India – Swadesh

“Athithi Devo Bhava”

Guests are like God.

This very phrase is believed to be the beginner of a war that lasted for more than 190 years – the war to get back our nation’s Independence from the British. Traders initially by trading goods; Masters later, treating us as slaves. Military superiority was their backbone with which their territorial ambitions were achieved through commercial acts. The four powers, the Portuguese, English, Dutch and the French colonized India. The first ever national war of independence was fought with the English, where both sides displayed brutality to such an extent, in 1857, which was not true to our tradition.

On the positive side, railways, postal service and many other establishments took place (though originally meant for their own convenience, yet they paved way for what we have now!); while on the negative side, we suffered from ultimate exploitation of our natural resources. Forest lands were grabbed from the tribes, denying their ownership, later declared as government property. The unrest against the East India Company rule kept on increasing. Revolt of 1857 shook the British Empire, when the mutiny broke between the Indian Soldiers and the “Sepoys” of the company, which engulfed northern and central parts of India. Southern India remained quiet during the revolt. 

In the late 1885, political life of India took a plunge with the formation of Indian National Congress, which dominated the political life of India; gave shape and form to the ideas of administrative and political reforms. Prior to congress, the three provinces; Bengal, Madras and Bombay initiated the political awareness in the veins of dhoti-clad men. The INC gave rise to two political parties, Moderates and Extremists along with the repercussion of the Swadeshi (Autocracy) Movement. Extremists always went with strikes (Boycott of Universities and Educational institutions). The movement was linked with the revolutionary activities before the First World War. Subash Chandra Bose arose with the formation of Indian National Army (INA) with the help of a self-proclaimed Independent Indian government. 

Indian civilization was primarily disturbed, due to various invasions and political instability in the form of Islam and Christianity. The religions became means of exploitation and were restricted to mere rites and rituals. The educated people however were introduced to a plethora of ideas about community life, religion, democracy. This led to the Reform Movement, from which a certain contribution to the Indian philosophy was also made. Hinduism developed in the form of Sri Ramakrishna’s disciple Swami Vivekananda who inspired by interpreting Karma, Vedic sciences and Yoga to serve our motherland. Shri Aurobindo offered his interpretations on origin of the Universe, man’s existence, cause and other spiritual aspects. Emergence of worlds one of the greatest enlightened soul, Mahatma Gandhi, was witnessed by this era. He provided a strong leadership and unity - introducing an ideal and constructive program to the nationalist movement in India.

British government knew they were ruling their last days due to the fierce struggle for total freedom by the Indians. The advances of Indian National Army, during Second World War made a significant impact on the eastern front. In the meantime, the communal hatred in India was at its peak. Slowly and gradually, Congress had to take the fact that partition would be the only solution, due to the rise of over-communal tensions between people who practiced Islam and Hinduism. The partition into two sovereign states on the basis of religious majorities in the parts of North-Western India was to take place. With many of the forces acting on the governance, British had to bow down to millions of Indians demands and we saw the rising of Indian Independence on 15th August 1947 through joy and wild rejoice witnessed in every village and city.

Truth is God. Without Truth it is impossible to observe any principle or rule in our life. There should be Truth in thought, Truth in speech and Truth in action. The only means of realizing Truth or God is Ahimsa (Non-violence). Without ahimsa it is not possible to seek and find Truth. God is the very image of the vow. If a man promises something, he should fulfill it in any adverse conditions.

I bow to the martyrs who laid their lives for us to live in an India that has Freedom for Thought, Expression, Speech, Education and Religion.

Jai Hind!
Happy Independence Day!