Makar Sankranti: Festival celebrated all over India in different ways

January 14th, Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn or Makar Rashi. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam and sign of the arrival of spring season.

Lord Surya is worshipped on the Makar Sankranti day and is a form of Nature Worship. A major event on the day is the bathing ritual at Sangam (where river Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga meets) in Allahabad and also in the famous bathing ghats on River Ganga. Taking a holy dip on the day is considered to cleanse sins committed and this will lead to Moksha (Salvation).
Uttarayana Punyakalam, the day time of Devas, begins with the Makar Sankranti and lasts for six months. This period is ideal for all kind of auspicious activities.

Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India by all communities but with different traditions:

Tribals

The Tribals in our country mark this occasion by lighting bonfires and dancing around it. They all make their particular extravagant dishes and eat it together. The Bhuya tribals of Orissa have their Maghyatra wherein they put up small homemade articles for sale.

Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is known as "Khicheri.". Everybody bathes in the holy waters of Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati at Prayagraj. It is believed to be auspicious to take a holy dip in these waters.

Punjab

January is the coldest month in Punjab and hence during Makar Sankranti, the advent of the new year is celebrated by lighting a bonfire, popularly known as "lohri" and "maghi". The bonfire signifies the burning away of all evils for a bright and auspicious new year.



West Bengal

In Bengal, It is a mythology that River Ganga had flown in to the Northern region and purified the ashes of the sixty thousand ancestors of King Bhagirath. This mela is attendeda by a large number of pilgrims from East India.

South India

In the south, Makar Sankranti is known Pongal and it is the harvest festival of this region. Rice and pulses cooked together in ghee and milk is offered to the family deity after the ritual worship. everybody is dressed in colorful tunics visit friends and relatives and exchange pieces of sugarcane, a mixture of fried til, molasses, pieces of dry coconut, peanuts and fried gram. The significance of this exchange is that sweetness should prevail in all the dealings.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, people exchange sweets and greet each other with a thought - "accept these sweets and speak sweet words". The main reason for exchanging sweets like til guhas and til polis are to forget any past hard and harsh feelings and to start afresh!!!

MP Bundelkhand

Makar Sankranti in the central region of India, madhya pradesh and Bundelkhand is known as “SUKARAT” or "SAKARAT". It is celebrated with great pomp, color and joy.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, this day is celebrated by people giving gifts to their relatives. The Gujarati Pundits on this auspicious day grant scholarships to students for higher studies in astrology and philosophy. This festival thus help the maintenance of social relationships within the family, caste and community. In addition, millions of people get together on the rooftop and fly colorful kites and try to cut each others kites. Whoever is able to cut someone else' kite, they scream "Kai Po Che" meaning I have cut it. Also, everyone shares and eats special sweet called “chikki” made from sesame and rice puffs.

"A beautiful,bright and delighted day,
sun entered makar to intense the ray.
crop harvested to cheer the smiles,
come together and enjoy the life.
kites flying high to touch the happiness,
til mangled with sweet to spread sweetness.
Time to enjoy the moment with full intensity
very happy prosporous Makar Sankranti."

Vande Mataram: The National Song of India (With English Translation)

Vande Mataram: Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and translated in English by Shree Aurobindo.

Sanskrit

वन्दे मातरम्
सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्
शस्यशामलां मातरम् ।
शुभ्रज्योत्स्नापुलकितयामिनीं
फुल्लकुसुमितद्रुमदलशोभिनीं
सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीं
सुखदां वरदां मातरम् ।। १ ।। वन्दे मातरम् ।
कोटि-कोटि-कण्ठ-कल-कल-निनाद-कराले
कोटि-कोटि-भुजैर्धृत-खरकरवाले,
अबला केन मा एत बले ।
बहुबलधारिणीं नमामि तारिणीं
रिपुदलवारिणीं मातरम् ।। २ ।। वन्दे मातरम् ।
तुमि विद्या, तुमि धर्म
तुमि हृदि, तुमि मर्म
त्वं हि प्राणा: शरीरे
बाहुते तुमि मा शक्ति,
हृदये तुमि मा भक्ति,
तोमारई प्रतिमा गडि
मन्दिरे-मन्दिरे मातरम् ।। ३ ।। वन्दे मातरम् ।
त्वं हि दुर्गा दशप्रहरणधारिणी
कमला कमलदलविहारिणी
वाणी विद्यादायिनी, नमामि त्वाम्
नमामि कमलां अमलां अतुलां
सुजलां सुफलां मातरम् ।। ४ ।। वन्दे मातरम् ।
श्यामलां सरलां सुस्मितां भूषितां
धरणीं भरणीं मातरम् ।। ५ ।। वन्दे मातरम् ।।

English Translation

Mother, I bow to thee!
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
bright with orchard gleams,
Cool with thy winds of delight,
Dark fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.

Glory of moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow.

Who hath said thou art weak in thy lands
When the sword flesh out in the seventy million hands
And seventy million voices roar
Thy dreadful name from shore to shore?
With many strengths who art mighty and stored,
To thee I call Mother and Lord!
Though who savest, arise and save!
To her I cry who ever her foeman drove
Back from plain and Sea
And shook herself free.

Thou art wisdom, thou art law,
Thou art heart, our soul, our breath
Though art love divine, the awe
In our hearts that conquers death.
Thine the strength that nervs the arm,
Thine the beauty, thine the charm.
Every image made divine
In our temples is but thine.

Thou art Durga, Lady and Queen,
With her hands that strike and her
swords of sheen,
Thou art Lakshmi lotus-throned,
And the Muse a hundred-toned,
Pure and perfect without peer,
Mother lend thin ear,
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
Bright with thy orchard gleems,
Dark of hue O candid-fair

In thy soul, with jewelled hair
And thy glorious smile divine,
Lovliest of all earthly lands,
Showering wealth from well-stored hands!
Mother, mother mine!
Mother sweet, I bow to thee,
Mother great and free!

Diwali: The festival of lights

Diwali is one of the most important festivals of India. It has different significance for people in different regions of India, but most importantly this festival symbolizes the unity and diversity as it is celebrated in every state in its own unique ways. During Diwali, every corners of India is glowing with diyas, candles and lights. The delight of this festival comes from the exchange of sweets and gifts; from the fireworks that are lit every night for the five days of Diwali and from the get together of the friends and family where they wish Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year to each other from the bottom of their hearts and younger ones touch feet of their elders due to respect and to get their blessings as in Indian culture elders, specially parents are considered no less than God and are respected even more than God.


As mentioned earlier, every region has its own significance of Diwali. In North India, it is believed that on the day of Diwali, Lord Ram returned home, Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeat of Ravan. In Gujarat, this festival honors Goddess Lakshmi who is goddess of wealth. In West Bengal, Diwali is associated with Goddess Kali. Even though every region has its own belief, the festival signifies the “renewal of life” so it is common to wear new clothes on this day. During this festival, some families observe fast and perform prayers and rituals. Businessmen in India begin their fiscal year from this time of the year as it is believed to receive graces of Goddess Lakshmi. Many people gamble during Diwali as it is believed that the winner will have financial success all year.

Five days of Diwali:

Dhanteras/Dhantrayodashi/ Dhanwantari Triodasi:


The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras, which falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh in the Hindu month of Kartik. The word “Dhan” stands for wealth. On this auspicious day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for well-being and prosperity. The importance of the day comes from one of the historical story which includes a sixteen year old son of King Hima who was destined to die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. When the day approached, his wife laid all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s door and lighted countless lamps and she started telling stories and singing songs. When yama (God of death) arrived with guise of serpent, his got blinded by the brilliant lights and was not able to enter Prince’s room. He climbed on the top of the heap of ornaments and sat for the entire night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. This way young wife was able to save her husband from the clutches of death. Since then, the day is also known as “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night. Another popular legend is when the Gods and demons were churning the oceans for Amrit (nectar), Dhanavantri (the physician of Gods and incarnation of Vishnu), came out of the elixir on Dhanteras. On this auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with traditional Rangoli designs welcoming the Goddess of wealth and prosperity indicated her long-awaited arrival with small footprints made with rice flour and vermilion powder. It is also considered auspicious to buy gold or silver items or at least one or two new utensils with a belief that the new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of Good Luck. In the evenings, Lakshmi-Puja is performed with the lightning of Diyas to drive away the shadows of evil spirits along with “Bhajans” which are devotional songs praising Goddess Lakshmi. In villages, cattle are worshipped by farmers as they are the main source of their income and in south, cows are offered special adoration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Choti Diwali/ Narak Chaturdasi/ Kali Chaudas:


The day before Diwali is celebrated as Choti Diwali (small Diwali). The celebration of this day involves ritual puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ram with aarti and devotional songs. The historical importance of this day is associated with the demon king Narakasur, ruler of Pragjyotishpur (a province to the south of Nepal). After defeating Lord Indra, he had snatched away magnificent earring of Aditi, the Mother Goddess (ruler of Suralok and relative of Satyabhama, wife of Lord Krishna) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the Gods and Saints. When Satyabhama became aware of this, she appealed to Lord Krishna to permit her to destroy Narakasur as he was cursed to be killed by a woman. Lord Krishna gave a boon to fight with Narakasur. Satyabhama entered the battle field with Krishna as the charioteer. During the war, Krishna fainted for a while which was destined to empower Satyabhama to kill the demon. After the death of Narakasur, imprisoned women were all released and Lord Krishna accepted to marry them. Also, the precious earrings of Aditi were recovered. As a symbol of victory, Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon’s blood. He then returned home early in the morning of the Narakchaturdashi. He was massaged with scented oil and was given a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since this day, it has become a custom to take bath before sunrise on Choti Diwali especially in Maharashtra. Also, Bhudevi, mother of Narakasur had announced that her son’s death should not be a day of mourning, but an occasion to rejoice. Since then, Diwali is celebrated with fun, and fireworks. In South India this victory is celebrated by people waking up before sunrise, preparing a paste ofkumkum (vermilion) in oil, which symbolizes blood and after breaking a bitter fruit that represents the head of the demon king, they apply the paste on their foreheads. Than they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste. Similarly In Maharashtra, people take early baths with oil and “Uptan” paste of gram flour and fragrant powders. After bath ritual, steamed vermicelli with milk and sugar or puffed rice with curd is served.

Diwali/Lakshmi Puja:


The third day of the festival is known as Diwali. It is the most important day for Laksmi Puja and is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Even though, this day falls on Amavasya (No Moon day), it is believed to be the most auspicious day. According to the Hindu belief, on this day sun enters his second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale and so this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. The day of Diwali or Lakshmi Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. Many diyas/ lamps are lit to drive away the darkness. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi walks through the green fields and many different places showering her blessings. It is very important to keep the houses spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness and she visits the cleanest house first. Diyas/ Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the Goddess as they are believed to light up her path. Laksmi Puja consists of a combined puja/ worship of five deities: Lord Ganesh who is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vignaharta; Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in her three forms: Mahalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Money), Mahasaraswati (Goddess of Books and Learning) and Mahakali (Goddess of Power and Strength). The fifth deity is Kuber (the Treasurer of Gods).

Gudi Padwa/ Govardhan Puja/ New Year:

According to the belief of the people from Maharashtra, the day following Amavasya is “Kartik Shuddh Padwa” and it is the only day when King Bali would come out of Patal Lok and rule Bhulok as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu and so it is also known as “Bali Padyami.” Gudi Padwa symbolizes the love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and are given presents. Also, in old days, brothers would go to fetch their sisters from their in-laws home to celebrate their auspicious day. In the Northern and Western part of India, Govardhan Puja is performed. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj which is near Mathura and on this day, people would build cowdung hillocks and decorate them with flowers and then worship them. As per Vishnu Puran, the people of Gokul used to celebrate a festival honoring Lord Indra after the end of monsoon. One year, young Krishna stopped them from praying Lord Indra which made him angry and sent heavy rain to submerge Gokul. People of Gokul became scared by the anger of Lord Indra. But Lord Krishna assured them of no harm would be caused. He then lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger and sheltered every person and beasts of Gokul from rain. This act gave him a title of Govardhandhari. Seeing this, Lord Indra accepted the power of Lord Krishna. Since this day, Mount Govardhan is been worshipped in the form of Govardhan Puja. This day is also observed as Annakoot which means mountain of food. Devotees stay awake the entire night to cook 56 or 108 different types of food for the bhog (offering of food) to Lord Krishna. In temples especially in Mathura and Nathdwara the deities are given milk bath and dressed in shinning attires with dazzling ornaments. After the prayers and traditional worship, numerous varieties of delicious sweets are raised in the form of mountain in front of deities as “Bhog” and then the devotees approach towards the mountain of food and take it as Prasad from it. This day is also considered as a New Year/ Bestu Varas for people of Gujarat. Traditional customs and rituals are performed to welcome the New Year. Almost all Gujarati houses are colorfully lighted and decorated with flowers and Rangoli by the entrance. People dress up nicely, visit temples with flowers and sweets. Everyone wish each other happy new year and at the same offer prayers to God. Heavy, delicious meal is served at the end of the day which praises the spirit of the festival. The New Year signifies the love and unity between family and friends.

Bhai Dooj:

The festival of Diwali is incomplete without the fifth day which is known as Bhai Dooj. This is the day to pray for the long life of the brother who is referred as “Bhai”. According to the historical belief, Yamraj (God of Death) went to visit his sister’s house after long period of separation. His sister, Yami welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his well being. Yami and Yamraj shared meal. He was very pleased with his sister’s treatment and he announced that on this day if a sister puts a tilak (auspicious mark) on her brother’s forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Since then, it has become a tradition for sisters performing puja for their brother’s well being and brothers in return give gifts to their sister as a token of love. Another legend is that after killing Naraksur, Lord Krishna went to meet his sister, Subhdra. She welcomed him in the traditional way by showing him a light and putting a tilak on his forehead as a sisterly protection. It is also believed that Bhagwaan Mahavir found nirvana, and his brother Raja Nandivardhan was very sad and was missing his brother. Sister Sudarshana then helped his brother cheer and since then, women have been honored during this festival. Bhai Dooj is celebrated to strengthen the love between brothers and sisters.

These five days of Diwali are celebrated all over India with great joy and enjoyment.

Happy Diwali and A Prosperous New Year to all!

Nathuram Godse' words on Why he killed Gandhi?

“ I don’t refute Gandhi’s theory of non-violence. He may be a saint but he is not a politician. His theory of non-violence denies self-defence and self-interest. The non-violence that defines the fight for survival as violence is a theory not of non-violence but of self-destruction.The division of the nation was an unnecessary decision. What was the percentage of the Muslim population as compared to the population of the nation? There was no need for a separate nation. Had it been a just demand, Maulana Azad would not have stayed back in India. But because Jinnah insisted and because Gandhi took his side, India was divided, in spite of opposition from the nation, the Cabinet. An individual is never greater than a nation.

In a democracy you cannot put forward your demands at knife-point. Jinnah did it and Gandhi stabbed the nation with the same knife. He dissected the land and gave a piece to Pakistan. We did picket that time but in vain. The Father of our Nation went to perform his paternal duties for Pakistan! Gandhi blackmailed the cabinet with his fast unto death. His body, his threats to die are causing the destruction — geographical as well as economical — of the nation. Today, Muslims have taken a part of the nation, tomorrow Sikhs may ask for Punjab. The religions are again dividend into castes, they will demand sub-divisions of the divisions. What remains of the concept of one nation, national integration? Why did we fight the British in unison for independence? Why not separately? Bhagat Singh did not ask only for an independent Punjab or Subhash Chandra Bose for an independent Bengal?

I am going to assassinate him in the open, before the public, because I am going to do it as my duty. If I do it surreptitiously, it becomes a crime in my own eyes. I will not try to escape, I will surrender and naturally I will be hanged. One assassination, one hanging. I don’t want two executions for one assassination and I don’t want your involvement, participation or company. (This was for Nana-Apte and Veer Savarkar as they were against ghandhi’s policies too, Godse wanted to assassinate gandhi all by himself and took promise from Nana Apte that he will continue helping Veer Savarkar in rebuilding India as a strong free nation.)

On January 30, I reached Birla Bhavan at 12 pm. Gandhi was sitting outside on a cot enjoying the sunshine. Vallabhbhai Patel’s granddaughter was sitting at his feet. I had the revolver with me. I could have assassinated him easily then, but I was convinced that his assassination was to be a punishment and a sentence against him, and I would execute him. I wanted witnesses for the execution but there were none. I did not want to escape after the execution as there was not an iota of guilt in my mind. I wanted to surrender, but surrender to whom? There was a good crowd to collect for the evening prayers. I decided on the evening of January 30 as the date for Gandhi’s execution.

Gandhi climbed the steps and came forward. He had kept his hands on the shoulders of the two girls. I wanted just three seconds more. I moved two steps forward and faced Gandhi. Now I wanted to take out the revolver and salute him for whatever sacrifice and service he had made for the nation. One of the two girls was dangerously close to Gandhi and I was afraid that she might be injured in the course of firing. As a precautionary measure I went one more step ahead, bowed before him and gently pushed the girl away from the firing line. The next moment I fired at Gandhi. Gandhi was very weak, there was a feeble sound like ‘aah’ (There are proof that Gandhi did NOT say “Hey Raam” at that time – it’s just made up stuff ) from him and he fell down.

After the firing I raised my hand holding the revolver and shouted, ‘Police, police’. For 30 seconds nobody came forward and I scanned the crowd. I saw a police officer. I signalled to him to come forward and arrest me. He came and caught my wrist, then a second man came and touched the revolver… I let it go…”

Navratri: The festival of nine nights (Nav=Nine; Ratri=Nights)

According to Hindu calendar, the festival of nine nights-Navratri starts from Ashvin sud 1 and goes until Ashvin sud 9 with the 10th day known as Vijayadashmi or Dusshera. Each night is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is celebrated with great faith and devotion. There are three different historical beliefs that lead the different types of celebration today in different parts of India.

Historical Significance of Navratri

One of the historical beliefs is related to the mighty demon, Mahishasur. Mahishasur worshipped Lord Shiv to gain the power of eternity. He then started harassing and killing innocent people with a goal to win all three lokas. Gods in those lokas appealed to Lord Shiv to find a way to get rid of such demon. To protect the world from Mahishasur’s violence, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiv) united their powers and created a divine female warrior who is known as Goddess Durga. Mahishasur was mesmerized by her beauty and approached her with an intention of marrying Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga then put forth a condition that Mahishasur would have to win over her in a battle to marry her. Mahishasur agreed and the battle continued for nine nights and at the end of the ninth night, Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasur. These nine nights are known as Navratri while the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi (the tenth day of the victory of good over evil) in northern parts of India.

In Eastern part of India, the belief is associated to the King of the Himalayas, Daksha who had a beautiful daughter, Uma. Since her childhood, she wanted to marry Lord Shiv and in order to win over him, she worshipped him and was able to please Lord Shiv. King Daksha was not happy with the tiger-skin clad groom, Lord Shiv when he finally came to marry Uma. King Daksha broke off all the relationships with his daughter and son-in-law. A day came when King Daksha organized a yagna but did not invite Lord Shiv. Uma got angry and decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund (Fire Pit). Since then she was known as Sati. However, Uma took re-birth and again won Lord Shiv as her groom and the peace was restored. Since then it is believed that every year Uma comes with Lord Ganesh, Kartik, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Laxmi and two of her best friends, Jaya and Bijaya to visit her parents’ home during Navratri.


Another legend of Navratri is in regards to the Hindu epic, Ramayan. It is said that Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga in nine phases for nine days to gain strength and power to kill the almighty demon, Ravan. Lord Ram wanted to release his wife, Sita from Ravan’s control who had abducted her. Those nine nights are known as Navratri and the tenth day when Lord Ram killed Ravan came to be known as Vijayadashami or Dusshera signifying Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan (Victory of good over evil).

Celebration of Navratri in different parts of India

Gujarat: The most famous celebration of navratri is held in the western part of India especially in Gujarat. For nine nights, traditional dances in the form of Garba and Dandiya take place. Men and women wearing colorful traditional dresses, dance in circle around the lamp which signifies the eternal light of Goddess Durga. This dance is either performed by dancing around in circle by clapping the hands which is known as Garba or by decorated sticks which is called Dandiya. These dances are performed to the rhythm of the devotional songs.

Maharashtra: The celebrations in Maharashtra is little different. Navratri here is dedicated to Goddess Durga, while Vijayadashmi is devoted to Goddess Saraswati who is the Goddess of Knowledge. This day is considered to be the most auspicious to start education, buy new homes and start new ventures.

Tamil Nadu: The first three days here are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Next three days are devoted to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and arts and the last three days are committed to Goddess Durga, the Goddess of power.

Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: In these two states of south India, women arrange “Bommai Kolu” which is a special placing of dolls in various costumes decorated with flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps.

West-Bengal: Navratri here is celebrated in the form of Durga Puja. It is celebrated with true dedication, huge idols of Goddess Durga posed as killing the demon, Mahishasur are worshipped. Huge ‘pandals’ (traditional tents) are set up and devotees in large numbers visit to worship Goddess Durga.

Punjab: The state in northern part of India. Here Navratri is celebrated by fasting for seven days and on the eighth day or on Ashtami the fast is broken.

Even though, Navratri is one festival, it has many different colors in terms of how it is celebrated; Yet it is celebrated with true devotion and dedication everywhere India.

Be a Proud Indian: Letter from Dr. Abdul Kalam

If you are a true Indian, than do read the following letter from Dr. Abdul Kalam:

Letter to Every Indian from Dr. Abdul Kalam

Why is the media here so negative?

Why are we in India 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 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.

In India we 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 T.Vs, 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 in Hyderabad giving 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 developed India. For her, you and I will have to build this developed India. You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.

Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.

Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours..

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 to Singapore. Give him a name - 'YOURS'. Give him a face -'YOURS'. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore 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 through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder 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. In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai. 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 in London 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 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, 'Jaanta hai 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 in Australia and New Zealand ..
Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? 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 in India ?

In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan ..
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 Air India to 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 neighbours, 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 to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England . When England experiences 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.

Forward this mail to each Indian for a change instead of sending Jokes or junk mails.

Thank you,

Dr. Abdul Kalam

I hope every Indian would realize this soon and start praising our country, talk about positive points rather than focusing on negative ones and work towards making India a best place to live.

India is the most beautiful and the fastest developing country, so don't be ashamed, Be A Proud Indian :)