Swami Vivekananda’s Vision of Building a Resurgent India
Sunday's webinar on 27th September, 2020 was focused on building a Resurgent India in the light of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and philosophy. Dr. Balasubramanyam, founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Mysuru, Karnataka was the guest speaker for the day. The webinar began with the welcome address by Swami Bodhamayananda ji. A beautiful bhajan presentation was made by Anirudh Sharma, a volunteer of VIHE and an artist of Indian Raga. The young minds of Balavikas Kendra bound with energetic zeal and motivation narrated the powerful teachings of Swami Vivekananda. It filled the minds of all with high spirits to serve the nation. Pavan Deshmukh, a young enthusiast, VIHE volunteer, educating the tribals in the rural belts of Chhattisgarh, shared his inspiring experiences. The books, “I, the citizen” and “Voices from Grassroots” authored by Dr. Balasubramanyam motivated him to serve the underprivileged.
The life of Dr. Balasubramanyam, a medical doctor by profession, is a journey of a 17-year-old boy of a middle class family to the corridors of Harvard University. Inspired by the message of Swami Vivekananda, he is contributing with his medical services as doctor for the upliftment of the downtrodden. The books authored by him have inspired many to develop an insight to meaningful messages and works of Swami Vivekananda in India and abroad. He cited the literary work ‘The Gift Unopened’ by American research scholar, Eleanor Stark. She had mentioned in her work how in the 19th century America was growing into a different America under the influence of Swami Vivekananda and the Chicago address. She quotes, “If Columbus discovered the land of America, Swami Vivekananda gave the soul.” If we really want to understand the extraordinary India we should make an extra effort to broaden our vision. He emphasized how Swami Vivekananda always preached the need to discover that extra in you to become that extraordinary. Swamiji always professed that each one of us can become extraordinary. Growth of India means growth of the world. Within the sense of surrender lies the power of resurgence. The building of resurgent India requires Practical Vedanta. It requires every Indian to discover that extraordinary power which lies within him/her.
Dr. Balasubramanyam says, “Problem is not in Vedanta, it is in the understanding of the youth.” Dr. Balasubramanyam mentioned the three crucial crises: Ecological, Societal and Crisis of the self that India faces today. He cautioned the removal of these crises should be of fundamental concern for all. The Ecological imbalance is a threat. It has to be dealt with a committed mindset. On one side where manufacturing of one jeans requires almost 8000 litres of water, on the other side there are crop failures due to no rains in some parts of the country. Simple, small thoughts when put into actions turn into beautiful reforms. Every small decision we take is consuming the mother earth. “Not by a revolution but by an evolution can a new India arise.” says Dr. Balasubramanyam. Today’s problem is the inequity in the society, Economical Inequity, Digital Inequity. A 13-year-old student in Mysore was asked by her teacher to join the online classroom, so she asked her parents for a smartphone to join the class. But what can they do when they can’t afford one? She felt humiliated and committed suicide. The cost of smartphones makes it beyond the reach of poor children creating a huge learning gap. We need to understand that technology is a problem, but can be a barrier also! It is unacceptable to see the youth of the world committing suicides. Dr. Balasubramanyam says, “Not by pulling down the rich but by pushing up the poor can a new India arise - using the rich to uplift the poor.” Ask yourself what can I do? Leadership is everywhere, it’s in a student, a doctor, an engineer, it’s in all ordinary people doing extraordinary things who work with no expectations. “To do is our responsibility, don’t worry about the change, they’ll finally change!” says Dr. Balasubramanyam. Several years after political freedom, our country still doesn't have societal freedom. The Joy is not in understanding the power, the Joy is in celebrating the lives of powerlessness. In whatever field you are, do it with 100% positive intent for others and the rest will follow-up, the change will happen.
Sri Charitha and Deepshikha, Volunteers of VIHE ended the webinar with a wonderful wake-up call in the form of a song, Jago Mere Bharat vasi, Samay nahi hai sone ka, Lekar sandesh Swamiji ka, karke kuch dikhaneka !
ARISE! AWAKE! AND STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED!
Here is the recording of the webinar recording for those who missed it !