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 ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Fr. Raju Felix Crasta
