Ray Saudip

In his article, Saudiptendu Ray analyses the induction of INSV Kaundinya as a landmark in reviving India’s maritime heritage. He argues that the vessel, reconstructed using traditional stitched-shipbuilding techniques, represents an exercise in experimental maritime archaeology grounded in historical, iconographic, and material evidence. By integrating indigenous craftsmanship with modern naval practice, the project reenacts ancient Indian Ocean seafaring traditions. @RaySaudip vifindia.org/article/2026/m…

In this article @RaySaudip underscores that the Maratha Military Landscapes represent far more than isolated forts—they formed an integrated strategic network across the Sahyadris, Konkan coast, and Deccan Plateau. Through their advanced engineering, geographic precision, and coordinated defence, these forts enabled surveillance, rapid troop movement, and maritime control, playing a decisive role in the rise, consolidation, and endurance of Maratha sovereignty in early modern India. vifindia.org/article/2026/f…

My latest article, “Legacy of Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Southeast Asia,” published in VIF’s National Security Journal, explores how Indic religious traditions shaped Southeast Asia’s political culture, temple architecture, and civilisational links with India. @PrintsPub

Vivekananda International Foundation hosted an interaction with Venerable Ashin Kumara and Venerable Ashin Visuta from the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar, exchanging perspectives on shared civilisational values, Buddhist heritage, and people-to-people ties. The dialogue underscored the enduring spiritual and cultural linkages between India and Myanmar.

In this article, @RaySaudip examines how India’s cultural landscape in 2025 marked a pivotal moment, with major archaeological discoveries across the country challenging established historical timelines. He highlights the global recognition of living traditions through Deepavali’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, and strengthened heritage conservation through the inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes as a UNESCO World Heritage site. vifindia.org/article/2026/j…

As part of an outreach initiative, a delegation of 57 research scholars from leading Indian think tanks visited Air Force Station Hindon. The scholars interacted with IAF personnel, received comprehensive briefings on operational capabilities, and explored avenues for collaborative research. @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @indiannavy @IndiannavyMedia @CareerinIAF

Pleased to have my article published in National Security (Vol. IX, Issue I). Tracing the civilisational imprint of Shaivism and Vaishnavism in Southeast Asia—a story of ideas, faith, and cultural continuity. @vifindia

There is a place too under the same name of 'Daboka' during this modern time in the District of Hojai, at the foothills of Karbi Anglong and it indicates that the historical ruins spread all over the region, with the radius of about 60/70 kms @ASIGoI maps.app.goo.gl/JPvse7y8KiK9Ep…

Prayagraj Pillar Inscription of Emperor Samudragupta (335-375 CE) tells about some 'Frontier States' namely Samatata, Kamrupa, Davaka, Kartipura n Nepal n that Davaka may be a Kirata Kingdom at the centre place of the Brahmaputra valley in Assam @ASIGoI maps.app.goo.gl/JPvse7y8KiK9Ep…

Oral Histories of Partition: Voices of Women by Saudiptendu Ray sheds light on the untold suffering of women during the Partition of India—abduction, violence, forced conversions & displacement. Through oral histories, the Partition Museum in Amritsar & Delhi preserves these fading voices. Their stories echo resilience, courage & hope amidst unimaginable tragedy. #Partition #WomenVoices #OralHistory @RaySaudip vifindia.org/article/2025/s…

This culture and civilisational digest covers a wide range of developments in the field of culture. Archaeologists have unearthed 4,500-year-old Harappan remains in Rajasthan and 3,500-year-old traces of habitation in Haryana. Ancient Hindu idols in Kashmir and a Chola-era Mahavira sculpture in Tamil Nadu reaffirm our civilisational depth. In a landmark moment, the Piprahwa Buddhist relics, taken in 1898, have been brought back to India. Complementing these, the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in Delhi and Veer Bharat Museum in Ujjain will showcase 5,000 years of history through immersive experiences. These milestones reflect India’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural legacy. @RaySaudip vifindia.org/2025/september…

On the occasion of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (14 August), the Vivekananda International Foundation, in collaboration with the @PartitionMuseum , hosted a commemorative event to honour the memory of those who endured the trauma and displacement of 1947. The programme included personal recollections, screenings of survivor interviews, and an open discussion, all aimed at raising awareness, deepening understanding, and preserving the lived experiences of Partition survivors in our collective memory.

In this article, Saudiptendu Ray @RaySaudip examines how the return of the Piprahwa gems—sacred relics associated with the remains of Lord Buddha—highlights the absurdity of India having to buy back its looted heritage. Once bound for a foreign auction at the art-peddling @Sothebys , they are now home, but at a price. #PiprahwaGems #Buddha #Repatriation #CulturalHeritage vifindia.org/article/2025/a…

@FrontalForce Yes

Is Rahul Gandhi the worst ever LOP of India ? YES/NO ?

The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi, hosted a special screening and post-film discussion of the documentary "CasteGate: The Untold Story." The event brought together scholars and professionals to engage with a controversial and deeply consequential issue—the misuse of civil rights frameworks in the West to target Indian-origin professionals and malign Sanatan identity. @CasteGateFilm

The second session delved into the far-reaching impact of Arya Samaj beyond the political sphere. Prof. Kamleshkumar Chokashi shed light on its vital contribution to Indian journalism and literature, Prof. Ranvir Singh discussed its influence on governance and public administration, and Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar addressed the movement’s pioneering efforts in women’s awakening and empowerment. Held at VIF on June 25, the session underscored how Arya Samaj played a multidimensional role in India’s civilizational and national development.

Glimpses from VIF’s interaction with students of the Chhatra Sansad InternNation Leadership Tour ’25 held on 23 June 2025. After Opening Remarks by Dr Arvind Gupta, there were short presentations by Mr Saudiptendu Ray, Dr J.R. Bhatt, Ms Ruchita Beri & Mr Sudhir Saxena. The session featured insights on Swami Vivekananda, civilizational values & environment, India & the Global South, and strategic technology—followed by an engaging Q&A. @CsindiaOfficial

The first session of the discussion on Arya Samaj and its Role in Nation-Building, held on June 25 at the Vivekananda International Foundation, brought together eminent scholars to explore the Arya Samaj's foundational contributions. Sri Vinay Arya reflected on Arya Samaj’s active involvement in India’s freedom struggle, Prof. Dinesh Chandra Shastri examined its deep links with Indian nationalism, and Prof. Virendra Alankar spoke on the movement’s transformative role in shaping India’s modern education system. The session highlighted how Arya Samaj helped forge a national consciousness rooted in reform and cultural pride.

In this VIF Brief, Dr. @_shreyeah_ examines the energy dependencies of India and the EU along with their security implications. It explores the synergies in #India-EU energy cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, green technology, and climate action, while evaluating their potential to influence global energy security governance. With respect to the significant geopolitical shifts across the globe, such as the #Russia-Ukraine War, #GazaConflict, and the #ChinaFactor, the brief offers policy recommendations to strengthen India-EU strategic alignment in order to mitigate their energy dependency risks and security challenges. vifindia.org/breif/2025/jun…

Centuries after colonial rule, the unethical sale of India’s sacred relics continues on foreign soil—reducing symbols of spiritual and civilizational identity to mere auctioned artefacts. Saudiptendu Ray @RaySaudip article talks about the legal, moral, and cultural violations at play, urging global institutions to confront historical injustices and support ethical restitution. It calls for a cultural repatriation and greater international collaboration to safeguard civilisational heritage. Restoring what was stolen is not just justice—it’s historical repair. #CulturalRepatriation #SacredRelics #Buddhism #RelicsofLordBuddha #Sotheby’s #PiprahwaGems vifindia.org/article/2025/j…