मोदी के जीत के मायने कुछ अनकहे संदर्भो के दायरे में!
ये मोदी की भी जीत नहीं है। ये उस युवा सोच की जीत है जो अपने राष्ट्र को सचमुच विकास के राह पे ले जाना चाहता है तिकड़मी गन्दी राजनीति से ऊपर उठा कर। ये उस हिन्दू आस्था और स्वाभिमान की जीत है जिसके दायरे में संकीर्ण हित नहीं वरन संपूर्ण विश्व आता है।
मोदी के जीत में कुछ गहरे आयाम है। मोदी का जीतना एक विलक्षण घटना है। इसको कई संदर्भो में समझना बहुत आवश्यक है। ये समझने की भूल ना करे कि ये भारतीय जनता पार्टी की जीत है। ये मोदी की भी जीत नहीं है। ये उस युवा सोच की जीत है जो अपने राष्ट्र को सचमुच विकास के राह पे ले जाना चाहता है तिकड़मी गन्दी राजनीति से ऊपर उठा कर। ये उस हिन्दू आस्था और स्वाभिमान की जीत है जिसके दायरे में संकीर्ण हित नहीं वरन संपूर्ण विश्व आता है। ये उसी हिन्दू आस्था की जीत है जिसे सदियों से दासता के आवरण में रखकर खत्म करने की कोशिश की गयी हर तरह के आक्रमणकारियों के द्वारा लेकिन जिसने दम तोड़ने से इंकार कर दिया। मेरी नज़रो में तो प्रथम दृष्टया मोदी की जीत इस विखंडित हिन्दू आस्था को जीवंत करने के दिशा में एक शुरुआत है जिसमे अभी कई स्वर्णिम पड़ाव आने है। मोदी में लोगो को इस राष्ट्र को सेक्युलर मायाजाल से ऊपर उठाकर सचमुच के विकास को मूर्त रूप में लाने और इसे गतिमान बनाये रखने की असीम संभावना दिखी। इस कारण उन्हें पूरे राष्ट्र ने कन्याकुमारी से लेकर कश्मीर तक उन्हें हाथो हाथ ले लिया। इस आकांक्षा में मोदी कितने खरे उतरते है ये वक़्त बताएगा लेकिन खरे उतरने के अलावा उनके पास विकल्प भी कोई और नहीं है। मोदी तो भारत के राजनैतिक पटल पर एक चक्रवर्ती सम्राट बन कर आ गए लेकिन इसके पहले आसुरी शक्तियों ने चुनावी माहौल में जो करतूतें की उस पर एक नज़र डालना जरूरी हो जाता है।
लोकसभा २०१४ के चुनाव प्रचार सबसे विकृत और बिल्कुल एक व्यक्ति विशेष के विरोध पर केंद्रित थे। ये बहुत दुखी कर देने वाली बात है। आप अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति के चुनाव को देखे। वह मुद्दो पे आधारित बहस होती है। राष्ट्र हित सबसे ऊपर होता है और कुछ छींटाकशी वहा पर भी होती है लेकिन इसके बावजूद वहाँ राष्ट्र हित से जुड़े हर संवेदनशील मुद्दो पर गंभीर बहस होती है। हमारे यहाँ राहुल गांधी ने जिनके पास तो अपनी एक टीम भी थी पर युवा सोच के नाम पर मोदी के पत्नी को लेकर टीका टिप्पणी की! शायद हमारे यहाँ विकास इसी तरह किसी के निजी ज़िन्दगी के बारे में इस तरह की सोच रखकर होता है। किसी भी पार्टी ने देश हित से जुड़े मुद्दो पर अपनी राय स्पष्ट रखने की जरुरत नहीं महसूस की। वामदाल प्रकाशक/समर्थक तो लगता है जब तक अस्तित्व में है तब तक वे अपने गढ़े हुए निरथर्क शब्दों के जाल में उलझे रहेंगे और हर वो दंगे जिसमे उन्हें मुसलमानो का समर्थन हासिल हो सके उनकी सहानभूति बटोरकर वे उन्हें उभारते रहेंगे। ये मनहूस पलो को हरा रखते है ताकि जब जरुरत हो इनसे वोट मिल सके। अमेरिका आदि देशो में भी ऐसे ही टाइप के लोग है जो मोदी को गुजरात दंगो के लिए जिम्मेदार ठहराने वाली बात पे बहस तभी करते है जब भारत में चुनाव जैसे महत्वपूर्ण क्षण आते है। इसके अलावा हमारे यहाँ कुछ क्षेत्रीय दल है जिनके नेताओ के पास नीति तो कुछ नहीं सिवाय जातिगत राजनीति के विकृत मोहरो के अलावा लेकिन अकांक्षा सिर्फ यही है कि प्रधानमन्त्री कैसे बने। इनके पास भी राष्ट्र को देने के लिए कुछ नहीं सिवाय सीमित लफ़्फ़ाज़ी के कि सांप्रदायिक शक्तियों को रोकना है। जबकि सबसे गन्दी सांप्रदायिक राजनीति ये छोटे क्षेत्रीय दल खुद करते है।
सो इस बार के चुनावी संग्राम में इलेक्शन दर इलेक्शन बेहतर सोच को अपनाते मतदाताओ ने जिस तरह चादर से धूल हटाते है वैसे ही कुछ दलों को भारत के राजनैतिक नक़्शे से निकाल फेंका। ये दल अभी तक केवल विष ही बोते रहे है। इनके पास विकास के एजेंडे के नाम पर लोक लुभावन नीतियों के अलावा कुछ नहीं होता था और उसे भी ठीक से क्रियान्वित नहीं कर पाते थे। इन्होंने इतने सालो तक ना ही केवल मतदाताओ को ठगा वरन देश की संप्रुभता और अखंडता को भी तकरीबन गिरवी रख कर छोड़ा। वाम मोर्चा के सदस्यों ने तो केवल फ़ासीवाद ना उभरे हर हिन्दू विरोधी गतिविधि को जीवित रखा कांग्रेस के छुपे सहयोग के दम से और सब हिन्दू समर्थक या राष्ट्र समर्थक नायको को हिटलर की संज्ञा देते रहे। सही है जिस पार्टी ने सबसे बड़े तानाशाहों को जन्म दिया हो गरीब मज़दूरों के हितो के लड़ाई के नाम पर उनका इस तरह के मतिभ्रम का शिकार होना आश्चर्यजनक नहीं लगता। इस पार्टी विशेष के लोगो का आलोचना के नाम पर आलोचना करना कौवों के कर्कश कांव की तरह जगजाहिर है और इसीलिए इनके पेट में जब तक मोदी राज रहेगा तब तक रह रह कर पेट में मरोड़े उठती रहेंगी।
मोदी की जीत सोशल मीडिया की जीत नहीं पर हां ये जरूर है कि कांग्रेस के फैलाये झूठ का पर्दाफाश करने में इसने अहम भूमिका निभायी। अब तक कांग्रेस अपने मायाजाल को, स्व-निर्मित अर्धसत्य को लोगो पर थोपते हुए लोगो को ठगती आई। लेकिन सोशल मीडिया के दमदार इस्तेमाल ने मेनस्ट्रीम के बिके पत्रकारों जो कांग्रेस के लिए झूठ बेचते थे की दाल न गलने दी। कांग्रेस की करतूत वैसे भी सबको मालूम थी लेकिन सोशल मीडिया ने इस सन्दर्भ में युवा सोच को बेहतर ढंग से जागृत किया। एंटी इंकम्बैंसी भी हमेशा सक्रिय रहती है लेकिन मोदीराज के आने में सोशल मीडिया और एंटी इंकम्बैंसी से भी ऊपर युवाओ की इस सोच ने कामयाबी दिलाई कि अब केवल उसी को सत्ता मिलेगी जो सच में विकास करेगा या विकास लाने में काबिल होगा। इसी वजह से सडको पे हर तरफ युवा धूप में बिना किसी प्रचार के मोदी को सुनने गए, सोशल मीडिया पर मोदी से जुडी हर गतिविधि को ट्रैक किया और फिर हर गली और मुहल्लों में चाहे शहर हो या गाँव उत्साह से भरे रहे। वंशपोषित राजनीति जो समाजवादी पार्टी और कांग्रेस करती आई रही थी उसका इन्होने इस तरह से नाश कर दिया। ये पहली ऐसी लहर थी जिसका निर्माण किसी घटना विशेष ने नहीं किया। इस राष्ट्र प्रेम से ओतप्रोत लहर ने ही हर तरह के जहरीले प्रचार कि मुस्लिमो का पतन हो जाएगा को दबाते हुए हिन्दू सोच को सत्ता पे आसीन किया जिसने सदियों से पूरे विश्व को अपना समझा।
मोदी आ जरूर गए है लेकिन अब इनके सामने बेहद दुष्कर कार्य है। सो मतदाताओ को अपनी आकांक्षाओं में ना सिर्फ संयमित रहना पड़ेगा बल्कि बदलाव की अधीरता से पीड़ित ना होकर मोदी जी को अपने हिसाब से काम करते रहने देना होगा। बदलाव कोई जादू की छड़ी से नहीं आते कि आपने घुमाया और बदलाव हो गया। वर्तमान में इस राष्ट की ये दशा ये हो गयी है कि जैसे कोई गंभीर बीमारी से पीड़ित मरीज़ अंतिम साँसे ले रहा हो। सो ये सोचना कि सत्ता संभालते ही एक दिन के अंदर ऐसा मरीज़ दौड़ने भागने लगेगा केवल कोरी कल्पना है। हां मोदी को इस बात को समझना जरूर है कि अब उनके पास सिवाय अच्छा करने के और कोई अन्य विकल्प नहीं है। हिन्दुओ को अगर दिग्भ्रमित करने की चेष्टा करेंगे तो उन्हें भी हाशिये पर लाने में युवा ब्रिगेड देर ना करेगी। हिन्दू तो वैसे भी अपनी निष्कपट मन के कारण हर तरह का छल का शिकार होता आया है लेकिन अब और नहीं। इसी सोच ने इस अविश्वसनीय बदलाव को जन्म दिया और यही सोच अब इस बात को भी सुनिश्चित करेगी कि राष्ट्रहित में अच्छे कार्य होते रहे। और इसीलिए ये जरूरी है कि अब आने वाले वर्षो में कोई भी हिंदू विरोधी पार्टी अस्तित्व में ही ना आये। ये तभी संभव होगा जब मोदीराज में ईमानदारी से सार्थक बदलाव होते रहे। मोदी जी ऐसा ही करेंगे हम सब राष्ट प्रेम से जुड़े लोगो का यही मानना है।
ये जरूरी है कि अब आने वाले वर्षो में कोई भी हिंदू विरोधी पार्टी अस्तित्व में ही ना आये। ये तभी संभव होगा जब मोदीराज में ईमानदारी से सार्थक बदलाव होते रहे। मोदी जी ऐसा ही करेंगे हम सब राष्ट प्रेम से जुड़े लोगो का यही मानना है।
Pic Credit:
Varanasi: The City Of Moksha (Salvation)-Photo Feature
My Train To Varanasi Just Left Allahabad Junction’s Platform 🙂
Beautiful and serene Ganges 🙂
And Arrives Varanasi-The City Of Lord Shiva 🙂
The City Close To My Heart 🙂
Varanasi : One of the oldest living cities in the world 🙂
The Square (read crossing) always enjoys a heavy traffic in Varanasi 🙂
You will not find streets empty in Varanasi 😛
Mall Culture Also Prevails In Varanasi 🙂
Photogenic Kids Playing In One Of The Lanes In Varanasi 😛
Varanasi Breathes In Lanes 🙂
Every time I Visit Varanasi I Always Notice Streets In Making 😛
Benaras Hindu University Hospital
Roads Spread On The Campus Of Benaras Hindu University Were Not Only Clean But Also Empty!
A Beautiful Road Leading To New Vishwanath Shiva Temple Situated On The Campus Of Benaras Hindu University 🙂
Benaras Hindu University Has A Huge Campus 🙂
New Vishwanath Shiva Temple 🙂
Myself Outside The Temple 🙂
My Brother-in-Law Who Works At BHU Hospital Happily Played The Role Of Lensman For Images Which Feature Myself 😛 The Statue Behind Him Belongs To Sri Madan Mohan Malviya Ji Who Was The Founder Of This Great Benaras Hindu University (BHU)
Beautiful View Of New Vishwanath Temple 🙂
Inside The Temple 🙂
Extremely Beautiful Ceiling 🙂
Beautifully Built Temple 🙂
The Temple’s Walls Are Full Of Inscriptions Carved On It Over Marble Slabs 🙂
Sri Nandi The Bull : Vehicle Of Lord Shiva 😛
Greenery Is In Abundance 🙂
Sri Nandi The Bull Also Acts As Transmitter 😛 Devotees Of Shiva Believe That Whatever One Speaks Into The Ears Of This Bull Reaches Straight To Lord Shiva 🙂 My Brother-in-Law Did Not Miss The Opportunity 😛
For Me It Was Enough That I Came To Have The Company Of Nandi Maharaj 😛
On The Stairs Leading To Lord Shiva 🙂
Happy Divine Moments 🙂
Enveloped in divinity 🙂
The Simple Structure Behind Brother-in-Law Is Used By The Devotees To Engage In Chanting Mantras 🙂
Rose Garden 🙂
Extremely Beautiful View Of Temple 🙂
Evening Arrives 🙂
It’s A Two Storey Temple 🙂
Glad To Notice Sri Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam Strotam 🙂
Lord Shiva’s Statue On First Floor 🙂 Jai Shiva 🙂
That’s The Statue Of Lord Shiva Situated On The First Floor 🙂 Om Namah Shivay 🙂
Beautiful Ceiling That I Noticed On First Floor 🙂
Also Noticed Sri Laxmi- Narayana Ji’s Statues 🙂 Salutations To Both Of Them 🙂
Complete Srimad Bhagavad Gita Inscribed On One Single Marble Slab 🙂 Jai Sri Krishna 🙂
Also Noticed Sri Gautam Buddha In A Shiva Temple 🙂
One Feels Great Peace Of Mind At This Place 🙂
Goddess Durgaji’s Statue Inside The Temple 🙂 My Pranama To The Mother Of Cosmos 🙂
Brother-in-Law Sitting In Meditative Mudra Under Ashoka Tree 🙂 That’s The Same Tree Under Which Sri Sitaji Sat When She Was Held Captive At Lanka. It’s Believed That This Tree Has The Power To Make You Rise Above All Worries 🙂
Kanha My Cute Cousin Really Taken Aback On Seeing Me Leaving Varanasi. He Came To Bid Me Goodbye 🙂 Relax! I will Come Again And Again 😛 😛 😛
Hope Lord Shiva’s Blessings Always Keep Me In State Of Bliss 🙂
Mother Ganges At Mirzapur Which I Noticed While Going To My Village From Varanasi 🙂
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Many find Allahabad a very tough place to live an honourable life. That’s because even though it came to enjoy a wonderful divine legacy, it never ensured a desired vibrancy for average souls. It never created any scope for living a truly fun-filled life, being all the time involved in dry intellectual activities. Lack of proper encouragement on the part of city towards its vast pool of talented brains have now given way to brain drain sort of affair. Many great souls remained an unsung hero in this city. However, what’s amazing is that it keeps on producing great souls at a regular interval! In nutshell, it’s a city of true beauty, real romance and mysticism. The city teaches you how to remain true to life in a real way, making it very clear to any conscious soul that life is not a bed of roses and it is meant to discover new mysteries of nature. Naturally, average souls running after money, fame, beautiful girl, big house, big car and many other cosmetic affairs would always feel disappointed to be part of this city. Having said that, I hope this city learns to truly honour its exceptional souls and also learns to be bit more blissful!
That’s one of the major Lord Hanuman Ji’s temples situated in the heart of the city.. Anyway, it’s so ironic to see love birds engaged in romantic talks at this place 😛
The Streets Of Civil Lines Make People Of Other Areas Jealous 😛
Hard to forget this guy…During university days, I came to buy so many great classics, costly magazines at very reasonable rates..And this person made way for all sorts of desired adjustment. He proudly told me that someone from Times of India also came to click image of his magazine corner…This shop is hot favourite among students! Although Internet has affected the sales, it was good to anticipate the great spirit of his father, also seen in the pic, who digested the change in philosophical way. Now that’s called wisdom!
Quite a romantic place to have tea! It’s adjacent Company Garden!
When I say it’s a romantic place I really mean it too..Just close to this tea shop in Civil Lines area we have many beautiful plant nurseries.. So the air is full of fragrance 😛
Allahabad’s museum inside Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred Park or Company Garden). This museum displays the vehicle which carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi for immersion at Sangam and many other articles of great historical significance!
This park established in the memory of great revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad is now favourite place for morning walkers living in the heart of city.. In the noon time, one notices new- age romance 😛 Anyway, it’s a great place for an outsider wishing some isolated hours!
At such places, like this old man, one gets lost in deepest memories hidden in subconsciousness!
Company Garden has the honour of having this wonderful Government Public Library. This majestic building built in Gothic style was designed by R. Roskell Bayne. This building is of immense significance since here only Legislative Council for the North Western Province and Oudh held its first meeting on January 8, 1887. Let’s not forget that Allahabad was capital city of United Provinces from 1902 to 1920! Anyway, I am happy that in my college days I was the most frequent visitor! Even now also I can be seen here 😛
It’s not that one notices only romance in parks..In Allahabad most of such parks are occupied by serious students preparing for competitive examinations!
And those students who are not studying inside Company Park are seen ferociously involved in Cricket match 😛 ..This is the biggest park of Allahabad.
Just see the vastness of the park that many teams are playing at the same time 😛 😛 😛
Saint Joseph’s college which lies adjacent to Company Garden 😛
That’s the road which connects Company Garden with Civil Lines-the heart of city dominated by glamour and modernity!
The Mall Culture In Civil Lines!
Well, this new age glamour does attract me but not for long!
Statue of Subhas Chandra Bose Amidst Mall Culture 😛
Laxmi Book House is first choice of any journalist! By the way, how many times do you notice cinema hall and prominent magazine/newspaper corner close to each other 😛 😛 😛
Palace Theater enjoys a great place in the memories of all good cinema lovers. It’s one of the oldest theaters in the city. However, its old charm has given way to this new modern appearance ! My choice also witnessed drastic changes from “Thodi Se Bewafai” (1980) to ” Ship of Thesus” (2012) at this Palace Theater 😛 😛 😛
However, this historic cinema hall in old Allahbad, Niranjan, failed to start again. This hall needs to be renovated at the earliest. Two prominent movies which I came to see here when they got released were Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi(1982) and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).
Indian Coffee House enjoys a special place in hearts of all literary class. It has witnessed many great literary and political figures carving a niche for themselves at global level since late 50s!
Resting place of capitalist forces 😛
Worried about your future 😛 Consult this astrologer at Civil Lines under this tree 😛
A Tree taken aback by pomp and show at Civil Lines 😦
Public Service Commission – an office where my father worked as an officer. And we lived in the residence situated on the huge campus of this office. Later, we shifted to Lucknow branch of the same office! Allahabad is city devoted to prominent government offices in Uttar Pradesh. Civil Lines area is mainly occupied by such government institutions.
Allahabad is also known for coaching institutes!!
And that’s the place where I work: Allahabad High Court 😛
Greenery is in abundance at Allahabad High Court 😛 😛 😛
Nearly all newspapers have their offices in Civil Lines area. However, Northern India Patrika’s office holds a special place in my heart. This is one of the oldest newspapers in India which started in year 1868. It was then named Amrita Bazar Patrika. Today, all good news editors and journalists are by-products of this newspaper. Today it’s financially not that successful but editors like V.S. Datta have kept its standards high. V.S Datta, senior-most journalist from Allahabad, is its editor since early 60s. And when my first article appeared in print in this newspaper in year 1995 he was the one responsible for its publication. I owe a lot to him for all my accomplishments as a writer/journalist. May Lord give him long life and good health!
A Journalistic road..The road running parallel to Patrika House!
Lawyer’s Hanuman Temple 😛 😛 😛 It’s situated close to Allahabad High Court. Most of the lawyers first have Hanumanji’s blessing and then proceed towards their respective chambers 😛 😛 😛 …
Geeta Niketan Temple In Tula Ram Bagh!
These areas are so over-crowded that one thinks twice before paying a visit ! This place is called Kotha Parcha. Courtesy Telephone Department that I have to come here quiet often to buy phone related instruments 😦
One of the busiest rail bridge!
Pathar Chatti Ramleela Committee’s Venue which hosts many programmes related with cause of Hindus! It’s situated in Ram Bagh area of Allahabad.
This Hanumanji’s temple in Rambagh is also quite well-known temple in Allahabad 🙂 Hanumanji rocks in Allahabad 😛
Cute Street At Rambagh!
It’s a place which gives rise to new doctors 😛 😛 😛
Allahabad has proper roads, any doubt? 😛 😛
Theosophical Society in Allahabad. ” Blavatsky portrayed the Theosophical Society as being part of one of many attempts throughout the millennia by this hidden Hierarchy to guide humanity – in concert with the overall Intelligent Cosmic Evolutionary scheme – towards its ultimate, immutable evolutionary objective: the attainment of perfection and the conscious, willing participation in the evolutionary process.”
Roads teach you a lot!
This place bears testimony to meeting of Rishi Bharadwaja with Lord Rama…However, this park is nowadays chosen spot of lovers 😛 ..Anyway, meeting of Sri Rama, Sri Vishnu’s incarnation, with Rishi Bharadwaja would always remain one of the most significant moments in the history of Prayag!
Sometimes some places in Allahabad give you the feeling that you are moving in Kashi 🙂
That’s the ancestral home of India’s first prime minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru which Indians know as Anand Bhawan. It played a significant role in Indian freedom movement. That’s why visitors never miss this place 🙂
Hope new generation gets right message from being at such places. This place also has a famous planetarium.
Places like Anand Bhawan are not picnic spots but these places are now best remembered for spending few hours in fun-filled way..Anyway, historical legacy has ensured survival of these small shopkeepers selling eatables!
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Reference:
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One) Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
Why have the Brahmins become a miserable lot in modern India ?
We have become used to making crass remarks in our times.One of the most common perception is that Brahmins are themselves responsible for their downfall.It’s their bonhomie with corrupt thought patterns that have eclipsed their glory.There is cycle of events. Since Dalits were oppressed at the hands of Brahmins in previous ages,it’s now their turn to oppress the Brahmins. Ironically, reservations have nearly created such a scenario in which Brahmins have become a marginalized class.
Interestingly, the rise of women is also being hailed as per cycle of events.The men tortured them in previous times.Now it’s their turn to harass men.Here too female oriented laws and reservation for them are virtually tearing apart the man and woman intimate relationship.I would not deny that both in case of Dalits and women some injustice indeed had been done in past.However,let these problems do not give rise to solutions that become more dangerous than problems!
However,the same thing is happening in our society?The solutions in form of laws and reservation may or may not have improved the face of Dalits or women but they have indeed polarized the society to a dangerous extent.At present,the Indian society has become playhouse of strange set of values that have virtually toppled all good beliefs.Reservations have replaced meritocracy with mediocrity leading to great frustration among the talented souls.
A married woman threatens to implicate the husband in false case if the husband dares to prevent her from wrongdoings.In modern terminology that’s being hailed as “awareness”. However,my thinking mind,fails to treat that as awareness.Is it awareness that has given rise to so many complexities of all types? Is that awareness that makes a women file a false case ? Is that awareness which place mediocrity above meritocracy merely to honour reservation policies ? I feel that if awareness is creating so many problems for me then it’s better that I should fast become most ignorant !
One women’s rights female supporter once told me that rising number of divorce cases in courts is indicative of the fact that women have now become aware of their rights ! That means court cases are directly proportional to level of awareness ! Readers please don’t blame me for such odd assumptions.I am only stating on basis of perceptions that have hit our society in recent times.No body should assume that I am against reforms.Or that I am against corrective measures. I am only stating that while framing new rules for new society just be extra conscious so that our better ways and means don’t trap us in unspeakable problems.
One reason why our solutions have backfired is because we arrived at them via lies and falsehood sponsored by progressive literature and ,of course, because we treated theories created by Britishers as ultimate truth.One such theory is that Brahmins prevented other classes from having access to knowledge of Vedas.However,we find not only great woman scholars but we also find that characters like Kakbhusundi narrating tales of Rama to Garuda or for that matter Lord Shiva in form of a “chandala”(low person) giving discourse to Sri Shankara !
We never dared to question the findings of foreign scholars who talked about us in prejudiced way.They said men oppressed the women.We believed that with eyes wide shut.They told us that Brahmins suppressed and harassed the Dalits.We also believed that in toto.We never tried to question the exaggerated versions.As a result ,we are a society caught in worst type of contradictions.Anyway,I was talking about the downfall of Brahmins.I agree they have deviated away from highly virtuous lifestyle.
I wish to know haven’t we all deviated away from a life based on values?Why Brahmins alone are being ridiculed as hypocrites,as ponga pandits ?They may have fallen from grace but then is that fall solely because of their own character flaws ? I mean if Brahmins have deviated away from the life based on values then is that because they have willingly chosen to do so ? I don’t think so.May be most of us have stopped treating them as representative of virtues ,especially in urban belt, but I can still say with conformity that they are still the fountainhead of wisdom.
They are still unparallel in their understanding and approach.They are still finest combination of wisdom and balance which is why they are hailed as Panditah(one who is owner of wisdom and equanimity ).No wonder why a dalit leader finds her social engineering incomplete without their pivotal role ! It’s another thing that very system in which they come to play an important role they are being subjected to humiliation of all sorts.I will not go into past to tell that they enjoyed a high position,to an extent that all our main incarnation of Gods washed their feet and had their blessings.“I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, – astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis, etc.It is very important to note that some 2,500 years ago at the least Pythagoras went from Samos to the Ganges to learn geometry.But he would certainly not have undertaken such a strange journey had the reputation of the Brahmins’ science not been long established in Europe.” (Voltaire)
It’s really painful to see Brahmins stripped of their dignity in our present society.Even they themselves admit that since they have given to modern lifestyles it’s hard for them to hail themselves as Brahmins ! Some openly tell that they drink beer and are involved in prohibited actions. However, having seen society from all possible angles,I must say they are still the best class of human beings on planet earth.
That’s why I refuse to believe that Brahmins would have ever treated Dalits or women the way it has been depicted in foreign literature.In my eyes the real culprit are the patterns that we followed for past many centuries.
Can’t we see that how modern education has distanced away from our roots that most of the Gen-Next people are absolutely unaware of the finer traits of our legacy?How can we honour our roots if we are so cut-off from our past ? Same logic can be used to explain why Brahmins are so ashamed to acknowledge their true worth or, for that matter,why they have made themselves susceptible to humiliation ?They have just lost hold of the attributes that made them special.It’s still with them but they are unable to manifest it.Remember, a diamond even in guttered water shall remain priceless and precious.My point is that circumstances are to be blamed more than their own individual flaws which have led to downsizing of their aura.It’s time for the Brahmins to recognize their true worth.They should mend their manners and learn to keep themselves above the ironies of our times.
The essence of India is the essence of Brahmins.From birth till death the shlokas carved by them show us the way.If time has written for them a role mired in humiliation then they should accept that with grace.However,the ironies of our times should not be the excuse for them to move away from the divinity that exists in them. I hope their bond with divinity shall remain intact which is so necessary to keep universe no less than as reflection of the kingdom of devas(gods).
References:
Education system Given To Us By The Britishers
Pic Credit:
From Kashi With Bliss !!!!
Lord Shiva’s Abode
Gangaa Taranga Ramaneeya Jataa Kalaapam
Gauree Nirantara Vibhooshita Vaamabhaagam
Naaraayana Priyamananga Madaapahaaram
Vaaraanasee Purapatim Bhaja Vishvanaatham.
Adore Shiva who is the Lord of city named Varanasi,
Who is the lord of the world,
Whose tress-locks are held together by the beautiful waves of Ganges,
Whose left is side is adorned continuously by the presence of Sri Gauriji,
Who is dear to Narayana,
And who absolves the pride of Kamadeva (Ananga).
(From Kashi Vishvanath Ashtkam)
Kashi Vishvanath Babaji
I have always had a deep desire to have an intimate view of the city so closely interwoven with the attributes of Lord Shiva. Yes, I am talking about Kashi or Benaras or Varanasi which is one of the most sacred and ancient cities on this planet. The city that is closest to the heart of “Bhole Baba” (Lord Shiva) who loves aimless wandering here and there rapt in his own thoughts, caring a damn about life around him. No wonder, the denizens of this city have developed more or less the similar traits.Full of life and masti (happiness) we can find them enjoying “Kachauri and Jalebi ” (hot favourite dish of localities) at every nook and corner of the city side by side representative of Lord Shiva-the bulls.
I was in Varanasi to meet my sister in law working at BHU(Benaras Hindu University). Back at Allahabad I was dying to take a break from the hectic writing schedules. So when I got the invitation from my sister I was on cloud nine. Sometimes we need to break the chain of episodes of monotonous life. I should tell my readers that my relatives belong to Varanasi but missed connections and rush of life prevented me from landing in the city. I have been to the city numerous times but failed to mingle with happenings there owing to concerns of life.The city that I admired and loved a lot was still a stranger until the present visit.
The oldest living city of the world
The train journey was a fascinating one. I love to visit via passenger trains and not express trains in short journeys. That allows me to have a glimpse of the simple life of ordinary citizens. Most beautiful was the sight of Ganges as the train crossed the Jhunsi Bridge. The serene waters of Ganges was quite a rejuvenating experience. The greenery that prevailed on this route was another thing that gave me undistorted pleasure. I really enjoyed various eatables on various stations be it “garam aaloo pakodas” at beautiful Gyanpur station or hot tea at Madho Singh Station!! The train compartments on this route are full of interesting activities with sellers selling one eatable or the other.
The most beautiful thing about these cute small stations is that they take you back to India of 19th century. They have retained their rustic touch amidst the currents of globalization. The stations still use old mode of ensuring smooth departure of trains. Some of them still have mud made platforms instead of the cemented ones. The arrival of the Varanasi station put an end to this short and beautiful journey.
Jhunsi Bridge Over Ganges
The auto ride from Varanasi station to BHU make me realize that face of city has changed a lot. The rustic touch I intercepted in the train journey gave way to hi fi glamour initiated by the waves of globalization. The big shopping malls selling branded jeans etc., the big car showrooms, the high profile restaurants and girls in trendy dresses driving fast latest brand of vehicles with or without male partners were enough to make me realize that the city has given way to latest changes. It was on the way to become a clone of any Western city. Thanks to ancient roots in form of huge number of temples scattered in the city the switch-over is a slow one.
My sister was happy to see me. She informed me about the monkey menace. She told me that a pack of “chura and matar” (Poha-Green Pea Dish) was lifted by the monkey some days back. She had brought it to prepare morning snacks for me !!! That’s why I found most of the main doors in her locality closed !! However, this explanation was a facade.Varanasi, of late, has become hunting ground of Mafias. The daughters and sons of wealthy citizens are abducted by them and are left only after being delivered a huge ransom. The impact of their menace has made the citizens to be extra cautious. The doors remain shut !
Ganges Belongs To Everybody
I had an opportunity to visit Sampurnanand Sanskrit University there. The auto ride from BHU to that university was pretty melodious one !!! I came to hear many interesting so-called bhojpuri (local dialect in Varanasi region) songs like “lagai deeha cholia me hook rajaji ” (fasten up the blouse hook) with passengers that included pretty girls as well !!!! It was a pretty interesting sight to note huge crowd outside a theater showing a Bhojpuri movie !! After all, visiting a theater in disc age is not at all a a desirable option. Anyway, the mind came to recollect the taste of delicious Benarasi Chaat(an edible made of mashed potato) which I came to taste on landing in the city. I am great lover of Aaloo Chaat. Not a single shop be it in Lucknow or Allahabad has missed my eyes !! However, to be honest, the taste that Benarasi Chaat offers is simply nonpareil.
The university had now arrived. It’s a Sanskrit University but I found that “Mukhya Bhavnam” (main building ) is old British age building !! Just after that main building there is the statue of one of the British principals R alph T. H. Griffith !!! As per historical records the Britishers passed a resolution in year 1791 for establishment of Sanskrit College. This college in the year 1958 attained the status of University via the efforts of Sampurnanand. The place still retains the charm of ancient age !!! The university’s office is devoid of basic facilities but the staff tried its level best to solve my problem !! I returned back from there with pleasant experience to see students discussing whether they should go in for “Jyotish ”(Astrology) or “Vedanta” (Branch Of Upanishads) or “Sahitya” (Literature) under a Vata Vriksha (Banyan tree)? Even the Benarasi Paan (betel leaf) that I was now chewing could not prevent me from smiling !!!
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University
Benarasi Paan…..Khaike Paan Benaras Wala :-))
On the second day of my stay at Kashi , attended a lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam held inside the premises of BHU. My brother in law who works at BHU hospital made a memorable remark that you rarely find busy souls like doctors and senior medical college professors involved in making of such functions. The thought that “it happens only in Varanasi “flashed though my mind once he finished his remark !!! On way to Malviya Hall I noticed that attendants who have arrived with the patient were sitting in open at the premises of OPD. The hospital authorities at both Medical College in Allahabad and BHU Hospital in Varanasi should make proper arrangements for people who arrive with the patients.They should not be left at the mercy of Lord.
At the Malviya Hall where this lecture was organized is a very well maintained building.I was informed that Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya -the great Hindu reformer- used to stay here. I must say that doctors did a brilliant job. I found one group involved in musical rendering of Srimad Bhagavatam in Ram Charit Manas style. I was informed that it was first such attempt to sing it in that style !! A prominent citizen of the city recycled Sanskrit shlokas into language used by the Ramcharit manas !! The other group was taking care of the refreshments.
Benaras Hindu University
The students from music department of BHU made the evening quite a musical one.Someone from them sang this beautiful bhajan: Ek Radha Ek Meera, Dono Ne Shyam Ko Chaha, Antar Kya Dono Ki Chah Me Bolo, Ek Prem Diwani Ek Darash Deewani ( There are two lovers of Krishna Radha and Meera, Both are in deep love with Krishna, Now tell the difference in love of these two noble ladies ? One seeks deep love and the other seeks constant presence of the beloved ! ).The bhajan led to the lecture, whose essence was that ultimate aim of lower self is merger with the Greater self via the path of knowledge or path of devotion.
After attending the lecture not enough time was left to have the darshan (view) of Bhole Baba at New Vishvanath Temple inside the BHU premises.In fact, Lord Hanumana was more interested in seeing us than Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva) !! I was having a deep pain in one of my legs but I asked my brother in law not to miss the darshana of Hanumanji at Sankat Mochan Temple. Soon we were there. It was Saturday so there we a long line of devotees.
Beauty Personified
On the final day of the stay at this sacred city, I had planned to eat Kachauri Jalebi but my sister was adamant on making me taste home made Chola-Bhatura.She is a great cook.I had to give way to her delicious Chola Bhatura but since I had woken up early in a mad desire to eat Kachauri Jalebi I decided to have a morning walk on the streets of Varanasi. They say mornings of Kashi and evenings of Lucknow are awesome !!! True. The bells of temples added new dimension in the morning period !! The divinity seem to reverberate in the atmosphere ! !
However, the kid inside me asked the brother in law ,” The city’s landscape is filled with modern buildings but I fail to understand why the civic authorities have failed to construct proper roads ?” Some of the main roads are in very poor shape. Imagine the plight of new comer having a ride in overcrowded auto moving in fast speed on these routes. I saw one of the lady passengers asking the auto driver to take care of the potholes but that stupid driver cared a damn for advice !! My brother in law didn’t answer my question but asked me to take note of the fact that Varanasi has fallen in love with hospitals ! ! In his area alone there were numerous huge hospitals offering quality treatment !!!! The morning walk ended with some jalebis (sweet dish) minus kachauris within my belly !!!
Sun Gets Blessings Of Ganga Mai
- Varanasi In Night Time
Ganga Aarti,Varanasi
In the evening that followed my great wish to see Ganga Aarti(prayer offered to Ganges) got fulfilled. We were soon at Dasaswamedh Ghat- one of the oldest and holiest Ghats of Benaras. The atmosphere there was so heavenly.The serene waters of Ganges,the chants of shlokas, the bright and beautiful faces of people gathered there and the spiritual stillness that permeated the ghat all combined to give an unique experience that’s very hard to define in words.
People from distant lands also looked so involved in the happenings there. I saw many of them in state of meditation !!! Some of them were busy clicking images while some of them were eager to drop a burning diya into the Ganges !! The Ganga Aarti was indeed a breathtaking one !! Such a pleasing sight for the eyes !! What else can eyes have more better than that ? When the Aarti finished, I felt a journey to paradise has ended !!
Godowlia
We were now at Godowlia.This is close to the Dasaswamedh Ghat. A wonderful place so full of life and colour. There was a huge crowd involved in various activities !!!! I was taken aback by the sight !!It appeared to me that whole city has arrived at Godowlia !! I mean this type of crowd in cities like Allahabad come out only during Dussehara but here I find same number of people at Godowlia without any specific purpose.However, I smiled inside.That’s the real spirit of Banarasis. They enjoy the life a lot. As I sipped the hot tea at one tea stall famous for special tea at Godowlia, I came to see life gaining life !!!
Gate That Leads To The Kashi Vishwanath Baba
Kashi Vishvanath Temple
- Ganges Makes Even Darkness Bright
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