Hero Of An Era

Each era chooses its own hero based on the logic and compulsions, and on the situations and circumstances prevailing in that era. Here are the two examples.

Mahatma Gandhi used the doctrine of satyagraha (truth force) that aimed at persuading the enemies to your point of view by winning over their mind and heart. He didn’t follow the Britishers’ rules for Indians and went to jail as a part of the freedom movement, but persisted with his demand for freedom.

He developed this philosophy over a long period of time right from 1906 in South Africa. On the other hand, there was a leader like Subhash Chandra Bose, who said, “Give me blood and I will give you freedom.” He was of the view that freedom is not given, it is taken. But Gandhi’s view prevailed, as it was the most appropriate strategy for fighting a mighty kingdom with less bloodshed in this populous country.

Gandhi followed Lord Rama, who was the embodiment of dharma (righteousness and ethics), who didn’t believe in causing others to suffer. He used to keep calm and obeyed and respected elders. Modesty was his best policy, but he also saw the reason and right action as his virtues. When Ravana kidnapped his wife, he pulled out his weapon and killed Ravana.

What was the option left for Rama at that time? Go for another wife? How could Rama choose love, tolerance and non-violence in such a situation?When the enemy attacks the respect and dignity of people, especially children and women, not fighting is not an option, it’s cowardice.

When cruel and immoral forces attack the very foundation of truth and dharma, the lessons of morality and non-violence become meaningless and suicidal.

There is a popular phrase in Sanskrit mentioned in Mahabharata and Manusmriti that says,
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः (Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah). It means, the dharma protects those who protect it.

So the lessons may be learnt from the history, but the ultimate decision has to be taken on the basis of the prevailing conditions and circumstances.

–Kaushal Kishore

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