The Future of our Future Generations!

"Nanhe Munhe Bache theri Muthi men kya hai? Muthi men hai Taqdir Hamaari"

The above is a patriotic song which we hear twice a year! How many people put in a little effort to listen to it instead of hearing and ponder over its real meaning and implications? In all probability, it is taken as a matter of routine and forgotten once the event is over. However, a person who listens to it, takes it into every grain of his body, mind, soul and starts thinking gets transported into a different world; the world of Future, which belongs to the future Generations. When little children singing the above song realize that they have the power to create the future, their elders who live and work for their future generations will have to give it a serious thought. In elderly or parental parlance, creating future is to provide financial security, education to earn a job and a well settled family life. But, all the above are closely related to one important aspect; that is Future of our Nation. Our children’s future will be bright if future of our nation is made bright.

Is creating future only about providing food, shelter, education or is it also about creating an environment, society and a Nation which is built on robust system of good governance, civic sense and a responsibility to choose selfless and well meaning leaders? The responsibility goes beyond the self limiting factors and selfish ends because that is what determines the future which we hand over to our future generations.

A popular quotation fits here aptly.

“Some make things happen,
Some watch while things happen,
And some others wonder what happened?”

Be proactive; create a great Future.

MERA BHARAT MAHAN! JAI HIND!

Sindhu Ghati Sabhyatha and the Lessons!

 “Right questions lead to Right Answers"

In my childhood I was taught about “Indus Valley Civilisation”, about its main cities; Mohanjedaro and Harappa, its advancements and glory. It was taught for many years before me and will probably be taught after me. 

During a recent study of the civilization as a part of my initiative, a series of questions came up in my mind. What did I learn? How much of what I learned did I put into practice? Am I proud of the fact that I belong to one of the oldest civilizations of the planet Earth and that it existed on our motherland?

We know that civilizations in the past settled and prospered around rivers and I asked myself “Will my heart be filled with more pride if I call the civilization “Sindhu Ghati Sabhyatha” instead of “Indus Valley Civilisation” because the word “Indus” is a word foreign to us?. It was interesting to trace how “Sindhu” became “Hindu” then “Indos”,“Indus” which eventually led to “BharathaVarsh” having other names as “Hindustan” and  “India”

It was taught to us that the civilization existed approximately between 5000 BCE and 1700 BCE and was at its peak between 2500 BCE and 2000 BCE. The people who lived at that time excelled in arts, civil engineering, revenue, trade, pottery, sculpture and many other facets. The prosperous civilization came to an end for reasons which can’t be pin pointed. Some say it was due to Aryans who came in great numbers sweeping aside everything that came in front of them, others say it was due to repeated floods while some others attribute it to drying up of River Saraswathi.

Some more questions cropped up in my mind.

“Weren’t the leaders or rulers during the period of civilization take into account that their prosperity will lead to external forces or people being attracted by it, come in mostly by force and take away what they built? Did they think of protecting their land and people and build adequate measures? Did it have any bearing upon the events to follow in the times to come? Is it true even today?”

“If there were repeated floods why were not they managed on the basis of the engineering knowledge possessed by people of that era? Why couldn’t people be shifted to safe places and the civilization rebuilt? Does it have any bearing upon the recent floods in our major cities, inundation, chaos and disturbance to civic life? Are there any lessons to be learnt?”

“If it was due to drying up of the river Saraswathi, couldn’t they foresee it? Did it happen gradually or all of a sudden? Is there a lesson for us? Do we think of the rivers around us drying up and the consequences?”

Something inside me tells “It is just the beginning. Keep asking questions, find answers and spread awareness”

It also tells me “Open the minds of our children and youth, make them self learners and fill a quest (jignasa, thrishna) in them to seek”.

Bharat Ko Jaano! Khud ko Pehchano!

Bharat Ko Jaano! Know Bharat; It means to be aware of Bharat’s rich and glorious past, its vibrant culture, traditions weaved around mutual respect and well knit social fibre, its highly acclaimed seats of education, success in arts, science and technology. It also means to know its wealth not only in material sense but also in its being the foundation of spiritual wealth.

When I think of Bharat, I get transported into a bygone era and see people from all walks of life standing taller than their physical figures and proving themselves to be true patriots with vision and commitment. People, who bravely guarded our motherland from onslaughts of all nature and were prepared to sacrifice their lives for its safety and welfare.

Khud Ko Pehchano! Identify your True Self! On one occasion when I was on a journey into the past and witnessing the glory of Bharat, I felt as if someone asked me “Why are you here? Prove your Identity?” I thought that the question was not warranted and replied in a loud tone “I am at the right place and have all the right to be here. I am son of Bharat. Do you know that?” The unknown and unseen voice seemed to be amused at what I said and asked “right then, prove your identity. How much do you know about Bharat? If you are a true son of Bharat as you claim to be, trace its glorious history. I have all the time to listen to you”

I fell silent, trying to piece things and events together and didn’t know from where to start. I looked up towards the voice as if to seek some help. The voice was filled  with emotion when it said “Don’t you worry. I will help you. I love to sing the praise of Bharat and I will surely take you into a world which is fast becoming the past. I sing its glory, valour and greatness day in and day out and want many voices to join me. But, before that please identify yourself”

Impatiently I answered “Identify myself? What do you mean? I told you that I am a citizen of Bharat”. The voice said “I am not asking you to prove your identity. What I am asking you is to identify yourself with our great nation called Bharat, be proud of its rich heritage, culture, traditions, innovations and vouch to bring back its glory”

The voice went ahead and said “Bharat Ko Jaano! Khud Ko Pehchano!”

The words sunk deep into my heart and I shouted loudly “Mera Bharat Mahan”.

A firm resolve filled with excitement engulfed my being and I said to myself “Let me be the Voice which echoes “Bharat Ko Jaano! Khud Ko Pehchano! in everyone’s heart, soul and reverberates  as one Voice?”

The unknown and unseen voice seemed to have heard me and said “Yes. You can. I am with you”

The Agenda

“The Agenda” It can’t be a coincidence! I wonder very often. “There must be something deeper than what meets the eye”. As I pondered more and more, it hit me like a ton of bricks; that everything and everyone in this universe has an agenda. They think and act according to an innocent sounding word “Agenda”. For instance; you are driving a vehicle in heavy traffic and want to take the vacant spot nearest to the traffic signal and all of a sudden from nowhere; another vehicle zips past and occupies the spot, leaving you cursing under your breath. Driver of that vehicle has his own agenda. So what if it is different from yours?  You go all decked up to a music concert and are told that it has been cancelled since the renowned musician has cancelled his trip. He has his own agenda. Let us come closer to our lives. A family makes plans to go on an outing and waits eagerly for head of the family to return from office and nod his head and what do you think he has to say? He says “I had a very tough week and want to take rest throughout the day tomorrow”. He has his own agenda. A mother eagerly waits for her child’s coming home from a hostel on a vacation only to be told that the child prefers to spend the vacation travelling with friends.  It is the child’s agenda. I may post a brilliant idea on social network and dream of receiving a lot of appreciation only to find that not a single friend of mine has even seen it. They have their own agenda.

As I sit all by myself deeply ensconced in the above thoughts, someone from inside who knows all about me said “do you know that all creations in this Universe have their own agenda? It may not fit your agenda but, that is how it is supposed to be. Wisdom lies in understanding and making room to make others’ agenda coexist with that of yours. There lies happiness. Sometimes, you have to give and at some other times take. The happiest people are those who ask for little and give more and some of them take nothing at all”

I nod my head and the voice goes on “imagine a scene where instead of cursing under your breath, you give a broad smile to the driver who zipped past you to take the vacant spot. The entire scenario and with it your world change. Imagine the wonders which will be done to the understanding between the mother and child, if the mother wishes her child best of luck for an enjoyable and safe travel with friends instead of conveying her disappointment”

I start understanding intent of the voice and give a smile. The voice started to leave but not before saying “do you know why I keep visiting you so often? Because that is my agenda to make you understand and let you grow”.

I couldn’t resist asking “Am I measuring up to your agenda?” Its answer was “Time will tell. You need to remember it and follow continuously. You will measure till it becomes immeasurable”

The Interlude

The Interlude

You have been on a long vacation I suppose, someone kept repeating and I was woken up from my long period of silence. Is the speaker addressing me? I wondered and looked around to find him. As I kept looking around, intensity of the voice increased and said you are still looking around. Look within you from where I am speaking. I was taken by surprise and turned my eyes inward. The voice seemed to emanate from unfathomable depths and slowed down as if guiding me gently. That’s good, step in slowly, it said as a parent encourages its child and I stepped in. The path was known, traversed earlier, the only difference being that it was less traveled in the recent past. What seemed to be narrow and dimly lit in the beginning became wide and clear as I went on and the voice said again See! This is where you belong to. Where have you been all this while?

I have been exploring I said and continued without waiting for a response from the voice. I have been exploring I repeated, the external world and its influence on me; its relevance to the path chosen by me and testing my strength to disengage self from it and get deeply entrenched  in the world I belong to. The pressures are enormous; the forces strong and it took a while to build my inner energy so that I remain in the external world but, do not belong to it. It took me sometime for every grain of my body and mind to be immersed in the thought and deed that my world is somewhere else, I belong to someone else and the purpose of my life is something else. Now that you called me, I suppose that I am ready to begin The Journey again. 

Where have you been all this while? I asked the voice. It smiled benevolently and said with divine grace echoing in every word why? I have been with you. Am not I the one who held your hand and took you around the external world, lest you get lost in it? Didn’t you experience me whenever you closed your eyes and focused on building your inner energy? Was I not with you when you traveled to divine abodes and helped you connect with your inner self? I was never away from you and will never be.

Why did it ask me as to where I was , it it was with me? I thought but didn't express.

Your Journey never stopped, it continued. It was only an Interlude; the much wanted break to break free; to look at the world with a different perspective; to build an ability to come out of it at will; and to connect to your source and be immersed in its bliss.  

It seems to be a tall order, I said and asked did I achieve all that? It smiled and replied you are on The Journey and will do so. Now that you came back renewed and re-energized continue without any more Interludes. I am with you.

The voice slowed down as if to tell me to slow down in my worldly pursuits and turn inwards to take up The Journey. 

The New Year

I am already three days old and you have not celebrated my arrival as yet said the New Year. It appeared to be more of a question rather than a statement.

The New Year seemed to be hurt by the fact that I did not indulge in revelry on the eve of its stepping into this world. Year after year every New Year felt the same way and I considered it to be my duty to assuage its feelings.

 I opened my heart in a humble manner.  I understand your feelings. You have a large following of 365 days and would certainly feel bad if someone like me did not notice the change in the calendar and its numbers. Please do not get me wrong. I have a reason.

The New Year seemed to have been slightly pacified by my tone. What is the reason? It asked.

 I travelled deep into my inner recesses and came face to face with something firmly embedded within me. My voice resonated with conviction when I spoke.

Instead of celebrating the arrival of each year I celebrate the arrival of each day. Each day is a New Day to me because I meet it when it is still new and build a strong rapport with it. I wake up to the sweet music of chirping birds; breathe-in the unpolluted gentle breeze; let the changing hues of the morning sky paint my day in bright colors; greet people and the environment with a big smile; plan ahead to keep abreast of the Sun; let my resolve grow strong with the brightening skies; act and make the Day count notwithstanding hurdles if any.

Above all, I wake up thanking the God Almighty for granting me another day of Life.

It was a lengthy reply from me.

Interesting the New Year said.

Is a day not a part of you? When I rejoice in the dawn of everyday, am I not rejoicing your arrival? I asked the New Year.

It just smiled and said have a nice day.

The Anchor

I travel far and wide, gathering dust

Of Earth and Gold, forming a crust;

But my inner self remains soft

Taking the essence and benefiting the most;

Keep traveling, a voice cries aloud from top of the crest

If you just sit and stare, you will get only a handful of rust.

                                  

So I travel and travel,

God’s creations set to marvel,

There are plenty to unravel,

Well -nigh impossible to draw any parallel. 

                               

Time is short I say

Do not know what will hold me at bay;

Gather speed and do not sway

For, the ray of Hope is just an arm away.

                               

Anchor yourself echoed the voice

Combining all elements in force;

Hold on to the Almighty and steady your pace

And travel into his divine grace. 

                                                     

What led to the above poetic expression? Let me walk you through.

A morning of fine weather and a walk was justified. I must have walked for few minutes when I looked towards the river instinctively and saw an  Anchor secured to a railing. It looked majestic in its jet black color and was shining in the light orange rays of the morning. I felt it beckon me to come closer and so I did. 

The Anchor: Faith in yourself, in others and the Supreme

A silent conversation! I found myself asking the Anchor; you must have had a glorious past travelling the length and breadth of this world; through choppy waters, rough weather, voyages through known and unknown shores, some friendly and some savage. Many sailors must have looked upon you with respect and captains trusted your commitment.

Yes. It said. Anchor I was and Anchor I did. Steadied the ship on shores; did not let it slip into deep waters unmanned; stood guard and kept tides at bay when the ship got rejuvenated; was on vigil when the sailors went ashore for business and recreation and did not let high tides carry the ship away when it was being loaded.

Above all, I was something upon which everyone laid their faith.

It was my turn to say something. Did you not mind being bound by chains to the ship?

Far from that; the Anchor said. I am always strongly secured to those who lay faith in me. I feel happy to be so. It was about to add some more when I interrupted and said then, why are you not with your ship? It gave a knowing smile. I know that you are aware of the answer but, wish to listen from me. I am here to share something with people like you.

Faith is your Anchor and you are the Ship. Without faith, you cannot steady yourself; turbulence, difficulties and strain in relationships will keep tossing you around as if you are riding on choppy waters.

You need to have faith in yourself, in people around you and in the Supreme in order to build everlasting happy relations.Without faith, everything seems to be out of control.

Faith is supreme and ultimate! It shows on your face, in your thoughts, speech and actions. It flows into others as vibrations when you hold their hand. No words are necessary.

I was fascinated and could feel an Anchor of steel within me. It is Faith someone was saying. To my surprise it started growing big and heavy at a steady pace till there was nothing inside me but Faith.

The Anchor smiled at me and said look at the world now. Doesn't it look trustworthy, happy and as beautiful as heaven? Faith turns everything into heaven.

It lies embedded inside you providing strength and confidence. One needs to travel deep to find it.

I kept staring at the Anchor. A loud horn from a ship seemed to endorse what the Anchor said.