– Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar
Today, we need to comprehens with our attitude towards life and depth our roots. When we consider ourselves better, pride in our past, we naturally create responsibility and familiarity towards our cultural origin, language, music, food and knowledge traditions.
Look at the size of India- it is equal to one-third of America’s territory, but its population is three times. There are twenty -two official languages here, and in addition to these, there are many dialects and upbolsters, innumerable cultures, traditions and beliefs. Despite this immense diversity, this country is moving as an inseparable unit. The reason for this is the spirituality of this land. People here still smile and happy. Indians should be proud of this.
The spiritual tradition of India is very long and its history of connecting people is unique. People from all over the world have been coming here in search of true happiness, knowledge and peace. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is endowed with a rich heritage of spiritual literature and philosophy- whether it is science Bhairav, Shiva Sutra, Ras Hriday Tantra such as Kashmir Shaivmat or Tirukkural-like Tamil scripture. Thousands of manuscripts and palm books have remained until even today. Many rare and ancient manuscripts are being preserved and digitized by the efforts of some international universities.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the beaches and backwater of Kerala, from the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to the Wildlife Sanctuary- the diversity in tourist destinations in India is hardly anywhere else in the world. There are world -class scientists and technical brains and has immense demographic capacity. Tourism, catering, information technology, textiles, jewelery, Ayurveda, yoga and spiritual practices- India has a lot to give to the world.
Patriotism does not mean that you cannot be a global citizen. These two are not contrary to each other. Every person has the right to take pride in their country, language and culture. Just as a Kannada speaker should be proud of Kannada, similarly a French is on French. When people of Senegal, Mongolia or any other country tell about their beautiful cultural heritage, share their traditions, it enriches everyone. This proud is not a narrow nationalism, but a respect for its roots and heritage. When you understand the value of your culture, only then you are able to respect and admire the culture of others.
Today, technology, knowledge and intellect cannot be tied in boundaries in the world connected among themselves. We do not reject Finland’s mobile phone just because it is made there, nor Italy’s pizza. Similarly, spiritual knowledge, whether he comes from anywhere, can raise the mind and soul and should accept it with an open mind, as well as give proper credit for it. As Newton is credited with the principle of gravity, while this rule existed before that. Similarly, yoga and Ayurveda were born in India and it was gifted by our sages to the world. This truth should be respected.
Today yoga is being molded into many forms and names. Innovation has its own place, but the tradition and essence of yoga should be respected and the sages who give it to the world must get credit. The same applies to Ayurveda. This ancient science was given by our sages as a complete method of health and treatment. Branding it as ‘herbal medicine’, its depth is inferior and disrespecting the sight of the mystics who gave it to the world. This is a type of intellectual theft.
India has always held a respectable place in the world. But we used to hesitate to take pride in our deep roots on the world stage. Now it is changing. India has a lot to give to the world with this new self -respect. The absence has to be removed by attaining self -respect. With self -respect we have to increase our productivity and bring prosperity in the country. Now is the time to wake up from our sleep, gather courage, remember the sacrifice of our ancestors and work for progressive India.
