Transforming Lives through Meditation, Ethical Living & Selfless Service
Sant Rajinder Singh ji MaharajBy Dr. Renee Mehrra
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an internationally renowned spiritual teacher, an ambassador of peace, scientist, and an acclaimed author, offering a compelling vision for global harmony and oneness. He is the head of Science of Spirituality (www.sos.org), a nonprofit, non-denominational organization that focuses on personal transformation through meditation, ethical living and selfless service under his spiritual guidance. Science of Spirituality has a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2013, and also maintains a presence as a club with the United Nations Staff Recreational Council. The organization’s global outreach is extensive with over 3400 centers worldwide. It regularly responds to natural disasters with financial assistance, food, clothing, and volunteer relief workers. In addition, it sponsors blood drives, annual free eye clinics, and provides medical resources to needy communities.
Born in India and educated as a scientist in the United States, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji has a keen understanding of both mysticism and science. He embodies a lifelong commitment to inner and outer peace, bridging science and spirituality, and sharing to a global audience the timeless spiritual wisdom in a clear, logical, and accessible manner.
Those who have had the privilege of attending his inspirational talks experience a profound sense of calm, joy, and quietude that lingers long after his programs have concluded. In today’s world of strife and stress, the powerful impact of his teachings helps cultivate a more positive and compassionate outlook on life, making individuals understand that challenges can be turned into opportunities for their spiritual growth. His simple, non-denominational meditation technique empowers people to find their center and cultivate inner resilience for a more harmonious and meaningful existence.
A prolific author, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji’s publications include books in fifty languages, among them are; Inner and Outer Peace through Meditation, Meditation as Medication for the Soul, Spark of the Divine, and Building Bridges through Meditation. Since 2020, Global Meditation in Place has been streamed every Sunday at 10 am EST featuring his weekly talks and meditation sessions that help to nurture one’s spirit, and foster spiritual growth. His unwavering dedication to the human unity movement has led to his global efforts to help humanity transcend racial, cultural, religious and economic differences. He regularly convenes International Human Unity Conferences in India to bring civic, social, religious, and spiritual leaders together to share their views on integrating human unity into their communities.
In his various keynote addresses around the world, including at academic and medical institutions, United Nations, US Coast Guard Academy, and the National Institute of Health, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji outlines a sustainable blueprint for world peace, successful leadership and social transformation through meditation that leads to inner peace paving the way to building bridges of outer peace and unity in the world, A strong advocate for conscious living, and eco-friendly lifestyle, he has promoted Veggie Fest, one of North America’s largest vegetarian and vegan lifestyle festivals in Chicagoland. Take the Vegetarian Challenge,” and Take the Meditation Challenge initiatives underscore the importance of responsible consumption and production, and address environmental and health concerns. These represent a significant contribution to the Sustainable Developmental Goals of the United Nations particularly those related to Good Health and Well Being (SDG 3) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
As founder of 24 Darshan Academy K-12 schools across India and South America Sant Rajinder Singh Ji has been tirelessly cultivating a generation of peacemakers for tomorrow, enhancing their spiritual quotient and making them embrace universal values of truthfulness, non-violence, interconnectedness, and respect for all.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji is being felicitated by former President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee, 2016
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji has been felicitated and honored for his global efforts toward unity and peace from international and national leaders. These accolades include recognition by the former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Award from the President of the State of Mexico, Extraordinary Grand Cross Award by the Governor of Quindío, Colombia, US Congressional Citations, Exemplary Service to Humanity from New York State and New Jersey, Peace Award by the UN-NGO community & Interfaith Center of New York, Distinguished Leadership Award for Peace and Spirituality, Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, and many more…
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji’s message of inclusion, and personal transformation through spirituality and meditation has profoundly impacted global efforts to promote human unity, dismantle the walls of racial prejudice, bias and intolerance, and foster an environment that contributes to a better and more peaceful world. In his words: “True happiness comes when we connect with the source of joy within us: our soul and God.”
This holiday season, let us all embark on an introspective journey of self-discovery and unwrap the priceless gifts of joy and inner bliss that await us, and embody the change we want to see on earth.
(Dr. Renee Mehrra is an Award-winning Broadcaster and Civic Leader)
NEW YORK (TIP): On the occasion of 9th International Yoga Day 2023, GOPIO-Manhattan in cooperation with the Consulate General of India in New York and Emmy-nominated filmmaker & Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik hosted a highly interactive and informative Yoga Zoom event on June 25th featuring experts and speakers from various walks of life. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York sent his best wishes to GOPIO and Malik for celebrating the 9th International Yoga Day 2023. The chief guest Consul Vipul Dev, who looks after Press, Information and Culture at the Indian Consulate, New York (USA) was present on the occasion. GOPIO-Manhattan Secretary Bhavya Gupta was the MC for the event which was hosted in the presence of Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and GOPIO President Lal Motwani as well as distinguished members of GOPIO International and its chapter officials from the Northeast of USA and many viewers from all over the world. The event was also supported by The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum.
Ms. Bhavya Gupta started the event welcoming all and shared the updates from the 9th International Yoga Day held at the United Nations on June 21st under the presence of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi. GOPIO team members along with citizens across 135 nationalities participated in the Yoga event, which earned the Yoga Day Event an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the Most Nationalities in a Yoga Session.
The event was energetic, knowledgeable, inspiring, and celebratory in nature. While emphasizing upon the growing importance of Yoga in today’s times, Malik explained his vision behind Happy Life Yoga and its underlying philosophy, “A way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Philosophy, Happy Life Yoga is beneficial for one and all. The pandemic has made the world realize that it is of paramount importance to have a good health, physically and emotionally, and the Happy Life Yoga platform can show how to achieve it.”
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Abraham in his welcome remarks said, “Yoga has now become an international brand after the UN declaration in 2014 and Yoga Day is now celebrated all over the world.” Dr. Abraham also complimented the Indian Consulate for continuing to support Yoga celebrations by the community groups in the Northeast of the US. Dr. Abraham also complimented Consul General Jaiswal for hoisting the largest number of programs at the New York Consulate every month compared to other MEA missions around the world.
Indian Consul Vipul Dev said, “Yoga has become very popular in our life and personally I feel great that something like Yoga from my country has been adopted and owned by the rest of world.” He also added that Yoga brought positivity in his life. He also mentioned that the Indian Consulate in New York has been celebrating Yoga Day with community groups starting in the first week of June, including one at the Niagara Falls.
While emphasizing upon the growing importance of Yoga in today’s times, Malik explained his vision behind Happy Life Yoga and its underlying philosophy, “A way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Philosophy, Happy Life Yoga is beneficial for one and all. The pandemic has made the world realize that it is of paramount importance to have good health, physically and emotionally, and the Happy Life Yoga platform can show how to achieve it.” One of the major highlights of the Happy Life Yoga event was the knowledge session moderated by Malik who is known for his ability to engage with his audience using the right mix of banter and substance. The event was energetic, informative, inspiring, and celebratory in nature. In his brief remarks, Tirlok Malik for propagating the power of Yoga globally through the Happy Life Yoga event.
Speakers . From L to R: Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Indu Jaiswal, Anil Narang, Dr. Renee Mehrra, Neeta Bhasin, Deborah Fishman, Neha Lohia, Victoria Moran, Radhika Bhagat and Dr. Tara Shajan.
The speakers at the event included Professor Indrajit Saluja (Chief Editor/Publisher, The Indian Panorama), Indu Jaiswal (Chairperson, Indian American Forum), Anil Narang (Vegan Ambassador), Lal Motwani (GOPIO International President), Neeta Bhasin (President, ASB Communications), Dr. Renee Mehra (Reenbow Media), Deborah Fishman (Founder of FED Talk), Neha Lohia (Filmmaker), Radhika Bhagat (CEO, Sacred Earth Trust), Dr. Tara Shajan (President, Indian Nurses Association), and Victoria Moran (Founder, Main Street Vegan Academy). The event was co-sponsored by The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum.
The event ended with a laughter session and message of “I Love Myself” even as Malik promised to bring more Happy Life Yoga events in the near future. Happy Life Yoga is the creation of Tirlok Malik. It is essentially an educational platform that offers a unique holistic approach to health and happiness using tools from Ayurveda, Indian Philosophy, and Yoga to help better manage modern-day challenges such as work, finances, relationships, family and other social pressures. It was launched in June 2019 in New York. Malik’s portfolio of work has won many awards and has been acclaimed in the media and people worldwide. Through his work he intends to inspire others to live happier and healthier lives and the journey continues.
Part of the audience at the zoom session of Happy Life Yoga.
During the program, GOPIO International President Lal Motwani, who also serves as honorary chair of GOPIO-New York chapter, spoke on Yoga and cited that one has to make others happy to be happy yourself. GOPIO-Manhattan Chapter President Shivender Sofat invited the community to participate in other chapter activities including welcoming new students from India for a Welcome Dinner event in late September. He further added on the various services from the chapter including community feeding on the last Monday of every month and invited members of the community to sponsor this effort. GOPIO-Manhattan Chapter Board Member Siddharth Jain, who managed the Zoom session gave the vote of thanks.
Also present at the event were community leaders including India Association of Long Island President Bina Sabapathy, GOPIO International Coordinator Dr. Asha Samant, Rakesh Agarwal of UP Association of North America, AIA Secretary Gunjan Rastogi, who is also Regional VP of NFIA and Sudhir Vaishnav of Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan.
GOPIO-Manhattan, in accordance with its mission to serve the larger society and those in need, has taken several initiatives in the recent past. A Community Feeding is organized by the Chapter providing vegan or vegetarian lunch for the homeless and needy at Tomkins Square Park in Manhattan on the last Monday of every month. The chapter appeals to the community to support the initiative by being a volunteer and/or a sponsor.
For additional information on GOPIO Manhattan, contact President Shivender Sofat at 731-988-6969, e-mail: info@gopiomanhattan.org or visit here: https://gopiomanhattan.org/ Facebook Link: GOPIO Manhattan NYC
Change starts with each one of us. We all are accountable for a healthy planet. My expectations for 2023 are to recalibrate our expectations, program our mind to live life of surrender to the higher self and do service to humanity with no reward or agenda in mind.
When we have no expectations from others, we will harbor less anger, hostility and anxiety. Such a mindset will propel us to a life that is more fulfilling, a life of peace, quietude, gratitude and inner joy.
From L to R: Chief Guest Consul Vipul Dev, Indian Consulate, New York (USA) and Special Guest Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Rep. for Illinois’s 8th congressional district.From L to R (Upper Row): Tirlok Malik, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Indu Jaiswal, Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Dr. Tara Shajan, Sangeeta Agarawal. From L to R (Lower Row): Dr. Thomas Abraham, Consul Vipul Dev, Dr. Renee Mehrra, Anil Narang, Victoria Moran, Domini Monroe.Part of the audience at the zoom session of Happy Life Yoga.
NEW YORK (TIP): On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2022, GOPIO Northeast chapters in cooperation with the Indian Consulate in New York and Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik hosted a highly interactive and informative Yoga Zoom event on June 23rd featuring experts and speakers from various walks of life. Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York sent his best wishes to GOPIO and Malik for celebrating the International Yoga Day 2022. The chief guest Indian Consul Vipul Dev, who looks after Political, Press, Information and Culture at the Indian Consulate, New York (USA) and special guest Congressman Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-born American businessman who has been serving as the U.S. representative for Illinois’s 8th congressional district since 2017, were present on the occasion. GOPIO-Manhattan Secretary Bhavya Gupta was the MC for the event which was hosted in the presence of Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International as well as distinguished members of GOPIO International and its chapter officials from the Northeast of USA and many viewers from all over the world. The event was also supported by The Indian Panorama, Indian American Forum, GOPIO Chapters (New York, Central New York, Central Jersey, Edison and Connecticut).
The event was energetic, knowledgeable, inspiring, and celebratory in nature. While emphasizing upon the growing importance of Yoga in today’s times, Malik explained his vision behind Happy Life Yoga and its underlying philosophy, “A way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Philosophy, Happy Life Yoga is beneficial for one and all. The pandemic has made the world realize that it is of paramount importance to have a good health, physically and emotionally, and the Happy Life Yoga platform can show how to achieve it.”
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Abraham in his welcome remarks said, “Yoga has now become an international brand after the UN declaration in 2014 and Yoga Day is now celebrated all over the world.” Dr. Abraham also complimented the Indian Consulate for continuing to hold the celebration at the Times Square in New York City.
Indian Consul Vipul Dev said, “Yoga has become very popular in our life and personally I feel great that something like Yoga from my country has been adopted and owned by the rest of world.” He also added that Yoga brought positivity in his life. He also mentioned that the Indian Consulate in New York has been celebrating Yoga Day with community groups starting in the first week of June, including one at the Niagara Falls.
In his brief remarks, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi congratulated GOPIO and Tirlok Malik for propagating the power of Yoga globally through the Happy Life Yoga event. “Today, the International Yoga Day has evolved into in major annual event that’s celebrated all across the globe. The key is to celebrate Yoga as a health practice that is truly universal. I would like to congratulate GOPIO and Mr. Malik for playing an active role in propagating the power of Yoga.”
One of the major highlights of the Happy Life Yoga event was the knowledge sessions moderated by Malik who is known for his ability to engage with his audience using the right mix of banter and substance.
The distinguished speakers included Prof. Indrajit Saluja (Chief Editor/Publisher, The Indian Panorama), Indu Jaiswal (Chairperson, Indian American Forum), Sangeeta Agarawal (CEO and Founder, Helpsy), Dr. Jaya Daptardar (Author and Ayurveda Practitioner), Domini Monroe (Model and Actress), Dr. Tara Shajan (President, Nurse Association), Prakhar Gupta (Podcaster), Dr. Renee Mehrra (Reenbow Media), Anil Narang (Vegan Ambassador), Anna Pillai (Ayurveda Practitioner), and Victoria Moran (Founder, Main Street Vegan Academy).
The event ended with a thunderous applause even as Malik promised to bring more Happy Life Yoga events in the near future. Happy Life Yoga is the creation of Tirlok Malik. It is essentially an educational platform that offers a unique holistic approach to health and happiness using tools from Ayurveda, Indian Philosophy, and Yoga to help better manage modern-day challenges such as work, finances, relationships, family and other social pressures. It was launched in June 2019 in New York. Malik’s portfolio of work has won many awards and has been acclaimed in media and people worldwide. Through his work he intends to inspire others to live happier and healthier lives and the journey continues.
During the program, GOPIO Foundation Executive Trustee Lal Motwani, who also serves as honorary chair of GOPIO-New York chapter spoke on the new initiative from the chapter on launching India Collection of Books at the Queens Public Library on August 13th when the library will also honor India for its 75th Independence. GOPIO-Manhattan Chapter Board Member Siddharth Jain spoke on the various services from the chapter including community feeding on the last Monday of every month and invited members of the community to sponsor this effort. GOPIO-Manhattan Chapter President Shivender Sofat invited the community to participate in other chapter activities including welcoming new students from India for a Welcome Dinner event in late September. GOPIO-New York President Beena Kothari, who managed the Zoom session gave the vote of thanks. Also present at the event were community leaders including AIA National President Govind Munjal, India Association of Long Island President Bina Sabapathy, The Kerala Center President Alex Esthappan, Milan Cultural Association President Suresh Sharma, Indo American Senior Citizen Association President Mukund Mehta and community leader Pam Kwatra.
The Indian Panorama loves its readers and values their views. It has always been our effort to get the readers to express their views on various subjects and issues. This way, The Indian Panorama gets enriched even as readers other than those who commented get the benefit of the perspectives of those who contributed.
For the Independence Day special edition, we requested readers to write on India of their dreams. We received an enthusiastic response. We thank the readers who have contributed. Here is what they said.
Anu Jain Realtor, Long Island, NY
India is a great nation with loving people, and it is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and a multi-religious society. I dream of an India that is free from corruption at all levels. It would be a place where the betterment of the country and its people would be the sole agenda of the government. In India, corruption has been at the high side of the Indian politics for years and it has been filled with many greedy politicians whose interest is above the nation’s people; The rate of corruption is growing day by day and the common man suffers in the hands of politicians who are only interested in fulfilling their own selfish motives. Once corruption is out of the system many things will fall automatically in place such as the usage of the public fund. The public fund shall be utilized in improving India’s infrastructure, education, medical care, agriculture, military, and other sectors. It will also be used to make the atmosphere cleaner and healthier for the citizens of India. My dream India should have no discrimination on castes or religion, we are all Indian. We are not divided into Jain, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or any other religions. Different ethnic groups should be able to live in perfect harmony with each other. I want to see equality in education and employment, a nicely funded education system where the poor and the rich are able to acquire the same opportunity in order to gain the best education.
Arish K Sahani, New York Life Agent, Queens, NY
Being born in India, I feel proud to say that I was born in a great civilization.
India is one of the few places in the world where different family members are living with your one family and because of that, I feel proud to say that before I attended school and learned from my neighborhood uncles and aunts about the rights and wrongs in life. I was made to realize that – I am a Human and I need to learn HOW TO LIVE LIKE A HUMAN. It is only the humans of this world that need to know and learn how to live like a human. Animals don’t have to learn or be educated in a school system to learn the ways of life like we do. No one understands the importance of DNA, place of birth, and the culture you are born in unless you grow up and see the differences in each area.
The importance of good and honest leadership is recognized when you see the working of two different leaders from two different parties. When living in a democracy, if you have not realized and used the power to VOTE in your life, you are not fit to live in a democracy.
In today’s world, everyone is running towards money. But no one ever thinks that you come empty handed into this world and you leave empty handed from this world.
Sanatana Dharma teaches life principles. You carry and take with you the load of all your Karmas, and you are reborn again to carry on your desires and wishes.
All Indians who love India should be proud of the present leadership who has made India a world of focus.
It is a surprise for many that one billion Hindus have no Hindu nation as of yet. The world is watching and wondering if India will survive and if the locals of India are free to convert to any enemy culture and the right to destroy India by using political games.
I have been living in the United States for the past 50 years but I wish for myself to be born as a Hindu again in India.
I feel sad when our media and our education system have no programs to teach our young how to live like a human and how to develop the will to fight evil and to learn the non-truth. Millions living with the non-truth have no will to gain freedom from the corrupt systems of the unfortunate education system that we have today.
Arish Sahani, Born Hindu Grav Se Kaho Main Hindu Hoon.
Gobind Bathija, C.E.O/ President GBN Enterprises, Group of Companies, Long Island, NY
India’s society is divided by Caste, Religion, Region and Gender, however, are unified in Celebration of its’ Independence. The Nation has seen substantial progress in many areas including rise in income levels, global growth, and advancement in literacy and life expectancies. The per capita income increased in real terms despite a significant increase in the population of the country.
Sophisticated and modern technology has led to reduced prevalence of diseases leading to longevity. The increase in the gross enrollment ratios in school and rise in the number of recognized educational institutes in the country provided for the advancement of literacy levels. India has emerged as the top exporter of IT services and their IT sills are renowned all over the world. These, as well as significant infrastructure development, booming Agriculture and tremendous advancement in manufacturing, construction, electricity and gas and water supply sectors have positioned India as a Global leader.
India of the future – A Global Superpower with a primary focus on protecting their citizens through continued infrastructure spending in conjunction with:
controlling pollution levels,
public health care to reduce maternal and childhood deaths,
public safety, utility and water supply
reducing economic inequality,
housing.
No amount of economic growth with outweigh the safety and health of its people.
Harbachan Singh, Secretary General, Indian Overseas Congress, USA. Queens, NY
Significance of Independence Day
We celebrate Independence Day for several reasons. Firstly, to rejoice the Independence from a colonial power who had all this while been siphoning away all the treasures and wealth away from our country and always gave us a raw deal in our lives. They made easy money and enriched themselves, enjoyed luxurious lives and kept us subdued as servants. Independence Day is also to remind us that we must make sure that our own people will not do the same and keep us downtrodden. That they will not be corrupt, will not enrich their own, will not keep us jobless, will not destroy our environment, our children, our seniors and our health and education systems, will not practice rotten demonetization schemes, will not leave black money overseas, will not do Rafael type deals and make tons of corrupt money, will not punish our farmers who demonstrate peacefully against tyranny, who fail to keep campaign promises, who fail to protect us adequately from Corona and Delta Virus, who practice religious divide and exploit devious IT manipulations to win elections etc. and in the end make us more unhappy and desperate than we were under the colonial rulers. Independence is to enjoy a better quality of life, of love and co-exist with mutual respect, built with our sweat. Let us not shortchange ourselves. Everyone, regardless of class or creed must get a fair share of a country’s prosperity. We can lose our freedom by making a wrong choice at the ballot box.
Harish Thakkar, President, AIA New York Chapter, Queens, NY
India enjoys a rich cultural heritage. People belonging to various castes, creeds, and religions live peacefully in this country. I dream of India that progresses at an even greater pace and joins the list of the developed countries in no time. I want the government to provide equal employment opportunities for all so that the youth get deserving jobs and contribute towards the growth of the nation. I want the country to become technologically advanced and see growth in all the sectors.
Indu Jaiswal RDN Chair IAF, Long Island, NY
INDIA AT 75
On behalf of Board of trustees, members of Indian American forum and Indian American Community we want to wish everyone Happy Independence Day on August 15. As we celebrate 75th year of independence of the country, we salute the freedom fighters and their sacrifices made. We pay tribute to the martyrs of the country and continue to develop India of their dreams. As we are all still facing the challenges during the pandemic years,India and the whole world is working towards prevention and treatments of the invisible COVID -19 virus. India faces the biggest challenge for providing affordable and quality medical facilities and hospitals for its people. Our children are still suffering from Malnutrition and poverty. We also need to continue to empower and strengthen women in the field of business, politics and other areas. We need to continue to introduce schools and colleges providing quality education in India. We also see that use of Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic treatments originating from India are benefiting people all over the world. The Green revolution in India is also leading towards high yielding varieties of rice and wheat to increase food production in order to alleviate hunger and poverty.Mahatma Gandhi said that our greatest ability is not to change the world but to change ourselves. Pearce is the most powerful weapon of mankind.
Happy Independence Day. JAI HIND!and VANDE MATARAM!
Dr. Renee Mehrra, President Reenbow Media, Queens, NY
As a proud Indian American who for several years has co emceed India Day Parade in NYC, I salute our freedom fighters and our unsung heroes whose dedication, courage, and sacrifices for their motherland will never be forgotten. Despite these unprecedented and challenging times, our passion to rejoice, celebrate, and revisit India’s vibrant history, rich cultural heritage and eternal values remain undiminished. Moving forward from India’s 75th year of independence, I envision My India as a country that leads the world in unity in diversity, where the next generation is an ambassador of peace, harmony, and goodwill, where more and more youth script history in the Olympics like our young hero Neeraj Chopra. where the girl child is respected and nurtured, and there is social equity and inclusion in every sphere.
Tirlok Malik, Filmmaker Emmy Nominated, Restaurateur, Happy Life Yoga Speaker, New York City, NY
An NRI’s view on India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations
My name is Tirlok Malik. I am an Emmy nominated filmmaker, an Ayurveda Restaurateur, and a Happy Life Yoga speaker. I consider myself a world citizen, blessed to be born in India and now living in America. Many major American corporations including Microsoft, Google, IBM, FedEx, Master card, and Vimeo have Indian American CEOs. And many Indian Americans have found major success in diverse fields such as medicine, hospitality industry, real estate, IT as well as other areas. Indian Americans living all over America are celebrating the 75th Independence Day of India with parades, floats, band, music, dancers, and having Bollywood actors as grand marshals, local politiciansand celebrity sponsors as chief guests, etc. in many cities across America. There is a great sense of pride in it. And it’s also fun to attend these parades, meet many people, watch actors dance to the music, listen to patriotic speeches about how great India is. The food stalls are always great at these events. When I look around at attendees, I mostly see Indian Americans of all ages, including young people born in America, clapping and cheering. The whole atmosphere makes me remember how much I miss India, love India, it is a part of my DNA till I die and even after that as I believe in reincarnation and a part of me will always want to be born in India.
Now, I also know most people who are attending will not go to live in India permanently. It makes me question and at the same time I know the answer. I have made all my films about the migration conflicts and its effects on human feelings: be it ‘Lonely in America,’ ‘Love Lust and Marriage’, ‘Khushiyaan’ and ‘On Golden Years or my new short film ‘To New India with Love’. I remember when I was studying in the 5th grade in a school in Delhi, I was told that once upon a time India used to be a Golden Bird and people from all over the world came there for education, trade, cultural exchange, etc. As a student being raised without much worldly things, I desired more and also saw most students’ fathers working very hard to make a living. I used to secretly hope and wish for India to become the Golden Bird again so that every Indian living in India could have worldly comforts. But as I grew older the reality was very different. I still hope for India to become the Golden Bird again. After finishing college my destiny brought me to America where I have been fortunate enough to realize my American Dream. But, during my emotional moments I have always missed India and hoped for India to have half of the life’s comforts which we have in US.
When I visited my folks back in India for the first time, I realized that the country could be the Golden Bird again, but it can only be done only by Indians living in India. Yes, NRIs can also help towards this in many ways but ultimately the onus lies with the resident Indians. Every time I visit India, I see it’s getting better but it can do more. I still have that desire to see India become the Golden Bird in my lifetime. It is possible when all citizens of India are truly free from self-created emotional conflicts, greed, laziness, discrimination, intolerance, corruption, lack of trust and be independent and focused towards having true independence.
It is my request to India to celebrate the 75th Independence Day not only as a freedom from the British but as freedom from the negative attitude and thinking. Let’s make India again the Golden Bird for the citizens of India, a Guru for the rest of the world. This is my salute to the 75th Independence Day of my beloved India. No matter where I live, India will always be part of me. I love you, India.
Urmilesh Arya MD FACP National President, AIA Long Island, NY
Future of India
This is the 75th Independence Day of India. This is the time to revise, what we have achieved and what we have to achieve. India is recovering from the Covid Crisis and moving to achieve its goals to make the country, strong, peaceful and prosperous. India is progressing in the leadership of a very strong and patriotic leader Prime Minister NarendraModi who wanted “Sabka Sath and Sabka Vikas.”
He said on this 75th celebration of independence the country will reflect “pride of Sanatan India and the glow of modern India “. He titled it Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav.”
The dream of future India is the developed India. An India free of poverty and illiteracy, where poor are empowered, the bridge between the poor and rich is within acceptable limits. The underprivileged youth succeed. An India which realizes its full potential in every domain and the educated souls understand the importance of giving back what they have taken from the society. People of India should be mobilized towards boundless energy, spirit and strength so that youth of India can carry out activities aimed at the betterment of life. India has won 5 medals this year Olympics should win many more in future. It will be a country where women are respected and people from all religions co-exists and where every citizen is proud to be an Indian.
Change starts with each one of us. We all are accountable for a healthy planet. My expectations for 2023 are to recalibrate our expectations, program our mind to live life of surrender to the higher self and do service to humanity with no reward or agenda in mind.
