WholeDude

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership

Excerpt: The article critically examines Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership during the Indian Independence movement, particularly focusing on his commitment to ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence. While acknowledging Gandhi’s successful use of non-violence as a political weapon, the author questions if Gandhi was wrong in not considering violent self-defense to protect people from communal violence spawned during the Partition of India. The author suggests Gandhi underestimated the importance of using force to defend life during the violent upheaval, leading to loss of millions of lives. This is contrasted with the actions of other leaders, such as Mohammad Ali Jinnah, reviewed on their approach to the struggles during the same period.

The Flip Side of Gandhi’s political Leadership:

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership involved the use of nonviolence or Ahimsa as a political weapon. Did he believe in the use of violent force as a tool of self-Defense?**

Leadership position gives the man an aura or charisma. Gandhi had earned the title of ‘MAHATMA’, a Great Soul because of his leadership role in India’s Struggle for Independence from British Rule. He inspired a sense of nationalism and I have acknowledged the same in several of my blog posts. He had championed the use of Nonviolence or ‘AHIMSA’ as a political tool and had encouraged people to defend human dignity and human value. However, leadership comes with responsibility. Leadership imposes a heavy burden and a true leader must take responsibility for the consequences of his actions and shortcomings. The principle of nonviolence must be evaluated in the context of defending Human Rights. A man is entitled to his life. A man has the Right to defend himself with whatever force is reasonably necessary against actual or threatened violence. Self-defense is a principle, is a natural instinct, and is a natural Law. Self-defense and Self-preservation may require the use of force or violence to stop the aggressor. It is not a crime to kill an aggressor to defend one’s own life. In a civilized society, the State has a duty to protect the lives of people, and give people the means and the support to exercise their right to self-defense. I have revisited the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. I had to examine the flip side of his leadership. Gandhi was the unchallenged leader of the Freedom Movement and the Congress Party. His response to British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten’s proposal for partition of British India was highly irresponsible and was not expected of a leader. The Freedom Movement had generated a demand for an Islamic State in all areas where Muslims had a numerical majority. Under the British Rule, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others had enjoyed a degree of protection and had lived together for centuries. The Freedom Struggle had changed this situation of peaceful coexistence. As the freedom struggle had intensified to end the British Rule, the British stopped paying attention to maintain peace and order within the community. To make their demand for a separate Islamic State, and to consolidate their position on the ground, Muslims had started a program of ethnic intimidation, and of ethnic cleansing to wipe out Hindus living in areas under their control. Hindu properties were looted and burned and Hindus were violently expelled from their homes. Several men, women, and children were brutally killed during vicious mob attacks. The Freedom Movement had unleashed these violent forces and no protection was given to the innocent people who were caught in the middle. In such a situation, the leadership had a moral duty and responsibility to organize and put in place the structures that could defend the community from violent attacks. It was the duty of the Congress Party and its leadership to advocate the use of force as self-defense. If Hindus had not supported the Congress Party and its demand for Freedom, the Movement would not have gained any momentum. There would be no demand for an Islamic State and any Muslim demand for freedom would be rejected and the British would have maintained Law and Order. So, Gandhi as the leader of this Freedom Movement was expected to shoulder a greater responsibility as compared to Muslim League leaders like Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The British proposal for partition of Indian subcontinent had imposed a great burden on Gandhi. His leadership duty would also include defending the rights of Hindus to their lives and to their properties. The dismemberment of British India into two independent nations should not have been agreed upon without demanding the British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten to deploy enough number of troops and make full security arrangements for a peaceful transfer of power. Gandhi as the leader of the Movement must have personally checked and satisfied himself that the British Government had enough resources to protect people. He must have consulted with the Congress Party Working Committee to make arrangements for self-defense in addition to the security measures if any taken by the British rulers. Gandhi had no vested authority or power to concede the demand for India’s Partition. He must have involved all the rank and file of the Congress Party in that decision-making process. In any case, Gandhi must have delayed Independence until arrangements for maintenance of Law and Order were finalized. The tragic consequences of Partition of India fully expose the failure of Gandhi’s leadership. He had utterly failed to visualize the importance of using violent force to defend the Right to Life. Gandhi’s flippant attitude had contributed to the loss of millions of innocent lives.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi or Jawahar Lal Nehru had no vested authority or power to concede the demand for partition of British ruled India. At a minimum, the decision process must have involved the entire rank and file of the Indian National Congress Party.

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Qaid-e-Azam, the great leader of Muslims paved the way for the Partition of British India. What is the human cost for this achievement?**

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: The British Indian Empire in 1909. The Rulers and the leaders of the Freedom Movement had failed the people of this ancient Land.**

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: India and Pakistan. The Partition of Indian Subcontinent is the worst man-made disaster in the entire human history.**

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: A group photo of failed leaders. British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten, Lord Ismay, Nehru, and Jinnah got together in Delhi on August 03, 1947 to announce the agreement for partition of British ruled Indian Empire.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: In this photo taken at midnight, the early hour of August 15, 1947, the transfer of power from Great Britain to India appears to be very orderly and peaceful. Both sides had failed miserably in their leadership qualities as an unspeakable human tragedy overshadowed this historical moment.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Sikh and Hindu refugees flow into the Indian side of Punjab after the partition of British India. This ethnic cleansing of monumental proportions had involved over 14.5 million people moving in opposite directions.

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: A refugee train on its way to Punjab, India. Trains had arrived during the partition time with dead passengers and no survivors.**

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: The leaders of Great Britain, India, and Pakistan must be criminally tried for genocide for their rash and reckless behavior that had devastating consequences in terms of human pain and suffering.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Nathuram Godse shot and killed Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948. This act of violence has forced me to examine the issue of using violent force in taking life and also as self-Defense.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi – This violent act has no purpose but it compels people to evaluate his leadership. The advocate of Nonviolence must have relied upon the use of violent power to defend the lives and properties of defenseless people.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: A group photo of people accused in Gandhi’s murder case. Standing: Shankar Kistaiya, Gopal Godse (brother of Nathuram Godse, the main accused), Madanlal Pahwa (a refugee, who had earlier agreed to return to Lahore in the company of Gandhi), and Digambar Badge (the approver who had assisted the prosecutor). Sitting: Narayan Apte, Vinayak D Savarkar, Nathuram Godse (the sole attacker), and Vishnu Karkare.

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Nathuram Godse spent five hours reading out a 90-page treatise justifying his decision to murder Gandhi. Judge Khosla who had presided over the trial mentioned before awarding the death sentence; “If the people sitting in the Court had been on the Jury, they would have acquitted Nathuram.” Godse had believed that Gandhi was the aggressor and Godse had acted to defend defenseless Hindus. Who was the aggressor? Who would take responsibility for the killing of millions of people?

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: The Martyr Column – Gandhi’s assassination site in New Delhi. Who has the duty to defend the defenseless?**

If Mahatma Gandhi had advocated the use of violent force to protect people and their properties, he could have saved his own life. Unfortunately, the bullet that had hit Gandhi has forced us to inspect the darker side of his leadership.

Self-defense is a Right, it is a Duty, and it does not qualify as violence even when it involves killing the aggressor. I am not opposed to the idea of using nonviolence as a political weapon in the fight for India’s Freedom. The question that I would ask is; What is the idea of Independence if people are not given the opportunity to experience it?

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE -Rajghat, New Delhi, the site of Gandhi’s cremation. India has a Right to Self-Defense and Indian leadership may have to use force to defend India’s hard-earned Freedom.

The View of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh on Gandhi’s adherence to Non-Violence

Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Sri Aurobindo has asked us to remember the two sentences of this well-known aphorism: “Ahimsa paramo dharmah; Dharma himsa tathaiva cha”-Non-violence or Ahimsa is the highest principle, and so is Violence or Himsa in defense of the righteous.

The method of absolute non-violence that was followed during the ‘Satyagraha’ movement should be questioned. It led to the breaking of skulls and a great deal of suffering for the freedom fighters. Two questions arise in the context of the use of non-violence: 1. Was it right and healthy for the nation to go through this kind of non-violence? and 2. Does Indian culture and spirituality enjoin this kind of non-violence?

The well-known aphorism states:

“Ahimsa paramo DharmaH;

Dharma himsa tathaiva cha.”

Non-violence or Ahimsa is the highest principle, and so is violence or Himsa in defense of the righteous. Sri Aurobindo had also pointed out that, “Politics is concerned with masses of mankind and not with individuals. To ask masses of mankind to act as saints, to rise to the height of divine love and practice it in relation to their adversaries or oppressors is to ignore human nature. It is to set a premium on injustice and violence by paralyzing the hand of the deliverer when raised to strike. The Gita is the best answer to those who shrink from battle as a sin, and aggression as a lowering of morality.”

**Whole Dude – Whole Leadership: Saint Samarth Ramdas and Warrior King Shivaji are the two aspects of the leadership equation.**

The sword of the warrior is as necessary to the fulfillment of justice and righteousness as the holiness of the saint. Saint Ramdas is not complete without Shivaji. To maintain justice and prevent the strong from despoiling, and the weak from being oppressed is the function for which the ‘Kshatriya’ was created. “Therefore,” says Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, “God created battle and Armour, the sword, the bow, and the dagger.”

Whole Dude – Whole Defense

Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense – The Proof of Pudding is in the Eating:

Excerpt: Gandhi’s perspectives on self-defense were marked by notable contrasts. He believed that while Muslims were entitled to their concept of ‘Jihad’ and permissible to use violence, Hindus should endure violent attacks passively. Gandhi condoned violence perpetrated by Muslims, counseling Hindus to accept such violence cheerfully. His views were seen in his involvement in the Khilafat Movement that sought full Muslim participation in India’s struggle for independence. Additionally, during the Moplah rebellion, Gandhi praised the perpetrators and dismissed their violence as religiously justified. His controversial views extended to the partition-related violence, where he advised Hindus to face death cheerfully without seeking revenge.

**Whole Dude – Whole Defense: Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense: The Shocking Truth about Gandhi. Hindus need no Self-Defense**

Gandhi categorically pronounces his views on self-defense and his words need no further clarification. It is very interesting to observe that Gandhi makes distinction between violence imposed by Muslims and the violence that should be endured by Hindus.In Gandhi’s opinion, Muslims have entitlement to their concept of ‘Jihad’ and can use violence, force, or warfare as a religious duty. Hindus are not required to offer any kind of resistance if they happen to come under a violent attack. Gandhi has no problem if an Afghan warlord attacks India to defeat the British Raj and states that Indians must not oppose that kind of military attack. But, Gandhi vigorously opposed people like Subhash Chandra Bose and their quest for Freedom by using force. Gandhi discovers good reasons to condone violence perpetrated by Muslims and consistently counsels Hindus to accept violence with a sense of cheer and rejoice and to adhere to their spiritual belief in Rebirth.

GANDHI'S RECIPE FOR SELF-DEFENSE : GANDHIJI DENIED THE RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE . GANDHIJI CHARACTERIZED SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE AS A SPOILT CHILD . BOSE HAD NO CHOICE OTHER THAN THAT OF LEAVING CONGRESS AND RAISED AZAD HIND FAUZ, INDIA'S NATIONAL ARMY TO FIGHT THE BRITISH RULE OF INDIA TAKING HELP FROM AXIS POWERS, GERMANY, AND JAPAN. — WHOLE DUDE – WHOLE DEFENSE: GANDHI’S RECIPE FOR SELF-DEFENSE: GANDHI DENIES HINDUS THE RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE. GANDHI CHARACTERIZES SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE AS A SPOILT CHILD. BOSE HAD NO CHOICE OTHER THAN THAT OF LEAVING CONGRESS TO RAISE AZAD HIND FAUZ, INDIA’S NATIONAL ARMY TO FIGHT THE BRITISH RULE OF INDIA TAKING THE HELP FROM AXIS POWERS, GERMANY, AND JAPAN.

I received Gandhi’s pronouncements from Shri. Hari Kak. I give my thanks to him for sharing this information about Gandhi and his role as a leader.

To remember Gandhi on his birth anniversary (born. October 02, 1869, died. January 30, 1948 ), the followers of his views and way of life, may like to read the extent to which he tried to take the Muslims along with him to formulate his leadership role in India’s Independence Movement.

THE KHILAFAT MOVEMENT:

**Whole Dude – Whole Defense: Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense: Gandhi supports the use of violence by Khilafat Movement against the British as well as Hindus.**

Gandhi returned to India during 1914 with a determination to fight for India’s Independence. With his experience in South Africa, and as a shrewd observer of the ongoing independence movement, he realised that it was Hindu dominated and to make it a success the full participation of the Muslims was essential. To achieve this aim he bent over backwards to appease Muslims and during the last days of his life his efforts went to inexplicable lengths. The Ottoman Caliphate in Turkey was tottering under the French-British attacks and ended with Mustafa Kamal abolishing the institution. But, strangely in India, the Muslims under the leadership of brothers Maulana Mohammed Ali, a cleric and journalist and Maulana Shaukat Ali started the Khilafat Movement. Around 1920, Gandhi joined it along with Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, an eminent Congressman.

**Whole Dude – Whole Defense: Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense: Congress leaders Gandhi, Nehru, and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad join the KHILAFAT Movement in 1920**

Dr. B R Ambedkar in his voluminous tome ” Pakistan or The Partition of” refers to an invitation extended by the Ali brothers,to the Amir of Afghanistan to invade India to wage “jihad” against the British – a horrendous proposition which was supported by Khilafat-besotted Gandhi. C.Y. Chintamani (Editor of ‘The Leader’ of Allahabad) and Rev. C.F. Andrews tried to dissuade Gandhi from supporting the “mad” venture of Ali brothers in seeking Afghan invasion of India. Gandhi’s reaction was “I cannot understand why the Ali Brothers are going to be arrested as the rumours go, and why I am to remain free. They have done nothing which I would not do. If they had sent a message to Amir, I also would send one to inform the Amir that if he came, no Indian so long as I can help it would help the Government to drive him back.”
There was some non-cooperation and protests but by the end of 1924, the Khilafat Movement, as expected, had totally collapsed. Ali brothers blamed Gandhi for the failure of the Khilafat Movement. Maulana Mohammed Ali to whom Gandhi had shown great affection said, : “However pure Mr. Gandhi’s character may be, he must appear to me, from the point of religion, inferior to any Mussalman even though he be without character.” He further emphasizes: “Yes, according to my religion and creed, I do hold an adulterous and a fallen Mussalman to be better than Mr Gandhi.” Showing their true colours,the Ali brothers later joined the Muslim League.

THE MOPLAH REBELLION OF 1921:

**Whole Dude – Whole Defense: Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense: The Moplah Hindu Genocide of 1921**

Taking a clue from the Khalifat movement the Moplahs (Mopillas) in Kerala revolted in 1921, against their Hindu landlords and turned it into a killing spree of Hindus of all vocations. Annie Besant states: “They (Moplahs) murdered and plundered abundantly, and killed or drove away all Hindus who would not apostatise. Somewhere about a lakh (100,000) of people were driven from their homes with nothing but their clothes they had on, stripped of everything. Malabar has taught us what Islamic rule still means, and we do not want to see another specimen of the Khilafat Raj in India.”

As pointed out by Dr. Ambedkar , after the brutal killings of “Kaffirs” during ‘Moplah rebellion’, there was hardly any reaction by Khalifat-oriented Gandhi, or for that matter even Congress Party. They were all praise for Moplahs whom Gandhi even described as “brave people” and condoned their savagery by saying that “they did what was right according to their religion.” These were the early years of Gandhi’s leadership role in India’s Freedom Movement.

GANDHI’S VIEWS ON PARTITION RELATED VIOLENCE OF INDIA: HINDUS MUST DIE WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACES

Some of his views on partition are listed below. They defy comprehension:

Prarthana-Pravachan Part I PP 54-8; CWOMG vol 87 pg 394-5
Speech at Prayer Meeting. New Delhi, May 1, 1947
….Jinnah Saheb presides over a great organisation. Once he has Affixed his signature to the appeal, how can even one Hindu be killed at the hands of the Muslims? I would tell the Hindus to face death Cheerfully if the Muslims are out to kill them. I would be a real Sinner if after being stabbed I wished in my last moment that my son Should seek revenge. I must die without rancour. But why in the First place would a Muslim kill at all when he has been asked not to do it?…..
You may turn round and ask whether all Hindus and all Sikhs should die. Yes, I would say. Such martyrdom will not be in vain…..
Muslim slaughter of Hindus was defended by the Mahatma as being that by a “brave and god-fearing people who were fighting for what they consider as religion, and in a manner which they consider as religion” (BR Ambedkar, quoted by Arvind Lavakare). Indeed, the Mahatma said, “Hindus should never be angry against the Muslims even if the latter might make up their minds to undo even their existence” and Hindus “should not be afraid of death. After all, the killers will be none other than our Muslim brothers.” Kindly read the news story at rediff.com, April 16, 2002 (Arvind Lavakare, “Of Sabarmati secularism & non-violence”)

http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/apr/16arvind.htm)

**Whole Dude – Whole Defense: Gandhi’s Recipe for Self-Defense: Hindu should not be afraid of death**

Whole Dude – Whole Obedience

Excerpt: This article explores the significance of the traditional Indian greeting “Namaskar”. “Namaskar” is understood as a symbol of respect and obedience, two fundamental values in Indian culture. The term also serves as an embodiment of cultural heritage, shaping personal identity and attitude. The writer also links the greeting to the concept of Karma, implying the cultural context of “Namaskar” as part of India or “Bharat Varsha.” It is used in various social relations, fostering humility, discipline, and team structure, especially in the military. The act of “Namaskar,” therefore, contributes to self-knowledge and liberation from attachments (“Moksha” or “Mukti”).

**Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Om, Namah Sivaya – The Five Letter Mantra – Traditional Indian Greeting-Namaskar**

TheTradition of Respect and Obedience:

**Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting**

Deuteronomy, 5th Book of Moses, The Old Testament, The Holy Bible: Chapter 10, verse 16:

“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff necked.”

The word ‘Namah’ means one that bends which implies obedience. The one word ‘Namaskar’ represents the full spectrum of the legacy of India’s Culture.

Namah Shivaya:

I shall begin this entry with a traditional greeting. As a kid I was trained to greet and acknowledge others. The greeting is called ‘Namaskar’ or ‘Namaste’. I would begin by greeting all of you who may read this entry with my ‘Namaskar’. Namaskar is the essence of our Culture and this single word can represent the full spectrum of our Cultural legacy.

Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting. Lieutenant General T A D’ Cunha, Director General of Ordnance Services is seen saluting the Corps Colors in this photo image taken during AOC 8th Reunion Celebration at AOC Centre Secunderabad.

I served in Uniform. The lesson I grasped is that to Salute is the foundation upon which the entire structure of military discipline is built.Service in the Armed Forces depends upon team work.The team structure depends upon the ability of team members to recognize and acknowledge each other at all times. I salute to acknowledge the person as a member of my team. Army accomplishes great things only when the team members follow this ground rule for their conduct and behavior. Namaskar is the tool given to me by the Culture of my Land and this tool shapes my attitude and personal behavior and this tool helps me to attain my life’s goals.

Defining Culture:

**Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting. Namaskar**

Culture is defined as learned or acquired behavior in contrast to biological behavior which is genetically endowed. Human Culture is defined as learned behavior acquired by individuals as members of a social group.Culture denotes a people’s heritage of custom and belief. It is a system of ideas that has been transmitted down through the generations. It includes assumptions about the world, about life and existence, rules and ways to act, goals and ways of achieving them. People’s ideas about ways to live may shape the ways they actually do live.Beginning at birth, each individual is encultured by a body of norms governing behavior and other knowledge that the society has. Thus Cultural Heritage can be defined as the sum total of human knowledge and acquired behavior.

Namaskar represents the essence of my Cultural heritage. Culture gives people a sense of personal identity. Defining that ‘identity’ helps in understanding the Culture. Namaskar is the behavior I learned and Namaskar defines my ‘identity’. It is a behavior transmitted to me through the generations.

Culture of the Land:

Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting. The Land of India or Bharat Varsha is traditionally identified as ‘KARMA KSHETRA’ or ‘KARMA BHUMI’.Human Existence is operated by the ‘Law of Karma’.

The Land of India in our Culture and tradition is referred to as the land of Bharat. My purpose is to learn the ideas and thoughts that have found their roots in this particular Land. Ideas and thoughts help in developing and defining our attitudes.Our attitudes are reflected in our behaviors.The behavior which springs from the seeds of ideas and thoughts that were planted in the soil could be described as the Culture of the Land. The ancient Hindu Scripture known as Rig Veda has recommended that we should keep our minds open to receive noble thoughts from all directions. I studied Natural Sciences and I gained much of my information from ideas and thoughts expressed in books that were published in the West.The basic idea and thought that I had received was that we need to carefully sort out the information that we gather. Assimilation of information would be possible only when facts are considered in a systematic manner. I learned about plants and animals as a part of my study called Biological Science. Living things are connected and are related to each other.This interconnectedness and the interrelatedness describes the ecological system.There is a great amount of diversity in nature.To understand living things, we need to group them and learn about them as a part of an ecological system. We can not understand existence if we look at individual creatures.The reactions between the players of a given geographical area gives a better understanding of life and existence. I would like to use this kind of scientific tool to identify ideas and thoughts.Some ideas and thoughts could be assigned to a particular land in the same manner that a natural scientist would identify some species are ‘NATIVE’ and others as ‘NON-NATIVE’ in the description of an Ecological System. To prove that an idea is culturally derived, we need to demonstrate that the idea is transmitted through generations.To arrive at ideas that originated in the Land of India, I would prefer to obtain a sense of direction from my great grand mother, my grand mothers and my mother. If an idea was not known to them, it may not be a part of my cultural legacy. If they had known very little, I would deem it as my good fortune and that little is my whole inheritance. Namaskar thus represents the best of my acquired knowledge.

The importance of Namaskar:

NamaH Sivaya - Traditional Indian Greeting -Namaskar — **Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting**

The word Namaskar is usually accompanied with the action of joining hands and bringing them together in front of the body with the elbows flexed and the neck slightly bent forwards.The joining of hands symbolizes respect and the bending of the neck signifies obedience. A person with ‘stiff neck’ is generally considered to be disobedient, rude, arrogant or proud. Respect can not be shown if the person does not display an attitude of obedience.The very essence of Indian Culture can be stated as that of showing respect and obedience. This is the most important behavior that is expected of every one. It is not merely about showing respect and of obedience to the Gods that people worship. Even the Gods that people worship also implicitly observe the rule about showing respect and obedience.This social expectation rules every relationship and activity. It is the basic expectation, let it be parent-child relationship, husband-wife relationship, teacher-student relationship, employer-employee relationship, the Ruler and the subject relationship, the relationship between siblings and even between friends. Respectful conduct is expected while receiving guests, while dealing with any elderly person even though the person may not be related. In addition, several plants, trees, birds, animals, rivers, the sea and the the hills and mountains enjoy a special status and are treated with great respect.This social behavior is encouraged at all times and specially kids are trained and tutored to display this behavior. I grew up in India and my childhood is shaped by learning this behavior. Also my culture has given the freedom of choice. I am free to worship several entities in addition to God. If I am not inclined to worship God, I may choose a living person, a plant, a tree, an animal, some element of nature or even a name and shapeless stone and I am free to worship that object with the same and similar amount of respect that one may give to God.The Gods of my Culture would not get angry or jealous if I am totally preoccupied with showing respect to an object of my choice. Most people of the Land of India get used to showing respect to a variety of objects.

Showing respect and obedience is considered as the most important learning tool to acquire humility. Through humility, the individual can subdue his ‘ego’. Ego is viewed as a great obstacle in the pursuit of self-knowledge. Self-Knowledge is the chisel that lets an individual to break the shackles of all attachments. Freedom from all attachments is described as Moksha or Liberation and as Mukti or Release.This cultural norm of showing respect and obedience and the use of Namaskar would help us in attaining life’s goal or to realize man’s purpose in life.

**Whole Dude – Whole Obedience: Defining Indian Identity – The Traditional Greeting provides the tool to learn the cultural values of respect and obedience.**

Whole Success – A Prayer to Lord Ganesh

**Whole Humility: The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. A Prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success through Obedience and Humility.**

**Whole Dude – Whole Success: A Prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success with Humility.**

Excerpt: The article discusses the importance of Lord Ganesha in achieving success through humility. Revered as a deity with extensive knowledge and radiant brilliance, Ganesha is believed to remove obstacles and guide humans towards success, promoting the idea that divine sanction plays a significant role alongside personal effort. The piece emphasizes the four primary goals of human existence (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha), asserting that success in these areas should be pursued through the lens of humility. It also delves into the illusions created by our perception of time and suggests that prayer to Lord Ganesha can help one navigate these misconceptions.

Lord Ganesha is unique among all deities. He has a human form with the head of an Asian elephant. Like the elephant which can grasp objects with its trunk, the entire realm of knowledge is in His grasp. In brilliance, He outshines Sun (Surya) and His radiant appearance can illuminate the entire universe. His body is so huge, it can accommodate the entire creation.

Lord Ganesha is worshiped to remove obstacles. He removes obstacles when we contemplate actions that promote our well-being and brings us the goodwill of others and the actions should have no evil design or purpose. Lord Ganesha removes obstacles and paves the way for accomplishment and success in human endeavors. The notion that success is the result of divine sanction rather than being entirely due to personal effort, would let us reach our goals with a sense of modesty and humility.

**Whole Dude – Whole Success: PRAYER TO LORD GANESHA – SUCCESS THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND HUMILITY.**

The primary goals for man have been described as Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dharma (right conduct)is not only a goal but also is the way. The other three goals should only be reached following the way of Dharma. To prepare for the journey on the path of Dharma, the traveler finds direction from a sense of humility.

Bharat Darshan: Saturday, September 07, 2024, The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. A Prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success through Obedience and Humility.

The radiant and immense personality of Ganesha endows us with humility. Having reached the goals of Artha (personal wealth, social status and position), and Kama (fulfillment of desires, progeny, and family), we inevitably encounter with the consequences of the powerful effects of time. The following verse from ‘ Bhaja Govindam’ sets us on a mission to seek the fourth goal of human existence.

The fear that time would dissolve everything we possess would help us to overcome arrogance that may be associated with acquiring wealth, family and being youthful in age.

Sooner or later, we set our sights for the fourth goal and it will not be very easy to visualize the final destination. To achieve Moksha or Mukti, to reach the shore of liberation and conclude the journey across the ocean of Samsara, a person endowed with humility would be able to say the following prayer and get the needed help.

Whole Dude – Whole Success: A prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success with Humility. The flow of Time remains a Mystery. Man is conditioned to experience the aging process as if Time flows in a Straight Line like an Arrow.

Human existence is permanently bound to the illusion that shapes the sensory experience of Sunrise and Sunset. Sun shines with all His radiance all the time. The living entities exist in an illusion state which helps them to mark their existence by the alternating periods of light and darkness. We do not have the biological ability to detect the spin of the Earth and we have synchronized our existence with Sunrise and Sunset and this biological rhythm, known as Solar Rhythm, Circadian Rhythm, or Diurnal Rhythm, manages several of our biological functions.

Whole Dude – Whole Success: The Grandfather Clock – The division of the day into hours, minutes, and seconds helps us to recognize the passage of time. We have no sensory perception of Earth’s spin that gives us alternate periods of light and darkness.

It is not easy to comprehend the Ultimate Reality when the existence is synchronized with an illusion. Time’s Power of Dissolution would eventually compel us to investigate and to explore the concept of Absolute and Unchanging Reality. A prayer to Lord Ganesha would endow us with humility that we need to achieve the four primary goals and gives us success in life.

MENTORSHIP: Bammera Potana, the well-known Telugu poet while translating the epic poem of Bhagavatam from the Sanskrit language into Telugu stated that he would narrate the story of Bhagavatam using imagination and inspiration entirely provided by Lord Rama:

Whole Dude – Whole Success: A Prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success with Humility under the mentorship of poet Bammera Potana.

I would like to narrate my story, describe my ideas, and share my thoughts drawing inspiration from Lord Rama. My endeavor is to destroy the state of conditioned existence called ‘Bhava’, and get over the fear of ‘Samsara’, a journey of the embodied soul across uncharted sea which constantly evokes a sense of fear of the unknown.

Maharishi Valmiki, Adikavi, Prime Poet, had no formal education. He was totally inspired to narrate the Story of Lord Rama called RAMAYANA. Telugu Poet Bammera Potana who also had no formal education translated the epic poem known as Bhagavatam from Sanskrit into Telugu and displayed his immense powers of creativity. He not only dedicated his work to Lord Rama but also acknowledged that every word that he used was inspired by Lord Rama. For my humble endeavor, I seek the same inspiration.

Anyatha sharanam nasti, tvameva sharanam mamah

Tasmat karunya bhavena, kshamasva Parameshvara.

I have no other refuge, Thou art my sole refuge,
Out of a sense of compassion, protect me, O Supreme Lord!

Whole Dude – Whole Success: A Prayer to Lord Ganesha for Success with Humility. THE MAN’S EXISTENCE IS SHAPED BY FLAT EARTH WITH ARCHED DOME EXPERIENCE. THE REALITIES OF EARTH’S SHAPE AND MOTIONS ARE OVERPOWERED BY THE INFLUENCE CALLED ILLUSION.

Whole Dude – Whole Worship

Lord Venkateswara - The Tradition of Feet Worship — **Whole Dude – Whole Worship: Defining Indian Identity – The Worship of Feet.**

Excerpt: The worship of feet, or ‘Pada Sevanam’, is an integral part of Indian identity and the culture’s philosophy of total submission and surrender to a higher divine power. In the Hindu religion, this act signifies humility, protection, and reverence. This practice is deeply rooted in Indian epics like Ramayana, where feet touching was a significant gesture. In modern times, this tradition continues, seen in ordinary life situations, such as people paying respect to elders by touching their feet. Thus, the act of worshipping feet is a unique cultural hallmark that helps define the Indian identity.

**Whole Dude – Whole Worship: Defining Indian Identity – The Worship of Feet.**

“viṣṇōḥ padē parama” ityudita praśaṃsau
yau “madhva utsa” iti bhōgya tayā’pyupāttau ।
bhūyastathēti tava pāṇitala pradiṣṭau
śrīvēṅkaṭēśa charaṇau śaraṇaṃ prapadyē ॥ 10 ॥

I seek refuge of Sri Venkateswara’s feet,
which are extolled (in the Rg Veda)
as “Visnoh parame pade” (in the most exalted abode of Vishnu),
which are, (again) extolled therein
as “madhva utsa” (meaning the fountain the honey)
as extremely enjoyable
and which are indicated as such by
the show of the palm of Thy hand.

Pada Vandanam, Pada Namaskaram, Pada Archanam, Pada Sevanam, Pada Puja or Worship of Feet:

The land of India is a very unique place on this planet where people are culturally endowed with an ardent desire to worship feet.No other society or social community has openly exhibited this behavioral trait and feet worship could be described as the hall-mark of Indian Identity.This tradition and literal practice of feet worship was well established by the time the epic poem of Ramayana was composed. In AYODHYA KANDA,we read the very moving account of Rama touching the feet of His father Dasaratha and queen mother Kaikeyi after having received the orders for his banishment to live in the forest for fourteen years. Later in ARANYA KANDA, we read about the younger brother Bharata who literally clung to the feet of Rama seeking His refuge. Eventually,Bharata carried Rama’s sandals keeping them on his head and installs them on the throne (PADUKA PATTABHISHEKAM) and served them with great devotion for fourteen long years during Rama’s exile.

India is the land where you witness people touching the feet of living persons as an act of worship.This is a fairly common event and sometimes the remembrance of such worship lingers in your mind.I would like to narrate one such event that I had witnessed in the past and my act of remembrance may add-on to the blessings these feet worshipers may be receiving even today.

I was traveling by train from Rajahmundry to Lucknow City to serve in the Indian Army Medical Corps. I was motivated by a desire to see the land of India with my own eyes and know its people. For the first time, I was traveling in a first class compartment and was the sole occupant. Later in the night, a lady entered the compartment and was apparently traveling alone. She was elegantly attired, looked modest and the picture of an upper middle class house wife. Early morning, when the train halted at a station, I did not realize that she had reached her destination. She was quietly seated, was not gathering her belongings and was not even looking outside to check if some one had arrived to receive her. After a little while, I had noticed three young men, well- dressed and well-groomed, all of them little older than me, checking the list of passenger names on the door of the train compartment and entered the compartment. They did not pay any attention to my presence. One after the other, they went forward to bend and touch her feet and paid their respects. The behavior of the young men that I was keenly observing was natural, spontaneous and unpretentious. That early morning hour, they were not putting up an act in a public place to impress any one. They acted in a deliberate, purposeful and reverential manner and I am very sure that they grew up in that manner and clearly they were not inhibited in displaying their respect in front of strangers. I was a silent spectator of this scene wherein an unassuming woman suddenly got transformed into a living deity. I can assure you that you would witness such a scene only in the Land of India. Hence, I would claim that the desire to worship the feet of a living person would define Indian Identity.

Every deity that Indians seek to worship are better pleased when we worship their feet. PRAHLADA describes “PADA SEVANAM” as one of the nine ways to worship VISHNU.

Lord Rama and the Tradidtion of 'Feet Worship' — Whole Dude – Whole Worship: Ramayana gives detailed accounts of the Tradition of Feet Worship.Rama worshipped the feet of His father, mother, stepmothers and His Gurus. Bharata, the younger brother of Rama had installed the sandals (Padukas) worn by Rama upon the throne had worshipped them for fourteen years.

Indians worship feet not only as a sign of humility but also as a mark of submission, total surrender to the will of God. They touch feet as a plea for protection. This is not a mere religious rite or ritual and it actually shapes the attitudes and behavior of people. The final resting place for the individual souls (JEEVATMA)has been described as the Lotus Feet of the Lord. This is described as ‘CHARANAM’ (Feet of the Lord) ‘SHARANAM’ (Ultimate Refugee).

Whole Dude – Whole Journey

**Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: The Rudi-Grant Connection faces the Fear of Samsara.**

Excerpt: The article looks into the concept of ‘Samsara,’ which is seen in Indian traditions as a representation of life’s journey – a challenging swim across an unknown and treacherous ocean. This journey incites a fear called ‘Fear of Samsara,’ contributing to feelings of apprehension and the intense fear of the human condition. This fear is considered unique to Indian cultural traditions, differentiating them from other global traditions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism whose followers primarily fear the Lord. However, despite this anxiety, individuals rely on chants and signs such as ‘Abhaya Mudra’ (a sign of fearlessness) from deities for support and guidance during this strenuous journey.

Lord Hanuman - The Fear of Samsara — Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: Defining Indian Identity – The Fear of Samsara. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

The cultural traditions that originated in India motivate people to seek refuge or shelter at the Feet of the Lord by evoking a sense of fear and this fear is described as the fear of ” SAMSARA.” Samsara or Bhava describes the viewpoint about the human condition and deals with the problems of human existence. It contributes to a sense of apprehension and anxiety and the attitude it generates is one of intense fear and helplessness.

Ullanghya sindho salilam saleelam
Yaha shoka wanheen Janakaatma jaayaaha
Aadaaya tenaiwa dadaaha Lankaa
Namaami tam praanjali raanjaneyam

Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: Defining Indian Identity-The Fear of Samsara. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

In one great leap of faith, Lord Hanuman jumps over the sea with utmost ease, whereas crossing the sea evokes only a sense of fear in my heart. I derive some hope from the legend about the land bridge (SETU) built by the army of monkeys.The Sea God promised them that the rocks and boulders used for the construction of the bridge will be held in place and stay afloat. He did that to please Lord Rama. During my perilous journey across the ocean of SAMSARA, I use the name “RAMA” and stay afloat.

LORD RAMA - THE MEDICINE FOR A DISEASE KNOWN AS 'SAMSARA' — Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean. In the fearful journey described as ‘SAMSARA’, I use Lord Rama’s name as a ‘Life Jacket’ and also the name serves like a Beacon of Hope and provides a sense of direction while journeying across an uncharted, treacherous sea.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom” says the Holy Bible, The Book of Proverbs, Chapter1, verse 7.

Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: Defining Indian Identity – The Fear of Samsara. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

For the religious traditions that originated outside of India such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the fear of the Lord could be a primary motivating factor to seek the worship of the Lord. On the contrary, the religious traditions that originated in the Land of India, do not encourage their adherents to entertain any such fear of the Lord. In the Indian traditions, the Lord or the Deity that Indians choose to worship would receive them with a sign that proclaims ” Be Fearless.” The Lord reassures them with a sign that is popularly described as ABHAYA HASTA or ABHAYA MUDRA. In Indian literature, countless number of images, idols, paintings and drawings, there are invariable references to a consistent message of ABHAYA and naturally Indians are less concerned with ” The Fear of the Lord.”

**Whole Dude – Whole Samsara – Whole Journey. Abhaya Mudra and Abhaya Hasta describe the positioning of hand to indicate as a sign that overcomes the sense of fear.**

Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

Samsara is also depicted as a serious disease entity afflicting a person’s health and is referred to as “Bhava Roga.” Others view Samsara as existence in a bottomless deep pit (“Aghada”)or that of being trapped in a deep well from where an escape would not be easy. The fear of Samsara/Bhava, the fear of the human condition, has nothing to do with physical courage. The powerful idea of Samsara inspires a sense of fear in the hearts of even the most courageous of all people. Cultural traditions that have their roots in the other parts of this planet may not be aware of this kind of fear and hence the fear of Samsara could be viewed as a feature that defines and molds the Indian Identity. Indians chant the Lord’s name as a medicine to cure this terrible disease and they seek Lord’s protection to reach the shore and complete the journey across the ocean.There are numerous references in the Indian literature.

**Whole Dude – Whole Samsara – Whole Journey. My Life Journey started in Mylapore, Madras (Chennai City) on Kutchery Street near the Marina Beach.**

Human existence is beset with countless uncertainties and difficulties which may arrive without any prior warning from different directions in an unpredictable manner. It is rational to approach life with a sense of apprehension and seek the help of the Lord who graciously held His right hand in a show of compassion and receives with a greeting of “Abhaya” and is willing to banish the fear of Samsara.

Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: Defining Indian Identity-The Fear of Samsara. The LORD is Male and Female at one and the same time. The right hand is held in the pose of Abhaya Mudra. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

**Whole Dude – Whole Samsara – Whole Journey**

**Whole Dude – Whole Samsara: The Rudi-Grant Connection presents the post, The Fear of the Lord vs The Fear of Samsara**

Whole Dude – Whole Listening

Excerpt: In 1970, Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, while serving in the Military Hospital, Ambala Cantt, used an unconventional method to find a patient’s missing watch, leveraging the deep-seated Indian regard for truth. He listened to all the patients’ heartbeats, insinuating that he could identify the wrongdoer through this procedure. Ultimately, the missing watch was returned, saving the culprit public humiliation. This incident reflects the strong Indian sense of truth and the belief that it cannot remain concealed when one searches his own heart. Narasimham’s tale is a spiritual illustration that truth, represented by Lord Rama, and the essence of existence, is ultimately compassionate.

**Defining Indian Identity -Finding Truth – Listening to the Heart. The Divine Mother is fondly remembered by invoking the numerous endearing names such as Amba, Durga, Parvati, and others.**

**Whole Dude – Whole Listening: I served in Military Hospital, Ambala from September 1970 to September 1971. A view of the Medical Division at MH Ambala**

While I was posted as an Intern at Military Hospital, Ambala, a patient of my Surgical Ward reported the problem of his missing watch.

To investigate the problem, I asked all the patients to come to my office and I carefully listened to their heartbeats. It was my impression that the missing watch was in the possession of one of the patients who was not its rightful owner.

I listened to their heart beats after I announced to them that I could discover the wrongful owner of the watch as the truth could be found in his heart. At the end of this listening session, I announced that I discovered the truth and asked the unspecified wrongful owner to return the watch to the place from where it was picked up, for that would give him a chance to avoid public exposure of his mischief. As expected by me, the missing watch found its way back to the bathroom from where it was picked up. The watch was returned to its rightful owner.

I listened to the hearts of my patients under the assumption that Indians have a deep sense of concern for truth and this concern about truth is a defining characteristic of Indian Identity. I would not suggest that my patients were gullible enough to trust my words about finding the culprit by listening to the heart sounds. They indeed have a true concern about the nature of truth and their inability to conceal truth from being revealed when man looks into his own heart in search of truth.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Personal Number – MS-8466 Rank Lieutenant/Captain Intern/Medical Officer ( 1970-71),

Military Hospital, Ambala, Haryana, India.

SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD GOD IS JUST ONE AND THE SAME AND YET MAN KNOWS HIM BY DIFFERENT NAMES. IN THE INDIAN TRADITION, THE NAME RAMA IS THE PERSONIFICATION OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH OR THE ULTIMATE REALITY. LORD RAMA IS THE SOURCE OF KRUPA OR COMPASSION FOR HE HAS THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE JOURNEY IN HIS PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION AS A HUMAN BEING.

Whole Dude – Whole Sermon

Operation Eagle 1971 - A Sermon in Kaptai Bangladesh — **Operation Eagle 1971-72. A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh**

GLORIOUS QURAN – SURAH VIII – SPOILS OF WAR, VERSE 61: “AND IF THEY INCLINE TO PEACE, INCLINE THOU ALSO TO IT, AND TRUST IN ALLAH. LO! HE IS THE HEARER, THE KNOWER.”

Excerpt: The article details Operation Eagle 1971-72, a military operation conceived by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with the goal of bringing peace to Bangladesh, then seeking independence from Pakistan. The summary emphasizes Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan’s role as both an Islamic Scholar and a military leader serving in Operation Eagle. Narayan’s deep understanding of Islamic tradition and culture, as well as his efforts to foster peace, are highlighted through his leadership and actions, such as his execution of Friday Prayer Services for local Bangla Muslims. The author also asks the Indian Government to acknowledge the bravery showcased during the operation.

**Operation Eagle 1971-72. A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh.**

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW, CHAPTER 5, VERSE 9: “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD “

**The military operation – Operation Eagle 1971 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts was inclined towards PEACE.**

**OPERATION EAGLE 1971 IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS IS INCLINED TOWARDS PEACE. WE DELIVERED PEACE TO PEOPLE OF BANGLADESH.**

Operation Eagle 1971 was conceived by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to deliver peace to the people of Bangladesh who had earlier declared their independence from Pakistan. I had the good fortune to serve under the Command of an Islamic Scholar who had performed Hajj and who had retained the entire book of Holy Quran in his memory and a true master of Islamic religious tradition and rituals of worship. Peace is the greeting of the Righteous. The Righteous while engaged in war are inclined towards Peace. My South Column Infantry Unit Commander of Operation Eagle, Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan belonged to the Regiment of Artillery and during the time I spent with him I learned about the peace traditions of Righteous Muslims. Kindly read my personal tribute to this Islamic Scholar who had served Indian Army in its Olive Green Uniform.

I knew Colonel Narayan’s great admiration for Arab people. He always described them as peace-loving people. He knew this as a fact and it was based upon his understanding of Islamic Culture and traditions. I would describe Colonel Narayan as God’s humble servant. It is important to remember and pay tribute to such “peacemakers” as we can achieve true peace through reflecting and understanding the revelations from the Holy Scriptures of all people. The Regiment of Artillery of Indian Army must record this historical contribution made by a Gunner officer who served as an Infantry Commander during the Bangladesh Ops of 1971-72.

Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,

Personal Number: MS-8466; Rank: Captain; Branch: AMC/SSC

Medical Officer, South Column, Operation Eagle

Headquarters Establishment No. 22 C/O 56 APO

Special Frontier Force – Establishment Number. 22 – Operation Eagle – Liberation War of Bangladesh 1971:

Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India had initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. She had conceived this battle plan to bring peace in that region. She was inclined towards peace. She wanted to deliver peace to people of Bangladesh who had earlier declared their independence from Pakistan. During Operation Eagle 1971, I had served in South Column, an Infantry Unit Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan. He was a great Islamic Scholar. He had explained to me that PEACE is the greeting of Righteous people.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971:The Flag of The Regiment of Artillery of Indian Army. This is a story about a Gunner, an Officer of The Regiment of Artillery who had commanded an Infantry Unit during India-Pakistan War of 1971 and had planned and executed Infantry Assaults on Enemy Posts to Liberate Bangladesh. His Unit was the first to receive the Gallantry Awards of Vir Chakra during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

The Military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts during Indo-Pak War of 1971 aimed at restoring Peace and to help Bangla Muslims to live in Dignity. My Unit had captured Kaptai and this Dam was not targeted for inflicting any kind of damage. — OPERATION EAGLE 1971:The Military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts during India-Pakistan War of 1971 aimed at restoring Peace and to deliver Peace to Bangladesh Muslims to help them live in Dignity. My Unit had captured Kaptai and this Dam was not targeted for inflicting any kind of damage.

**OPERATION EAGLE 1971:My Unit never discussed any Battle Plan that required blowing up the Dam over Karnaphuli River at Kaptai.**

A personal tribute to Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971

A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery. An Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer on December 17, 1971.

I was in college from 1962 to 1965 and obtained the Bachelor of Science degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad. I remember this period as the Golden Age of immortal Mohd. Rafi whose melodies still fill my ears. I grew up in this cradle of Urdu language Culture and had acquired my love for ghazals and qawwalis. I spent time in Lucknow, a crown jewel in the Urdu speaking world, where you meet in the market place, ordinary folks who speak in tones that have made the language famous for its sweetness. Much later, I had served in the Royal Oman Army and took my first lesson in Arabic language. My love for Urdu and my Knowledge of Arabic language pales when I write about this Islamic Scholar and Arabic language expert whom I met in India during 1971. He passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2004, in Bahrain where he worked for over 20 years as the Head of the Translation Department at the Bahrain Archives. This is not a tribute about his academic accomplishments, the books that he had published, his military career or about his famous friendly relationship with President Gamal Abdel Nasser and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. I am writing this tribute to recognize his personal qualities and the values that he had promoted. I am writing this tribute to recognize him as a “peacemaker.” He represents a symbol of hope and the light that he had shown may lead us on to a path of peaceful co-existence.

**A personal tribute to Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971**: ” (This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect “.(Holy Book of Quran, Surah XXXVIII, “SAAD” verse 29)

I met Lieutenant Colonel.B K Narayan in Demagiri, Mizoram in October 1971. He hails from Karnataka, and he grew up as a Hindu. We gathered in Demagiri to make preparations to launch Operation Eagle in support of Bangla Muslims seeking freedom from military dictatorship imposed by Pakistan. In Demagiri, I reported to him to serve as his Medical Officer of the South Column Unit. He had the unique distinction of commanding an Infantry Unit in the conduct of War while he belonged to The Regiment of Artillery. I have not known a ‘GUNNER’ who could plan and execute Infantry Attacks on Enemy posts. Colonel Iqbal Singh, the Chief of Staff at the Force Headquarters also belonged to The Regiment of Artillery. But, the role played by Colonel Narayan as an Infantry Commander during War is exceptional and has no comparisons that I am aware of. I had the opportunity to converse with him for extended periods of time and came to know his admirable personality. It is not the knowledge of Arabic language that has made him unique and sets him apart from all other language experts. He is special because of his love for Islamic Culture and his ability to project the deep understanding of that Culture when he speaks to others. He performed the holy pilgrimage of Hajj and had observed all the rituals of that spiritual journey like a true and devout Muslim. When he narrated his Hajj experience, I could know the sense of joy and the purity of his intentions. His observance of Hajj, a ritual performed by all devout Muslims, was genuine, real to its core.

A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. On Friday, December 10, 1971, the South Column Unit under his Command fought a furious battle with Pakistan’s Security Forces just east of Barkal and forced them into a retreat On Friday, December 17, 1971, Colonel Narayan conducted the Friday Worship Service in Kaptai acting as the Imam of Friday Prayer.

From Tlabung, Demagiri, South Column marched to Borunasury and then we marched towards Barkal after neutralizing the enemy post at Jalanpara and had encounters with aggressive enemy patrolling to resist our advance at two other locations. Finally, on Friday, December 10, 1971, the enemy fought a very decisive battle on the east side of Karnaphuli River to stop our advance towards Barkal. After losing the battle, the enemy promptly beat a retreat and withdrew from Barkal, Rangamati, Kaptai, and further moved out of Chittagong without putting up a fight. Col Narayan was able to quote the Quran from his memory and would convey his understanding of the verses with great clarity. I personally witnessed his amazing performance in a little town called KAPTAI, on the banks of Karnaphuli Lake, Rangamati Division of Bangladesh. He conducted the Friday Worship Service for the local Bangla Muslims and delivered a sermon which was received with great appreciation by the worshipers. His job in Uniform did not impose any obligation to organize such an event. He held that prayer meeting entirely on his own initiative and it was purely an expression of his love to worship in the Islamic tradition and it also affirms his faith that the worship of God is not limited by one single tradition.

A personal tribute to Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971:”And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”

The Friday Prayer Service was held at the State Guest House in Kaptai where I stayed after my Unit had captured Kaptai. It had a large Conference Room. Col Narayan contacted the Muslim Clerics of the local Masjid and they were absolutely delighted when they met him. His Scholarship and devotion to Islam had captivated them and they immediately agreed to convene the local congregation at the Guest House and organize the Friday Prayer Service. The Conference Hall got totally packed with worshipers. I could watch the proceedings directly from my room in the State Guest House. The Bangla Muslim Community of Kaptai were truly appreciative of Colonel Narayan and his military campaign for bringing Peace and Joy to their Community.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971:Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was my Commander during Operation Eagle 1971 but he made no mention about ‘The Sermon in Kaptai’ in his book.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971:THE SERMON IN KAPTAI, BANGLADESH. We had helped the Bangladesh Muslims to regain their freedom and dignity.The India-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in an Establishment under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She had personally approved our military Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.

OPERATION EAGLE 1971:Electricity generated at Kaptai helps to operate Chandraghona Paper Mills near Kaptai.An engineer who had worked in the Paper Mills at Chandraghona, a Bangla Muslim had helped my Unit during our military operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts.When our Unit reached Kaptai, the engineer happily returned to his home. I went and visited the Paper and Rayon Fiber Mill at Chandraghona.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22, Commander Operation Eagle 1971. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.

Whole Dude – Whole Fear

Indian Identity is characterized by a “FEAR”. This is unlike the “FEAR OF THE LORD” described in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Land of Bharat, human existence is described as ‘SAMSARA’ or ‘BHAVA’. It is a fearful journey. It is a disease entity.

The cultural traditions that originated in India motivate people to seek refuge or shelter at the Feet of the Lord by evoking a sense of fear and this fear is described as the fear of ” Samsara.” Samsara or Bhava describes the viewpoint about the human condition and deals with the problems of human existence. It contributes to a sense of apprehension and anxiety and the attitude it generates is one of intense fear and helplessness.

Ullanghya sindho salilam saleelam
Yaha shoka wanheen Janakaatma jaayaaha
Aadaaya tenaiwa dadaaha Lankaa
Namaami tam praanjali raanjaneyam

Whole Dude – Whole Fear: The Fear of Samsara. Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

In one great leap of faith, Lord Hanuman jumps over the sea with utmost ease, whereas crossing the sea evokes only a sense of fear in my heart. I derive some hope from the legend about the land bridge (Setu) built by the army of monkeys.The Sea God promised them that the rocks and boulders used for the construction of the bridge will be held in place and stay afloat. He did that to please Lord Rama. During my perilous journey across the ocean of Samsara, I use the name “RaMa” to stay afloat just like the stones used in the construction of the land bridge.

Whole Dude – Whole Fear: The Fear of Samsara. ***Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.***

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom” says the Holy Bible, The Book of Proverbs, Chapter1, verse 7.

For the religious traditions that originated outside of India such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the fear of the Lord could be a primary motivating factor to seek the worship of the Lord. On the contrary, the religious traditions that originated in the Land of India, do not encourage their adherents to entertain any such fear of the Lord. In the Indian traditions, the Lord or the Deity that Indians choose to worship would receive them with a sign that proclaims ” Be Fearless.” The Lord reassures them with a sign that is popularly described as Abhaya Hasta or Abhaya Mudra . In Indian literature, countless number of images, idols, paintings and drawings, there are invariable references to a consistent message of Abhaya and naturally Indians are less concerned with ” The Fear of the Lord.”

Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.

Samsara is also depicted as a serious disease entity afflicting a person’s health and is referred to as ” Bhava Roga.” Others view Samsara as existence in a bottomless deep pit (“Aghada”)or that of being trapped in a deep well from where an escape would not be easy. The fear of Samsara/Bhava, the fear of the human condition, has nothing to do with physical courage. The powerful idea of Samsara inspires a sense of fear in the hearts of even the most courageous of all people. Cultural traditions that have their roots in the other parts of this planet may not be aware of this kind of fear and hence the fear of Samsara could be viewed as a feature that defines and molds the Indian Identity. Indians chant the Lord’s name as a medicine to cure this terrible disease and they seek Lord’s protection to reach the shore and complete the journey across the ocean.There are numerous references in the Indian literature.

Whole Dude – Whole Fear: The Fear of Samsara. The LORD is Male and Female at one and the same time. The right hand is held in the pose of Abhaya Mudra. *Samsara portrays the picture of life’s journey as a tedious,difficult and challenging swim across an unknown,uncharted and treacherous ocean.*

Whole Dude – Whole Surrender

Excerpt: The Land of Bharat is a very unique place on this planet where people are culturally endowed with an ardent desire to worship feet.

**Whole Dude – Whole Surrender: The Worship of Feet describes the process of total surrender.**

Pada Vandanam, Pada Namaskaram, Pada Archanam, Pada Sevanam, Pada Puja or the Worship of Feet:

The land of India is a very unique place on this planet where people are culturally endowed with an ardent desire to worship feet.No other society or social community has openly exhibited this behavioral trait and feet worship could be described as the hall-mark of Indian Identity.This tradition and literal practice of feet worship was well established by the time the epic poem of Ramayana was composed. In Ayodhya Kanda,we read the very moving account of Rama touching the feet of His father Dasaratha and queen mother Kaikeyi after having received the orders for his banishment to live in the forest for fourteen years. Later in Aranya Kanda, we read about the younger brother Bharata who literally clung to the feet of Rama seeking His refuge. Eventually,Bharata carried Rama’s sandals keeping them on his head and installs them on the throne (Paduka Pattabhishekam) and served them with great devotion for fourteen long years during Rama’s exile.

**Whole Dude – Whole Surrender: The Worship of Feet describes the process called total surrender.**

Every deity that Indians seek to worship are better pleased when we worship their feet. Prince Prahlada describes “Pada Sevanam” as one of the nine ways to worship Lord Vishnua.

Indians worship feet not only as a sign of humility but also as a mark of submission, total surrender to the will of God. They touch feet as a plea for protection. This is not a mere religious rite or ritual and it actually shapes the attitudes and behavior of people. The final resting place for the individual souls (Jeevatma)has been described as the Lotus Feet of the Lord. This is described as ‘Charanam’ (Feet of the Lord) ‘Sharanam’ (Ultimate Refuge).