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”