If the so called ruling class of the country feel like they have no stake in the soil and future of the country, what does this mean? The business elites frequently give statements to the the country’s youth about working over 12 hours a day like donkeys for their own business interests all in the name of milking the nationalist sentiments. No High spirited atmosphere for the growth of the nation together is possible if this is the situation and only individual self interest and cunning is all that’s left
But why should we be worried about what the ruling class does or does not do? Besides, the depressed classes do the same thing when they have the means and the money. See what the creamy layers do after their economic condition improves. This world is not divided between the ruling class and the ruled but between the Bourgeois who seek comfort zones wherever they may be, comfort zones of money and outer position, and, on the other hand the Samurai, who live for a greater and higher ideal. Both are found everywhere irrespective of class. When we read history we discover how kings and commoners joined in sacrifice for the greater good while there have also been kings who were tyrants and commoners who flattered, served their self- interest and led the nation to ruin. In fact such people who live for selfish ends are in plenty. But the world continues to move forward regardless of them because fortunately there have always been these few who gave their life defending a greater ideal. Those who stood by Rama were not the mighty Asura but the modest foresr dweller Vanaras. Nor was the ideal of Ram Rajya challenged by the ruling class but again by the common man. So let us not glorify or depreciate groups but the Ideal.
Besides even if nobody is following an ideal, even if the world is running after money and success, even if we are alone and death and defeat certain yet must we stand by all that is true and good and beautiful. One such person, possibly unknown and away from the media glare is the hope of the future rather than the self-seeking politician or the so-called leader. The Indian ideal of a true leader is the renunciate monk Vivekanand or else the renunciate king Rama, the low by birth Hanuman rather than Ravana, the man of high birth and achievement.
It is these great ideals embedded in our history that we must study and emulate rather than the Western world view that places money and outer success as ideal and classifies human beings by outer achievement rather than inner temperament. Follow not their deceiving gospel but rather the high impulse of your inner being. If you feel moved by an ideal, then live it, even if you are alone and no help by your side. Fortunately such people are there and it is these who are rebuilding India and the world. Above all there is hope not because of human beings but because there is the Divine Presence and there are people who are moved by the Divine Power. Read their life and not the uninteresting life of the average politician and generals. Though even here there are some very fine people, few though they are, but with their heart in the right place. These can be our ideal if we like. The rest are simply castaway who will be forgotten soon when Time passes its verdict. Do not look upto them, instead turn your eyes towards those whom God has chosen for His work of regenerating India and the world and you will find enough reason to be happy and hopeful.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
