Monday, 11 August 2025

Independence Day Message

 


Saha Navavatu, 

saha nau Bhunaktu |

 Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |

 Tejasvi Naavadhiitamastu 

Maa Vidvissaavahai |

The purport of this mantra is, let there be no animosity amongst us. Conversely, let us live together, eat together, work together and together let us prosper. How wonderful are these words that speak of communion and unity!

On 15th August, we, the Indian Christians, are celebrating two historical events: the 79th Independence Day and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first is political and the second is spiritual. Today’s first reading calls for introspection on this auspicious day. The woman in labour and delivering the baby amidst the great danger of the dragon’s destruction points out the situation that we are living in today. Like the woman in labour, our nation is in a state of transformation. We are called to give birth to a new India, an India where justice, equality, and peace prevail. It is a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Let us draw inspiration from the life of Mary, who gave birth to the Saviour of the world. She faced immense challenges, yet she remained steadfast in her faith.

Although we look ahead with confidence and optimism, the signs of our times are disturbing and depressing. On the political front, we experience much turmoil and upheaval. For days together, we witness the very act of democratic institutions being questioned. Violence and crime are increasing. Constitutional rights are denied to ordinary people. Justice is being denied to innocent victims. The gap between the rich and the poor is sadly widening ever more, in spite of several welfare schemes. The economic scenario is alarming and afflicting the aam aadmi. The prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing, thus depriving the common man/woman of one square meal a day. The job seekers have to pay a heavy price; merit and competence are totally and conveniently ignored. Their cry is growing louder. Social unrest is on the increase. The underprivileged sections of the people are the targets of the powerful. The enforcement authorities seem helpless to put an end to atrocities, assaults, crimes, murders, gang rapes, human trafficking, drug-peddling, strikes and scams. They fail to ensure peaceful and fraternal living.

On the other side, we come across people and organisations striving for peace, progress and prosperity of the country. Right from the early days, they made concerted efforts to combat social evils prevailing in the country. Advances in science and technology have made great strides in the agricultural, industrial, education, health, space and communication sectors, thanks to the ingenuity of great Indians. This augurs well for the future. Like Mary, we are called to give birth to values of justice, equality, peace and harmony. But these values are surrounded by forces of evil. But we should not be afraid of fostering values even if it costs our lives. Our courageously performed virtuous work towards social welfare will turn hatred into love, powerful into powerless, hungry with a stomach full, etc. Therefore, let’s work for a fear-free, loving and prosperous country.

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः 

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु 

मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्  

शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

Fr. Raju Felix Crasta

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Very good. Thought provoking. Thanks