Sneh

Sneh is a term used in several Indian languages to denote affection, love, or a close bond. It derives from the Sanskrit word sneha, which carries meanings such as attachment, benevolence, and kindness. In Marathi and other languages, sneh is commonly used to refer to familial or friendly affection and appears in both everyday speech and literary texts.

In classical Sanskrit literature, sneha is described as a positive relational virtue that sustains social and familial ties. It denotes the warmth of feeling that motivates care, hospitality, and mutual respect among kin, friends, and recipients of generosity. In Hindu philosophy, it is often discussed alongside other ethical ideas such as maitri (friendship), karuna (compassion), and bhakti (devotion), highlighting its role in fostering social harmony.

Modern usage includes sneh as a common element in names and as a term signifying affection in contemporary speech. Sneha is a widely used female given name in India and among the diaspora, reflecting the same root. The word also appears in poetry, songs, and devotional works to evoke tenderness and closeness, and it appears in cultural programs and institutional names that emphasize community care.