Guwahati, May 1: Renowned author and speaker Akshat Gupta delivered a provocative and deeply resonant address during the 10th Prof Sarat Mahanta Memorial Lecture at Royal Global University, Gorchuk, on Thursday evening. Declaring that Hindu scriptures are not “mythology” but timeless truths, Gupta called for a cultural revival grounded in India’s ancient wisdom, language, and heritage.
Gupta, the bestselling author of The Hidden Hindu trilogy, began his address by challenging the very label of “mythology”, asserting that the term stems from mithya (falsehood).
“By calling texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, and Upanishads ‘myths,’ we’re dismissing them as lies,” he said. “This not only weakens our cultural roots but also confuses the next generation about the value of devotion and dharma.”
Highlighting the colonial distortion of Indian knowledge, Gupta argued that Hindu scriptures alone are labelled “mythology” while religious texts of other faiths are not.
“It was a strategic move by colonizers to alienate Indians from their heritage,” he said.
He cited examples of how ancient Indian knowledge predates modern discoveries—pointing to the term ‘bhugol’, the navagraha (nine celestial bodies), and the seven horses of Suryadev’s chariot symbolizing the seven colours of light.
“We were always scientific. It’s just that we failed to communicate our ancient genius to the modern world,” Gupta said.
He also critiqued blind adherence to Western educational models.
“Why must we teach children ‘A for Apple’ instead of ‘A for Amba’? ‘B’ can be for Bhagwan, ‘C’ for Culture, and ‘D’ for Dharma,” he said, arguing that language is a powerful tool for shaping cultural consciousness.
Gupta shocked many when he analyzed the commonly used term ‘aurat’, explaining its origin as derogatory and foreign.
“Aurat’ means vagina in Arabic. ‘Madam’ comes from French, originally meaning prostitute. Why use these words when we can say ‘Devi’, which conveys reverence and dignity?”
He added, “If we start addressing our daughters as Rajkumaris and ranis instead of ‘princess,’ we will raise strong, self-respecting women instead of weak, dependent ones.”
Gupta also took issue with the term ‘Hinduism’, saying it reduces an ancient, inclusive way of life to an ideology.
“Call it Hindutva, not an ‘ism.’ ‘Isms’ belong to ideologies like communism or terrorism. Our dharma cannot be bracketed that way.”
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who praised the lecture as one of the most powerful tributes to Prof Sarat Mahanta he had ever witnessed.
“Our ancient texts teach us much, but we must also live their values. Centuries of subjugation eroded our pride, but our self-belief is returning,” he said.
Dr Upasana Mahanta, daughter of Prof Sarat Mahanta and Dean at Jindal Global University, curated the event and spoke of her father’s commitment to instilling pride in India’s cultural heritage.
The evening began with a soulful invocation by Zublee Baruah and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The audience included a wide range of dignitaries, including entrepreneur Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, DGP Harmeet Singh, Principal Secretary K.K. Dwivedi, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Rana Pratap Kalita, APSC Chairman Debraj Upadhyay, and Advocate General Debajit Lon Saikia.
Also present were cultural stalwarts like Dr Dhrubajyoti Barua, Surya Hazarika, Pranjal Saikia, Mridula Barua, Moloya Goswami, Zerifa Wahid, and Kapil Borah, along with senior bureaucrats, academics, and well-wishers of Prof Mahanta.
