BY ANIL SWAMY 

 

 

WORLD constantly at war makes each and every global citizen ponder why can’t we live peacefully. At least we Bharteeya know the pain, as our country had been plundered and looted by marauders for centuries and finally by British. India as a country or rather Indians never got their due respect across the globe. Sometime back, during our last trip abroad, we got a chance to witness a massive change sweeping the world over. A new found, respect, for Bharat and Bharteeya diaspora is altogether a new experience of an altogether different but pleasant dimension. “Chand mera badlon me kho gaya, saari duniya me andhera ho gaya” was the national scream, when even ISRO chief wept on the shoulders of Prime Minister, we as a country wept with him. An awful and sad moment for the nation. One of the most painful period, post failure of earlier mission, but when it was essential to boost up the moral of the entire team of scientists with a sustained enthusiasm and financial support, Bharat lived up to the occasion and whole heartedly supported the science fraternity like never before. With Moon Landing, every Bharteeya sang aloud “Chand mera Dil”. After the debacle, it was never easy for Team ISRO to lead a normal life and wear a fake smile, whether at home or at work. Entire nation’s belief had been rattled and a big struggle lay ahead in overcoming the taint and regain the nation’s confidence.

 

They fought the gloom and won the battle in style, that made every Bharteeya to hold his head high with pride. Sant Kabir always welcomed failures and preached that failures enable you to know who are on your side and supporting you. Indeed, the same philosophy is still prevalent. Scores of politicians and all those scoundrels who never cared for the welfare of the country, doubted and raised questions on expenditures naming it ‘Wasteful’. Overcoming all the physical, mental and financial hurdles ISRO unfurled the National flag on MOON on 23 rd August 23. Away from country, in London we ventured in a book store on 24th Aug 23, rather aimlessly. While glancing and shuffling through the book shelves, saw an elderly man, busy doing same. Our eyes met and we casually smiled at each other. ‘Stan from Ireland’ he introduced himself. His eyes widened and twinkled as I disclosed my nationality. ‘You guys deserve Greetings for Landing on Moon’ and added rather loudly ‘Congratulations Team INDIA’. In a foreign land, on being greeted just for being an Indian for India’s achievements, my chest swelled up with pride and brought a big smile on my face. I felt as if I had personally put my feet of Moon. The shop owner Judith, overheard us and the old lady rushed over to shake hands with me and my wife.

 

She even announced on mic ‘friends join me in cheering India’s successful Moon Landing at a spot never possible so far’. A small crowd of about fifteen shoppers gathered around us and cheered for India. Judith had travelled to India, to learn Yoga and spiritual practices. She praised ‘Bharteeya sanskriti’ by telling the gathering that the world at large is busy fighting over countless issues but India is only country preaching peace over centuries and always been a peaceful with great spiritual values. She concluded by reciting and translating ‘Sarve bhavantu Sukhinah …’ a Shloka taught by her Indian Guru. We all had fragrant hot coffee before parting. We have extensively travelled overseas and never ever had been greeted this way. Heading back home we felt like Royalty, elegant and stylish, with a spring in our walk, we felt taller than the crowd on the road. Since ages, Sages, Writers, Poets, Philosophers, Thinkers and Artisans have been praying, writing and singing praises of Moon but that day our hearts were overflowing with love and respect for our Bharat. In the New Year, World shall see Bharat shine and rise higher above the rest and establish a New World Order of Peace, Love, Harmony and Spirituality. ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah..’