I think it is high time that we accept it—yes, Hinduism, one of the oldest, if not the oldest religion in the world, has been watered down and misinterpreted. Religion that deals specifically with the people of India and surrounding countries is more than a belief system; it is an actual pattern for existence. However, the purpose of these great thinking ideas has been lost in the globalised, postmodern, and politically influenced world.

But the real question here is: how can we make the Hinduism of this world a pure one? Where or how do we remove the unnecessary and the nonsense and get down to the bare definition? Alright, let me skip the introduction and make it very clear.

The essence one can unveil comes along, of course, with an understanding of the roots, the holy books. The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts contain the essence of centuries and millennia. At present, most individuals are only in touch with these texts in a very mild way. The issue is that we are trying to interpret and seek influences to reflect upon. Far from depending upon Western philosophical or political partiality, we have to create an urge and interest amongst Hindus and even non-Hindus to study such scriptures.

The problem is how to make these texts meaningful in the contemporary world. Written translations, podcasts, seminars, and online courses that aim at explaining texts without distorting any messages must be shared widely. This needs to become a global effort, an unashamed one. Hinduism does not adapt to new fashion; new fashion has to adapt to the eternal truths of Hinduism.

To be quite rude, let me be plain: Hinduism is viewed and understood through such colonial appropriation and stereotyping. From the “cow worship” to the caste system and cheap “karma is what you deserve,” believe Hinduism has been stereotyped. To bring back this faith to its original form, then the only way is to fight these misconceptions squarely.

I believe it is high time the world needs to be told the difference between the varna system and the caste division of society that was practised. Thus we must take the initiative and prevent people from portraying another side of Hinduism that is not existent.

In several centuries, even the essence of Hindu rituals and practices has been systematically either watered down or, at the very least, followed without adequate understanding. How many of us are fully aware of reasons for performing a ritual, celebrating a particular holiday, or carrying out a tradition? Making Hinduism as pure as before is to eliminate the mechanical approach to it. It means being fully aware of what these practices convey and engaging in their performance, not without thinking.

Fundamentally, Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma—the eternal religion, which is the natural law by which man makes himself at one with the world. Hinduism has several principles, such as recognition of the equality of all creatures between living things and the goal of gaining the right personal insight.

Through the process of returning to the texts, debunking misconceptions, reviving practices, encouraging unity, and practising the teachings of Sanatana Dharma, Hinduism’s original form can be restored not only in India but internationally. It is not about being popular everywhere; it is about rightfully defending what Hinduism is all about.