BANGALORE: There appeared recently a ridiculous article in a newspaper. It was an imaginary writing. It may appear amusing to some people when read. The matter in that write-up was this - once all the leaders of the countries of America, Russia, India, Japan, etc., went to Lord Brahma, and asked him “how many years will it take to see our country developed in everything and all our people living there joyfully in peace?” The first person to ask this was Clinton, the President of America. Brahma replied it would be forty years. Hearing it, Clinton, it is said, felt very sad and shed tears. The reason for it was, he felt that whether he would live for so many years or not, whether he would see such a joyful day or not.
Likewise, the Japanese asked. They were also give the same kind of reply. In the same way, the others were give the same kind of reply regarding their countries. They also expressed sorrow. After it Vajapayee’s turn came. He asked “How many years will it take for all the developmental works to complete and for the people to live joyfully and peacefully? Without replying, Brahma began weeping continuously and said it was not possible for himself (Brahma) to see such a period.
We have to contemplate on it and see what a sad state of affairs it is! All countries are marching ahead. But there is no indication of the Indian subcontinent progressing.
The write up is of the opinion that there is no sign of its progressing even after many years. One point to observe here is that India had achieved a very high status in the world at first, 300 years ago.
It had progressed well. It had reached the topmost position financially, socially, educationally, religiously, scientifically and in similar areas, and had developed well. No other country had reached such a position. India was in a leading position. Such a subcontinent as India was, has reached the lowest position today.
It is an important matter to ponder over. There were three elections in three years.
Enormous amount has been spent on each election. The expenses on the part of the government amounts to rupees six thousand crores.
The contestants have been spending four times more than that. This is an illegal expenditure. Elections are held once in every five years usually. Millions have no food to eat and clothes to wear.
We see how they are suffering. Life in villages has become negligible. So many years have passed after getting freedom. Even then there remains a challenging situation. An opportunity has been created for unnecessary expenditure, when there is so much poverty.
This muddle has been created owing to the desire for power, and for wealth, of the leaders. It has made everyone to think deeply. People are not well versed, they have not awoke yet, they do not know what national awareness means. They have remained withdrawn.
That is why political leaders have been misusing the situation well. If people remained alert, they could not have done anything.
Good days would have come. Ignorance, foolishness and negligence have become their property. That is why the progress of the nation is something that depends on all people. It is not the responsibility of only the leaders or the government.
Every individual should think over it. When the question on the kind of service everyone renders comes, there is nothing special about service or sacrifice one has to do. Service to his country means to do whatever his duty allows him remaining in his own place.
Every one should do his work wholeheartedly, devotedly and truthfully. It is truly the service rendered to his country.