Youth – The leverage for change

||Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

I stand on the acres of Africa that is Mother to the cradle of mankind; home of the Bushman, Khoi-Khoi and San. The keeper of the African Sun cajoled and embraced by the enchanting oceans sprawling with life and energy, contradicted intensely by the parched Kalahari sporting the social weaver perched on the arthritic branches of the Baobabs, exhausted from the day’s heat. This ancient land of great kings and warriors whose blood once spilled on the banks of the mighty Tugela River flows with gold and diamonds. Captured, colonised and enslaved - she survives through the indomitable spirit of her children born to fly free like the regally plumaged blue crane. Deep in the heart of every son is a spirit that roars like the majestic lion; quick as the cheetah, strong like the Drakensberg, resilient as the Kalahari, nimble like the springbok and beautiful like the blooming Protea.  Irrigated by tears, blood and tyranny – today, the forecast for storms of joy and prosperity loom on the horizon; clothed with the clouds of respect, dignity, education, tolerance and perseverance.

The Picture of June 16 upsrising that shook the world

16 June 1976: As much as it shook the world, was an impending and unavoidable eruption of youth power against any enslavement of their free African spirit. It is impossible by any means to cork a volcano fuming with the fury of middle earth. It was foolish of the apartheid government to interfere with the mother tongue - core to the indigenous culture and heritage -  and expect them to remain docile and unresponsive. 

Although this day will sulk our hearts and draw copious amounts of tears in memory of the fallen heroes of Soweto, who unarmed, stood no chance against the brutal security forces of the time - that acre of Africa shall forever remain holy ground for youth of our country, continent and world. A pilgrimage of thoughts and events of the day shall inspire youth for eternity, of their innate potential and power to leverage change in the world.

A wonderful parable comes to mind at this point. -from internet

The wise old man travelled from village to village, from town to town - and along the way, people would line up to ask him their most difficult questions. One day he noticed a young boy, barely in his teens, buried in the long queue and his curiosity was aroused. He approached the boy and asked: “Son, what question do you have for the old man?"

The boy looked up shyly, fixed his eyes on the wrinkled brow of the wise man and carefully stretched out his arm. Inside his small closed fist was a beautiful butterfly he caught the previous day.

"Sir, if indeed you are as wise as everyone believes you to be, please tell me whether the butterfly in my hand is dead or alive," the boy challenged the wise man. For a minute or so the wise man was lost for words. You could have heard a pin drop as the crowd waited in bated breath for what seemed like the ultimate ‘David versus Goliath’ showdown.

The small boy thought he had finally cornered the wise old man. If the wise man said the butterfly was alive, the boy would squeeze his fingers and squash the butterfly to death. If the wise man said the butterfly was dead, he would slowly open his hand and the butterfly would happily fly away.

The old man stared straight into the boy's wide expectant eyes, then glanced at the little closed hand and slowly shook his head from side to side. Then he said, “Son, whether the butterfly is dead or alive, it depends on you."

The profound message that emanates from this simple story is that the way we view the world is totally dependent upon us. If we sit back and make no positive contribution in the world, then like a scavenger, we must accept what is there for the taking.  But, Swamiji abhorred laziness and weakness, citing them as the achilles tendon of our progress and prosperity.  His most famous and quoted words “Arise Awake” speaks directly to the attitude of being a predator for your destiny. These eclectic words of His also give one inspiration and motivation to overcome obstacles and challenges that obscure our vision and path to freedom and self development.

Brothers and sisters, the long night is at last drawing to a close. Miseries and sorrows are disappearing. Ours is a sacred country. She is gradually waking up, thanks to the fresh breeze all around. Her might no one can overcome.

Are you prepared for all sacrifices for the sake of our motherland? If you are, then you can rid the land of poverty and ignorance. Do you know that millions of our countrymen are starving and miserable? Do you feel for them? Do you so much as shed a tear for them?

Have you the courage to face any hurdles, however formidable? Have you the determination to pursue your goal, even if those near and dear to you oppose you? You can be free men only if you have confidence in yourselves. You should develop a strong physique. You should shape your mind through study and mediation. Only then will victory be yours.

I loved my motherland dearly before I went to America and England. After my return, every particle of the dust of this land seems sacred to me.

As our country prepares for the commemoration of Youth Day, let us all remember this day and light a flame in our hearts that will show the way and inspire us all to work for a country that is free and fair to all citizens  - and ensure that a day shall never return when we see oppression of one by another.

May Swamiji give us good guidance and support always, is my sincere prayer.

With Love and prayers

Yogan

When I Asked God for Strength, He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brawn, He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness, He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth, He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favours, He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace, He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted, He Gave Me Everything I Needed

-Swami Vivekananda