Dharam

Dharam is a term used in the Indian subcontinent and among related communities, derived from the Sanskrit dharma. It is commonly transliterated as Dharam in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and related languages. The word carries a range of related meanings, including duty, moral law, virtue, and cosmic order; in everyday usage it can also refer to religion or faith.

In Hindu philosophy, dharma denotes a person’s duties and moral responsibilities, which are considered appropriate to one’s place in society (varna), stage of life (ashrama), and personal circumstances. The concept emphasizes living in a way that upholds social harmony and ethical behavior, even when such duties require difficult choices. In Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, dharma similarly refers to a truth, law, or path, though the emphasis and interpretation differ among these traditions.

Dharam is commonly used as a masculine given name in India and among South Asian communities abroad. It appears in contemporary media, literature, and everyday discourse, with variants such as Dharam, Dharm, and Dhram reflecting transliteration differences.

Because of its broad sense of duty, virtue, and corrective order, the term remains embedded in cultural expressions, rituals, and proverbs. It continues to shape discussions about ethics, law, and religious identity across the region and in the diaspora.