“Dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ,” drawn from the Manusmriti (verse 8.15), encapsulates a profound ethical principle: righteousness or dharma safeguards those who actively uphold and protect it. This reciprocal relationship underscores that violating dharma leads to self-destruction, while preserving it ensures mutual protection. In its original context, dharma refers to cosmic order, moral duty, justice, and ethical conduct, serving as a foundational guide for individual and societal behavior in ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti.
The proposed adaptation, “Samvidhān rakṣati rakṣitaḥ,” projects “dharma” with “samvidhān” (constitution), translating to “The constitution protects those who protect it.“
This “Timeskrit” Shloka update—a clever portmanteau blending “time’s” (modern era) with “Sanskrit”—reimagines the timeless wisdom for contemporary relevance, particularly in democratic nations like India where the constitution functions as the supreme legal and moral framework. Below, I argue why this update is not just apt but essential in today’s world, drawing on logical, cultural, and practical grounds.
1. Adapting Ancient Wisdom to Modern Institutions
- The original sloka was rooted in a pre-modern era where dharma encompassed religious, social, and ethical norms without a centralized legal document. In contrast, modern societies operate under written constitutions that codify rights, duties, and governance structures. Updating to “samvidhān” bridges this gap, applying the sloka’s reciprocity to the Indian Constitution, which embodies secular dharma through principles like justice, liberty, and equality (as outlined in its Preamble).
- Without such adaptations, ancient texts risk becoming relics, disconnected from current realities. This Timeskrit version revitalizes the sloka, making it a tool for civic education and reminding citizens that upholding constitutional integrity—through voting, accountability, and rule of law—ensures its protective power. For instance, in a recent address, Karnataka’s Upa Lokayukta explicitly proposed this phrase to highlight anti-corruption efforts, arguing that protecting the constitution from violations like graft reciprocally shields society.
2. Addressing Contemporary Threats to Governance
- In an age of political polarization, misinformation, and institutional erosion, the constitution faces existential challenges— from attempts to undermine judicial independence to populist overrides of fundamental rights. The updated sloka serves as a rallying cry for vigilance, emphasizing that neglecting or subverting the constitution (e.g., through arbitrary laws or executive overreach) invites chaos, while defending it fosters stability and progress.
- This is particularly needed in diverse democracies like India, where the constitution acts as a unifying force amid religious, linguistic, and regional divides. The original dharma-centric phrasing might alienate secular or non-Hindu audiences, but the Timeskrit version democratizes the message, aligning with India’s constitutional ethos. It echoes mottos in key institutions, such as the Supreme Court’s “Yato dharmastato jayaḥ” (Where there is dharma, there is victory), reinforcing that the constitution is the modern embodiment of dharma.
3. Promoting Civic Responsibility and Ethical Reciprocity
- The core idea of reciprocity—protection begets protection—remains intact, but the update shifts focus from abstract morality to tangible action. Citizens, leaders, and institutions must “protect” the constitution by respecting its provisions, such as fundamental rights (Articles 14-32 in India’s Constitution) and federal balance. In return, it safeguards freedoms, equality, and justice for all.
- This is crucial in times of crisis, like debates over citizenship laws or environmental protections, where constitutional adherence prevents societal breakdown. The Timeskrit adaptation encourages proactive engagement, such as judicial activism or public advocacy, rather than passive reliance on outdated interpretations. It substantiates the need for evolution: just as dharma evolved across texts (from Vedic rituals to Manusmriti’s legal codes), so must its applications in a globalized world.
4. Cultural Continuity and Inclusivity
- Sanskrit slokas have historically adapted to societal changes—e.g., from Vedic hymns to Bhakti-era devotional poetry. This update maintains cultural continuity by preserving the grammatical structure and poetic essence while making it inclusive for a secular republic. It counters criticisms that Sanskrit heritage is “outdated” or “elitist,” transforming it into a living tradition that speaks to 21st-century issues like digital rights or climate justice under constitutional umbrellas.
- In political discourse, phrases like this foster national unity. For example, discussions on protecting the constitution from “destroyers” highlight its role as a bulwark against authoritarianism, aligning with the sloka’s warning that harming dharma (or constitution) leads to self-harm. This Timeskrit version thus empowers marginalized groups, ensuring the constitution’s protections extend to all, not just the privileged.
In essence, “Samvidhān rakṣati rakṣitaḥ” is a necessary evolution, not a dilution, of the original. It honors Sanskrit’s adaptability while addressing the demands of modernity, urging us to treat the constitution as sacred dharma. Failing to update such wisdom risks rendering it irrelevant; embracing this Timeskrit form ensures its enduring impact in building resilient societies.
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