Tuesday, February 19, 2013

History, Idols and Insanity…


Over the years after independence if anything has ruined this country the most will have to be its over imbibed history, the idols and lack of understanding.

After more than 350-400 years if we still need Shivaji Maharaj as our inspiration, is it sign of gratitude or sign of insanity? Haven’t there been any inspirational characters there after? How long are we going to dwell over the glorious history than doing something to create a new one, an even better one may be? Country is facing drought, power cut and numerous other problems and yet the agenda of the politician to increase the vote bank is promise of allotment of 100 acres of land for raising idols!

Before going forward let me clarify a few points. Country of ours is truly gifted with many great leaders, politicians, scientist and rather many great personalities in every field thinkable. Intelligence network of Shivaji Maharaj was revered as best in the world at that time. Strategies of Pahila Bajirao are studied in US as best tactics of war! The Tilaks, the Ambedakars were undoubtedly exceptional characters and human beings. There has been constant debate over idolism but I must admit idols are definitely important.

Keeping these points in mind we need to realize that history should be for guidance, to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes. Idols should be for inspiration, for people to remember how hard battles were fought at various fronts which led to independence of India, independence of mind!

We are so absorbed in raising beautiful sculptures of Maharaj, in posting them on FB walls that we don’t take even a minute to read or understand how they fought and what were their philosophies. We engage ourselves so much over color of the flag than understanding the fact that true king always considers his people as equal and that united they stand strong! We tend to spend thousands of rupees in fun fares but it never dawns on our mind that there are people who don’t have water to drink! Moreover after so many years we just wait for Maharaj to reincarnate. Isn’t it an act of running away than an act of heroism? Maharaj or Peshawa or any freedom fighter was just a human being who had some exceptional future in their mind and not just history of their predecessors.

Unfortunately today, the already divided people of India are further divided with casts and sects by politicians. Temples and mosques are certainly important. For prayer and togetherness idols are required. However trying to replace thoughts of hunger by thoughts of religion is just dirty politics! Agenda of Ram Mandir can win a party an election when we were at tug of war. Today the politicians come with promise that they will allot large landscape to raise idols when there are people dying of thirst and hunger!

 I want to imbibe the fact that ruler is as per the people! We need to think and decide for ourselves what is good and what is bad than someone else telling us so. Shivaji raje was great, but his greatness is not going to rescue us from our current position. Babasaheb Ambedkar was truly genius of a man, but his sculptures and photos are not going to change the current situation of the people! Posting thoughts on facebook and rallying for sculptures is not going to make crops grow or make lights glow!

We are on the brink of collision! Education, population control, ruthless eradication of corruption, honesty should be on top of our priority. We talk about America as great country. At the same time we forget the fact that it’s not god made. The people are the ones who made it that way. Germany was shattered to pieces after the World War II. The allies who fought under the flag of peace had bit off Germany to pieces.  It took Germany more than 40 years to break the wall that separated its parts. We are yet to be able to break different walls within ourselves. Indian independence came around in 1947 and Germany was destroyed in 1945. So, on every statistical ground India stood a better chance over Germany. But look where two countries are today. While talking with one German youngster recently if anything which was clearly visible in that young man’s eyes was love and patriotism for his motherland. Not only they forgot their past but carved out an even better present which will serve as base for a glorious future! 

At this point of time, in my opinion, it’s insane to dwell in the beautiful past and praise the idols. Our mind has to be so full with strategies for tomorrow that there shouldn’t be any room for medieval thoughts. The country needs us to stand together and stand strong. Today India boasts of having 70% youth. The youth first needs to be well educated, youth needs to be thoughtful, and youth needs to have its own opinions formed out of rational thinking. Color of the flag shouldn’t distract its vision and lack of idols shouldn’t lessen its inspiration. We need ChaNakyas and Chandrguptas in our heart and our hands should be trained and inspired enough to replicate what they did once for the country!

We do have many challenges. We are facing many problems. Situations are far from normal in the country and within minds of the people. Yet I am hopeful. I do believe in the strength of this great soil. It will raise healthy crops and healthy minds. Time will come when today’s insanity would be replaced by insane patriotism. As it all depends on ‘us’. And we can change!

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