MODESTY

30TH JANUARY DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF GANDHIJI

For some people Gandhi is still relevant today whereas some think that India (& the world at large) has changed so drastically that there is no role of Gandhi in it. I have heard a few perceive that Gandhi is not a great iconic character to be remembered.No matter what exactly the truth is, the biggest truth of all is that if you go to any corner of earth and ask any stranger to name few Indians he has heard of in his lifetime; the answer in all likelihood will be Mahatma Gandhi.

The unveiling of Gandhiji’s statue in London is a moment of great pleasure and pride for all Indians.One cannot help but contrast this with the debate in our country on the step to build a temple for his assassin, Nathuraam Godse.We must give deep thought to a foreign country’s gesture in giving pride of place to an Indian who spearheaded the move to free India from its clutches.

It’s a tall Gandhi and a diminutive churchill.It was Winston Churchill who disparagingly referred to Mohandas Gandhi as the half- naked Fakir even though Gandhiji regarded the expression as a compliment.It is churchill who will now have to eat his words in his grave after the installation of Gandhiji’s Statue almost next to his.One must also remember another Gandhi quote where he told the British that they can have his life but not his obedience.

A CANDLE

One evening a man took a small candle from a box and began to climb a long winding stairway. "Where are we going?" asked the candle. "We're going up higher than a house to show the ships the way to the harbor." "But no ship in the harbor could ever see my light," the candle said.

"It is so very small."

If your light is small," the man said "just keep on burning brightly and leave the rest to me." When they reached the top of the long stairs, they came to a large lamp. Then he took the little candle and lit the lamp. Soon the large polished mirrors behind the lamp sent beams of fight out across the miles of sea.

We are God's candle. Our job is to keep on shining. The success of our work is in His hands. A tiny candle or match can start a forest fire. The little flame of your good example can actually change the lives of others without you knowing it. Be a light to them like the beacon light in the story which guided the ships to safe harbor. 

THE FOUR CANDLES

12 JANUARY BIRTHDAY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA/NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

12^th January 2016, Birthday of Swami Vivekananda also known as National Youth Day which was declared by the Government of India in 1984, to motivate youth to follow the principles and ideals of the great philosopher and scholar and to encourage the youth of the country to embark on a successful journey. 

Swami Vivekananda, a  great man, who drew a road map for humanity and India, the chief disciple of saint Ramakrishna paramahamsa. He played an important role when India was in a complete darkness, in which all the citizens had lost their independence, their self confidence, their pride and the belief over their religion. In this utter darkness there comes a person holding a torch of the self confidence, faith on his religion and pride for his nation. He  played a major role in spiritual enlightenment of Indian masses; Spread Vedanta philosophy in the West; established Ramakrishna Mission for the service of the poor. He was the first religious leader in India to understand and openly declare that the real cause of India's downfall was the neglect of the masses.

 

 

The contribution of Swami Vivekananda needs to be viewed in three inter-related perspectives. First, he brought religion to the centre-stage and gave a new meaning to it. Secondly, he stressed the need for harmony among faiths. Thirdly, his teachings continue to be of relevance. His ideas emphasising dialogue among faiths and justification for plurality of faiths, belief patterns are of great relevance in today's strife-torn world.

The world today is passing through a very difficult period, characterized by a widespread feeling of insecurity caused by global terrorism. The advances in knowledge of science and technology, including the humanities has failed to arrest the social and economic confusion in human beings, leading to rapid decline of moral and ethical values.These days not just India, but half of the world is battling corruption and moral degradation, which have taken firm root across all levels of society. At this juncture, one feels the need to turn to individuals like Swami Vivekananda, so as to discover true serenity.

 

The youth of modern era are at cross roads, inclining towards globalization.The time is ripe for them to know that globalization stands for inculcating moral,spiritual&social values, and not disregarding them.Swami Vivekananda is universally recognized as having kindled the energy, enthusiasm, Patriotism, self confidence in people, which have led them to be acquainted with India's culture tradition, and the quest to preserve this rich heritage. He encouraged humanity to enter a new era of unity consciousness and let the regressive divisions disappear forever.

 

 

Vivekananda has given a new theory of ethics and new principle of morality based on the intrinsic purity and oneness of the Atman. We should be pure because purity is our real nature, our true divine Self or Atman. Similarly, we should love and serve our neighbours because we are all one in the Supreme Spirit known as Paramatman or Brahman. His ideas are still relevant at a time when the country is being challenged by pseudo-secularists and religious fundamentalists.

The lessons from the life of Swami Vivekananda especially teaches us to uphold moral values and teaches us that what ever happens in life we must not loss our values. standing up for what is right, for what is the truth, even if one has to bear unfavorable consequences as a result. Every quote and utterances of swami vivekanada has a great power. In many speeches he used to oft quote one of the sayings of his mother :

"Remain pure all your life; guard your own honor and never transgress the honor of others. Be very tranquil, but when necessary, harden your heart. 

 

As India celebrates the 153^rd  birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, let us focus on and work towards making India a strong nation, and an equitable society and the world a better place to live in.Our true tribute to him can only be reflected if we honestly follow the path he has shown to us – the path of loving people, serving for the betterment of the society, then only we can attain true define solace.

we have responsibility to create environment where every one of us can think rationally and follow equality, humanism and see that principle of natural justice prevails.

 

Feeling proud to be an Indian, for this country has given birth to such a great soul.