Published on 22 Oct 2025
The Bhakti movement reshaped the cultural, social and religious life of India, breaking barriers of caste and gender and it continues to do so when India and the world is grappling with many issues.
Interfaith and Harmony: Their emphasis on love, devotion, and spiritual experiences can inspire a sense of harmony among people of different religious backgrounds in present times.
Example: Incidents like dispute over place of worship, cow slaughter etc.
Personal Spirituality: In today's fast-paced world, the teachings of these movements can offer guidance and encourage personal spiritual exploration and self-discovery.
Example: According to NCRB data more than students commit suicide at the rate of more than 35 suicide per day due to failure in examination.
Intolerance: The idea of religious tolerance holds relevance where India's diverse religious landscape has occasionally witnessed religious and communal tensions.
Example: India ranks fourth highest in terms of social hostilities against religion (PEW Report)
Social Equality: Their teachings often emphasized the equality of all human beings, irrespective of money, caste, creed, or gender.
Example: The top 10% of the Indian population holds 77% of the total national wealth- Oxfam Report.
Casteism: Bhakti teachings like inclusivity, compassion to weaker sections can address issues like discrimination and social exclusion based on caste.
Example: According to the Human Rights Watch report, discriminatory and cruel, inhuman, treatment of over 165 million people in India has been justified on the basis of caste.
Status of women: Despite progress, women face challenges such as gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, Sexual harassment at workplace, cyber-crimes etc.
Example: Nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes committed against women were received by the NCW in 2022, the highest since 2014.
Poverty and Economic Inequality: The idea of service can help people struggle to meet their basic needs, lacking access to adequate food, healthcare, education, and housing.
Example: According to Global Hunger Index 2022 India ranked 107 out of 121 countries.
In summary, the Bhakti and Sufi movements hold relevance in present times by promoting interfaith dialogue, cultural diversity, personal spirituality, social justice, and artistic expression. Their teachings and principles continue to inspire individuals and communities to foster unity, love, and harmony in an increasingly interconnected world.
History & Culture
Relevance of Bhakti and Sufi Movement in Present Times
Bhakti Movement
Sufi Movement
sufism
worship
cow slaughter
Personal Spirituality
Social Equality
General Studies Paper 1
Indian Heritage and Culture
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