The RSS Guruji - Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar on "Matrusakthi"!

Remembering RSS Guruji - Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar!

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a Doctor in the city of Nagpur on 27th September 1925. The organisation promotes the ideals of upholding Indian Values and Culture and thereby spreads the ideology of Hindutva. After reading V. D. Savarkar's Hindutva, published in Nagpur in 1923, and meeting Savarkar in the Ratnagiri prison in 1925, Hedgewar was extremely influenced by him, and he founded the RSS with the objective of strengthening the values of Hindutva in the society.

Hedgewar apparently began grooming Golwalkar for leadership and he was placed in charge of the All-India Officers' Training Camp from 1937 to 1939. Golwalkar's abilities (managing complex details of the large camp, public speaking, reading and writing) were appreciated. In 1938, he was asked to translate G. D. Savarkar's 1934 Marathi language Rashtra Mimansa (Nationalism) into Hindi and English. The resulting book, We, or Our Nationhood Defined, was published in Golwalkar's name and regarded as a systematic treatment of RSS ideology. Golwalkar made RSS one of strongest religious-political organisations in India; its membership expanded from 100,000 to over one million, and it branched out into the political, social, religious, educational and labour fields through 50 front organisations. The RSS extended to foreign countries, where Hindus were recruited into organisations such as the Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh or the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. 

There was a subtle, important shift in the RSS worldview. One of Golwalkar's major innovations was an anti-communist, anti-socialist ideology, with the slogan "Not socialism but Hinduism.

At one stage, when Gandhi was Assasinated, in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, there was widespread apprehension (despite Golwalkar's condemnation of the murderers) that the RSS was involved. Golwalkar and 20,000 swayamsevaks were arrested on 4 February, and the RSS was banned for promoting "violence" and "subversion". Godse said that he acted on his own initiative, and no official connection between the RSS and Gandhi's assassination has ever been made. Golwalkar was released on 5 August, after the six-month statutory limit expired. The RSS ban continued, and Golwalkar tried to negotiate with Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel about having it lifted. The mass arrests, violence against members and the ban by an independent Indian government of what was understood as a patriotic organisation was a shock to the RSS membership.

Although Patel asked the RSS to join the Congress, Golwalkar disapproved. Patel then demanded, as a precondition, that the RSS adopt a written constitution. RSS leaders Eknath Ranade, Bhaiyaji Dani and Balasaheb Deoras suspended the satyagraha in January 1949 and, in collaboration with liberal leader T. R. Venkatarama Sastri, wrote an RSS constitution of which Patel approved. The ban was lifted on 11 July 1949. The government of India issued a statement that the decision to lift the ban had been made in view of Golwalkar's promise of loyalty to the Constitution of India and acceptance of India's national flag explicitly in the RSS constitution. Organisations founded and supported by RSS volunteers became collectively known as Sangh Parivar.

Important Note:

Sardar Vallabhai Patel, a Hindu Nationalist, served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India. He brought together 565 self-governing princely states by the Indian Independence Act 1947. His commitment to national integration in the newly independent country was total and uncompromising, earning him the sobriquet "Iron Man of India". It is Patel who insisted Golwalkar to adopt a written constitution of RSS that should respect and follow the spirit of Constitution of India. The purpose of mentioning this point is that, Indian Heritage and Culture is deep rooted to Vedic Times. The essence of sacred texts is to follow "Dharma". By Dharma, we mean "Righteousness". According to Sanatana Dharma, the ruler has to uphold the Dharma for maintaining law and order. In Ramayana, Sri Rama accepted the doubt expressed by a washer man on the integrity of Sita. Sita, entered the fire to be proved that she is pure. The rest of the story is history. Let's not doubt why Sita has to enter into the Fire and why Rama did not stop her. I can explain the insight of Rama in a different article of "What is Dharma?" Similarly, Vallabhai Patel, also made it a point that RSS abide by the constitution. He was not biased to the Hindutva. This clearly shows that Nationalist Leaders believed in Unity of India and there is no room for prejudice or discrimination. Today, we can see that there is un-rest in some sections of the society. There are lot of forces which are working against the Country Norms. Sometimes, we doubt that the enemy lies inside than outside. Its difficult to identify an enemy who appears to be an Indian but working for outsiders ulterior motives. There are communities in India, who have problem to accept any Hindu Leader at the Center. This is a big disappointment given the fact that India is a Hindu Rashtra. 

When I say Hindu, I mean not only to the "Religion", but the way of life that dates back to "Aryans" and all the descendents who lived alongside Sindhu River. India, which was once called Bharat is not just a Country but a Great Civilization. Our's is the only Civilization that could preserve the richness of its ancient civilization till today. The World is turning to India to learn the concept of Inward Learning. The West might have mastered "the art of living", but, it is India, and in India, the highest form of knowledge called as "Yoga" evolved. We, Indians, believe in "Art of Leaving". We believe that Material prosperity is just an outcome of ego satisfaction. However, the refinement of "Jeeva" inside can be acccomplished by following the principles of Sanatana Dharma.

I remember my Guru "Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy Garu" who taught how to pray to God for wanting of a Leader. His thought process is insightful and worth to share. We should pray to God not to select a particular party or an individual basing on our community feelings rather, we should pray God as follows:

Oh Lord Eshwara! I bow in front of you with utomost humbleness and respect for a desire to be accepted and granted. We Indians need a Leader or a Political Party which understands the richness of Indian Heritage and Culture. We need a Leader who is Dharmic in his thoughts, actions and has the intellectual power to discuss, debate and convince opposition for the sake of upholding peace and harmony in the society. We need a Leader, who is a true representation of Indianness to the outside world. We need a Leader who can instill patriotism among members of the country. We need a Leader, who can discipline our countrymen and channelise the energies of young generation to work for their motherland. We need a Leader who works for reviving the lost glory of Bharat. Hence, we need a Political Party, which consists of members that share similar characteristics of the Leader.  

The above prayer is only a small fragment of our noble intentions towards our country. Afterall, we are children of a great land called Bharat and because of our vested interests, we should not allow dis-equilibrium in the country.   

Lets come back to the mainstream topic about Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, one of the founders of RSS. Before, any outsider comments on RSS as a radical institution, there is a need to bring out the spirit of founders who established RSS. 

By knowing the spirit of the founders, we can estimate or value the purpose of the organization. 

I tried to summarize the essence of Sri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar talk on "the Greatness of Women in the Indian Society". 

1. According to Vedic Indian tradition, Women is regarded as Matrushakthi. Lord Shiva has offered one half of his body as a representation of Sakthi. This indicates that every Man is able to perform due to the grace of invisible Sakthi operating within the personality of human being. The outer manifestation of Sakti is in the form of Mother, Sister or Wife in our house or society. The disrespect or oppression on women means the weakening of ones own personality at a micro level and weakening of integrity and character at a macro (country) level. In the West, Women are observed as products. Hence, they are always looked upon to be exploited. There is a need in the West for Women to raise their value. 

Here, I wish to draw your attention on Betty Freidan, a Feminist and Founder of Women Liberation Movement in USA.  Throughout her life, she raised her voice on improving the quality of women's life. In her publication called "Feminine Mystique", she spoke of the problem that “lay buried, unspoken” in the mind of the suburban housewife: utter boredom and lack of fulfillment. Women who had been told that they had it all—nice houses, lovely children, responsible husbands—were deadened by domesticity, she said, and they were too socially conditioned to recognize their own desperation.

Note: In India, urban women may have nice house. But, I doubt whether they have responsible husbands and lovely children. When I say responsible husbands, I do not mean responsibility to be...... taking to shopping malls and spending pleasurable time with wife. But, how much responsibility the Husband takes towards bridging the gap between parents and children. Why do children look upto their peer group to solve their problems? Can we imagine that our children can solve their own problems without discussing with parents? Will parents be happy if children take irrational decisions? The problem is while parents are busy shaping their careers, who cares for understanding the thought process of their children? Can we be so confident on schools which are busy burying the syllabus without acknowledging the differences in the learning capabilities of the children? Who cares for the next generation society? It's history, when houses consists of grand parents. Now that couples are eager to spend their lives in cities, the grand parents find it difficult to adjust to the culture in the cities. Hence, they distant themselves from their children. Hence, there is no scope for the Grand Parents to teach young kids some moral values or life lessons. By the way, in many homes Young Couple are also not so comfortable to have old parents in the house. They feel their privacy is disturbed. Grand Parents according to them is a summer destination to relax and enjoy, but, they do not feel the fact that society is breaking into fragments due to family distancing. Hence, there is a need for the Parent(s) in the house to teach their children:

a. What is not taught in schools?
b. How to learn, unlearn and relearn?
c. Make children learn self-control
d. Importance of family, values and character formation
e. Goals of life
f.  How to deal with loss / failure?
g. Pro-social behaviour etc.,

Can you recollect, whether, all the above aspects are taught to us in schools or by our parents? Yes, may be in some homes. But, in majority cases, its not. Should we leave our children with a hope that future is going to be good? Or are we not responsible to shape our children to deal with uncertainty, complexity and risk. This is only possible, if either of parents learn the above important aspects, then only then can teach to their children. By staying indoors, nobody can take the merit of women's identity. A teacher can mould the student for better careers, whereas, a mother in the house can make a better holistic personality which can enable healthy society.

2. Golwalkar ji was not against Women working. But, the problem is to define "Work". When the husband works for living, a Wife has a much higher responsibility of working for higher ideals of life. What are these ideals of life? What did our Sanatana Dharma speak of our Ideals? If both, husband and wife compete to work out and leave children for toss, what kind of society is being designed for the next generation to sustain for a harmonous living? A doubt arises - Why can't nurturing of children be the work of husband? The answer is simple. The Women are designed by God in such a way that they have the best inherent quality to be soft and convincing. Women also has the greatest gift of having the deeper levels of patience as compared to men. Hence, nurturing the children for best results is only possible by Women in the society. Hence, the highest job, that Women can do where Men fail is to nurture next generation for highest ideals of living such as preparing the mind for higher order functioning and character formation. 

3. A mother can mould the children as heroes, cultivate in them devotion to God and love for country and an inclination to serve the society.

4. Mother in the house should not limit her role to her home only but in her individual capacity should care for the less fortunate women and the children in the vicinity.

5. Women can and should also work in an organized way. Organized work alone can increase the pace of work in the society. 

This is only a glimpse of attitude of Golwalkar ji on Matrusakthi. The Spine of RSS is the Matrusakthi. Every member of RSS are trained to respect Women in the society. Their minds are conditioned to work for superior values of society and country. 

In the process of working for the country, RSS tries to imbibe the values of Dharma and Karma as essentials in all RSS members. Unfortunately, today, whenever we hear about RSS, we hear a complaint against them from left wings or liberals of this country. RSS members are trained to possess highest levels of patience and tolerance which are the most important characteristics of Sanatana Dharma. However, the tolerance has its limits. When, the Country is being pulled by hidden forces that work for breaking the spine of this country, then every member of RSS comes forward to protect its motherland from the negative forces. 

JAI HIND, BHARAT MATA KI JAI, LONG LIVE BHARAT!

References:

1. "RSS to abandon politics" (PDF). The Hindu. 24 May 1949. Retrieved 14 October 2014.

2. Jaffrelot, Hindu Nationalist Movement 1996, p. 88-89.

3.  Curran, Jean A. (17 May 1950), "The RSS: Militant Hinduism", Far Eastern Survey, 19 (10): 93–98, doi:10.2307/3023941, 

JSTOR 3023941

4. Noorani, The RSS and the BJP 2000, p. 43.

Mana Kavi Gurajada Apparao Garu

         Om Sri Devebhyo Namaha -- Om Sri Rishibhyo Namaha -- Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Once Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Guruji while addressing people in United States was asked by a Women - How India is Different from United States of America? No doubt the questioner knew the fact that US is an advanced country with state of art technology and ruling the entire world. She, was curious to know how a representative from India would deal with this question at a time when India is struggling with its own challenges like poverty, unemployment, religious disharmony etc. Very few knew that Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Murthy Guruji is a True representative of Guru Parampara and knew in Original the greatness of the Land called Bharat. Sri Sivananda Guruji took the question as a very good foundation to let the world know the Uniqueness of India with the Rest of the World. I may not exactly translate what he said but, I can try giving the essence of what he spoke in the august gathering. Guruji says - to compare India with USA in terms of material development, yes, there exists partial truth that India is still a developing economy. On the other side of the coin, India is the largest exporter of Software Engineers and today in the best IT companies, Indians occupy the Leadership roles. 

Guruji says - it is very easy to escape the question by giving this kind of reply, however, the fact remains visible that still Indians are not valuing cleanliness, rules & regulations and working for societal development. But, if an Indian is randomly picked and compared with another American and observed the differences, clearly, American may win over Indian in terms of outer civilized aspects of behavior and intelligence but fail in the concept of "Personality as an Organized Whole". We are proud to say that Indians spiritual roots are strongly organized! Our Personality is integrated with a timeless principle of "Sanatana Dharma". If a question is asked to an American - what he is prepared to sacrifice and not to sacrifice, in morals or money? Another question when asked, for how long an average American can retain his moral strength? But, We Indians are so rich in our remote past that we are finding it difficult to avoid them even after 5000 years of existence of this great Civilization. Indians are inspired from Sri Rama, who lived flesh and blood and established Rama Rajyam (righteous living) in this great land of Bharat. Sri Rama according to Mareecha is "Ramo Vigrahavaan Dharamaha", which means Rama is a personification of Dharma in human form. Which means Rama never left righteous living. Rama for the sake of his Father's vow to her beloved wife sacrificed kingship and left to forest to lead a normal life. According to Indian culture, Parents are next to God. Hence, in the prayer to them we Indians say - Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava and finally Athiti Devo Bhava. Which means, Mother, Father, Teacher and Guest are observed to be the Gods and are highly respected. Any word of instruction from the above are accepted without any conditions and without an iota of suspicion instructions are carried with utmost respect. Indians believe that their personal comforts are secondary than observing the principles of Dharma all throughout life. This act of Rama is observed in a great epic called Ramayana which is written by a great sage called Valmiki. Even though this greatest epic happened 5000 years before, still in this 21st Century, any typical Indian will observe this "Value" of following instructions of "Parents". For example, almost all of us regard Parents decision for Marriage. Still, we Indians are proud of Joint Families. We like to be in a group unlike Westerners who want others to respect privacy. All family members love to eat together and festivals are the most important occasions when all relations in a family come together to spend time with lots of enthusiasm. The feeling of oneness in the most complex country with many castes, creeds, sects, religions is what makes India a unique in the world. The value of Tolerance is what is the most significant characteristic that India had since times immemorial. Indians never conquered any country. On the contrary, we shared our space with Dutch, Portuguese, British, French etc. When, British traders in the name of East India Company came to do business in India, we Indians regarded them as Athiti, meaning Guests. We shared them the space, the resources, the people and everything we could to make them happy. Indians believe that we seek happiness in making others happy. However, this Virtue of healthy co-existence is not understood righteously. And the rest is history as the world knew how India is looted by the Europeans and left nothing to scratch. Yet, Indians struggled for their own rights and secured what they deserve to be Independent. There is nothing to celebrate as we did not achieve what is not there with us but, what we lost due to our "tamas" qualities.

By the time India realized that British administration took over India from East India Company, we are too lazy to fight our rights. Yet, India produced great leaders from time to time who could inspire and perspire the masses to fight for Independence. The fight for Independence is not just political but the fight came from all sides in different methods. There were poets, social activists, spiritual leaders name them they are always working as under currents to revive the lost glory of India. The richness of India can be found in the literary works of great persons like Kalidasa, a famous poet.

Arthur W. Ryder, one of Kalidasa’s translators, also paid his homage:

The best proof of a poet’s greatness is the inability of men to live without him; in other words, his power to win and hold through centuries the love and admiration of his own people, especially when that people has shown itself capable of high intellectual and spiritual achievement.(Arthur W. Ryder, Kalidasa: Translations of Shakuntala and other works, Everyman’s Library Series, Poetry and The Drama, Ernst Rhys ed., London and New York, 1912, xvii).

The German naturalist, traveler and statesman Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) wrote about Indian poetry and observed that Kalidasa, the celebrated author of the Sakoontala, is a masterly describer of the influence which Nature exercises upon the minds of lovers. This great poet flourished at the splendid court of Vikramaditya, and was, therefore, contemporary with Virgil and Horace. Tenderness in the expression of feeling, and richness of creative fancy, have assigned to him his lofty place among the poets of all nations.(quoted in the Introduction, Monier Williams, Sakoontala: or the Lost Ring, Hertford, 1855, x).

In 1789 Sir William Jones opened his career as one of the greatest Indologist by translating Kalidasa’s Shakuntala; this translation, re-rendered into German in 1791, profoundly affected Herder and Goethe, and through the Schlegels- the entire Romantic movement.(The Story of Civilization, 391-2).

Like wise, the pages will turn to books and volumes of knowing the greatness of noble souls India has ever produced. Whenever we talk about any country, we recognize the country with few names but, in India, the great men and women are born whenever there arises a need for social change and political transformation.

One such person, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh State who was born for Social transformation is Sri Gurajada Apparao.

One poem which introduces the birth of Sri Gurajada Apparao can be found in the following lines:

Sri Gurajada Apparao was born on Bhadrapada Suddha Traiodasi (Bhanuvaram, September 21, 1862). He was born to Smt. Kousalamma & Sri Venkata Ramadasu Garu. It was known that Smt Kousalamma did not complete 9 months of holding the womb for delivery but pre-conceived the baby boy. Family members thought that the birth was un-auspicious but the design of the God was different from the perception of the family. It was delight to note that Sri Rabindranath Tagore also born in the same year. The story of Sri Gurajada Apparao is the story of all of us. To know about Sri Gurajada means to know about our rich fabric of telugu language, literature and culture. He is recalled as the Modern Maha Kavi.

"దేశమంటె మట్టి కాదోయి, దేశమంటె మనుషులోయి"(Country is not identified by soil but it is made up of great men). He made it very clear not to devote in creating false impressions of patriotism. Even after completion of 55 years after his death, still his works on poetry occupy the Modern Society Needs and Challenges. In one occasion he mentioned that ageing is related to body and our hearts are always filled with youthful energy. 

Some of the important aspects of Sri Gurajada Apparao are as follows:

1.  Since childhood, Sri Gurajada Apparao displayed fearlessness. He showed resistance to slavery. He used to observe the village life and nature curiously. He used to get up early and read books thoroughly. 

2. When Gurajada was studying matriculation in Vijayanagaram (in Andhra Pradesh), he wrote a poem titled "Kokila". His school inspector, Sri Nagoji Rao was so enthralled on the poem that he took that poem to Sri Ananda Gajapati and read it to him. By observing the healthy intellect of Gurajada, Sri c. Chandrasekhara Sastry, the then School Principal took Gurajada to his home and taught him the telugu language nuances. Once, Sri Chandrasekhara Sastry spoke about Sri Gurajada like this - Gurajada Apparao is one of the few students who possess enormous amount of intellect. He was always the best sample of a student who was admired by all his teachers. Gurajada was always addicted to learning and speaking about telugu literature. He has the rare natural intellect towards Poetry. By exercising it frequently, the poetry manifested from him and forcasted that one day Apparao will achieve the highest recognition in poetry and literature. The best Virtues that describe Gurajada are Modesty and Social Maturity. The opinion of the Principal Sri Chandrasekhara Sastry was proved to be truth in the later years of Sri Gurajada Apparao.

2. During the year 1883, Dr. Sambhu Chandra Mukherjee for some time worked as Deewan in Tripura Sansdhan.  In the year 1885, Mukherjee started "The Mukherjee Magazine". This magazine is responsible for awakening economic and political nationalism and later the magazine was modified as "Reis and Rayyet", a weekly journal and became famous for his competence in english language publication. Mr. Mukherjee was very critical in evaluating the errors of British publications. In fact, the Governor General was always cautious about Mukherjee's competence.  While Gurajada was a student, he wrote a poem titled "Sarangadhara". Mr. Mukherjee learned about the greatness of poetic expression of Gurajada and convinced him to get them published in his journal. There was lot of correspondence between them. God knows where the documents went. But, few very recovered. in one of the letters dated January 27, 1884, to Gurajada, Mukherjee wrote -

"How long your are going to stay in Madras? Please mention about the social conditions and your observations on them. I want to understand about the political developments in Madras. How is Widow Re-marriage problem? What is the perspective of localities on this social evil? Did you start the poetry on politics that you have earlier contemplated? Please write about folk songs and poetry on different meters". All these questions were asked by a very senior person to a 22 years young boy called Gurajada. We can imagine the amount of Wisdom Gurajada possessed on Poetry and Literature and his works to challenge the social evils that were prevalent during those years.

3. From the way Gurajada dealt the issues, his close companions observed that Gurajada showed rare skills such as - Fun during most adverse conditions, happiness during struggles, ability to see good in bad situations and critical skills of inquiry. Unfortunately, the current academic system is not addressing these soft skills that are very important for any individual to deal with social issues in life. Our current academic system is preparing the person for a job only. But, there is a big vacuum in our education policy that was not bridged to deal with life problems by the students. 

4. Gurajada used to say that he always contemplates on the work that he has initiated and nothing else. He says belief in work is very important and he does not have sympathy on those who look for shortcuts to be successful in life. 

5. Gurajada was I think is the pioneer in bringing methodological changes in Teaching. While he was in teaching profession between 1887 and 1896 for almost 9 years, his teaching learning sessions have influenced his life perspectives. As a teacher, his learning never had any boundaries. The concept of Thinking and Practice are like inhalation and exhalation to Gurajada. He used to prepare detailed notes before going to any class. He did not like to spend time casually with students. He loved doing research, inquiry and invented methodologies for teaching learning aspects in class. He travelled to Madras, Bangalore, Calcutta and Bombay to gain knowledge about the topics that he dealt in the class. He had in several occasions discussed with experts on various fields about the subject matter that he dealt in the class. In this occasion his discussions with Kellet was worth remembering. Kellet,  Professor  of History, Christian  College,  Madras  asked  Gurazada to write the "History of Greece  and Rome" in the  comparative  method  and  Gurazada  said  that  it  was  beyond  his  capacity.    But  Kellet  said  Oh!  you can"!

In this connection  it  is noteworthy  as to how Gurazada  was  humble  and how   Gurazada   impressed   even   the   foreigners   as   a   person   of superior capabilities. Some  entries  in  his  diaries  throw  a  flood   of  light about  the interviews he had with eminent  people.  One  interview relates to his interview with Skinner, Professor  of the Christian  College, Madras.  Another entry reflects  his  interview  with  Tait,  Professor  of  English,  Bangalore Central  College. One more entry  mentions  his  interview  with  Cowper Oakley,  Professor,  Presidency  College, Madras, yet  another  interview  with W.  Kaine,  Principal,  Agricultural  College, Madras and  with the  Directors of public  instruction  during the days of language  controversy  were mentioned. He  could  assert  his  importance  by  virtue  of  his  innate  merits  and literary  talents.  On  30th  January   1913  he  received   an   offer   of  the Fellowship  of  the   Madras   University   from   the Governor  of  Madras,  and as  a  Fellow  of the  Madras  University,  he  came  into contact with  scholars and educationalists  of the higher echelons of society.

The highly acclaimed work of Sri Gurajada is "Kanyasulkam", (money in lieu for a girl). Sri Apparao Garu wrote this play-let to raise awareness about what he felt was a scandalous state of affairs in society. Exploitation on female gender was prevalent during those days and along with Kandukuri Veeresalingam, Sri Gurajada Apparao took the responsibility to eradicate the social evils. I never saw this movie "Kanyasulkam", but, while I am going through Sri Gurajada books, I came across the context of directing the movie "Kanyasulkam". After watching the movie, I was speechless. without a word, I was meditating as to how a person of a great virtue took the social issue to masses in a satirical way yet received many accolades for the spirit of "Kanyasulkam". I felt guilty about watching the movie when I am 39 years, yet I feel fulfilled that I could get to know the greatness of Sri Gurajada Apparao.

I am proud to say that I am a native of Vizianagaram District and I felt it necessary to bring back the lost glory of the great Telugu Poet through Sri Sivananda Guruji blessings. As said by Sri Gurajada, a country is not to be remembered by its geography but by the quality of citizens who work for the greatness of the Country. His opinions and poetry is still relevant today to the youth of India who are carried away with meaningless activities. 

If for a second, the youth of today can have a sincere glimpse of what Gurajada said in his poetry, I am confident that one day, the youth of India will recollect from their collective unconscious the purpose of their birth in the sacred land of Bharat. Hence, I am placing herewith a poem that I could gather from the internet sources for inspiring the youth of India to remember their responsibilities and work for reviving the glory of Bharat.

Desamante matti kaadoy Song lyrics with English Translation

Taken from (https://www.worthview.com/desamante-matti-kaadoy-lyrics-english/)

దేశమును ప్రేమించుమన్నా
మంచి యన్నది పెంచుమన్నా
వొట్టి మాటలు కట్టిపెట్టోయ్‌
గట్టిమేల్‌ తలపెట్టవోయి
Love your country
Widen good things
Stop shallow talk
Think of strong help

పాడి పంటలు పొంగిపొర్లె
దారిలో నువు పాటు పడవోయి
తిండి కలిగితే కండ కలుగును
కండ కలవాడేను మనిషోయి

Work hard in the land
Where the fruits  of irigation
feeds all,  You will have
the muscle  only if
you eat,  People with
muscle only  can lead the  country.

యీసురోమని మనుషులుంటే
దేశమేగతి బాగుఅగునోయ్‌
జల్దుకుని కళలన్ని నేర్చుకు
దేశి సరకులు నింపవోయ్‌
When people look depressed
How can the country make progress?
Learn skills and  Fill the country with
indigenous goods.


అన్ని దేశాల్ క్రమ్మవలె నోయి
దేశి సరుకుల నమ్మవలెనోయి !
డబ్బు తేలేనట్టి నరులకు
కీర్తి సంపద లబ్బవోయి

Fill all the nations of the world,
With the finished goods of our country,
Prosperity will not dawn On those who cannot
make money.


వెనక చూసిన కార్యమేమోయి?
మంచి గతమున కొంచెమేనోయి
మందగించక ముందు అడుగేయి
వెనుకపడితే వెనకే నోయి!

Why look back?  The past has not
many good things to boast of,
Do not relax, walk with confidence,
You will be left  behind  if you walk slow.

పూను స్పర్థను విద్యలందే
వైరములు వాణిజ్యమందే,
వ్యర్థ కలహం పెంచబోకోయి
కత్తి వైరం కాల్చవోయి
 

Compete in studies, Compete in business,Do not encourage wasteful enmity,
Burn the communal clashes.

దేశాభిమానం నాకు కద్దని
వొట్టి గొప్పలు చెప్పుకోకోయ్‌
పూని ఏదైనాను ఒక మేల్‌
కూర్చి జనులకు చూపవోయ్‌

Do not boast of patriotism
Make effort to do good to
the people.


ఓర్వలేమిపిశాచి దేశం
మూలుగులు పీల్చేసెనోయ్,
ఒరుల మేలుకు సంతసిస్తూ
ఐకమత్యం నేర్చవోయి

Jealousy is eating away the country at the
roots, Believe in unity,
Enjoy the happiness of the others.


పరుల కలిమికి పొర్లి యేడ్చే
పాపి కెక్కడ సుఖం కద్దోయి?
ఒకరి మేల్ తన మేలనెంచే
నేర్పరికి మేల్ కొల్లలోయి!

Where is the peace to the
man who is jealous of the progress of
the others. Winner is the man, who
believes in helping others.

సొంత లాభం కొంత మానుకు
పొరుగు వానికి తోడుపడవోయ్‌
దేశమంటే మట్టి కాదోయ్‌
దేశమంటే మనుషులోయ్‌

Be useful to the other man,
With a bit more of selflessness,
Country is not just the mud and soil,
Country means people.

చెట్టపట్టాల్‌ పట్టుకొని
దేశస్థులంతా నడువవలెనోయ్‌
అన్నదమ్ముల వలెను జాతులు
మతములన్నియు మెలగవలెనోయ్‌ 

All countrymen-walk hand in hand with
unity, All religions-live in harmony.


మతం వేరైతేను యేమోయి?
మనసు లొకటై మనుషులుంటే
జాతమన్నది లేచి పెరిగి
లోకమున రాణించునోయి!

How does it matter What religion one
belongs? It can matter the country
If all people can unite with their hearts.


దేశమనియెడి దొడ్డవృక్షం
ప్రేమలను పూలెత్తవలెనోయి,
నరుల చమటను తడిసి మూలం,
ధనం పంటలు పండవలెనోయి!

The great tree, namely our country should
sprout more fruit of love, The country should reap
a rich harvest with the sweat of the people.


ఆకులందున అణగిమణగీ
కవిత కోయిల పలకవలెనోయి;
పలుకులను విని దేశమందభి
మానములు మొలకెత్తవలెనోయి!

The literary bird Hiding in the branches
of  the tree,should hum beautiful songs,
Hearing these songs, Patriotism should
flourish in the country.

Conclusion: I thank Sri Kandukuri Sivananda Guruji for his insights on Bharatiyata and blessing his disciples for a greater purpose to achieve.  Sarve Sujana Sukhino Bhavantu, Sarve Jana Sujana Bhavantu. Om Santhi, Santhi, Santhi!

Manava Sarira is Madhavalaya

Manava Sarira is Madhavalaya - which means the Physical Body represents the Temple of Lord Vishnu.

This statement is given by none other than a renowned saint of Karnataka, Basaveshwara. We all hear that Brahmins have suppressed other weaker sections of the society during earlier times. This statement cannot be completely true. When we do not know the truth, we get influenced by speakers who articulate and manipulate few cases of suppression happened at remote places and magnify the opinion. 

This is a real story of a Brahmin saint, Basaveshwara, who was born in 1131 at Bagewadi in Bijapur District. This story will reveal how during early times Brahmins with their wisdom interpreted the society around them.

Basaveshwara met his Guru Sangameswara and undertook severe sadhana for 12 long years. He showed unique talents in learning, particularly his incredible memory. He is known for his dedication, sharp intelligence and a broad and liberal outlook. From the beginning, Basaveshwara showed strong resistance towards ritualism. King Bijjala, who learned greatness of Basaveshwara appointed him as his Minister. With his wit and wisdom, Basava, soon became a respected and trusted member of the King's court. Basaveshwara established "Anubhava Mantapa", which is known as a Spiritual Parliament, which encouraged discussion on varied aspects of Religion and Philosophy. 

Here we have to note that, during those times, the Kings encouraged discourses and discussions in a fair manner. Anyone was allowed to debate on religion and philosophy. However, today, if debate on Hindu religion is practiced, then few sections of society will cry and make a big mess of the situation. India, called as Bharat is Sanatana. Our Dharma is Sanatana. Our Vedas are as old as the existence of the mankind. Westerners have done extensive research on our sacred texts and declared India as Motherland of all Religions. Even the Greeks, find their roots from Land of Bharat. Yet, today, India, is struggling to convince that Hinduism is not just religion but - "A way of Life, which is Divinely Motivated". It takes time for all to accept, but, for time being, Hinduism is most complained, neglected and tarnished concept in India.

Let us come back to the story. Basaveshwara propogated the truth of one supreme God irrespective of caste, creed and colour. Basava shaped a literary genre called Vachanas easily understood by the common man. He dined with people of the so-called lower castes and defied the rigidities of caste.

Source: https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiBvcr2sebgAhWCknAKHe-GByoQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7VeYEkG41W8&psig=AOvVaw0fqOa1-gEmWtkS3tnYMfev&ust=1551716755920875

Basava taught the great ethical and spiritual truths common to all religions. He emphasized the oneness and unity of all Gods. He advocated the human being as the greatest living temple of God and service to him as the most practical spirituality. However, in the name of serving the poor and downtrodden, now-a-days, some sections of culture are involved in un-necessary caste conversions. As the poor cannot understand the importance of their religion, they succumb to Verbal Influence and get converted for the sake of Monetary Benefits. I have a question for all those who are converting the poor people into their religion. If service is your goal, what is the use of Conversion? If the so called faith said to convert people, then there should strong doubts on the faith for its genuineness. Either the Faith is misleading its followers or Followers are mis-interpreting the faith. In any case, forceful conversion is not healthy in any given society. In this situation, I firmly believe that a strong awareness of Hinduism and how it survived 5000 years should be explained to its people of country. It the responsibility of every home to know their history not just the recent history but remote history of their caste and religion and understand without any bias or judgement the essence of spirituality. Sanatana Dharma always accepted diversity. The perfect example is Jaimini, who was the disciple of Sage Veda Vyasa. Vyasa, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, has organized the Vedas appropriately. He categorized Vedas into two - a part which contemplates on Gyana and another which focuses on Karma. Jaimini, even though did not accept the Supreme Lord, accepted Vedas and propagated the Karma Philosophy. Here we have to understand that - in the remote past, there were differences about which methodology should be followed. Some believed in their theory after great personal exposure and experience and advocated their philosophy. However, Jaimini did not reject the greatness of Vedas. He accepted Vedas as the ultimate authority for disciplining our lives for reaching the purpose of our existence.  

This generation should also know how even though differences of opinion were there earlier yet the differences were in harmony. This generation should understand the greater purpose of earlier differences. Today, some sections say that God is not there. Agreed, let us for some time agree this statement. If so, what message they say to the common man? How should a common man live? What activities should he pursue and how? In case of any dilemma between what is right and wrong, how should a common man decide? Can Atheist help a common man address these problems? Certainly "No". Because, the so called Atheist do not have experience as Buddha. They were never into self analysis. They were never into experience of deep inner understanding of Truth. Yet they claim that God is non-existent. Truth can only be found by being non-judgmental. Logic cannot be the answer to know he Truth, because Truth is beyond Logic and Reasoning. Can you give me a logic when a Dog is feeding a baby goat through its milk glands? Is it acceptable? Should Dog feed Dog only? From where do the Unconditional Motherly Love emerged for the Dog to understand the hunger of the baby Goat. Hence, many a times we fail in understanding the Creativity and Creator of this Universe. 

Our Shastras say - "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" which means - There is only One Truth, the Wise call it by Different Names should be understood in letter and spirit by this generation.

There is no need for another Religion, because, since times immemorial, Bharat is known for a land where there is a greater purpose in Co-existence.  India has the world's largest Muslim Community and the India is the Cradle for great religions like Buddhism and Jainism. All these religions are off-shoots of Hinduism as I can proudly say - Hinduism is not just religion but teaches us the Sacred Way of Meaningful Life here and Life After. The new generation of students should recognize the greatness of our Civilization and know from its roots. 

Sarve Sujana Sukhino Bhavantu!!!!

Akka Maha Devi - A Women Poet & Fore-runner of Frenzied Bhakti Movement

Now-and-then we see that in Poetry that is filled with Bhakti, we are reminded of domination by male poets. However, this statement is not true. The problem is, this generation is not exposed to the greatest works of Andal - "Tiruppavai". This is a poem of 30 verses in which she imagines herself to be a cowherd girl during the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Akka Mahadevi is another tallest poet devotee who was born in 12th Century in Udutadi village in Sivamoga area located in Karnataka. She was initiated into Shiva worship at the age of 10 and became an ardent devotee of Chenna Mallikarjuna, which literally meant "Beautiful Lord, white as Jasmine".This description of Lord Shiva became her "Ankita" or "Signature" in her poetry.

Akka Mahadevi was the very first devotee who claimed that illicit love towards God was greater than most lawful wedded life on this earth. Her poetry exhibits her love for Chenna Mallikarjuna and Harmony with nature and simple living. This generation of students should be cautious not to mis-understand the intentions of Akka Mahadevi. Illicit love should not be understood for mere physical satisfaction of bodily needs but from a larger point of view. Here, Akka Mahadevi is immersed in Bhakti and she seeks the Love for the Lord which is un-conditional. Her poems are called "Vachanas".

Image Source: https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiP04manObgAhUaVH0KHRg9CpgQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exoticindiaart.com%2Fbook%2Fdetails%2Fandal-and-akka-mahadevi-feminity-to-divinity-NAF629%2F&psig=AOvVaw2aR9mJ6NOf-VIOcifi0uKx&ust=1551710990885822 

Akka Mahadevi exhibits her love for Chenna Mallikarjuna and harmony with nature and simple living. She thus sang:

For Hunger, there is the village rice in the begging bowl,

For Thirst, there are tanks and streams and wells,

For Sleep, temple ruins do well,

For Company of the Soul I have YOU, Chenna Mallikarjuna!

The love that Akka Mahadevi exhibits is not just limited to physical relationship but, in more deeper understanding, the Jeevatma in Akka Mahadevi realized the need to be in communion with the Paramatman i.e Chenna Mallikarjuna. It is said that Akka Mahadevi left for Shrisailam Mountain where according to legends, with great penance and single-pointed devotion, she developed ‘nirguna bhava’ and achieved union with Chennamallikarjuna, her Lord.

Image showing Akka Mahadevi Cave, where it is said that Akka Mahadevi is involved in deep penance and merged with Lord Shiva.
Source: https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiJk9jroObgAhUacCsKHe9BBZcQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.holidayiq.com%2FAkka-Mahadevi-Caves-Srisailam-Sightseeing-665-10334.html&psig=AOvVaw3UKeWroHeeWL14zJfSAbNS&ust=1551712263120377

Akka Mahadevi is still a household name in Karnataka, remembered in festivals and folklore. She has also been commemorated in films, music videos and a couple of NGOs that are established in her name.

Reference:

Some parts of the text were extracted from "Sant Darshan", Published by Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence.

A Bible in the Hand of a Hindu

I happened to read a book titled "Tales of Prison Life", by Sri Aurobindo. My experience reading the book was remarkable. I was thinking why I could not read this book quiet early in life. But, nevertheless, we have to believe in Time and Destiny. 

Sri Aurobindo is an unassuming greatness personified. The impressions that I had towards him during my early years is of a Saintly Figure, lost in the world of Vedanta. This impression did not allow me to read any of his books because, the language he used to describe his perspectives on Spirituality was higher than my normal understanding. For him it was a natural flow to describe his experiences but for me, with my immaturity and lack of exposure towards higher levels of thinking I could not grasp his essence and slowly, his books such as "The Life Divine", occupied my home Library. 

However, while I was reading the book - "Re-writing Indian History" by Francois Gautier, I saw Sri Aurobindo in a different shade. Sri Aurobindo can be described as a Caterpiller before his One Year Term in Jail (1908-09). His deeper contemplation of the Truth in the Alipore Jail was a transformation of his self from a Caterpillar to Butterfly. Sri Aurobindo did not find any reason to write about his life in the Jail. He doesn't want to project his awakening. But, in the process of sharing the truth, he revealed the plight of Jail Conditions under the rule of British Government. The British Prison, says Sri Aurobindo "is not a place for reform of character; on the contrary, for the ordinary convict it is but an instrument for the degradation of character and manhood." British Government thought that to arrest Sri Aurobindo means to silent the invisible and under cover operations of few Indians against British Administration. However, the forgotten truth is that a Divine Soul cannot be oppressed or suppressed. The soul does not have any limits. In the case of Sri Aurobindo, British Government failed in silencing him. Because, Sri Aurobindo returned to the world of action with tenfold hope, with fixed notion about Indian superiority, with redoubled respect for human character, the future progress and well-being of the motherland and the human race.  He was bold enough to say..."The only result of the wrath of the British Government was that I found God." 

Now coming to the relevance of the title - "A Bible in the hand of a Hindu". This statement sounds alarming to disturbed and sick minds. Just think of a situation, when a Muslim was forcibly given Bhagawad Gita to Read or a Christian was given Koran to Contemplate. How does the recipient react? If you are in this position how do you respond? In the current situation, belief in one religion means hatred towards others. A true religion is one that offers universal principles of harmony and peace. It preserves the right to live and directs others to live in harmony with others. 

Sri Aurobindo was narrating the following incident in his book "Tales of Prison Life". There were two educated young men - Nagendranath and Dharani who were imprisoned by Britishers. They were in prison for somebody else fault and there was no slightest anger or censure or annoyance found on their face. Both of them accepted the punishment with a smile. The brothers were "Sadhaks" but their natures were different. Nagendra was steady, grave and intelligent. He was very fond of Godly conversation and religious topics. After the day's labour the jail mates were permitted to read books. Nagendra who had asked for the Bhagavad Gita had been given the Bible instead. He was expressing the inner sense of Gita's verse - once in a while it even appeared as if the sublime and divine statements of Krishna at Kurukshetra were coming out of the same lotus lips of Vasudeva in the Alipore prison. Without reading the Gita, to be able to realise in the Bible the spirit of equality, renunciation of the desire for fruit, to see the Divine in all things, etc., is the index of a not negligible inner life or spiritual capacity, sadhana. 

This experience to read, to listen and to share the above incident is much needed among all the educated elites. What intelligence we acquired when we cannot resist the temptation of verbal abuse on matters related to religion. Why so much hatred on Hindus and on their Temples? A real Muslim and a True Christian are always happy with a Just Hindu. 

Religion in its noblest sense is a path to reach the Truth. But now, the path shown by religion is less understood by people and more trespassed by Politicians and Intellectual Idiots to sustain their identity and pursue their survival in India. If at all something can be done to revive the true spirit of religion, then education can play a significant role in making aware the essence of religion. 

It is high time, India introspects where India stands? Does it stand on fuzzy, volatile, fragile, Constitution which is always on the headlines of controversy? If there is any discrepancy in Constitution on whom are we depending? Are we to depend on some intellectual arrogant's who are not aware of our great History, Culture and Civilization? In such a situation, is it not necessary to review and re-design the Constitution and firmly place it on the principles of Sanatana Dharma? For every law should be firmly backed by a Dharma. Only then, the culture and tradition which sustained since thousands of years will remain un-scratched for the next generations to cherish.  

The young generation should question and reason the Religion not to prove it Wrong but to prove its Relevance in the current situations. They should read books, do research and see which religious texts can solve the current myths and apprehensions that are hindering the economy. Only when the current generation indulge in serious works to bring together the Science and Spirituality, then there is Awakening of New Aryan Breed that will certainly Celebrate the Past Glory of Indianess and Revive its Ancient Glory. It is for certain that India should grow not for its own sake but for the sake of uniting humanity and lead the world to a meaningful destination.  

Ravi Kant Ph.D

Reference

Tales of Prison Life, by Sri Aurobindo, 90-92
(Some parts of the texts were reproduced originally in order to preserve the essence as I fear that any change in the verbatim may dis-respect the originality. My sincere thanks and respects to Aurobindo Ashram for this published work).