Woman – Her Supreme Role

This is the motherland that gave birth to 
great people that earned fame across the world, 
This is the land of struggle that earned freedom 
by purging out warriors of the west. 
This is the land of Bharat that showed greatness and fame of its scholastic excellence. 
This is the divine land that proclaimed its power 
of intellect through music, literature and scientific 
pursuits. 
Having taken birth in this wonderful land of Bharat 
That is replete with Fine Arts, 
It is your sole responsibility, Oh students, 
To protect the wealth of righteousness of Bharat**.**

(Telugu poem)

Today we are assembled in connection with the inauguration of classes on 'Bharateeya Culture' in our colleges. First of all, we should know what this Bharateeya Culture is. The Culture of Bharat is quite ancient and vibrant. This Culture is ever fresh, because it is based on eternal truths; it is related to human nature and is based on a world that inspires the human heart. This Culture is proclaiming that all deeds should be offered to the Almighty supreme soul whose form is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss and that is Omnipresent. It also teaches that all acts must be performed with a spirit of devotion, faith, obedience and humility. An integrated development is possible only when man offers back to God all the artistic talents that are derived from Him.

'Bha' means God. 'Rati' means Love. Therefore, 'Bharateeya' means 'he who has love for God'. This love exhorts man to carry out all his deeds and avocations under the awareness of God’s greatness. This love develops compassion towards all beings that are but siblings of Nature. By this, man will be able to recognize his own defects rather than finding faults and shortcomings in others. It makes one consider sorrow and happiness pertaining to all beings in the same nature as his own. A person endowed with such a divine love will be able to perceive God in every being, in everything and at every place. Entire nature will extend happiness to such a person!

Foster Culture With Care

In this college you must learn thoroughly the greatness and magnanimity of Divinity. It is an aspect that all of you must know and which elders must teach about. Generally, many students are completing their studies without imbibing this invaluable cultural wealth. I am feeling very happy upon seeing your teachers, who are determined to teach you secrets that the ancient rishis had preserved, along with your routine lessons.

Today we are celebrating the inaugural function of the classes on Bharateeya Culture. Culture melts the gold of the human heart in its fire, purifies and makes it effulgent. Our Culture drives out animal qualities from man, and makes him spend all his time in a journey towards realizing his own inner self. Culture involves removal of unwanted weeds, and sowing of good seeds. This process goes on right from the birth of a child. This type of education must proceed right from the stage of children’s Kindergarten up to the college level. Our college must set an ideal example for good discipline, noble ideals and upright conduct. In your youth, you learn the cultural aspects in your respective homes. Subsequently, you learn them from society. It is also possible to learn from your friends. All of them contribute very much in making you understand Bharateeya Culture and to get benefit out of it.

Motherland does not mean a mere map; nor is it a cluster of names. It is like a mother who sings lullabies and pacifies body and mind, presents beautiful sights to the eyes and soul. It is like a mother who fosters and protects. This enlightens our path towards the supreme goal of life that is Atma-jnanam (knowledge of the soul). It is providing some happiness to every child by teaching about the limits of (human) knowledge.

It is an essential duty of the women’s college to protect and foster the Culture, because motherhood is God’s gift. It is the mothers who make or break the fortunes of nations. It is the mothers who should teach their children clearly these two lessons, namely the fear of sin and the love towards good deeds. These two aspects are dependent upon the faith in God. In order to know the greatness of a country, one has to study the mothers of that land. Are they having love and affection towards one and all? Are they free from fear and anxiety? Have they fostered good qualities like compassion and good character? If you want to know the greatness of a Culture, you must observe the mothers who swing babies in cradles, play games with them and teach them; and those who love them.

Mothers must take upon themselves the above duties. These should not be left out to the care of baby-sitters and maids. They may be faithful and efficient. I am not talking against them. But the child that grows under the care of a baby-sitter is missing the manure of love that is essential for its growth. The child is missing the vitamin of love that provides good health.

Keep Mind And Body Healthy

The homely atmosphere that should be filled with fragrance of sacred love is waning because of lack of affection between members of a family.

These days you do not find a ‘prayer room’ in many houses. Even if it exists, it will be located in some corner of a kitchen that is not conducive to meditation. Or the ritual of worship will be done by a paid priest. Those great temples that were built with great devotion in the olden days are now lying in dilapidated condition sans the attention of anyone. Devotional singings, recitals and worships are forgotten. Those who practice these have become laughing stocks.

Students!

In this college you must develop physical health, mental poise, scholarship and skill. A healthy mind is essential for a healthy body. Our Indra Devi who had come from Mexico is a good example for this! In order to learn spiritual and physical aspects, she came to this country and had practiced Yoga. Look at her and see how jovial, happy and energetic she is, despite her old age!

Only the Atma-vidya (education pertaining to Atma) alone can sustain a man who is drifting in the ocean of the mundane world. Our lifestyle can then be of use in attaining liberation (moksha). This is a unique quality of this Country of Bharat. That is why our country has been recognized as Guru (teacher) for the entire humanity. Today people may be averse and those in power may look down, but this country of Bharat must perform its ordained role.

The pure Atma will be able to recognize God who is present in drops of dew, in the stars, in the atom and in the scientists as well. The taste of sweetness is known only to the tongue; that too, when it is healthy. In a similar manner, only the pure conscience can recognize the supremacy and greatness of God. Always contemplate on the principle of Soham (He is I and I am He) and purify the conscience. In this manner, dualities like ‘He – I’ will dissolve away and only He (God) remains.

Students!

You should spend your time in divine thoughts of God and immerse in activities like worship. Only then, you will get good marks. I can appreciate your efforts only when you obtain such good marks, but not based on the marks and remarks of your professors or the Principal.

I am concluding My discourse with the blessing that you always contemplate on the aspects you heard today and improve your wisdom, offer services to parents and others, purify your hearts, extend and receive happiness, and lead an ideal life worthy of emulation by your neighbours as well.