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”