The Independence of the Mind

In the year 1928, the British Government increased the land revenue assessment for the taluka by an exorbitant 30 percent. When the peasants of Bardoli in Gujarat approached Sardar Vallabhbhi Patel for help, he told them, “If you oppose the government, your sufferings will multiply. You will lose you lands and houses; the government will do its best to crush you. You will not have a grain of rice or a drop of milk, and the women and children will suffer sheer misery. Consider well. If you are confident you have the grit to face all this, let us fight.” Thus began the Civil Disobedience Movement and journey of Sardar Patel to anchor the people against the British Government.

Here we stand today, 79 years later, to see this small town turned into a city buzzing with malls, apartments, expensive bungalows, et-all. Most of the families have the foreign connection and NRI money flows into the city from all over the world. Getting access to liquor in this alcohol-free-state is not too difficult upon paying a small premium. However, what bothers me the most is the sad state of the Swaraj Ashram which does not receive grants from the government any more and the trustees are forced to lease out a part of the premises for its upkeep and maintenance.

Are the youth of today not able to see this reality or has it become too easy to overlook such matters and live only for oneself?

I strongly support the Discover India initiative which will be a part of the curriculum of the under-graduate students of FLAME. They would be traveling in groups to different parts of the country in groups to gain first hand experience of the rich cultural heritage of India. They will then share their experience using an AV or a visual presentation as a part of the contest.

A similar project had been undertaken a decade back called the Azad Bharat Rail Yatra where a team of 200 participants set out on a 14 day journey stretching over 8000 kilometers to touch the length and breath of the country. The same is being repeated this year with around 400 participants traveling around 7000 kilometers (http://www.jagritiyatra.com/).

These projects, apart from being a great memory, will open the minds of the minds and show the real face of the nation. A nation of more than a billions people, with a rich cultural heritage, with two parts completely different from each others, with a diversity of languages, and a lot more. These projects will specifically be helpful to those city dwellers who have only seen a couple of tourist destinations apart from their usual place of boarding. These projects will not only bring joys and wonder but also show the pains and sorrows of this nation. It will slap the truth on the face of the participants. They will have the choice or either accepting it or taking an oath to work out solutions for it.

As we celebrate the 60 years of Indian Independence today without having much clue about what it truly means, we should take this opportunity to reach out to our gurus in the campus. People like General Mehta, and others, who have know the real meaning of being a true citizen could show us a way to contribute to the well being of our nation in a manner which we are capable of. Let us for once think beyond out daily needs and do something for a nation which has the capability of becoming the strongest in the world. Let of for once make an effort to bring a smile on a persons face. Let us to once act as responsible citizens even if there are thousands around us who don’t behave in this manner. Let us take one step without expecting something in return.
I wish all the readers of this blog a very Happy Independence Day. I also pray that this flame, which has been ignited with a purpose, shines brightly forever in future. Let it make the nation and its people proud.