Republic Day Blessings, Vallabh Vidyanagar, India

26 Jan 2000

At 7.30 am the grounds of Akshar Purushottam Chhatralaya (APC) was ready to honor the tri-color Indian flag on Republic day. Devotees, hostel students and sadhus were poised to witness Swamishri unfurl the tri-color flag bound on top of a decorated pole. While patriotic songs filled the morning crisp atmosphere Swamishri pulled a rope and the tri-colors fluttered in the air. Choruses of 'Bharat Mata ki Jay' thundered on the hostel grounds. Then everyone offered respects to the flag by folding hands and offering a salute. The national anthem was recited and the ceremony concluded with Swamishri's blessings: "Today is the Republic day of Bharat. We have become independent but spiritually we have not achieved independence. We need to become victorious over our mind and senses. And to govern over them we need to attain the state of atmaroop. When one attains this state, as prescribed by Shreeji Maharaj, then one will experience true happiness in life.
"We pray to God that though Bharat is independent, may it find solutions to its present day problems. May the prevailing border conflicts and troubles be solved. May a lasting solution be found to the country's internal problems and the issue of River Narmada. May all citizens be blessed with spiritual inclinations. Let there be an end to terrorism and peace prevail in India and the whole world."