What a fantastic day to remind us that Freedom is the most cherished thing. In the celebrations of the return of Mahatma Gandhi or Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Parkash Parab on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and also on the occasion of Ramana Maharshi Jayanti, we are continuously reminded of the immense struggle to achieve freedom.
Martin Luther King Jr has said that “Freedom has always been an expensive thing . History is fit testimony to the fact that freedom is rarely gained without sacrifice and self-denial.” Young Indians need to dwell on his remarks that “There is nothing more majestic than the determined courage of individuals willing to suffer and sacrifice for their freedom and dignity.”
While celebrating the Pravasi Bharatiya divas, it is worth noting that India is among the very few countries which has an extensive and evolving policy framework for engagement with diaspora. Youth, both from India as well as the diaspora community, have made a remarkable journey in innovation, technology and creativity and PM Modi‘s priority is to build everlasting links with the Indian diaspora the world over. India’s capabilities always benefit humanity and it has been at the forefront of mitigation of global challenges specially against colonialism and terrorism which gave strength to the world to face these menaces.
One must always remember Ramana Maharishi’s message of absolute freedom coming out of self-inquiry where he demonstrated a life of absolute consciousness. People across the world are struggling with hectic ambition and stressful loneliness and one sure way of total freedom is delving upon “Who am I?” and following the teachings of Bhagwan. He has said that “…Freedom is not somewhere else…The real freedom is only knowing the Self,within yourself. Concentrate, and you will get it.”
In his life of 42 years, when an ordinary youth is bogged down with issues of settling in life, Guru Govind Singh ji sacrificed his entire family to save the dignity and heritage of the Motherland. Wielding the mighty power of his Kripan, not to terrorise, but to defend against the oppressive and brutal Mughals. A true democrat, he established the seat of the Panj Payaras, an order that had place for all, beyond the barriers of religion, caste, creed or gender. Prime Minister Modi has shared that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as “Veer Baal Diwas” as a tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice.
Some of the enemies in today’s times are different and one urgent fight for youth today is against substance abuse. COVID-19 has exaggerated the problem and reportedly more people are using drugs due to the economic downturn. Recently, the chief Justice of India NV Ramana has also expressed serious concerns over youth getting addicted to drugs. He said, “I am alarmed at the reports of an increased number of youth falling prey to intoxicants. I urge them to disassociate themselvesFrom substance abuse. Your mental and physical health is in your hands.” The fight to freedom is indeed manyfold and challenging but perhaps the most important thing to do in life.
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