It is with great excitement and pride that we announce the formal launch of the Indic Civilizational Portal.

Those of you who know of our maiden venture, Andhra Cultural Portal, might be familiar with us and our objectives to preserve and pass on Dharmic culture and Indic heritage. When we first conceived of that idea for our native region, it was only natural that we ourselves saw the potential to launch a mathru site and connect not only the Andhra people, but all of Bharatavarsha.

As such, this Civilizational Portal is just that: A network, interface, and database for the serious Indic person. It is a web space not for parochial thinking or regional feeling, but dharmic collaborating and idea exchanging. The site founders believe in decentralised Dharma. Therefore, each layer has its place to play. While regional culture must be preserved and expressed, all the pradesas must come together for the common cause and clarion call of Saamaanya Dharma. Therefore, this site is not dedicated to one community, one caste, one region, or even one religion, but the cause of Dharma itself and its native homeland, Bharata. It is not a site for men only, but encourages women to learn, participate, and teach as well. Discussion of not only Vedic Rishis, and mighty Avataras, but also Jain Tirthankaras, Buddhist Bodhisattvas, and Sikh Gurus is gladly and respectfully invited.

Those who hold true to the Indic concept of Dharma from whatever corner of ancient Bharatavarsha from Nepal to Sri Lanka, and everywhere in between, are more than welcome to read, learn, participate, and contribute. No mortal individual knows everything. As such, we aim to not only write, but also learn ourselves, and encourage others to do the same by listening with an open mind. All that we ask in return are the basic stepping stones to dharma of sabyata (civility) and saujanya (etiquette). This is not a place for headstrong egos and stubborn special interests, but selfless people with a sense of common cause and belonging. While difficult issues can and must be discussed, and differing views welcomed, there is zero-tolerance for casteism here. Neither anti-brahmin nor anti-dalit (nor anything in between) remarks will be considered acceptable. Good nature joshing about various regions is permitted, so long as its done respectfully and in good fun. But be prepared to get back as good as you give. Respectable speech, however, is urged, and slurs and uncultured language to be avoided by participants. Elders (when their seniority is apparent) are to be respected.

A people, a society, and indeed, a civilization are defined by their culture. What are the values they hold dear? What are the principles that inspire them? What are the factors that drive them? These aspects, more than anything else, are the foundation for a culture. Those of you following us on ACP or on Twitter would have read our essays and tweets on the topic. You would also have seen not only the discussion of what we did and do right and what we did and do wrong, but also a cataloging of our cultural heritage to inspire innovation. Culture is not static. So in conjunction with studying the Language, Literature, Art, Architecture, Festivals, Cuisine, Dance, Music, and Cinema of our Civilization, we will also encourage discussion of the issues that we have dealt with in the past, are dealing with now, and will deal with in the future. A strong understanding of not only dharma and literature , but also history and global politics will help individuals understand the strategic space we are in.

Many have written about the intellectual Kurukshetra of our time.  This is the place to discuss it. With saluting sankhas we welcome you all to the Indic Civilizational Portal.

Yatho Dharma tatho Jayaha.