There should be purity in thought, speech and deed

# There should be purity in thought, speech and deed

# Everyone should render service to other individuals

# Everyone should render seva (सेवा | selfless service) to other individuals

# Every one should abstain from selfishness and greed.  

# Every one should abstain from selfishness and greed.  

# The world should be regarded as one family

# The world should be regarded as one family