Values defining India and Indians

Independence Day

Age of civilization- 5000 years-----------------------------28 years

population-1250000000-------------------------------------70 lakh indians

Freedom fighters-1, 30,000-----------------------------------725 freedom fighters

 Inventions and discoveries- more than 200-----------------1.2  inventions and discoverie

If all these features of India are to be incorporated in a speech of 3 minutes or 180 secs, every second would correspond to 28 years of civilization, 70l Indians, 725 freedom fighters, and 1.2 inventions and discoveries.

Our history books bear evidence of the fact that India, even though blessed with enormous wealth and military might, never invaded any country. In fact, many plunderers looted us, and numerous countries colonized us, literally rubbing gold off the 'Golden Bird' as India was then known. There could have been many reasons for this, one of which which was rightly stated by sant kalidas, ‘ISS desh ki yeh halat durjano ki dushkriyaton se nahi par sajjano ki nishkriyaton se hui hai.' How relevant this is even today!

However, Indian histroy has no dearth of legendary heroes who have showcased unprecedented patriotism and vision. One such Indian was a mighty king, an epic warier and true son of the soil, Chatrapati Shivaji. He came with about 80,000 mavalas and uprooted the mughal dynasty of over 1 cr soldiers, established Hindvi Swaraj in India in a period of just 30 years and literally brought majority of the Mughal Emperors on their knees.

He is not only the epitome of valour, which runs in the veins of us indians, but also of character and leadership.

Further redefining the principles of leadership and morality was another great Indian, Swami Vivekananda. It is befitting to the occasion to make a mention of this, for his historic speech at Chicago is one of the most patriotic moments in Indian history, but what happened just before that is probably more motivating and less known.

Before he was to deliver his speech, swamiji was invited for high tea, where he was dressed in his traditional attire. His appearance caught a couple’s attention who looked at him with contempt. The Lady whispered to her husband, "Look at that gentleman! What sort of a silly attire is that?" Her husband added with equal scorn, "You call him a gentleman? Since when do gentlemen wear such clothes?"

Swami ji happened to overhear them and responded in a very calm and composed manner, "My dear friends, I belong to a nation where character decides gentlemen and not the tailor."

Exactly 121 years later, when Barack Obama met Narendra Modi, he gifted him a book on Swami Vivekananda and said, "I come from Chicago, the same city where swamiji gave his infamous speech." What a proud moment that was for me as a young Indian! The idealogies of Swami Vivekananda remain immortal on a global level and are cherished even today.

Be it on the battlefield, in a research lab, or on a global platform, Indians have upheld their moral values and have showcased magnanimity time and again.  Before i wind up, i'd like to share one small incident which occurred after the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. It was a unique   chapter in Indian politics as Indian military entered Bangladesh, the then east Pakistan, devastated the entire military set up of Pakistan, captured their 92000 soldiers and brought them to India. All this took place in a span of 21 days. Although they were war prisoners, India took good care of them and delivered utmost level of hospitality.

Seven Months later, after signing of the simla agreement between the countries, India released the complete troupe of Pakistan with full honour and respect. In a ceremonial send off organized by the Indian Millitary, Major Varma came personally to see off his counter part Major Iqbal from Pakistan out of respect and protocol.

At the border, Major Verma, smiled warmly at his opponent and with an intention to end things on a lighter note waved his hand and said,”Phir Milenge”

Major Iqbal was taken aback by his warmth, but his ego could not get over the hangover of defeat and he reverted with anger and animosity,”Milenge lekin maidan-e-jung mein." Without the blink of an eye, Major VARMA replied,”Barkhurdar uss waqt bhi hum apko aise hi wida karenge” !!!!!

Apart from bravery, leadership and strong moral values, India has been recognised world over as the hub of spirituality. While death symbolizes finality for most, our Indian scriptures have delved into the realms of life after death, which has attracted many soul-searchers from all over the world. Friends, isn't it amazing that where the world stops thinking, India begins thinking?

On this august morning as we celebrate our 76th independence day, I'm reminded of a poem I once read:

“ALAG ALAG GALIYON KUCHO MEIN LOG KAUN GINTA HAI”

“SAATH KHADE HO REHNE WALE, DESH TABHI BANTA HAI”

“SHAPAT GRAHAN KAR AZAADI KA UTSAV AAJ MANATE HAI”

“DESH BULATA HAI AAO KUCH KAAM TOH ISKE AATE HAI”

Thank You! Jai Hind!