In several ways, the life and work of Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) marks the historical process of India rediscovering herself in modern times. Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendra Nath Datta, was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. These are also emblematic of the ways in which a tradition modernizes or creates alternative forms of modernity. He was also credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the 19th century. 

Generally speaking, his contribution to India and to the larger world may be summed up in four ways. First, in modern India, it was Vivekananda who first emphasized that our everyday lives would become more meaningful only when spiritualized. It was in this spirituality that he re-discovered, as it were, India’s message to herself and to the world. 

Second, even though the Swami rejected political praxis and West inspired social and religious reforms, his essential message was the empowerment of the people: through education, collective thought and action but above all, realizing the underlying unity of all human existence. In the Hindu tradition, ascetic detachment from the world had been criticized even before Vivekananda but it was he who first actively joined the idea of individual renunciation to committed social service. In this sense, he gave new meaning or signification to the very idea and institution of sanyas. 

Third, there is the love that Vivekananda consistently exhibited for the socially marginalized and oppressed. He could be equally at home in poor homes and princely quarters as well, be sumptuously hosted by the rich and the powerful and also share the coarse chapati of a scavenger or share the hookah with a cobbler. It is he, who even before Gandhi, reinvented and effectively used the older religious idiom of God especially residing in the lowly and the poor. 

Fourth, it was the Swami’s consistent desire to bring back India’s pride of place in the assembly of nations, as a civilization which, not withstanding momentous historical changes had yet retained subterranean threads of commonness and unity. At the same time, like his guru, Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda fully believed in universality, cosmopolitanism and compassion. As he saw it, mutual kindness and compassion between man and man was more important than that coming from a distant God. 

On Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary, here’s the full text of his famous Chicago speech through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago in 1893. 

11th September, 1893: 

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Concluding address on 27-Sep-1893: 

The World’s Parliament of Religions has become an accomplished fact, and the merciful Father has helped those who labored to bring it into existence, and crowned with success their most unselfish labor.

My thanks to those noble souls whose large hearts and love of truth first dreamed this wonderful dream and then realized it. My thanks to the shower of liberal sentiments that has overflowed this platform. My thanks to this enlightened audience for their uniform kindness to me and for their appreciation of every thought that tends to smooth the friction of religions. A few jarring notes were heard from time to time in this harmony. My special thanks to them, for they have, by their striking contrast, made general harmony the sweeter.

Much has been said of the common ground of religious unity. I am not going just now to venture my own theory. But if anyone here hopes that this unity will come by the triumph of any one of the religions and the destruction of the others, to him I say, “Brother, yours is an impossible hope.” Do I wish that the Christian would become Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish that the Hindu or Buddhist would become Christian? God forbid.

The seed is put in the ground, and earth and air and water are placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, or the air, or the water? No. It becomes a plant. It develops after the law of its own growth, assimilates the air, the earth, and the water, converts them into plant substance, and grows into a plant.

Similar is the case with religion. The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.

If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world, it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written in spite of resistance: “Help and not fight,” “Assimilation and not Destruction,” “Harmony and Peace and not Dissension.”

There are countless number of actors . Among them very few would leave a mark on the characters they play. But there are even very few who would make themselves the character they play. The way they walk, talk and pronounce their lines has become certain folklores in ages to come. Even though their lives are short lived, they attain popularity, which is synonymous to the roles they played. One among such actors is Chilakapudi Seetha Ramanjaneyulu aka CSR.

CSR was born at Narasaraopeta village in Andhra Pradesh on 11 July 1907. Perhaps his father, who was a good astrologer knew the destiny of his son and predicted that he would become an artiste of repute and likewise encouraged him to pursue an acting career.

CSR was a reputed actor on stage. There were times when he was seen in the garb of Lord Krishna on stage, much before NTR made his mark as Lord Krishna on screen. Such popular was his act in the play ‘Krishna Thulabharam,’ that people came to see him from far off places and revel in the bliss of his acting. As with time, films have eclipsed theatre and CSR quit his Co-operative Sub-Registrar job and joined the Telugu film field.

CSR made his film debut with the role of ‘Sri Rama’ in the film ‘Rama Dasu’ in 1933. The film got him neither any recognition nor more roles. He got a break in 1936 with ‘Draupadi Vasthrapaharanam’ produced on ‘Saraswathi Talkies’ banner. CSR acted as ‘Lord Krishna’ in this film along with reputed actors of theatre like Yadavalli, Dommeti, Kannamba, Rama Tilakam and direction of HV Babu. CSR received Rs 5000, a huge amount in those days, as his first remuneration.

CSR continued to excel in the mythological roles as “Sri Rama” in Sri Rama Paduka Pattabhishekam’ and “Lord Venkateswara” in ‘Sri Venkateswara Mahathyam’. These films remain as milestones in the career of CSR. His glory raised with ‘Bhishma’ produced on ‘Shobhanachala’ banner. CSR enthralled the audience also as singer in this movie.

CSR proved that he is equally adept at social dramas when he acted in ‘Gruha Pravesham’. The role he essayed had shades of the famous character ‘Girisam’ from the play ‘Kanya Shulkam’ by Gurazada Apparao. More roles followed and CSR went on to essay them in socials  and mythologicals as well simultaneously. He was awarded the Best Actor for the film “Bhakta Kuchela” in which he was the ‘Kuchela.’ When this movie was produced in  Malayalam, the producer requested him to act in “Bhakta Kuchela”, which was criticlaly acclaimed as well.

But his acting career received  crown in the form of “Sakuni mama” act in the legendary and evergreen  film “Maya Bazaar” in the year 1957. CSR had relaid the benchmark for the character of Sakuni. His portrayal of the hideous character was so authentic that people started believing that the real Sakuni during the Mahabharata period might have behaved in the same way as CSR did. Even to this day he is remembered as the Sakuni. His lines are much remembered even to this day since his dialogue modulation and unmatched expression are  of extraordinary nature that can be expected only from a genius.

Later on, he played a role in “Rao Bahadur Ramadasu” , which was witty and satiristic. “Appu Chesi Pappu Kudu” had further cemented his place in the pantheon of actors in the history of Telugu Cinema. The entire film was based on his pyrotechnics and the film had achieved cult status in the genre of Social satires. Though the film had many stalwarts like, NTR, SVR, Savitri, Relangi and others, it was CSR who had left a mark with his act.

He was inspirational to the later day actors like Chittoor. V Nagaiah who believed that CSR was his mentor. KV Reddy appreciated him as an actor who would create sensitive humour through his diction and action.

CSR tried his hand at direction in“Shiva Ganga” and “Rikshawala”. Unfortunately, both the films were not completed.

In 1945, he was elected as Chairman of ‘Madras Cine Workers Union’. He was active in social welfare activities and silently donated money to many persons ,who were in troubles. He was a simple man and was against any publicity. He was fond of badminton and was a good player at the game. He used to spend his evenings at this game. He had four daughters and one son. 

CSR in Griha Pravesham(1946) 

CSR Anjaneyulu in Bhakta Kuchela 1961 ( Malayalam)

The sanyasi who declared “The national ideals of India are renunciation and service” is arguably the most popular youth icon in the country. Born on 12th Jan 1863, he is 150 years young and still going strong !

What makes Swami Vivekananda tick among the youth and what makes him the most sought after guiding force for crores of youngsters ? What makes his views on holistic personality development relevant even today ? 

In his best-seller ” Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, world renowned management guru Stephen Covey writes about “The Personality Ethic” and “The Character Ethic”. He writes that the Western world has been emphasizing on the personality ethic which focuses on how to dress, how to smile, how to stand, how to talk, how to sit and so on. This is characterized by the thousands of books that have been published around this subject by authors like Dale Carnegie, Allan Pease, Napolean Hill and many more modern-age personality development writers. However, he emphasizes that “The Character Ethic” is more crucial. It is what one is on the inside that makes the long term impact. The development of the personality is not external but internal. This is the oriental way, he writes. The West’s understanding of Bharat’s legacy has been improving in recent times. Bharat’s world-view forms the fulcrum of what is termed as the oriental worldview and an excellent articulation of this was done by Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda through his life and message exhorted the youth to develop their personality and work for the nation. He understood the limitations and travails of the youth of the country and gave the mantra of holistic personality development.

At the same time he was convinced that “A hundred thousand men and women, fired with the zeal of holiness, fortified with eternal faith in the Lord, and nerved to lion’s courage by their sympathy for the poor and the fallen and the downtrodden, will go over the length and breadth of the land, preaching the gospel of salvation, the gospel of help, the gospel of social raising-up — the gospel of equality.”

He spoke of Vyaktitva vikaas ( personality development) in a new paradigm while acknowledging that whatever he has said is not new but was part of our scriptures. His views gained more impact because he lived what he spoke.

It would be worthwhile to discuss his views on a holistic personality which was based on the traditional Bharatiya view of personality development , viz., pancha kosha vyaktitva vikas (the 5-fold personality development process). This development process is all the more vital for us because we are a country with 40% of youth-force and a holistic personality of the yuva-shakti is essential for a strong and vibrant nation.

1. Annamaya Kosha Vikas

- Developing Strength (Shakti )The development of a strong body falls in the realm of the Annamaya kosha.

He famously exhorted youth saying ” You will understand the Gita better with your muscles stronger”. Strength Is Life. The Gita preaches “Paritranay Saadhunam, Vinashaya Dushkrutan, Dharma Samsthapan“. ( protection of good persons, punishment of the wrong-doers and protection of Dharma). How can we achieve this without being strong ourselves ?

“Everything that can weaken us as a race we have had for the last thousand years. My friends, as one of your blood, as one that lives and dies with you, let me tell you that we want strength, strength, and every time strength”.

2. Pranamaya Kosha Vikas :

The control of prana, steadfastness the training of the mind and building a strong character fall in the realm of the Pranamaya and Manomaya kosha.

- Developing Concentration & Steadfastness : He says” To me the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collecting of facts. If I had to do my education over again, and had any voice in the matter, I would not study facts at all. I would develop the power of concentration and detachment, and then with a perfect instrument I could collect facts at will. Side by side, should be developed the power of concentration and detachment.” He demonstrated this in his personal life by an incident where on he not only read the ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ but also answered many questions on difficult and varied topics/subjects, from different volumes. Swamiji not only replied each correctly, but in many instances he quoted the very language of the books!

Later he greatly emphasized to cultivate power of mind in the form of purity and concentration for spiritual gains, so also perfection in many arts and studies in science and other branches of education.

3. Manomaya Kosha Vikas

- Developing Strong Character & A Strong Mind – A strong body with sound knowledge must have a healthy character. He says “The basis of all system, social or political, rests upon the goodness of men. No nation is great or good because Parliament enacts this or that, but because its men are great and good. Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, place them day and night before you, and out of that will come great work. Take up an idea, devote yourself to it, struggle on in patience, and the sun will rise for you”.

How to build a strong character he says is by doing good, thinking holy thoughts continuously, that is the only way to suppress base impressions….Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform character. If a man thinks good thoughts and does good works, the sum total of these impressions will be good; and they….will force him to do good even in spite of himself.

4. Vignanamaya Kosha Vikas:

The process of acquisition of knowledge, both Para and Apara Vidya ( worldly and spiritual) form the realm of the Vignanamaya Kosha.

Swamiji was a great propounder that Indians need to equip themselves with both modern scientific knowledge and at the same time strive for the knowledge of the Atman. This is clearly demonstrated when he inspired Jamshedji Tata to start the Tata Institute of Science and personally encouraged Sir J.C.Bose in all his experiments. At the same time he said “realize that understanding human nature is the highest knowledge.”

Holistic Education – ” We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet. The ideal of all education, all training, should be man-making. But instead of that, we are always trying to polish up the outside. What use is polishing up the outside when there is nothing inside? The end and aim of all training is to make the man grow. The man who influences, who throws his magic, as it were, upon his fellow-beings, is a dynamo of power, and when that man is ready, he can do anything and everything he likes; that personality put upon anything will make it work. “

5. Anandamaya Kosha – The Sheath of Bliss

The acquisition of strength, knowledge and concentration is complete only when we identify ourselves with the larger society, when our qualities are useful to the nation. The process of merging our individuality for the greater good of the nation and humanity is the way to bliss – development of the Anandamaya kosha. This development of this sheath leads to bliss and true happiness.

Swamiji says ” Feel, my children, feel; feel for the poor, the ignorant, the downtrodden; feel till the heart stops and the brain reels and you think you will go mad; then pour the soul out at the feet of the Lord, and then will come power, help and indomitable energy. “

Moving Forward : The challenges before the country will have to be answered only by introspective youth who want to make a change. There are questions each of us has to ask ourselves. What are the challenges facing me and my country ? Where is my nation heading to? Where am I heading ? What is my life’s compass ? What is my dream of a strong & vibrant country and how can I contribute for it ? Out of this introspection will arise the answers and the ideal.

The next phase would be to stick to an ideal inspite of pressures from all quarters, both internal and external. That is the hall mark of a hero. Swamiji says” Hold Up An Ideal – Never mind failures; they are quite natural, they are the beauty of life, these failures. Hold the ideal a thousand times, and if you fail a thousand times, make the attempt once more.”

Out of these individual and collective goals and ideals, we would all be able to bring to reality the dream of Swamiji. He declared “One vision I can see clear as life before me that the ancient Mother has awakened once more, sitting on her throne- rejuvenated, more glorious than ever. Proclaim her to the entire world with the voice of peace and benediction”.

The 150 Years celebrations of his Jayanti ( birth anniversary) is a great occasion to resolve ourselves to the glory of our nation.

Article originally published in Hans India -

1.http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=1&subCategory=5&ContentId=113213#.UPE9uZ-hKvI.gmail

2.Short Link – http://tinyurl.com/bhwh5an

The writer is a CEO in a software company in Hyderabad and can be contacted at arisebharat@gmail.com.

- By Ayush Nadimpalli

Corruption means dishonesty by those in power, typically involving bribery. When an elected representative misuses his powers or changes his decision due to certain unfair circumstances it is referred to as corruption. A person who receives or gives bribe is said to be a corrupt person. For example, if a police officer accepts money, he is said to be corrupt. Although we say that India is a democratic country which got freedom 64 years ago, but we are still not free from the hands of corruption. The only difference is that the British have been replaced by the corrupt rulers. Now days, corruption rules us. Corruption is damaging the economy of India badly.

The major problem in India for its present state is corruption. We often blame the government when we see unhygienic circumstances but that is not true. The government is sanctioning financial aids to improve our country but it is not reaching the people because some corrupt officers are swindling it. Every day, in the newspaper we see different scandals and scams.

The government has passed several laws but none of them are being executed because of some corrupt officials who have been appointed by the government to ensure that the relief reaches the needy people. If the care takers themselves are corrupt then India can never progress. Corruption is caused by fear, the fear of losing power. People want to come into power these days not to serve the country or its people but to make themselves rich. The new name for politics is corruption .To earn high positions in the constitution they bribe the common people by making false promises at the time of election and on coming into position they change their goals and forget their promises.

Corruption has become a form of cancer and has started spreading like a epidemic.

In 2012 India has ranked 94th out of 176 countries in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Some true patriots of the country like Anna Hazare, Dr.Kiran Bedi etc. are trying to fight and kill corruption but are yet to achieve 100% success. Have you ever imagined if one person all by himself can get the Lokpall Bill passed at this age, then if we all unite there is nothing which we cannot achieve? If we all unite we can kill the major problem i.e. Corruption.

It is very truly said that “Unity Is Strength”

My ideas to fight against corruption

1) We should all follow Anna Hazare and support him in this noble cause.
2) We should not offer bribe nor should we receive bribe.
3) If we find anyone offering or receiving bribe we should immediately inform the police.
4) Educate the people so that they can choose their right representatives at the time of elections.
5) Try and achieve 100% literacy in India.
6) Lokpal bill is not the end; it is just a new beginning of justice and a warning to the corrupt people.
7) All of us should follow the path of honesty and the youth should play the lead role.
8) Corrupt people should be punished severely.
9) Constant income tax raids and investigations on assets must be done.

Nowadays if you want to seek admissions in good colleges you need to pay donations, what is donation nothing but another name of corruption. Merit has lost its value. Today there is hardly any field which is not affected by corruption. Even a child is familiar with this word.

Corruption sounds difficult to control but if we all unite we can kill corruption very soon and live in a better India. Think of it and act immediately.

Writer: Vijay Ananth, SSC student, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan , Kuwait

Now the day is over and night is drawing nigh shadows of evening steal across the sky.Now the darkness gathers and stars begin to peep, Birds, beasts and flowers will soon be asleep…

But not for the twinkling stars of cinema… how they are always adored twinkle by twinkle until a time comes when they wrinkle …and we look back upon them with nostalgia and reflect upon them now as Living Legends.

She is just one such star known for her twinkling toes. Yes! It’s none other than the Diamond Jubilee star – Vyjayanthimala – actress, Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, a reluctant Carnatic singer, Golfer, Table Tennis player, ex-Parliamentarian. etc.

Last spotted at Esha Deol’s wedding – 70+, ramrod straight and elegant as always, her kohl-lined eyes, elaborate bindi and slender hands speaking a language of their own; reminding us about the fact that when she was acting in films, she was not married & when she got married, she stopped acting in films. She started off as ‘paapukutty’ (fondly called) or the ‘idly-face’(as she was mercilessly teased) in the Tamil film “Vazhkai”, which opened up a new vazhkai (life) for her.

There was no looking back after this film. Coming from a conservative Vaishnavite family with a strict routine right from her childhood, she may have missed her celebrity mother Vasundhara Devi (a popular actress herself who went away to a path of destruction later on in life) who left them when she was in her early teens, but with a fond silent father and a disciplined granny (Yadhugiri Devi) she reached the pinnacle of success like none other. She was so fond of her grandmother that even though she liked one plait, she wore two plaits for her, chiffons & mysore georgettes instead of the South Indian checked sarees, small teeka instead of a big bindi as long as she was alive… Even her 1st coffee/tea at the age of 30 years & so on…

Is it not destiny that everything simply worked out in her favor and she became a national dancing star overnight with a creative blend of ‘bhava’ (mood) & ‘abhinaya (expression of the emotion)? Acting came naturally to her because she put three more aspects of abhinaya in histrionic art – Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (interpretative dance), and Natya (dramatic representation connoting either Nritta or Nritya or both). Of all the dancers who have pursued a screen career along with their art, Vyjayanthimala paid the most attention to austerity of technique and command over rhythmic footwork. With her beauty, vivacity and suppleness how she has lit up the silver screen and left an indelible image for generations of genuine filmy lovers!

India is country that has harbored many cultures, religions and empires. From the early Aryan civilization to the British, India has gone through a lot of changes, good and bad. Good I say because of the variety of knowledge we have gained, the insight we have procured and religions and cultures that stay in harmony and peace. And bad because of the borders we set up around countries, around certain sections of people and the destruction that our own brothers and sisters cause to our country. From all the problems, there has always been a group of people who has been protecting our motherland from problems outside and within our country. Yes, they are the brave soldiers of the Indian army. 

I have a great repect to the soldiers as my grand father served in Indian Army. I felt that we should learn about the lives of these brave young men and women who have dedicated themselves to serve our country. The life of an army officer is not an easy one. They have to undergo rigorous training, maintain their physique and mental prowess and at the same time be ready for any emergency, anytime. For an officer, he might not have a guarantee for his life, but he can proudly say that he has done a lot for our country. They stay away from their family, and protect their most respected mother, India. They sometimes lose their lives in this process, but they are happy. They did their best to protect their motherland. Often, these war heroes go unnoticed, unheard and even disregarded. But the fact is, unlike heroes we see on the screen and in the television, these are the real ones, fighting hard. Their conditions of live are tough, but they are ready for it. 

When I read about the recent killing of the Indian army men at the border, I realized that these men are the ones to be praised. We have elected our ministers and government, but they don’t do the duty of standing by the borders of our country protecting us every single day and neither can we. They are praised and then forgotten like the countless war heroes in our country. It is such a pride to see the army officers during the parade. It is not in their shiny uniforms rather it is in the patriotism that is there in their hearts. 

Some say that being a soldier is not rewarding. A job is not in the money that we make rather it is in the service we do to our society and country. We may become an engineer or a doctor, but finally if we settle in another country and forget to give back to our own, we have nothing for our motherland that has made you reach where you are.

With this age of globalization and information, the youth of our country are keener in getting well earning jobs than giving back to our motherland. Civil services are an area where our youth should focus more. Army service should also be taken into consideration. It is not a job for all. It is a job for the brave and dedicated for it is a challenging job. Think of those thousands in our country who have been doing this job for the past years. They have been working hard for our protection, for our motherland’s protection. When the terrorists attacked various parts of our country, the army officers have done their best to bring the culprits behind them. 

Our country should change its outlook about heroes. Heroes are not those who go around shooting people, getting fancy cars and getting the girl in the end, rather real heroes are those who keep the peace of this country alive. Real heroes are those who have spent their lives away from luxuries of their home and family to fight for our country when needed. Real heroes are those who put their lives in danger, to protect our lives. It is these heroes that need the media attention and the attention of the government. Their death should not go unwarranted or maybe a small article in the corner of the newspaper. Rather it should be brought to the light. Think about the families of the deceased army officers, their pain and suffering. When these army officers die fighting, our government should ensure that they get help and support quickly and efficiently. The government has the duty to ensure that these families, despite having lost their family member, can live with their head high, without depending on others for help. This is the least our country can do for those who have protected millions of families across the country. If the country these officers served deserts their family in the end what is the use of serving the country? 

I think we should spread the awareness of the benefits of military services in our country and encourage the youth to join NCC and other branches. They can understand the lives that these officers go through and learn to appreciate them. Our country has provided us with a freedom of choice. Use it wisely and for the betterment of our country. On this 64th republic day of our great nation, let us take an oath to ourselves to return back to our country and understand our real heroes, the army officers and soldiers who have helped our country in many ways we cannot imagine. Here is a small poem I have written, dedicated to those brave young men and women.

Our country can stand high,
With no fear or any enemy war cry,
For we have the brave men and women,
Our army, who protect us, now and then.

Our country’s flag flutters,
The beautiful tricolor, it flutters.
I salute those officers, who gave their lives,
So that safe and sound, remains others’ lives.
For these are the brave men and women,
Our army, who protect us, now and then.

With each passing second, with each passing minute,
We may not think about them, not a bit,
But these are the ones, who have to be remembered,
Forever, the heroes to be remembered.
For these are the brave men and women,
Our army, who protect us, now and then.

I hope our country prospers,
Remains safe, forever and ever,
Let us respect the people behind this,
The valiant people behind this,
For these are the brave men and women,
Our army, who protect us, now and then. 

~Jai Jawan~

Written by Vivek Unnikrishnan, Kuwait.

The youth of India have great creative energy with the positive potential to take them to spiritual heights. If human creativity is a special quality, then the “Never say die!” spirit is its apex. Demographically, today’s India is at its youngest best and has the power to meet any challenge with the collective consciousness and effort of all people, especially young people.

This is the perfect time when youth is alert and aware and provoked by the environment and lack of values. India is a nation facing incredible challenges. This is evident from the utter lack of safety and security for the girl child and women anywhere in the country and the impunity with which monstrous elements like rapists heap violence on girl children and women.

On the one hand, people can see such huge wealth and on the other, more than one-third of the people go without a second meal every day. We have examples of the very affluent as well as the extremely poor. And millions of our children have no access to education, even at the primary level. And we are still grappling with the issue of child labour.

Swami Vivekananda delivered a lecture on the issue of difficulties in life. He made the plea for the need for nationwide renovation with the ideals of ‘tyaga’ or sacrifice and ‘seva,’ selfless service, the most imperative aspects of shaping the life of young people. The monk made the point that this way of life is what can be called ‘spiritual pursuit’. The brevity of human triumph and the impermanence of material wealth were of serious thought to this philosophy. What he challenged us to do was to give ourselves a noble reason to live, a lofty ideal to live for and a higher state to reach within the boundaries of human existence.

The only qualification that Swamiji looked for in youngsters was to cultivate and nurture the ability to ‘feel’. He offered his potential ‘mantra’ and desired to take solid action so that those who wanted to go beyond just feeling could do so. The most influential P’s are: Purity, Patience and Perseverance. The P’s are the great traits that the youth of today are rich in and this is evident from their keenness to be part of positive change that will have impact on entire society.

Purity is of thought and achievement. Patience is to understand the dynamic form and need to focus on the area for improvement. Today’s youth needs enormous perseverance to take part in the multifaceted challenges we face in today’s society. They need to place their efforts in the realities of livelihood, societal stages and political variety. And for these attempts to seriously address socio-political and ethical-moral issues, they need great perseverance. If not, one could easily get drained and unmotivated.

Swami Vivekananda believed that working for any social change required massive energy and spirit. Hence, he requested the youth to amplify both their mental energies and physical fitness. What Vivekananda wanted from the youth were ‘muscles of iron’ and ‘nerves of steel’. Today, the youth are exceptionally responsive and they just need to be encouraged in their quest for justice for common benefit. Swami Vivekananda was and is not only the medium; he is himself the message as well for the youth of India.

By Mithun Dey

I have three visions for India. In 3000 years of our history people from all over the world have come and invaded us, captured our lands, conquered our minds. From Alexander onwards. The Greeks, the Turks, the Moghuls, the Portuguese, the British, the French, the Dutch, all of them came and looted us, took over what was ours. Yet we have not done this to any other Nation. We have not conquered anyone. We have not grabbed their land, their culture, their history and tried to enforce our way of life on them. Why? Because we respect the freedom of others. That is why my first vision is that of FREEDOM. I believe thatIndiagot its first vision of this in 1857, when we started the war of independence. It is this freedom that we must protect and nurture and build on. If we are not free, no one will respect us. 

My second vision forIndiais DEVELOPMENT. For fifty years we have been a developing Nation. It is time we see ourselves as a developed Nation. We are among top 5 nations of the world in terms of GDP. We have 10 percent growth rate in most areas. Our poverty levels are falling. Our achievements are being globally recognized today. Yet we lack the self-confidence to see ourselves as a developed nation, self-reliant and self-assured. Isn’t this incorrect? 

I have a THIRD vision. Indiamust stand up to the world. Because I believe that unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. Only strength respects strength. We must be strong not only as a military power but also as an economic power. Both must go hand-in-hand. My good fortune was to have worked with three great minds. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai of the Dept. of space, Professor Satish Dhawan, who succeeded him and Dr. Brahm Prakash, father of nuclear material. I was lucky to have worked with all three of them closely and consider this the great opportunity of my life. 

I see four milestones in my career: 

ONE: Twenty years I spent in ISRO. I was given the opportunity to be the project director forIndia’s first satellite launch vehicle, SLV3. The one that launched Rohini. These years played a very important role in my life of Scientist.

TWO: After my ISRO years, I joined DRDO and got a chance to be the part ofIndia’s missile program. It was my second bliss when Agni met its mission requirements in 1994.

THREE: The Dept. of Atomic Energy and DRDO had this tremendous partnership in the recent nuclear tests, on May 11 and 13. This was the third bliss. The joy of participating with my team in these nuclear tests and proving to the world that India can make it, that we are no longer a developing nation but one of them. It made me feel very proud as an Indian. The fact that we have now developed for Agni a re-entry structure, for which we have developed this new material. A Very light material called carbon-carbon. 

FOUR: One day an orthopedic surgeon from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences visited my laboratory. He lifted the material and found it so light that he took me to his hospital and showed me his patients. There were these little girls and boys with heavy metallic calipers weighing over three kg. each, dragging their feet around. He said to me: Please remove the pain of my patients. In three weeks, we made these Floor reaction Orthosis 300 gram calipers and took them to the orthopedic center. The children didn’t believe their eyes. From dragging around a three kg. load on their legs, they could now move around! Their parents had tears in their eyes. That was my fourth bliss!

Why is the media here so negative? Why are we inIndia so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great Nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why? We are the first in milk production. We are number one in Remote sensing satellites. We are the second largest producer of wheat. We are the second largest producer of rice. Look at Dr. Sudarshan, he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit. There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters. 

I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert land into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news. InIndiawe only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime. Why are we so NEGATIVE? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign TVs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology. Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-reliance? 

I was inHyderabadgiving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is: She replied: I want to live in a developedIndia. For her, you and I will have to build this developedIndia. You must proclaim.Indiais not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.

Allow me to come back with vengeance. Got 10 minutes for your country? YOU say that our government is inefficient. YOU say that our laws are too old. YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage. YOU say that the phones don’t work, the railways are a joke, the airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination. YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits. YOU say, say and say.

What do YOU do about it? Take a person on his way toSingapore. Give him a name – YOURS. Give him a face – YOURS. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. InSingapore you don’t throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground Links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive throughOrchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway orPedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity. InSingapore you don’t say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn’t dare to eat in public during Ramadan, inDubai. YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah. YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange inLondon at 10 pounds (Rs. 650) a month to, “see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.” 

YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 kph) inWashingtonand then tell the traffic cop, “Jaanta hai sala main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so’s son. Take your two bucks and get lost.” YOU wouldn’t chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches inAustraliaandNew Zealand. Why don’t YOU spit Paan on the streets ofTokyo? Why don’t YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates inBoston? We are still talking of the same YOU. YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country why cannot you be the same here inIndia?

Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay Mr.Tinaikar had a point to make. “Rich people’s dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,” he said. “And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels? InAmericaevery dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same inJapan. Will the Indian citizen do that here?” He’s right. 

We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and AirIndiato provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity. This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public. 

When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? “It’s the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons’ rights to a dowry.” So who’s going to change the system? What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbors, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU. When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr. Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand. Or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run toAmericato bask in their glory and praise their system. WhenNew Yorkbecomes insecure we run toEngland. WhenEnglandexperiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

Dear Indians, The article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one’s conscience too….I am echoing J.F. Kennedy’s words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians…..”ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY”. Lets do what India needs from us.

We have wept long enough; no more weeping, but stand on your feet and be men. It is a man-making religion that we want. It is man-making theories that we want. It is man-making education all round that we want. And here is the test of truth-anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject as poison; there is no life in it, it cannot be true. Truth is strengthening. Truth is purity, Truth is all knowledge. Truth must be strengthening, must be enlightening, must be invigorating. We speak of many things parrot-like, but never do them; speaking and not doing has become a habit with us. What is the cause of that? Physical weakness. This sort of weak brain is not able to do anything. We must strengthen it. First of all our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterward. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through a study of the Gita. You will understand Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You will understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of Krishna better with a little of strong blood in you. You will understand the Upanishads better and the glory Of the Atman when your body stands firm upon your feet and you feel yourselves as men. What we want is vigor in the blood, strength in the nerves, iron muscles and nerves of steel, not softening namby-pamby ideas. Be moral, be brave, be stridently moral and brave. Don’t bother your head with religious theories; cowards only sin, brave men never. Try to love anybody and everybody.”~Swami Vivekananda

Gurajada Venkata Appa Rao panthulu garu [1862-1915] is perhaps the most celebrated modern Telugu writer. There may be controversies and strong sectarian feelings surrounding other great writers like Sree Sree and Viswanatha. But Gurajada is universally respected for heralding the modern era. His epochal writings had far reaching influence and encompassed many aspects of modern Telugu Literature. Sree Sree and several other major figures had almost idolized him. His works have retained their freshness even a century after they were originally written. His Kanyasulkam is billed as one of the greatest works in world literature. Many a literary critic said repeatedly that if one were to collect a list of one hundred indispensable books from all the languages of the world combined, Kanyasulkam would figure prominently in that list. Gurajada was a scholar of classical works as well as European literature. He was one of the earliest to part ways with classical traditions in poetry, drama, and prose. His close associates such as Gidugu Rama Murthy and his own initiatives were primarily responsible for what is now known as “Vyavaharika Bhasha Vadam” In more ways than one, his 1910 work Mutyala Saralu (along with Kattamanchi Ramalinga Reddi’s musalamma maraNam, 1898 ) form the earliest works heralding a break with traditional poetry. If one must anoint someone for the title of “father of modern Telugu poetry,” it would be Gurajada. He was the first to write modern short stories in Telugu. He was also the first to write a “fully modern” drama. His works are among the most exceptional examples of a masterly blend of literary brilliance and avowed social purpose.

Gurajada lived most of his life in and around Vijayanagaram in what was then called as Kalinga Rajyam . He and his father before him were both employed by the princely state of Vijayanagaram. Gurajada enjoyed a close relationship with the ruling family during his adult life. Two dates of birth (according to western calendar) have been calculated based on Gurajada’s horoscope, viz., Nov.30, 1861 and Sept. 21, 1862. Apparently, his descendants prefer the second date. Gurajada was born at his maternal uncle’s home in Rayavaram village near Yelamanchili (Visakhapatnam Dt.). His parents were Venkata Rama Dasu and Kausalyamma. He had a younger brother by name Syamala Rao. Gurajada’s ancestors seem to have moved to Kalinga region from Gurajala village in Krishna Dt. (hence the family name?) Venkata Rama Dasu worked as a Peshkar, Revenue Supervisor, and Khiledar in the Vijayanagara Samsthanam. He was well educated and had a good command in Sanskrit. He died in an accident while crossing a small river Utagedda near Vijayanagaram. 

Gurajada had his initial schooling (till age 10) in Cheepurupalli while his father was working there. His remaining schooling was done at Vijayanagaram after his father passed away. During that time, he lived in relative poverty and maintained himself as a varalabbayi. He was generously taken care of by the then M.R. College Principal, C. Chandrasekhara Sastri who provided him free lodging and boarding. He completed his matriculation in 1882 and obtained F.A. in 1884. Soon after, he was employed as a teacher in M.R. High School in 1884 with a salary of Rs.25. He was married to Appala Narasamma in 1885. In the mean time, he continued his studies and graduated with B.A. (Philosophy major and Sanskrit minor) in 1886. For some period during 1886, he worked as Head Clerk in the Deputy Collector’s office. On Vijayadasami day, 1887, he joined as a Lecturer (Level IV) in M.R. College with a salary of Rs.100. Around the same time; he was introduced to Maharaja Ananda Gajapati (1850-1897). This prince had a significant role in encouraging the arts and education in these parts of the country. Gurajada gradually developed a cordial relationship with the prince. This association led to his involvement with the princely family for a long time. In 1887, Gurajada spoke at a Congress Party meeting in Vijayaanagaram. His daughter  Lakshmi narasamma was born in 1887. He was simultaneously involved in social work and became a member of the Voluntary Service Corps in Visakhapatnam in 1888. He was elected vice-president of the Ananda Gajapati Debating club in 1889. His son Venkata Ramadasu was born in 1890. In 1891 he was promoted to Lecturer (Level III) with a salary of Rs.125. He taught the F.A. and B.A. classes several subjects including English Grammar, Sanskrit Literature, Translation, Greek & Roman Histories. His younger brother Shyamala Rao died in 1892 while studying at Madras Law College. 

In the previous ten years, Gurajada Appa Rao (along with brother Shyamala Rao) had been writing several English poems. His Sarangadhara, published in “Indian Leisure Hour” was well received. The editor of the Calcutta based “Rees and Riot” Sambhu Chandra Mukherji read it and re-published it in his magazine. He encouraged Gurajada in many ways. While praising Gurajada’s talent, he actually encouraged him to write in Telugu. He told Gurajada that however talented he might become in English, it is still a foreign tongue and that he would scale greater heights if he chose to compose in Telugu. Gurajada too was gradually coming to this conclusion. During this period, it is also said that Gurajada was also in correspondence with a British Journalist and author. Gundukurti Venkata Ramanayya, editor of the “Indian Leisure Hour” encouraged Gurajada greatly during the same period. In 1891, Gurajada was appointed to the post of Epigraphist (Samsthana Sasana Parisodhaka) to the Maharaja of Vijayanagaram. 

In 1892, Gurajada’s celebrated drama “Kanyasulkam” was staged for the first time. It became an instant hit. It was the first Telugu drama expressly written in spoken dialect. Prior to that, there were dramas that employed spoken dialect in a few parts of the drama. Vedam Venkata Raya Sastry wrote a very popular drama “Prathaparudreeyam,” where he followed the Sanskrit example in allowing the so-called “lower” characters to use spoken dialect while the so-called “upper” characters used chaste literary dialect. Veeresalingam Panthulu wrote some dramas, notably “Brahma Vivaham,” with some spoken dialect content. This drama was written more as an accessory to his crusade against social evils than for literary enjoyment. The Kanyasulkam was the first to achieve both the aims and an unparalleled achievement it was! The success of Kanyasulkam encouraged Gurajada to open up and seek out others with similar views. He came in contact with several contemporary luminaries. The rumbling sounds of movement to support spoken dialect as a platform for literary activity were gathering around that time. Gurajada’s childhood friend and classmate in Chipurupalli, Gidugu Rama Murthy (1863-1940) was the leading light of this school of thought. The highly successful staging of Kanyasulkam gave this movement a big boost. It conclusively showed that works that have undisputed literary value and are very popular could be composed in spoken dialects. Even the opponents of the spoken dialect movement such as Kaseebhatla Brahmayya Sastry had to concede that the Kanyasulkam has a significant literary merit. The success made Gurajada a sort of celebrity. He was being sought after for literary events and for reviewing other literary works. 

In 1896, Gurajada tried to establish a magazine by name “Prakasika.” It is not known whether this magazine was ever published. In 1897, Kanyasulkam was published (by Vavilla Ramasastrulu & Sons, Madras) and was dedicated to Maharaja Ananda Gajapati. In the same year, the prince died following a brief illness without leaving a successor. After this, Gurajada was appointed as personal secretary and advisor to the Maharani of Reeva (Appala kondamamba -sister of Anada Gajapati). Gurajada had his second daughter (third child) Puligedda Kondayyamma in 1902. In 1903, a court case was filed challenging the right of Ananda Gajapati’s mother (Alaka Rajeswari) to adopt an heir to the throne of the principality. Gurajada was put in charge of taking care of all the legal proceedings. The case dragged on for many years and ended in an out of court settlement in 1913. 

In 1905, Gurajada’s mother passed away. In 1906, his close friend P.T. Srinivasa Iyyangar, principal of Mrs. A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam started an association to promote curriculum reform in high schools. One of the chief aims was to introduce spoken dialects. Along with him, J.A. Yates (1874-1951) -a British civil servant, Gidugu and Gurajada were the principal members. Another friend S. Srinivasa Iyengar (1874-1941) also gave a lot of support and encouragement. Incidentally, this Srinivasa Iyengar was a well-known lawyer and was the President of AICC (All India Congress Committee) annual session at Guahati in 1926. Gurajada attended the 1908 Congress session at Madras. Gurajada developed some health problems and took some time off to convalesce at the Nilagiri hills. While taking rest, he got around to preparing the second edition of Kanyasulkam and published it in 1909. This edition was completely revised and greatly expanded compared to the original version. It is this edition that made the drama a truly outstanding work of art. Each character developed a life of its own and they all came together in an unforgettable comedy. The next year, he participated in a community meal at Berhampur where people of various classes and castes shared the same food and ate together. Around this time, Gurajada started writing very prolifically and composed several poems, songs and short stories. These works are among the most famous in Telugu literature. 

In 1911, he was appointed to the Board of Studies by Madras University. The same year, Gurajada and his friends started the Andhra Sahithya Parishat to promote the use of spoken dialects. The next year, he was invited to attend the meeting of the Vangeeya Sahithya Parishat (Bengal Literary Association) at Calcutta. The same year, his second patron, Maharani of Reeva died. Gurajada took retirement in 1913 with a pension of Rs.140. Madras University honored him by making him a “Fellow.” His health started deteriorating slowly. He constructed a new house and moved into it in 1915. After a few months of illness, Gurajada passed away in 1915.

By

Praveen

Duggirala Gopalakrishnayya was one of the famous leaders in the non-violent Indian Freedom Movement. He attracted millions of Andhra people to the movement through his poetry and speeches.

He was born in Penuganchiprolu village in Krishna district on June 2, 1889 into a Brahmin family. His father was Kodandaraamaiah and mother was Seethamma. He studied in high schools in Guntur  and Bapatla cities. While at school, even at that young age, he founded “Jaateeya Naatyamandali (National Dance Group)” to help develop arts such as drama and music.

He went to England for higher studies. After graduating with MA degree from Edinburgh University, he worked with Ananda Kumara swamy for some time and translated Nandikeswara’s Abhinaya darpanamu from Sanskrit into English entitled, “The Mirror of Gesture,” published by Cambridge-Harvard University Press in 1917.

After a brief tenure as a lecturer at Rajamandry Training College and Bandaru National College, he jumped headlong into freedom struggle. In 1919, the British government unified Cheerala and Perala municipalities into one municipality. Gopalakrishnayya called for a non-cooperation movement against this action. This movement became one of the most important milestones in the Andhra freedom struggle. He traveled extensively in Andhra, after the Nagpur Congress Convention in 1920, to propagate the aims of the meeting. He was jailed for one year when he disobeyed a ban on speeches in Barampuram.

He was very much interested in Telugu folk-arts and toiled for the uplift of these arts. Telugu folk arts include toalubommalaata (puppet show), jamukulakatha, burrakatha, veedhinaatakaalu, saamu gaaradeelu, golla kalaapam, butta bommalu, keelu gurraalu, vaalakaalu, gosangi, guravayyalu, saradhakatha, kinnerakatha, kommu boora, jodu maddela, palle suddulu, toorpu bhagotham, chuttukaamudu, pitchikuntlavaalla katha, sadhana soorulu, palanati veera vidyavanthulu, etc. He founded a journal entitled, “saadhana.” He strove for the spread of libraries in Andhra in a movement called grandhalayodyamamu (library movement).

He was very spiritualistic and a Rama worshipper. He formed a volunteer group called ‘Ramadandu,” which was a well-organized, patriotic and spiritual organization. He was awarded the title “Andhra Rathna (Gem of Andhra)’ by the people in 1921 at a meeting in Guntur.

Three episodes during the Civil Disobedience Movement in Andhra attracted the attention of the whole country. The first and major one was the Chirala-Perala episode led by Duggirala Gopalakrishnayya. He served for some time in the Government College at Rajahmundry and the National College at Machilipatnam. He was, however, not satisfied with the kind of education that was imparted there. Moreover, after attending the Calcutta Congress in 1920, he was attracted to the program of Non-co-operation and resolved to dedicate his life to the achievement of Swaraj. For this purpose he trained thousand disciplined band of warriors and gave them the name `Ramadandu’. He put them to test at the All-India Congress Session in Vijayawada to maintain peace and order and the All-India leaders were immensely pleased with the kind of work they did.

It was an unprecedented step in the history of the country. For eleven months people lived there in thatched huts braving the severity of weather. Gopalakrishnayya and his Ramadandu kept up the morale of the people. Their aim was to establish a parallel government and demonstrate to the outside world how Swarajya, as conceived by him, would be like. He constituted an Assembly comprising members elected from each caste and established an arbitration court. Sankirtans and Bhajans kept up the morale of the people. He, however, faced financial difficulties and he went to Berhampore in 1921, when the Andhra Conference was in session to collect some money. There he was prohibited to address the public meetings but he defied the orders. He was arrested and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment and sent to Trichinapally. There was no other person who could occupy his place. The Government also took repressive measures against those who built sheds on government lands. People returned to their homes in the municipality at the end of eleven months and reconciled themselves to its constitution. Though the movement failed, the qualities of courage and fearlessness they developed stood them in good stead in the subsequent stages of the freedom movement. Sri Gopala Krishnayya died at the age of 40 in 1928.

There are some movies in the history of Bollywood, which are permanently etched in the memory of thee audience for the way they have dealt basic human needs of love and companionship. The need for a companion is felt even more when a person is in his dying stages. “Anand” is a film which captures this basic need of humans in a way which tugs the hearts and minds alike.

Cinema, since its inception had influenced people from all walks of life. It enthralled the commoners with the moving images, gave the artistic pleasure to the connosieurs of art, gave the technical satisfaction to those who invented the techniques of producing a film and also lured the investors with the returns it gave on investments. The wiles and charm of cinema also worked on the royals of the time too. While some patronized cinema by having their personal theaters to screen cinema for them, but there were very few who really wanted to contribute to cinema and involve themselves into the making of it. One such royal was Raja Venkat Rama Appa Rao Bahaddoor alias Mirzapuram Raja. Along with his wife C. Krishna Veni, Mirzapuram Raja holds an important place in the pantheon of personalities who changed the face of Telugu cinema.

The couple made ANR a star and a mass star with their folklore subject, “Keelu Gurram.” The legend of ANR started with that film. Even NTR started his career with “Mana Desam” in their production and grew to be the greatest actor known to Telugu cinema. The respected veteran actress of the day, Anjali Devi was the vamp in their movie “Keelu Gurram” and also catapulted her to stardom. These legends are remembered but the creator of that epic is hardly remembered even as a name forget the lingering image of his which is not available anywhere.

Mirzapuram Raja was from Nuziveedu in Krishna District and was born into a royal family. He came into film industry by establishing Jaya Films Studio in the year 1938. The first movie to come out of the Studio was “Krishna-Jarasandha” in the direction of C Narasimha Rao.

He got married to C Krishna Veni who acted as a heroine in his production “Bhoja-Kalidasu” in the year 1940. Later on C Krishna Veni took over the management of Studio and was actively involved in the production matters while Mirzapuram Raja used to supervise the direction for their movies. Krishna Veni later on refused to work for outside banners. In the year 1940 itself, Jaya Films Studio was renamed as Shobanachala Studios and functioned by that name for quite a while till it became Venus Studio.

Mirzapuram Raja was a person who took on challenges and took care to remain a winner. He started a production by name “Lakshmamma” in the year 1950. There was another film which was under production with the same story and similar title called “Sri Lakshmamma Katha” which was being produced by Ghantasala Balaramaiah. Mirzapuram Raja, wanting to release his production first than the other took a gamble of using 3 directors for various portions of the movie. Chitrapu Narayana Murthy, P Pullaiah and Gopi Chand were the 3 directors who directed the movie. The movie was a success story saluting the judgment and confidence of Mirzapuram Raja in his Directors and business acumen.

He later on became a director by directing “Keelu Gurram” with A N R as the Hero. This movie made a star out of A N R and later on he became a legendary figure in Telugu cinema. “Keelu Gurram” was not a normal folklore movie. It did indulge in sorcery through the character of Anjali Devi, but countered it in the form of science with the invention of Keelu Gurram. The movie might be the first sci-fi thriller too, for its indulgence in science. The movie also battles the greed of man with the goodness of human race. The movie was a huge success and was dubbed into Tamil as “Mayakkudirai”, also achieving box office success.

He was a man who believed in tradition and honored age old cultures. Those times he felt there was a need to preserve the tradition and culture of the country which made him enter the film industry. The daily activities of his Studio had to begin with the customary rendition of devotional song “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje” by the orchestra troupe of the Studio.

He used to be a generous man and he paid his lead artistes and all others handsomely. The main actors of his Studio were said to pocket a sum of Rs. 400 per month in those days.

Mirzapuram Raja met with his demise in 1971 during the production of his Kannada film “Bhaktha Kumbhara” with Raj Kumar as the Hero. The Royal who created magestic movies and treated his audience and workers as Royals may have died, but his legacy continues through his work.

31st July is Sri Udham Singh’s  Balidaan Divas  

Udham Singh, a revolutionary nationalist, was born as Sher Singh on 26 December 1899, at Sunam, in the then princely state of Patiala. His father, Tahal Singh, was at that time working as a watchman on a railway crossing in the neighboring village of Upall. Sher Singh lost his parents before he was seven years old and was admitted along with his brother Mukta Singh to the Central Khalsa Orphanage at Amritsar on 24 October 1907. As both brothers were administered the Sikh initiatory rites at the Orphanage, their names were changed as Udham Singh and Mukta Singh and Sadhu Singh. In 1917, Udham Singh’s brother expired leaving him a lone man in the world. 

Udham Singh left the Orphanage after passing the matriculation examination in 1918. He witnessed the Jallianwala Baug massacre on the fateful Baisakhi day i.e 13 April 1919, when  peaceful assembly of people was fired upon by General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer, killing over one thousand people. In a telegram sent to Dyer, British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael Dwyer wrote:” Your action is correct”.  Udham Singh used to recall this tragedy with anger and sorrow that turned him to the path of revolution. Soon after, he left India and went to the United States of America. He felt thrilled to learn about the militant activities of the Babar Akalis in the early 1920′s, and returned home. He had secretly brought with him some revolvers and was arrested by the Police in Amritsar and was sentenced to four years imprisonment under the Arms Act. On release in 1931, he returned to his native place Sunam, but was harassed by the local Police. He once again returned to Amritsar and opened a shop as signboard painter, assuming the name of Ram Muhammad Singh Azad. This name was  used by him later in England,  It was adopted to emphasize the unity of all the religious communities in India in their struggle for political freedom. 

Udham Singh was deeply influenced by the activities of Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary group. In 1935, when he was on a visit to Kashmir, he was found carrying Bhagat Singh’s portrait. He invariably referred to him as his guru. He loved to sing political songs, and was very fond of Ram Prasad Bismaili, who was the leading poet of the revolutionaries. After staying for some months in Kashmlr, Udham Singh left India. He wandered about the continent for some time, and reached England by the mid-thirties. He was on the lookout for an opportunity to avenge the Jallianwalabaug Tragedy. 

The Lion Strikes:  Despite numerous opportunities to strike, Singh awaited right time when he could make more impact and internationalize the event. A joint meeting of the East India Association and the Royal Central Asian Society was scheduled at Caxton Hall and among the speakers was Michael Dwyer. Singh concealed his revolver in a book specially cut for the purpose and managed to enter Caxton Hall. He took up his position against the wall. At the end of the meeting, the gathering stood up, and O Dwyer moved towards the platform to talk to Lord Zetland. Singh pulled his revolver and fired. Dwyer was hit twice and died immediately. This was on 13th March 1940, 21 years after the Jalianwallah baug massacre. Udham Singh was overpowered with a smoking revolver. He in fact made no attempt to escape and continued saying that he had done his duty for his country. 

Living Upto A Pledge : He lived up to his pledge made 21 years ago. Many of us take pledges during times of distress but then due to lack of patience, we fail to see it fulfill through our toil and sweat. Udham Singh lived up to the tradition of the Sri Rama who took a pledge at the age of 13 years to free the earth from the demons and lived up to it. 

His last words were equally inspirational as was his commitment to a pledge.“I don’t care, I don’t mind dying. What is the use of waiting till you get old?.This is no good. You want to die when you are young. That is good, that is what I am doing.”

After a pause he added: “I am dying for my country”. 

In a statement given on March 13th, 1940 he said:  “I just shot to make protest. I have seen people starving In India under British Imperialism. I  have done it, the pistol went off three or four times. I am not sorry. It was my duty to do so. Put some more. Just for the sake of my country to protest. I do not mind my sentence. Ten, twenty, or fifty years or to be hanged. I have done my duty”. 

In a letter from Brixton Prison of 30th March, 1940, Udham Singh refers to Bhagat Singh in the following terms: “ I was never afraid of dying so soon. I will be getting married with execution. I am not sorry as I am a soldier of my country. It is since 10 years when my friend left me behind and I am sure after my death I will see him as he is waiting for me it was 23rd and I hope they will hang me on the same date as he was” 

On 31 July 1940, Udham Singh was hanged at Pentonville Prison and his body buried in the prison grounds inspite of his request that his ashes be sent to Bharat. It was only in July 1974 that Udham Singh’s remains were exhumed and repatriated to Bharat at the persistent request of S. Sadhu Singh Thind, an MLA. His ashes were received with tumultuous welcome.

Shaheed Udham Singh Documentary

Source: Various websites

Vyasa was one of the principal builders of Hindu(Vedic) knowledge system, culture and religion. He was born in a dvipa or island. He was of dark complexion (Krishna). Hence he was called Krishna Dvaipayana. Later, when he systematized the Veda which was in a single body into four parts,( according to the use to which the mantras are applied), he was called Veda Vyasa- the one who classified or divided the Veda. The Veda constitutes total knowledge available to man.

According to the Mahabharata, Vyasa was the great grandson of Rishi Vasistha, grandson of Sakti Rishi, and son of Rishi Parasara and Satyavathi. Vyasaa’s son was Muni Suka. Vyasa fathered Dhritarastra, Pandu and Vidura on the wives of Vicitravirya, the son of Satyavathi and Santanu. This was done on the command of Satyavathi to keep alive the kuru lineage. In those days ie.,Dvapara-yuga, the custom of niyoga or devara-nyaya was allowed by custom under certain specific conditions. Issueless married woman begetting children through her husband’s brother was called niyoga. Such a custom is prohibited in the Kali-yuga.

After dividing the original single Veda into four parts called Rik, Yajus, Saman and Atharvan, Vyasa entrusted each Veda to one of his chief disciples for memorization(ie.,storing)and propagation with the help of elaborate and complicated Svara(intonation)and Patha(recitation) rules and methods. This is because the meaning of Veda is dependent on Svara.

• Rishi Paila was entrusted with the Rigveda.
• Rishi Vaishmpayana- Yajurveda.
• Rishi Jaimini - Samaveda.
• Rishi Sumantu- Atharvanaveda.

These four rishis in turn taught the respective Vedas to their disciples so that the Vedic teaching and learning has spread through number of branches(Sakhas) all over the Greater India-the area over which Vedic culture has spread like the present day Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South-East Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Central-Asia etc.,

Study and preservation of the core Veda is a highly technical and specialized task. It is difficult to access the Veda and its contents in a meaningful way for people who are not directly engaged in the Vedic studies. Therefore Vyasa collated eighteen chief Puranas including the Mahabhagavata and eighteen subsidiary Puranas which bring out the message of Vedas within the popular reach. They are encyclopaedic works containing the Vedic truths in the form of parables, stories, stotras, sayings etc., and also a host of subjects like history, geography, sciences, arts, and customs, needed by the people at large.

Then Veda Vyasa conceived the Jaya or Bharata which was later swelled into the great Mahabharata which contains the famous popular philosophical guide Bhagavadgita. It is the story of his own progeny playing out the great real life drama of the conflict between Dharma and a-Dharma. For the first time in the history of Vedic people, Vyasa got the Mahabharata committed to writing through the divine scribe Ganapathi. While the Vedas are purely oral texts transmitted through Svara and Patha rules, Puranas are also oral texts conveyed through narration in story form.

The Mahabharata and the Puranas contain everything a Vedic Hindu should know from the Vedas and Upavedas and much more. In a way, the Mahabharata is a summary of Vedas and Puranas. Hence it is said that whatever is not in MBH will not be found elsewhere, meaning it contains all the knowledge. Veda Vyasa created all this stupendous body of knowledge to cater to all classes and all levels and all tastes of Hindus five thousand one hundred years ago! There are reliable astronomical, literary, archaelogical, epigraphical and other evidences to fix the date of Mahabharata and with it the date of its creator Veda Vyasa. And since then it is guiding the followers of Sanatana Dharma through thick and thin. Hence Vyasa is considered as Vishnu Avatara- Vyasaaya Vishnu ruupaaya. It is said that all the knowledge in the world has been wetted by Vyasa’s mouth- Vyaasochhistam Jagat sarvam. He is the GURU par excellence.

By Satya Deva

What is with this older generation of actors? Why are they leaving us? Yes I agree that life has to end at some point. But why do they leave a lump in our throat when these veteran actors are leaving this world. ( I don’t like to use the word die here). 
Why am I feeling such an emptiness hearing the news of their demise? They are not my generation of actors. They were those who enthralled my dad’s generation and may be my grandfather’s generation. But why does the demise of Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Joy Mukherji, Mahmood, Dev Anand, Dara Singh , Shamshad Begum
and now Pran evokes such sadness in me?. I did not watch any of their movies in a theater? I have seen very less of them on TV, I do not know anything about their personality. I’m a complete stranger to their prime but still why?

Somewhere down at the bottom of the hearts, I feel these very guys made life better for us. These very actors and those who are still surviving, made life easier for the generations to come by their portrayals of roles, which connected the masses and may be gave some solutions to their problems or else represented their voice. The very fact that these gentlemen lived in an era where people believed that there can be only two shades in life, BLACK OR WHITE. If you are good, you are White if not you are Black. That clear demarcation of their Black or White roles made these individuals so dear for the generations of the time. They just acted on screen. And people just loved them.

The slow entry of GREY roles and actors who actually started acting better away from the screen, disassociated the audience from loving the actors. The roles they take up do not represent them and the way these present actors act at every event and every day makes them to be actors only through out their lives. They have lost their personality. May be they get mobbed, but are they being loved? No chance whatsoever.  

There is not even one actor of my times who is trying to entertain me week after week and who can claim to have won my heart. But I am in love with the Older generation. Why is it? I don’t know. I still get connected to them. Those guys connected the entire nation. They were the true ambassadors of nationhood. If our politicians were busy in dividing us, these were the very guys who brought cheer to everyone. They are the ones who applied the balm to the wounds of the tragedies this nation has witnessed. These guys are our treasure. Their work will never go unnoticed. And that is why I am sad.

I wanted to write a real tribute to Pran Saab, but ended up writing this. Im sorry Pran Saab, I feel very heavy to continue anymore. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

India is celebrating its 67^th independence day…Once again, on this auspicious day, we are about to celebrate the Independence Day of our great Nation-a Nation which has stood the test of time, gave birth to two great world religions and endured several foreign invasions. That essentially means we are into the 3^rd generation of post independent era. This is high- time we should review where we started then and where we stand now and where we are heading and where we must aim and reach. Lets introspect. 

Actually, what do we mean by Independence Day? Is it the only day we realize and recollect the hardships and struggles of our great grandfathers during our fight for independence?There is always something more to celebrate and give thought on this day other than just hoisting our tricolor National flag and distributing sweets. It is the day which gave us a great identity: an identity which unifies us despite of several languages, cultural and ethnic barriers between all of us. 

India is developing at a great pace. She is showing high rate of growth in major sectors like industry, technology and finance as well as showing performance which got recognized at global level. Our country has become a country all other countries are looking upon as an upcoming super power. Lot of sufferings and struggles were paid as a price for the freedom we are enjoying today. Number of heads rolled on soil to enable us to hold our head high. Number of legs are broken to make us stand firmly and proudly on our soil. But the freedom which is won by great collective pain and perseverance is getting misused today. Citizens are downgraded to the level of fools. Our politicians, police and other civil service departments are still in the hangover of the 200 years of the colonial rule. Their behavior towards citizens should change. 

Sadly, our country is still in the dark clutches of corruption and other horrible malpractices today. 2G spectrum scam, discrepancies in Lokpal Bill etc.  Centuries ago, it was foreign invaders who plundered our wealth but today it’s our own politicians and corrupt bureaucrats are taking away our wealth to their Swiss bank accounts. Fast until death fight by Anna Hazare for a transparent Lokpal Bill reveals the height and depth of corruption in our country. To top it all, finally, the parliament passed the bill making it powerless enough to bring the highest ranks of bureaucracy to the hands of law thus making fool out of all citizens of this great country. More souls like Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi should born in this soil. Then only we can make our country a safe, happy place to live and flourish.

Neighboring countries are challenging and posing serious security threats to India in different ways. Both Pakistan and China are major threat to our sovereignty due to border disputes. Pakistan is even more of a threat because of the terror outfits which are aided by inner forces in Pakistan. These outfits are supported in the name of so-called sacred war called as Jihad. Indian government under the compulsion of United Nations holds talks every now and then with Pakistan on the Kashmir border dispute, but the activities of the terror outfits inside their region remain hardly noticed by the United Nations and America. India is unsafe and is meagerly unprotected on all modes of transport. Airways,Waterways,Roadways are the major types of travel which are threatened and attacked by the terrorists. The hijacking of IC 814 by a terrorist organization to release its dreaded terrorists languishing in jails in India or be it a sea route attack by the brainwashed youngsters. India has seen every form of terror. We as a republic remain alert and use every ounce of blood to drive away this evil. 

Coming to socialism that is still in constitution not in the economic policies as our country initiated reforms from 1991 although desperately. Let’s not confuse popular schemes with socialist measures.These populist schemes are aimed to garner more votes without considering the effects of it on the economy.. the GOVT’s flagship scheme like  MNREGA is only making the poor more poorer,given the unproductive way of implementing it and corruption, lapses in the scheme. The GOVT is just talking too much on financial inclusion but it simply lacks the will and initiative.

While secularism is the most used word by parties from the lost decade by media and many political parties. Democracy is marred with graft and scams to the tune of lakhs of crores. Politics has became the most profitable business. Political and business nexus are increasing with time and posing a serious threat to the fundamental principles of democracy..politicalization of media and its over enthusiasm to determine agendas and dictating the terms are order of the day.

India’s population is growing rapidly, and is projected to continue to do so for the next three decades. If only, India can act quickly on health, education and employment, this demographic dividend has the potential to inject new dynamism into its economy. Failure to do so, however, will result in demographic bane. Today, more than half of India’s population is under the age of 25, with more than 65 percent of the population under 35. By 2020, India’s average age will be just 29 years, in comparison with 37 in China and the United States, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan. So the need of the hour is to provide opportunities for them to get employment and entrepreneurship .

Fraternity is other issue that India should need to address. There are many separatist moments that India witnessed and withstood in the post-independent era..Short -sighted vote bank politics are contributing to the cause. India should address these issues..Otherwise, we will end up with socially and economically unsustainable states which will look for centre for everything leading to weakening of the system as a whole. We need leaders who got a vision to see the issues above political gains and with long-term consequences.

There is clearly a leadership crisis in India. Political parties are too busy in doing politics on anything to everything which will not a augur well for India..Honest officers are put to harassment for the electoral gains and appeasement politics.

Unfortunately these days media is playing worse role, worrying about the TRPs rather than educaing the people. Good Media and of course, the blogging fraternity can also bring a lot of good changes to the system which governs our daily life. A good, transparent and unbiased media can bring corruption and other malpractices to the social and legal forefront.

We must be the change we wish to see in the world, said Mahatma Gandhiji. It’s high time that we should become the ‘change’ the fast evolving world around us wish to see. Entrepreneurial attitude should be cultivated in the minds of young Indians. Steps should be taken to create a reverse Brain-Drain and young people should be convinced and motivated to earn and live in our own country.

Today is the day we should celebrate as well as relive the unshakable valor, courage and perseverance of our freedom fighters and leaders. Along with that, we, as young citizens of the country, must take an oath in our hearts to work together towards a better and corruption-free India.

~Jai Hind~

By  Venkat Kiran, Varun Raallapalli, & Meenakshi Sahana

As a passionate follower of Indian History, one thing that always comes to my mind is what is one event, which is one personality & what is one period that I consider as one of the most significant ones. I find there are many contenders in each of the cataegories but the clear winner for me is – Shivaji as a National hero, his coronation as the most dazzling event to be cherished and Maratha period as most critical one which played enormous role in securing our culture & civilization from Islamic onslaught which was threatened like never before. 

Shivaji was born at a time when 3 major Sultanates were ruling over majority of our Nation – Moghuls centered at Delhi, Adilshah centered at Bijapur and Nizam at Hyderabad. European powers from Portugal, France & Holland were showing their colors already and just couple of decades before the cunning East India Company had set its foot as well. The danger to our society seemed to be graver than ever before. The foreign rulers always displayed religious arrogance towards the Hindu subjects. Justice was never even and lawlessness was rampant. Even their royal courts produced rival factions, with the Irani (Persian) / Turani (Central Asian) stock getting precedence over the indigeneous Hindustani. Their Hindu fief holders were more interested in retaining their estates and turned a blind eye to the fanaticism of their masters. Hence there was a general discontent amongst the populace albeit muted. However, people secretly desired a liberator. And then was born our Hero of the Heroes, the great Shivaji. He gave them a hope to cling on to and a dream to cherish. He promised them a land they could call their own. A land free of oppression and religious bigotry, a land where justice prevailed, a land where people were heard and had their say .

After decades of enslavement, the most fierce of warriors had turned benign and  resigned to their fate of subservience . This remained the case until the advent of Shivaji. He stirred them up from their slumber and ignited in them the spark of freedom.  After almost three and a half centuries of a foreign rule (of the Afghans , the Mughals or the Sultans of Persian descent), finally the people had a king  who had risen from their own stock. After a long hiatus of foreign rule, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had managed to carve out a Hindu kingdom in an Islamic India. Eventually, it took Shivaji almost three decades to translate his dream into reality. His kingdom  was duly named ‘swarajya’ or self rule. Though popularly known as Hindavi  swarajya, it wasn’t just a swarajya for the hindus but a swarajya for all those who considered themselves to be the sons of the soil (sons of hind – hindustan). Shivaji’s swarajya was accomplished amidst extreme adversities. This was something nobody had envisaged. 

British, Islamic and Marxist historians have tried their best to project the great Shivaji as a local Maratha king, but looking at the events from his life time, there remains no doubt what so ever that he was not just a National Hero but a potential International role model, who in-spite of toughest of all times, could change the current of history fighting cruellest of enemies at multiple fronts, yet himself, not deviating from the path of righteousness. Even after establishing a great Empire starting with handful of teenaged vagabond friends, he was willing to give up everything on one word of his Guru, showing no signs of attachment to the worldly possessions. 

Where in the world is another example of such an Emperor par excellence!!  

Character Unparalleled

There is ample of material available already, so without getting into details of his life story, I would like to just give some pointers to highlight his character. Enthusiastic readers can search the web to continue further reading.

• At the age of 16, he took the oath to establish Hindavi Swaraj at temple of Rohideshwar & subsequently won Torna fort in his first ever conquest.
• Shivaji himself, with a very small troop, attacked Moghul officer Shaistakhan by entering the very heart of his camp where he was stationed with more than 50,000 personnel. Shaistakhan survives, though loses not only his 3 fingers but also entire confidence and had to retreat.
• Shivaji attacked Surat, the most prosperous trade center of Aurangzeb, this story was even reported on front page of London Gazette.
• Shivaji, when insulted, openly expressed his anger on Aurangzeb in his own court, which no one could ever dared to do before or ever after.
• Marked with brilliance of planning & finesse in execution, the great Shivaji, left entire mughal empire including Alamgir in shock by escaping from house arrest at Agra.
• Shivaji was an able administrator who established a government that included modern concepts such as cabinet (Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs(Dabir) and internal intelligence. 
• Shivaji established an effective civil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy. Maynak Bhandari was one of the first chiefs of the Maratha Navy under Shivaji, and helped in both building the Maratha Navy and safeguarding the coastline of the emerging Maratha Empire. He built new forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijaydurg on the west coast. The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portuguese and Dutch. 
• Shivaji is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. He believed that there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. He encouraged all accomplished and competent individuals to participate in the ongoing political/military struggle. He is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. He brought revolutionary changes in military organisation, fort architecture, society and politics.
• Shivaji was the first king of the medieval world to undertake the revolutionary idea of abolishing the feudal system, 150 years before its worldwide recognition in the French revolution. For a span of about 50 years, there were no feudals in his kingdom. 

This is just the glimpse of his achievements, which are so many and so heroic that perhaps one book, one historian or even one life time may not be enough to really measure & document. 

Impact

Sir Jadunath Sarkar, through his research, had published Auzangzeb’s Will, which had 12 guidance points based on his life experiences. His last point was – “TWELFTH – The main pillar of government is to be well informed in the news of the kingdom. Negligence for a single moment becomes the cause of disgrace for long years. The escape of the wretch Shiva took place through [my] carelessness, and I have to labour hard [against the Marathas] to the end of my life, [as the result of it].”

This shows the impact of Shivaji on Aurangzeb even at his death bed. 

And what if Shivaji was not there?

This cannot be better said by anybody else other than the great poet Bhushan, who forsook the royal favours of the Mughal court to come over to Shivaji to sing his glories: ‘’Kashiji ki kalaa jaati, Mathura masjid hoti | Shivaji na hote to sunnat hoti sab ki ||’’

(Kashi would have lost its culture, Mathura would have been turned into a mosque. Had there been no Shivaji, all of us would have been circumcised.) 

For further reading –

Shivaji – by H V Sheshadri (http://www.freeebookse.com/HVSheshadri-PDF8-1401317/)

Shivaji and his times – by Sir Jadunath Sarkar (http://archive.org/details/shivajihistimes00sarkrich) 

Indra jimi jrumbha par -Tile Song of Shivaji.