Note: This is a rough translation of my write up for a talk on significance of Raksha Bandhan at Samskrutotsava conducted by Mythree Samskruta Samskruti Foundation on Shraavana Poornima, Durmukhi Samvatsara (18 August 2016)
Security is of utmost importance
to every living being. In ‘Prakriti’ (nature), the weak do not have security. ‘Prakriti’ knows only one law – “Matsya Nyaya”. Big fish devour the smaller fish; stronger
animals kill the weaker ones. Man, in his wisdom, attempts to break free from
this law of nature and establishes ‘Sanskriti’ (culture) where even the weakest
of the weak can have some sort of protection.
In ‘Sanskriti’, friendship and
mutual trust is essential amongst all beings that are living together. From
trust, co-operation increases and from co-operation, comes progress; we would
not be able to progress this far unless we felt secure and co-operated with
each other for the greater good. As we progress further, the self-esteem of each
and every member also increases.
However, human beings are yet to
forgo all their animal instincts. Over time, the fundamental principles (trust,
co-operation and self esteem) on which ‘Sanskriti’ was established are being
overlooked and we are relapsing into “Jungle Raaj”.
Today is Shraavana Poornima. On
this day, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated across Bharata. This is a time to reflect
on the fundamentals and progress as a society. The thread that we tie on our
wrists is symbolic of the mutual trust, co-operation and self esteem on which
our ‘Sanskriti’ survives.
Just as every strand of the ‘Raksha’
thread is interwoven, we should remember that each one of us is also tightly
interwoven into the fabric of our society. Irrespective of how capable each one
of us are individually, only when we are one with the society will we achieve
strength, respect, beauty, security and fulfillment. Mutual respect, trust,
harmony and co-operation are our society’s life lines and brotherhood is a
beautiful amalgamation of all these qualities.
Come, let us tie the “Raksha” on
each others hands and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. By building a strong
society, let us make Bharat a strong and prosperous nation.
Jai Hind!
PS: I have constructed this talk
using text from various sources. I wish to thank all of them through this post.
