It is now a little more than 4 decades since i first read the 8 volumes (now they are nine) of ‘The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda’. So much water has flowed under the bridge, so many experiences that have added to my understanding of his message and so much still left in this ever continuous learning journey. Listening to the radio interview today morning (broadcast by Akashavani, Mysore FM 100.6) brought back many of those moments when one keeps doing what one believes is correct. There is a sense of urgency and importance in the actions that are driven by convictions and strong view points. One hardly stops to pause, reflect or look deep within oneself to see if one is operating in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Many years ago, a globally acclaimed leadership teacher asked me, “what if the inspiration that you derive from Swami Vivekananda is all misplaced enthusiasm? Have you ever thought about it?” My response to that was that i had no evidence to doubt the power, the authenticity, the relevance and strength of the nationalistic message of Swami Vivekananda. Reflecting back after today’s interview, I realise that it is no different even today. What has possibly altered, is my understanding and appreciation of the depth and width of his message. It is now more clearer and more convincing. His call to the youth of this country to build a resurgent India is what is required now more than ever. His life and message is something that I find is timeless and ever fresh in its appeal. Swami Vivekananda is not just a force of inspiration, he is the very embodiment of the ideals of Tyaga and Seva.
Listen in to this interview in Kannada that tracks the last forty years of my journey from 1984 to now, where the opportunity of contributing on a larger scale has been made available to me. So much is still to be done and so many more miles to go. But then as Swami Vivekananda says, ‘Life is short, give it up to a great cause.” What greater cause can exist than serving our motherland, Bharat!
