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Digvijay Divas: Rouse up the divinity hidden within every soul

Published By : Admin | September 11, 2010 | 19:25 IST

Friends, Today is 11th September.

This was the Day on which Swami Vivekananda gave the 
world-famous speech in 1893 at Chicago in the World Parliament of Religions. We are celebrating it as "Digvijay Divas"; Swami Vivekananda conquered the world on this day with his spirituality in practice and that too at a time when India was not even independent. It was for the first time that the message of universal Brotherhood and its proper understanding was given to the western world. We all know that when Swami Vivekananda addressed the audience as ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ it had an electrifying effect on them. Because it was not merely a form of address but behind those words was the great spiritual strength of India, which has always proclaimed and practised the universal brotherhood in her long history of more than 5000 years. Had the world followed the message of the universal brotherhood, possibly, 100 years later it wouldn’t have had to face the fatal day of the world trade center attack, September 11, 2001. But the irony is that such a uniquely great philosophy that can show the path to the world to handle the menace of terrorism itself is being termed as “
Saffron terrorism”. That too by none other than the home minister of this country. Guided by the agenda of petty Party Politics and appeasement, it seems he intends to root out all the possibilities of Peace and Development. In the face of this predicament, it becomes the duty of each and everyone to understand this message, to imbibe it in our life and to make it reach out the people. Swami Vivekananda worked for Strong India to guide the whole Humanity. Swamiji, in his lectures, gave a call for Universal Brotherhood. He said that the man on this earth has continued too long to be fanatic about insisting that his religion alone is true and other religions, being false, had no right to exist. He also stressed that as long as this situation persists there can be only bloodshed in the name of religion and no brotherhood which, the practice of religion should actually bring about, would be possible. How prophetic he was proved more than hundred years later by the WTC event of 11th September!

But how long the humanity would be drenched in the blood of fanaticism? At present though it appears that fanaticism and terrorism are engulfing the whole world, actually it is like the flame that flickers the brightest before getting extinguished. Swami Vivekananda had said that, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendants, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled this earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilisation and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these possible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now? But their time has come…”

It is not that he just gave the call for Universal Brotherhood, but also pointed out that Universal Brotherhood is not possible without inclusive approach. Today humanity is facing three levels of challenges, mainly due to the lack of inclusive approach-

1. Co-existence of multiple faith and civilizations

2. Sustainable development of Science and Economics in harmony with nature

3. Geopolitical tolerance in warring and competing nationalities

Strong Indian nation based on the values of out rich civilization is the only solution to all these challenges. ‘Good of all‘ -Sarve bhavantu sukhinah....,the philosophy preached by our rishis (sages) is the only way out. It is ‘sanatan’- beyond time. It is as relevant today; perhaps more, as it was in their time. But the question arises is it possible in today’s world. We are trying our best to make it possible in Gujarat and I am happy with the success of our efforts. “Gujarat model of inclusive development” is basically the Indian model of harmonised growth. After consistently following this model even in the mid of all types of hindrances today anyone can see how successful Gujarat is in combating above three challenges. If one tries to unveil the facts underneath the malicious lies, it can be clearly seen that the policy of “accomplishments and not appeasement” of Gujarat has created a peaceful environment for growth without discriminating on caste, creed or religion. Gujarat is truly wedded to the principle of sarva dharma sambhav. Not only the Co-existence of multiple faith but synergic development of all sections of the society regardless of caste or community. Time and again, those crafting calumny against Gujarat for meager vote bank politics are being slapped on their faces when Gujarat’s model of inclusive growth is praised by different people and in different forums. One such document is Justice Rajinder Sachar committee report that shows 
Muslims are the happiest in Gujarat.

While people are busy deliberating on Sustainable development, Gujarat’s commitment has started showing results on quite a few fronts- whether it is Agricultural growth or Human development index or GDP.
Sustainable development calls for innovation, cooperation and the will power to make the changes that the world needs. Gujarat has shown it in all its initiatives like providing round the clock three phase electricity to all urban and rural hamlets, providing institutional deliveries through PPP route, linking the rivers, micro-irrigation, BRTS, riverfront, climate change initiative, evening courts and many more. In Gujarat, we are determined to have an economy and society that has low-carbon emissions and a prosperous and healthy future.

Gujarat has also taken initiatives like 
Samras gram where a village is awarded if the local self government is formed unanimously. On the first day of the Golden Jubilee year of the State, all past and current MLAs and MPs of Gujarat during last 50 years were invited and a resolution was made to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, Swarnim Jayanti together without political differences. The mooting of compulsory voting bill too is an attempt to create a healthy democracy and competitive politics.

Today’s Bharat is the land of youth. And the young have both zeal and strength to do something for the country. They are empowered with advanced knowledge and technology. Be it our 
Samay Daan Programme or the 
CM FellowshipProgramme or the thousands of 
email that I daily receive from the youth, the fresh vigor and enthusiasm in them, makes frees from the worries of India’s Future.
 Swamiji’s 150th anniversay is approaching, Eleanor Stark of America in his book “The Gift Unopened” calls Swamiji to be the unique gift for the mankind still unopened. Come, let’s unite in taking a pledge on this occassion to open this gift by living the message of Swamiji. To commemorate “Digvijay Divas” we must follow Swamiji's message, we should do it with deeds and not words to usher in a better tomorrow. Let us honour this great man by trying to realize his dream of a Strong India by following in his footsteps.

It can be best concluded in the words of Swami Vivekananda, “Work out the salvation of this land and of the whole world, each of you thinking that the entire burden is on your shoulders. Carry the light and the life of the Vedanta to every door, and rouse up the divinity that is hidden within every soul. Then, whatever may be the measure of your success, you will have this satisfaction that you have lived, worked, and died for a great cause. In the success of this cause, howsoever brought about, is centered the salvation of humanity here and hereafter.”

Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat!

Jay Jay Swarnim Gujarat!

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ! The whole world is one family.

Yours

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A life devoted to India’s unity and progress
July 06, 2026

Today, 6th July, is a special day for countless people who cherish the ideals of nationalism and selfless service. We commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose life remains a timeless example of courage and unwavering commitment to Maa Bharti. Few leaders in modern India embodied the seamless confluence of intellect, public service and moral conviction as profoundly as Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The young Syama Prasad was born into circumstances that could easily have assured him a protected and comfortable life. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, was among the foremost educationists and intellectuals of his age. Yet, while destiny placed before him a path of privilege, his conscience led him towards one of sacrifice and national service. He was convinced that he could not remain a mute spectator to the turbulence of his times, be it fighting colonialism, communalism, humanitarian challenges and more. Along this journey, he endured profound personal tragedies, including the loss of an infant child and, later, his wife. Yet, these tragedies only deepened his resolve and strengthened his unwavering commitment to serve.

If there was one ideal that defined Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s public life above all else, it was the indivisibility of India. He stood firm during the upheaval of Partition to ensure that West Bengal remained an integral part of India. A few years later, that very conviction drew him to Jammu and Kashmir. Imprisonment did not deter him and isolation did not diminish him. His life came to an abrupt end in detention, far from the countless people whose cause he had made his own. There are moments in history when an individual’s final sacrifice transcends politics and enters the realm of national memory. Dr. Mookerjee’s last journey remains one such moment. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said that Dr. Mookerjee sacrificed himself for a cause in which he had faith. Years later, the revocation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019 was the most fitting tribute to his martyrdom.

Dr. Mookerjee put India First and Indian values first. And he did it by building institutions and nurturing systems that defied conventional mindsets of those times. He became the youngest Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. In his unique style, he brought positive changes that were patriotic and futuristic. Addressing a conference of educators, Dr. Mookerjee put it wonderfully when he said, “It is incorrect to look upon educational institutions as factories to produce potential clerks and low-paid staff. We have to turn out students who are capable of providing leadership to our self-governing institutions, such as municipal corporations, provincial and central legislatures and also of directing the affairs in various fields of life such as financial, commercial and industrial ones.”

Under his leadership, Calcutta University undertook unique efforts such as improving library infrastructure, boosting research in sciences, encouraging the study of artefacts and establishing courses in agriculture, to name a few. He drew attention to areas such as sports, teacher training and student welfare. To instil a sense of pride among students and alumni, he began a practice of marking 24th January as the foundation day of the University. He requested none other than Gurudev Tagore to compose a song for the University.

Yet another example of this spirit can be seen in the later part of his life, when he decided to form the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. At a time when the Congress Party was omnipresent, he felt that there was all the more reason for an alternative voice to speak up for India’s progress while staying attached to our cultural roots. It was perhaps fitting that the party’s symbol was the Diya, the earthen lamp. A single lamp may appear modest, yet it possesses the power to dispel darkness far beyond itself. It is exactly what the Jana Sangh did both during the years it was active and beyond.

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s tenure as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply reveals a statesman whose conception of development was remarkably comprehensive and humane. He viewed industry as a means of restoring dignity, opportunity and confidence to a newly independent nation. He respected wealth creation and value addition. While laying the foundations of modern industrial India through pioneering initiatives such as the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Sindri Fertiliser Plant and a robust industrial policy, he simultaneously ensured that India’s traditional strengths were not neglected. Handlooms, cottage industries, artisans and textile workers found in him an equally committed champion.

Here, I would like to share a personal experience. The Sindri plant, which Dr. Mookerjee worked to establish with a clear vision of self-reliance, was ignored by those who ran the nation for several decades. I feel honoured that our Government had the opportunity to contribute to its revival. It was indeed among the most special moments to have been there for that programme.

India’s civilisational tradition has long celebrated dialogue and discussions. Dr. Mookerjee embodied this democratic spirit. He joined Pandit Nehru’s Cabinet, believing that the task of nation-building in the early years transcended political differences. He served with sincerity and a constructive spirit. But when he felt that questions of national importance demanded a different course, he relinquished office with dignity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the political work he believed the nation required.

75 years ago, Pandit Nehru brought the First Amendment, which was a direct assault on free speech. Dr. Mookerjee was among its staunchest critics. He understood fully what the Congress was capable of doing. And he was proven right. Those who brought the First Amendment 75 years ago imposed the Emergency in 1975 and 50 years ago, brought in the 42nd Amendment Act, which again struck at the core of liberal democratic values.

Dr. Mookerjee also stood out for his humanitarian efforts. When the most tragic famine struck Bengal in 1943, Dr. Mookerjee immersed himself in serving those affected. He ensured that several canteens and relief centres were opened to feed people. On one hand, he was deeply shaken by the plight of his people while on the other, he was repulsed by the insensitivity of the colonial rulers. He even wrote a book, Panchasher Manwantar, in which he expressed his angst. When a super cyclone hit Medinipur in 1942, his efforts to restore normalcy were widely lauded.

Speaking at a college in Kolkata, Dr. Mookerjee urged the youth, “Whatever work you undertake, do it seriously, thoroughly and well; never leave it half-done or undone, never feel yourself satisfied unless and until you have given it your very best.” As India advances towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat, the finest tribute we can pay him is to strive every day to build the strong, united, self-confident and compassionate India that he so deeply believed in. And knowing today’s youth, I am certain they will rise to the occasion and do exactly that.