Self-Awareness Must Be Accompanied by Enemy Awareness: Pankaj Saxena
Pune, 5th July 2025: At an event organized by the Nation First group at the Vitthalrao Tupe Auditorium in Hadapsar, renowned author Pankaj Saxena launched his new English book “Swayambodh and Shatrubodh.” Nation First is a dedicated organization working to promote and spread nationalist ideas, inspired by Mr. Sunil Bhosale of Amanora Township, Hadapsar. The group’s motto — Stay United, Stay Secure — reflects its mission of nurturing national pride, raising social awareness, and strengthening a sense of collective responsibility and awakened social values.
The program began with an invocation from the Bhagavad Gita, recited by Sanyukta Tai Bhosale, who also elaborated on the event’s purpose. Distinguished guests sharing the stage included Pankaj Saxena, respected thinker Avinash Dharmadhikari, and writer Shefali Vaidya. A ceremonial lamp was lit by these dignitaries along with Prabhakar Bhosale, founder of SNB, and Narsing Lagad, Director of Nanded City. The atmosphere was further enriched by a rousing national awakening song performed by Amit Kulkarni.
During his address, Pankaj Saxena emphasized that while self-awareness is vital, awareness of one’s enemies is equally essential. “It is critical to examine how our Hindu society perceives itself and what stance it takes toward its adversaries. Blind trust in enemies often leads to disaster. Decisions should always be guided by the principles of Dharma and Adharma,” he stated.
He further highlighted that countless ancient, prosperous empires collapsed due to a lack of enemy awareness, stressing the need to learn these lessons from history — a central theme explored in his book.
Avinash Dharmadhikari, in his remarks, underscored the importance of Saxena’s book. “This event being held in Pune holds special significance, because movements that start in Pune are accepted not just in India, but across the world,” he said. He warned that to prevent religious conversions through fear or force, understanding both self-awareness and enemy awareness has become a necessity of the times. Dharmadhikari also reminded the audience of Swami Vivekananda’s message at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he proclaimed that Hinduism is the mother of all religions.
Sharing her reflections, writer and thinker Shefali Vaidya said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj exemplified both self-awareness and enemy awareness. “It was this understanding that enabled him to successfully resist Mughal power and establish Hindavi Swarajya,” she said, adding that the entire world recognized his strength through these actions.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of dignitaries and citizens from various walks of life. Many attendees expressed that such programs should happen more frequently to help sow the seeds of higher ideals within society.
The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
