At the feet of Swami Ranganathananda
Friends, thanks for the enthusiastic response to my inaugural post.
I was wondering what to share with you today, because there is so much to share. Elections to the 15th Lok Sabha are fast approaching. Naturally, much of my communication will be political in nature and election-oriented. However, I must confess that I do not regard politics to be the be-all-and-end-all of our national life. Indeed, politics - and all else in public life -become meaningful and fulfilling only when they are guided by higher values and ideals rooted in India’s spiritual heritage. And there is so much that politicians and those in other professions have to learn from India’s spiritual masters, both ancient and modern.
A few days ago, a new book landed on my table - The Monk Without Frontiers - Reminiscences of Swami Ranganathananda. It is the latest publication of the Ramakrishna Mission, and has been brought out to commemorate Swamiji’s birth centenary (2008). Swami Ranganathananda, as I have recorded in my autobiography (My Country My Life , published last year by Rupa & Co), “was one of the brightest spiritual lights that shone upon Indian society in our times”. I was very pleased to see that the book carries an excerpt from my autobiography in which I have written about my close association with this noble soul in Karachi, where I spent the first twenty years of my life (1927-47). The book also carries a short extract from a speech I delivered at a memorial meeting at the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on 15 May 2005. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and former Prime Minister Shri I.K. Gujral were also present on the occasion to pay homage to Swamiji, who passed away on 26 April 2005.
Seeing these excerpts, I thought that I should share it with you in my blog.
Please do send me your comments.
* * * 
During the last three years of my life in Karachi, I was exposed to another life-transforming influence. Every Sunday evening, I started going to the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram to listen to the discourses on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Ranganathananda. I was as fascinated by Swamiji’s personality as I was by his elucidation, in clear, direct and profound manner, of Lord Krishna’s mesmerising philosophical dialogue with warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata war.
Swamiji was, at that time, the President of the Ramakrishna Mission in Karachi, where he lived for six years propagating the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and his disciple Swami Vivekananda. He had come to Karachi after having served for several years in the Ramakrishna Mission in distant Burma. And he hailed from Kerala! Swamiji, who had taken to the path of spirituality and humanitarian service at a very young age, was a disarmingly simple and amiable person. He soon developed a great fondness for me. In no time, his dedicated, mission-oriented and intellectually towering personality began to hold great attraction for me.
‘I should develop these qualities,’ I told myself.
The Ramakrishna Mission in Karachi
Initially the audience for the Gita discourses was small-about fifty to hundred. But the number increased week after week and soon reached a thousand! As the Ashram was located in a Muslim locality, some Muslims also began to attend the lectures, as did Christians and Parsis, including Jamshed Nasarvanji Mehta, the former Mayor of Karachi. The Ashram also became a beehive of voluntary social service, in which I too contributed my bit. I recall the Bengal famine of 1943, in which millions died due to British war time policy. Swamiji issued an appeal to mobilise food and other relief material for the famine-stricken people. It evoked a generous response and nearly fi ve lakh rupees were collected in no time. Swamiji used the funds to purchase rice and requested the Sindh government for an export permit to send it to Bengal in a steamer via Sri Lanka. An officer told him, ‘You have to wait for your turn. The Muslim League also wants export permit for the same purpose. We’ll give you the quota after they have used theirs.’ After some weeks, the same officer told Swamiji, ‘The Muslim League sent only sixty tons. The rest of the quota is all yours.’ The Ashram sent 1240 tons!
Swamiji used to invite many distinguished personalities to visit the Ashram. I recall a memorable visit by Dr S. Radhakrishnan*, the great philosopher who was then the Vice Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), in October 1945. He delivered two talks, one at the Ashram and the other at D.J. Sindh College, both of which drew large crowds. Dr Radhakrishnan had requested Swamiji to collect some donations for BHU. The residents of Karachi gave him a purse of Rs 50,000, which was quite a significant amount those days.
* Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was one of the most internationally renowned Indian philosophers and educationists of the twentieth century. He was the first Vice President of India (1952-62), and the second President of India (1962-67).
I left Karachi in September 1947, whereas Swamiji continued living there until it became impossible to carry on the activities of the Ramakrishna Mission in the city. With a heavy heart, he closed down the Mission and left Karachi in August 1948. My association with him continued almost till the time he passed away in February 2005, at the age of ninety-eight.
I would meet him regularly when he was the head of the Ramakrishna Mission in Delhi in the 1960s, and also when he headed the mission in Hyderabad for a long time thereafter. My last meeting with him was in 2003, when I had gone to Kolkata for a function, and Swamiji, after having become the all-India President of the Ramakrishna Mission, was living at Belur Math, the mission’s headquarters in the city.
Our conversation at this last meeting centred on our days in Karachi, the tragic developments triggered by Partition and the role of Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Swamiji, in particular, lauded Jinnah’s historic speech in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 11 August 1947 and said, ‘The true exposition of the meaning of secularism can be found in this speech.’ In a subconscious way, this last conversation with Swamiji was to play a decisive contributory role in my own remarks about Jinnah when I went to Pakistan in May-June 2005.
Swami Ranganathananda was one of the brightest spiritual lights that shone upon Indian society in our times. He was an evolved soul, a seeker who began his life by working as a cook and dishwasher in the Ramakrishna Math, and rising to become one of the most revered propagators, both in India and abroad, of the teachings of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. He was not a conventional spiritual preacher concerned predominantly with an individual’s quest for self-realisation. His inspiringly crafted motto was: ‘Godward passion transmuted into manward love.’ His was a lifelong mission to tell the world that the myriad problems and challenges confronting it can be addressed only through a radical spiritual reorientation to human affairs.
Swamiji was prolific with both the spoken and the written word. A wandering monk, he gave thousands of lectures in cities across India and the world. For a spiritual leader who was completely detached from the material world, his lectures and writings covered a wide range of topics, including the role of teachers, administrators, scientists and businessmen in nation-building. He also interacted with political and social leaders from diverse backgrounds, leaving a positive impression on all of them. His four-volume work Eternal Values for a Changing Society pays respectful tribute to the teachings of all religions.
I recently came across a concise edition of Swamiji’s four-volume writings on the Bhagavad Gita . Titled The Charm and Power of the Gita , Swamiji in the book gives an example to illustrate the difference between the traditional orientation towards the Gita and the new man-making and nation-building orientation towards the Gita , which was imparted by Swami Vivekananda. ‘In the past’, Swamiji writes, ‘people mostly read the Gita as a pious act, and for a little peace of mind. We never realized that this is a book of intense practicality. We never understood the practical application of the Gita’s teachings. If we had done so, we would not have had the thousand years of foreign invasions, internal caste conflicts, feudal oppression and mass poverty. We never took the Gita seriously; but now we have to. We need a philosophy that can help us build a new welfare society, based on human dignity, freedom and equality. This new orientation, this practical orientation was given to the Gita for the first time in the modern age by Swami Vivekananda.’
In September 2007, I was invited to release a biography of Swami Ranganathananda at Ramakrishna Math in Paranattukara in Trichur district in Kerala, not far from his birthplace. In that biography, I came across an essay by Dr T.I. Radhakrishnan, a longtime associate of Swamiji, who records an interesting incident. Once when Swamiji was delivering a lecture on Islam and Prophet Mohammed in Karachi, one person entered the hall and sat in the last row. It was Mohammed Ali Jinnah. After the lecture, Jinnah reportedly rushed to the dais and said, ‘Swamiji, so far I had believed that I am a real Muslim. After listening to your speech, I understand that I am not. But with your blessings, I will try to become a real Muslim.’ The author of this essay says that Swamiji had similar experiences with Christians when he lectured on ‘The Christ We Adore’.
* * *
Adi Shankaracharya of the present age
When* I read that Swami Ranganathananda was born at Thrissur in Kerala in 1908, it occurred to my mind that his birthplace is not far from Kalady, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. I think, Swami Ranganathananda is the Adi Shankaracharya of the present age. Adi Shankaracharya was a great monk as well as a great scholar who could give lucid expositions of the intrinsic philosophies of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, the Puranas and other scriptures. Swami Ranganathanandaji came some centuries after Adi Shankaracharya with all the virtues and extraordinary characteristics of his predecessor. In every respect, the Swami was identical to Shankaracharya.
From Karachi, when the Swami came to the Delhi center of the Ramakrishna Mission as its head, I used to attend his lectures. Then he was posted at Hyderabad. But whenever he visited Delhi, I had the privileges to interact with him. It is unique that all the eminent personalities who were earnest to build our country - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayeeji and others - used to see him to get inspiration and wise advice. It speaks of his greatness and outstanding personality.
* This is a select portion of Shri Advani’s Hindi speech on Swami Ranganathananda delivered at a memorial meet at the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on 15.05.2005. It has been translated by Monica Sengupta.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: lal krishna advani, lk advani, My Country My Life, Reminiscences of Swami Ranganathananda, Shri Advani's speech on Swami Ranganathananda, Shri Advani’s Hindi speech, Swami Ranganathananda, The Monk Without Frontiers
January 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Shree Advaniji,
Congratulations on your website and welcome to the blog world.
Here on my first comment, I’d like to present you the views of common man in India.
http://nationwithoutpeople.blogspot.com is a blog which has over 1000 hits since last two months and I politely insist you to have a dekko at the same.
Thanks in advance,
Dushyaynt
January 9th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I feel we need to bring back the moral values of Bharat by imbibing the spirit such holy men as Swami Ranganathananda into the modern day society. I personally am not bothered about whether You become PM or not but I look to you to lead to rekindle the light of the spirit of Bharat just as you did a decade ago on the Rama Janmabhoomi andolan. We need to fight the disease of self-aggrandisement and national impoverishment practised by people professing any profession in this country. All professionals seem to be follow different methodology to self-aggrandise. Their professed profession seem to indicate their system followed in their real profession which is “Self-Aggrandisement”. In this process either they are unaware or they do not bother or some even desire about national impoverishment. Vyasa had said as an epilogue to Mahabharat “URDHVA BAHOOR VIROUMYESHA NA CHA KASCHIT SRUNOTU ME; DHARMATH ARTHASCHA KAAMASCHA KIMARTHAM NA SEVYATE”. Please give us leadership to revive that spirit.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
[...] the next post which has extracts from Mr. Advani’s book on Swami Ranganathananda has him confronting some [...]
January 9th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
All swamis are great from Ramkrishna Mission.They represent the real Indian spirit unfortunately youths are not looking it in that way.
Sir,I want that you do following change for me just following :-
( 1 )
Current scene of our system has become in following order
“Public” over them “police” over them “judiciary” over them “netas”
I want you to change it into :-
“public”over them “Police” over them ” Judiciary ” remove “netas”
( 2 )
Bring a killer law for corruptions.
Thats all!
IF you have more time left then please
INCREASE THE PRICE OF FOOD IN CANTEEN OF LOKSABHA & RAJYASABHA
No 1 can get a 5star food in good amount in Rs.15 in whole India except you are a Parliament member.
Student/Socialist/Engineer,
Mayank Shukla
January 9th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
“…It is unique that all the eminent personalities who were earnest to build our country - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayeeji and others - used to see him to get inspiration and wise advice….”
Dear Mr Advani,
If the above is true, those eminent personalities except may be Mr Vajpayee to some extent, appears to have not listened to the wise advice the Swami may have given them, if the present condition of our country is any indication of their earnestness in building it.
It may be incorrect to say that.
But equally incorrect, it would seem, is that you, who is considered a far better leader than those eminent personalities except, again, to some extent Mr Vajpayee, would give them eminence.
If they were eminent, can we deny eminence to Mr Rahul Gandhi …?
Should he be given the chance to exercise his earnestness in building the nation like his father, grandma and great grandpa …?
Should BJP oppose such a budding eminence in the coming elections ….
I humbly request you Mr Advaniji, please do not lower yourself to the level of the present day intellectual lot by adhereing to political correctness.
Because, when you start to compromise you may start to lose your integrity.
That loss, if it happens will not be offset by any other achievement.
Looking fwd to arosing, inspiring words from you, like the Swami Vivekananda’s and like the really eminent personality whose name you share - Krishna.
January 10th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Advani ji,
Congratulations on starting a conversation with ‘the people’. It is a good step forward for the betterment of our great country. Hope fully a lot of other leaders will follow your footsteps and start blogging.
As a humble suggestion please try to read the comments of your post and give it your best shot to respond to atleast one comment per post. This would engage your readers and give them hope that this is a communication portal rather than another dissemination media.
January 10th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Dear Advaniji,
It’s a great pleasure to see a leading politician putting up a blog to communicate with common people like us. This would definitely help you understand the needs of a common man in a better way and this will also help the public to choose right leaders.
Your post on Swami Ranganathananda is really nice. I also visit Ram Krishna Mission located in our city quite often.
Please keep sharing your thoughts with us.
Best of luck for elections.
Thanks,
Jitesh
January 10th, 2009 at 12:47 am
dear sir,
i am a BJPian ,although we have no direct relation to any political party,my father,my mother has always believed in BJP ideology.many youngsters like me are turning towards your party.sir u shall become PM one day,we all wait for the day.
sir ,i have written something and that something is business plan/model in a layman language ,it is big and can be made bigger and real business ,sir i want to meet great business men like Mr kumarmangalam birla or Mr Anil ambani regarding the same and discuss it with them,but dont know how to do so.can you assist sir.
plz forward me your direct EMail id or Phone number if you can ,thanks
January 10th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Dear Advani JI,
It is amazing to see your website and blog on the internet.
We are promoting Vedic Mathematics in the Country through the books and DVDs of the Shankaracharya. We would love to teach and promote this at your schools and colleges.
Our website is http://www.vedicmathsindia.org
Looking forward to your Love and Support in this regard.
Thanking you
Gaurav Tekriwal
President
The Vedic Maths Forum India
Kolkata
January 10th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Aadarniye Advaniji,
Congratulations! You have stepped one step closer to youth-voters of India. I come to know about this website from an ad while browsing ‘Orkut’.
I was happy to know that ‘education’ was on your priority, but even most of us being educated we behave in illiterate manner. The biggest illiteracy among educated class is lack of interest in using their voting rights. Educated-Youth should be educated to use their voting rights.
Since everyone is aware of the fact that dependence of our civilization on internet is inevitable, the Indian Govt. should act one step ahead to provide broadband internet to remote locations of our country at cheaper rate and open “online complaint-box system” just as today we see PNR inquiry machine at railway stations. Today every person directly or indirectly is depending on online computer web.
The above suggestions could be a strong point to attract young voters. Today the bare fact is that word ‘Democracy’ is showing its real existence and young voters shares larger part as it is very clear from the election results of Rajasthan, MP etc., and very recent feeds from Jharkhand where a CM struggles to win a single seat despite of support from the naxals.
I am a die-hard supporter of BJP and RSS ideology so I would like to see next PM as one who fits very well to cope up with current worsening scenario on “TERRORISM” and belongs to BJP, no doubt its ‘You”.
Please don’t be mislead by my political vision and assume me to be an elderly person, I am just 20 yr old, and this time hopefully I will be using my voting rights for first time.
Everyone has a lot of expectations from their national leader so plz commit to fulfill them and please don’t let them down so that later they feel cheated.
With Regards
Wish you all the best.
January 10th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Respected Advaniji,
It’s said, Swami Ranganathananda had a tongue blessed by Goddess Saraswati. He belongs to those rare Dharmic leaders who could preach the real meaning of Dharma, how it could contribute to the making of man and nation immensely.
He said, Vendanta is not a dogma that it will crumble if questioned. Truth shines the more it’s questioned. Not a single ‘scientific discovery’ so far could question Vendanta.
Today, the all encompassing meaning of ‘dharma’ has been reduced to ‘religion’, became a thing of ridicule by a section of ‘modernist’ politicians, media rooted in imported worldview, different -isms.
Today, “Indian Culture” means “Dance, music, arts”- there is no place of philosophy, spirituality that are India’s greatest gift to the world, and particularly useful in these troubled times. Look at the way Ms. Kanimozhi presented India’s culture as reported by the Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011055511300.htm)
“Pointing to the Centre’s plans to project India’s soft power (music, dance and arts) in countries ….., Ms. Kanimozhi sought an evaluation of whether the project should “preserve culture or empower it.”
There is NO mention of Indian Philosophy, Spirituality by our minister, or media. It’s like reducing meaning of literature to journalism. Or meaning of Science to technology alone. Or Krishti to just dance-drama.
Unimaginative copying of European ideals like “secularism” by a powerful section of our leaders, intellectuals, particularly after Independence, has caused major damage to country, society. It created more division, more violence, total misgovernance, continued abject poverty of a large section of our people.
Will we throw away food because rotten food generates foul lingering smell? Will we banish dharma, in its true form, just because in the name of religion, fundamentalisms like “my religion is the sole truth, all others are false” are being propagated? Or we will use food and dharma in the right way?
This is where Swami Ranganathanada gives us direction.
(I should also mention here, BJP’s ideology has many other direct links with Ramakrishna Mission and its incredible monks, leaders. Founder of RSS was baptized into flame of nationalism as a student of Calcutta Medical College during tumult days of 1905 (partition of Bengal). He worked closely with Sister Nivedita, Bhupen Dutta (brother of Swami Vivekanand).
Second RSS Guru Golwalkarji was ordained as a RK Mission monk by Swami Akhandananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa. Swami Akhandananda started cherished desire of Swami Vivekananda to begin rural development work even before RK Mission was formally founded. It was not a mere coincidence that Guru Golwalkar was chosen by Swami Akandananda as a chela. )
Lastly, thanks for highlighting again the link between Swami Ranganathananda and events during your last Pakistan visit. Other than Dinanath Mishra (the Pioneer), only one more journalist (Jayanta Ghoshal of the Anandabazar Patrika) had the courage to write that what you said at a memorial meeting at the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on 15 May 2005 and later in Pakistan were SAME.
Media of ‘world’s largest democracy’ did not have the courage to accept that. Truth, however, ultimately prevails.
Regards,
Bhaskar Chatterjee
Sankhapur(Birbhum/West Bengal)
January 10th, 2009 at 8:37 am
It’s a nice initiative by you. I appreciate that today’s leaders of our country are more than open to mediums like portal and blog. Regarding the content of this blog, well it’s a masterpiece and could be written only by a learned person like you though I would’ve loved to listen it rather than reading it. Your oratory skills are no doubt, your USP.
Besides, I would like you to scribble on current issues and ongoing happenings as well, because that might help people in connecting with your thought process and also make people discuss more of it on the forums of this portal.
Thanks & Please carry on this thing for more than required time frame.
January 10th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Dear Advaniji
It was really nice to go through your blog and what was even more heart-warming that Indian politicians have finally taken onto Internet and the new technologies in their own stride. As you have rightly observed, this is one of the most independent form of media.
With regards to your association with Swami Ranganathananda, I was happy just for the simple reason that this provides a means for public awareness about the Ramakrishna Mission. I spent my childhood at the Ramakrishna Mission Narendrapur, Kolkata which is one of the leading schools run by the Mission. But for all the good work that the Mission has carried out in the fields of education, social uplift of the poor, relief work during the natural calamities and spiritual awareness for over hundred years, it has maintained a rather low-key profile and is hardly known to the general public outside the state of West Bengal. Compare this with the popularity of some rather new and not so widespread religious outfits and NGOs who hog all the limelight with their work.
Hope that people like you who have been associated with the Mission continue to spread the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna Paramakansa and Swami Vivekananda along with their disciples and let more and more people know about the Ramakrishna Mission and its activities.
Thanks
Sumit
January 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Respected Advani Ji
I congratulate you for starting this website though late. Now you shall be able to get the first hand feel of the common youth of our country and I am pretty sure that you will definately take it into consideration while formulating your policies and strategies.
I have always been your admirer.
Best Regards
Sunil Maheshwari
Kolkata
January 10th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
” I think, Swami Ranganathananda is the Adi Shankaracharya of the present age.”
This is a very significant observation.
I myself cherish my having gone to Kalady in the mid-1970s Emergency period [I was a student of the Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala] to invite the Swamiji to speak at the College, and later having accompanied him to the College. He spoke of his own memories about the College. I admit that I did not then understand much of the little philosophy, which also he briefly touched in his oration; except for the parts about freedom, which was very significant in those days.
I am very gratified to know now that he influenced even Advaniji.
January 10th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Namaste Advani ji,
I understand that it is very difficult to manage the entire political process in India now a days, but being a common Indian citizen, I can tell u with core of my heart that average Indian needs u desperately. It is more because of misrule of UPA. Every Indian understands that how this present UPA government has failed on all fronts. Be it internal security, be it border security, be it unification of India on civilian grounds and be it financial matters, it has been very difficult for almost all the Indians to live in a secured India. So the following points are suggested by me, take a call on these points if possible.
1. The biggest blunder of UPA is that of appeasement of a particular section of society and not only this, the PM even dares to say that this section has first right on Indian treasury. This govt, ever since took the charge, is maligning the Hindu society sentiments in some way or the other, as if they are in power to do only such acts. I would like u to beware of all this and treat all the Indian citizens equal in all respect.
I would feel honored if I could do any thing for BJP.
2. Indian citizens, who are watching u along with BJP and NDA very hopefully, should not be let down in any manner. Some times media news of rifts between top leaders of BJP has saddened the common man.
3. The very inception of BJP was on the lines of nationalism and India theme. But unfortunately in past years the signals have been given that BJP too takes steps which are against its basic aim.
4. The media management of BJP should be very prompt, it is seen that sometimes a delayed reaction is useless.
2.
January 10th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Dear Advaniji,
It is heartening to see that you started your blogging with a note on Swami Ranganathanandaji. He was a very rare Swami indeed and your tribute is fitting as it coincides with the nation wide celebration of his centenary.
January 10th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Dear Advaniji,
You have come a longway in the Indian Politics. I wish that after these elections you become the Prime Minister of India and give a new dimension to the Indian Politics. Yourself and Atalji have given this nation a Party (BJP) which has no reflections of a dynastic family domination. BJP today is a strong opposition and also an alternative which the nation can look forward to.
With all the hard work done, now time has come to shape a new chain of leadership under yourself and take this party forward in the 21st Century. There are dynamic leaders like Mr.Arun Jaitely, Mr.Narendra Modi, Ms.Sushma Swaraj, Mr.Rajnathsingh to name a few and also intellectuals like Mr.Arun Shourie. But yet to see a leader who cuts across all levels and is accepted like yourself and Atalji.
It is my suggestion that Scientific management techniques can be deployed to push the younger lot (age group 35 to 45) to take responsibilites at local, State and Regional level
for effective handling of Political, Adininistrative and Economical issues from grassroot to urban sets ups. This will support the existing string of senior leaders. Thus ensure a strong democratic system in the party.
January 10th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Dear Shri Advaniji,
Besides, being a senior citizen, you are our also the leader in Opposition. It is really a pity that the calamities of 1947, pressed you to leave your birthplace, your roots. My grandparents also migrated from the eastern side of our border. I understand, at least partially, your agony.
The speech that Shri Jinnah delivered at the Pakistani Parliament was a historic one. But it is really difficult to understand whether he was candid in his speech on secularism or he was trying to fool the international audience.
It is quiet normal that modern day Pakistanis do not remember this speech. But it would be always prudent for the Government of India to give maximum publicity to that speech. What you did in Pakistan, was in my opinion very much correct. Opposition to your comments, withini your rank and file, was unfortunate and undesired. The prospect of a good movement was nipped in the bud. It also harmed your personality. I feel really sorry for that.
Finally, in the context of the Swamiji, my earnest request to you that you arrange the creation of a documentary film on the life of the great personality.
January 10th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Dear Advani Ji,
First of all a big congrats on your entry into the blogosphere. I hope more high profile politicians in India would take a cue from you.
A question to you, if I may regarding the Purulia arms dropping case. What was the compelling reason why your government released Peter Bleach and 5 latvian pilots, all convicted for war against the Indian Union?
THanks again
Ramecha
January 10th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Dear Sir,
It is Indeed a fitting start to post a blog of the great life of Swamiji.
As was said by Swami Vivekananda in our culture and our country
we always recognized and held men of virtue in high esteem.
In other countries it was the men of power, of wealth who occupied the minds of
their thinkers, their role model. In our country it is Rishies who with a begging bowl
will win the hearts and minds of our country men. A country wherein even the rulers
want to trace their descent to some remote sage who lived in caves and covered himself
in bark. I cherish this ideal. With difficulties and challenges and success our country
has moved on through ages keeping her vital character that of spirituality intact.
I wish u good luck as u start u start posting in blogs and hope that it shall help
u understand the aspirations of people and through unselfish work help them and fulfill
your own great life in return.
Best Wishes
Krishna
Bangalore
January 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Advanji why you want to prove Jinnah was a secularist ? Do you think it will convince Muslims that you are secularist … I dont think so.
Please concentrate on building India internal security, defense and economy rest will be taken care of.
January 11th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Dear Shri Advani Ji,
Sadar pranam,
Great to have your blog on the net! It will give us - the commoners- an opportunity to share our thoughts with you directly. I have immense respect for you. Though, I come from a politcal family whose generations have belonged to congress your nationalism puts you above the rest and that’s where I click with you. I have read your autobiography and quite liked it and I have also read your thoughts on Swami Ranganathananda. I feel it is really amazing that we have had seers like him and Swami Vivekananda. I envy your easy accessibility to them :-).
I hope to see more of your blogs and also responses to our comments. There is a big task ahead in 2009 and that is upcoming General Elections. Do share your thoughts on the strategy, agenda, manifesto and we (atleast I ) can share our thoughts on the same. Though, we might not be the core strategist of your party but you will get another first hand opinion from the public.
Warm regards and wishes
Anchit
Delhi - Raipur
January 11th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Advaniji,
Haardik badhai.
I can understand that typing for blogs in Hindi wouldnt be easy and wouldnt suit ‘blogosphere’ janata also. But at least the blog headline can have something written in Hindi.
Please see if you think some change is needed.
Aapka samarthak hamesha
Ashutosh
January 11th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Respected Advaniji,
It great to see you on the blogosphere. I am an ardent believer in your philosophies and want to see you become the prime minister of india. I hope the coming election will fulfill that dream. It is high time that somebody like you take the ownership of the country else these congress party will take our country towards the brink of destruction.
Thanks again!
January 11th, 2009 at 3:40 am
I had been through the transcript of the stated Jinnah speech before you made your 2005 Jinnah comments. I was shocked and surprised at its content. It sounded as if one of India’s leaders was addressing the nation from Red Fort and not that of a theologically driven Pakistan. Your Jinnah comments never surprised me. What did surprise though was the reaction brought to the fore from various corners. Media has started raising its eye brows even today after reading this post.
Anyways, welcome to the world of blogging. I - at around 40 - used to feel senior among bloggers, who mostly belong to late 20s and early 30s. Not anymore though with you - at 81 - to expand the horizon even more!
January 11th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Dear Shri Advaniji,
I am heartned to read your blog.
From a very early age I have been an admirer of BJP and the nationlist Hindutva. It was till I met a journalist who asked me whether I am aware of the economic policies of BJP. As a student of accountancy and economics, I was stunned to realise that non of the leader from your party ever speak about the policies they would implement when voted to power!
This blog is a very good oppurtunity for BJP and you as the prime ministerial candidate to ‘educate’ the voter on how our life would better - economically and socially.
Looking forward to hear from you very soon ………
January 11th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Dear Advaniji:
I love your blog. Its a great idea. I would like to know your opinions, on how to deal with present credit crisis plaguing the financial world.
regards
- Ramana
January 11th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Dear Sir,
It would be great if politicians come closer to the people with means like this. Politicians should have a grievance day for each place in his constituency.
Also a management course for the MLA’s and MP’s could be organized before they are appointed as one as all the representative of the people cannot be educated.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Respected Advani Ji
Your blog is reassuring in all the respects… However as you have stated that country is now going into “Poll Mode”, every Indian is very keen to watch what will unravel in May 2009.
What we saw in winter assembly elections worry me a bit. The worry is that the case was sought to be developed that “Terrorism is NOT an issue and hence BJP lost in Rajasthan and New Delhi”. Indeed in these two states people didn’t give a damn about a life-death issue of terrorism because ‘it (Mumbai attacks) didn’t happen in my home’..
Does that percieved selfishness in Indian voters and people worry you too that “unless my home is NOT burning, entire world is peaceful”? If this is true then we would see very bad elections results in May 2009.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Respected Advaniji.
Thanks for sharing more insights abount Swamiji. Its good to know tranquil personalities.
Regarding Jennah discussions, one thing is sure that Pakistan is on wrong path.
The thought process which created Pakistan as seperate nation might have ambitious plans to develop faster than big Indian system. With the present situation, Pakistan needs to develop strong internal democracy and rule of law. Being big brother India has responsibility to look for appropriate action to keep neighbours house intact.
For the same reasons, India need to have better image than just a leninent democracy.
Internal security and deaf response to attacks on us won;t help in image building. With nations 2020 dream to be super power, we need to clean up lot in our own house.
I am truely optimistic about India’s bright future.
Thanks,
Yogesh Kodarkar (Patil)
Ambajogai.
January 11th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Advaniji,
We agree with your comments. However, please understand that this is not the right time. If your party and RSS who know you very closely took two years to accept it, how long will common public take to accept it ? .. So, lets not give these non-issues to Cong. on platter esp. at a time when whole India is angry against pakistan.
So, do not raise this unnecessary issue again.
Regards,
January 11th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Sir
I am really disgusted at the slow performance what this govt. has made in the last 5 years. They have hardly made any progresss on reforms or disinvestment. Fiscal deficit is high and they are way off target of FBRM which NDA had started. And now when some Govt. spending is needed, the Govt. does not has any money. The stimulus packages were ridiculous. Only tax-cuts and some monetary policy measures, no spending to create demand. The total size of the stimulus was less than 1% of the GDP, compared 5% in US(700 billion). This is hardly going to solve the problem.
Except for RTI, I don’t think there major achievement of this govt. The NREGA is yet to achieve operational efficiency and surely there is a lot of leakage in the system.
But the most unfortunate thing is that no matter however bad the governance is, this govt. will still get away with it. The reason is branding. Brand “Gandhi-Nehru” is the biggest brand of India. And unless it goes away, Congress will keep coming to power and the dynasty will continue. And every Congress Govt. continues to keep strengthening the brand, naming every major airport,stadium, etc after Rajiv or Indira Gandhi. The Congress President had the guts to make a statement saying that Indira Gandhi saved India from current financial crisis, conveniently ignoring the fact that these steps compromised on growth during that period and India wud have been much stronger today. She also ignored what Indira n Congress did during the emergency.
Mayawati has also recognized the importance of this. All she has in the last one year is opening several Ambedkar parks thus creating a brand and a permanent structure that shall remain long after she is gone.
You need understand this. Unless you destroy these brands, this strategy by the ruling party wud continue. One thing that I wish to tell you is that very few people of my age know about things such as emergency. The textbooks are ridiculously biased towards Congress. But when it comes to freedom struggle, they glorify the role of Congress.
If you come to power, please try and make a dent at these brands. We need a nationalistic party, a party which glorifies India and not a family.
And please, why can’t u sort out the differences within your party. Please promote honest and intelligent people of the likes of Arun Shourie and try and get rid of people like Modi. I know he is efficient, but India needs leaders who can represent the entire population and not just Hindus.
January 11th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Shri Advani’sji apko sashtang namaskar,
first of all i congratulate you for having blog like this , you will get both positive and negative feedbacks, so that you can know the feelings of indians.
We have lot of hopes on you, but as swayam sevak i have to say sorry, the way the governments headed by BJP are run, corruption is at rampat, even more than When Congress Government was, Have any body in BJP felt how Swaym sevak’s who have worked day and night and sacrificed themselves for the cause of nation feeling with such attitude, the BJP could come to power in Karnataka with lots of sacrifices from Swyam Sevak’s but for the sake of money they have been ignored, how long will it run like this,
are you ready for removing such corrupt people from power, are you ready for fighting with terror, conversions, alienation of north east with rest of the country.
nandkishore, gulbarga
January 11th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Sir
Nice Blog sir
Hailing from Kerala i was never aware of such a great swamy ,thanks for enlightening me sir
Sir i beleive that Indian Democracy is its greatest strength ,it has always evolved itself to the aspirations of the people . When the Congress began to forget the genuine concerns of Hindus and began to indulge in minority appeasment the BJP grew thanks to ur effort Sir from a 2 seat party to a 180 seat part .
But i am genuinely concerned that the BJP is Oblivious to a serious concern, that of caste politics , the BJP is seen as dominated by upper castes and this can prove inhibtory to ur progress . The BJP should have caste cells , acknowledge the reality of caste politics because if it did not pander to the aspirations of caste it can be weakened severely by growth of caste based parties , just like Congress was weakened by minority appeasment .
Hope u take srious steps to check growth of caste based parties .
January 11th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Dear Advani Ji,
This blogging community will help you reach to all the people who indeed wanted to express their views on the best leader currently in our politics. I might be too young to comment on Indian politics, but whatever I have gained I would like to share it with you and others. Politics in great India has become a lobby place for many politicians. A change is required and we saw the change when BJP ruled India for five years under the great leadership of ABV ji and you. You really had a great team, do you know that citizens have knowledge of who are the most corrupted people in Indian democracy ? Firstly they are not politicians who rank first, it is the much educated, highly qualified bureaucrats who train a minister on corruption.
We were proud to see you as the home minister, we were proud to see Late Mahajan ji as a great leader, we were proud to see Madam Swaraj as a great spokswoman and we were proud to see Jettly ji as a great minister. Does UPA have a team like that, no. But do you know how they win and defeat development of great India, the answer is they make a good coalition. Last time BJP lost only because of the tie up with AIADMK. Son of great film actor MN Nambir could be a classmate of Ms Jayalalitha, he can be a friend of Venkaya naidu but he is the man to be blamed who changed the winning team by making you all believe that AIADMK is good. If you had got 32 seats from TN then you are through. And we must have a developed country. Pl do not make wrong calculations. PL have someone outside political circle to tell you who is the best in the region where you do not have any control.
People talk BJP as communal force, these people are from Congress and Left. The greatest sin for the great India is Communist Party Of India. Mr Karath had time to talk about Israel attack on Gaza, but he did not have more than three lines on Mumbai attack. Was Mr. Karath using any lines on Mumbai attack on the Cochin meet? No, he is also behind the so called minority vote bank. Where is the development in Kerala? Do people of kerala know what is development? I am seeing highway NH 47 widening all over the route and in kerala it is becoming smaller and smaller, do lefties or UDF know that people are watching them? The worst part is these people are behind communal devison and they tell us BJP is communal, I smile and feel petty that I am made fools like these people. I feel Karath and team has misread communal and communalism. I think it is high time to wite Communal Party of India instead of Communist Party of India. Achumamma is busy saving his chair and demolishing houses in Munnar, but has he ever thought how many SEZ’s have been opened in Kerala in last 3 years? Pl do not run behind minority vote. The most of the blame for the poor development is in Kerala is because of NSS. If these guys stand strong and form a new force then Kerala will regain its old name as Gods own country which is now devils own paradise. We need change and that change can be given only by you, me dear great leader Advani Ji.
Madam Jeyanthi Natarajan who jumped from Congress to Great Moopanar group is back in congress with no work. She calls Hindu terrorism, has she ever called any other religion as terrorist, no, she dares to call. Mr Ahmed who is our minister did not have a single word on Nariman Point firing in his speech, why ? Does not he think India first and Gaza Second? He thinks we are all not knowing anything about what communal split these people are doing, Advani Ji, it is time, not too late, pl step in with your fire force and make our great nation the best in the world…. PL
Thanking you,
Vinith
January 11th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Dear Advani Ji,
Welcome to the Blog World !!! Best Luck for your Future !!!
Be Good To Yourself !!!
You are my favourite politician in India. I wanted to rule this country with National interest and integraty. And we have shortfall of people’s affection towards nation. Everyone should realise that this is my country. so from young age onwards it should be developed.
And also pl create the wave in favour of You and BJP. This is my humble request
All the very best for your party to success in Parliament election.
thanks and regards,
January 11th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Please sir do elaborate on what action would you take to weed out naxalisam as i strongly feel that this is a serious impediment to the country’s progress.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:27 am
There are many regional parties in the NDA. It will be a good strategy if the BJP asks for support for the LOK SABHA ELECTIONS from these parties and contest all the seats in those States. In return, BJP should support the concerned regional parties and their regional allies for ALL the seats in the respective State Assemblies. This suggestion is made since the regional parties’ manifestos do not have an all-India character.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:35 am
Dear Advaniji,
Saadar Namaste!!! I must say one thing, whoever is associated with Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa is simpally …. respectable*… no doubt abt that…& today is Jan.12th. B’day of Swami Vivekanandji… what a great day to remember him & his disciples ….any ways….
it’s nice to have direct communication with u thru this blog… but m missing its HINDI version…
Dear Advaniji… On the opening page of this website says that u r the PM candidate of BJP… everyone knows u r the BEST person for the job…but i m afraid ur party & partyman r able to make it happen… u know the reasons…. i don’t need to elaborate any one of them coz a person like u intellect has ability to introspect himself & assess others…
Anyways….
in ur speech u said “His was a lifelong mission to tell the world that the myriad problems and challenges confronting it can be addressed only through a radical spiritual reorientation to human affairs.” its very well said…. “RADICAL SPIRITUAL REORIENTATION” but who has the gutts to deal with the word “Radical”??? we can use this word but cant deal with it… can u tell me the exact meanig of this word….
i know u dont have time to answer all the responses but try to explain it …. for me …. ok if u cant do it for me then try to find its meaning for ur self…. if u find its exact
January 12th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Dear Advani ji,
First of all, congrats on your blog. I wish to see this blog becoming a huge success. I would also like to see more blogs from your personal life and thoughts (while both of this entries touches these at some extent).
Youth of this nation are counting on you sir for raising India at a level where it deserves to be. I wish you become the next prime minister and address the major issues like corruption politics, corrupt babus, terrorism, revamp in govt policies for education and basic amenities.
Thanks and regards,
Yogee
January 12th, 2009 at 3:10 am
Dear Advanji,
Namaste!
I’m so glad to see your posts online. This is one of best ways to get a window to thought process of leaders like you who shape our country’s future. To me, you’re one of the greatest leaders this land has ever produced. For me, real independence was achieved when people voted for real Hinduvta spirit and brought BJP to power.
It’s important to keep this temper going. It’s little unfortunate that we’re still talking about distractions like “Jinnah was a secular” etc. Advaniji, this country is facing real threat from external and internal sources. Terrorism and conversions are threatening this country like skin cancer. Caste based politics is tearing apart Hindu society. We need revolution to erase castes so that Hindus can get united. All other problems like terrorism and conversions will go away once Hindus start taking prides for being Hindus in stead of their castes and regions. I hope, BJP can take lead to bring all castes together and make every Hindu feel special.
I hope to see your thoughts on other critical issues like poverty elimination and demographic changes happening in North-east helped by Communists and Congress. If possible, please provide brief comments on selected posts posted by readers.
Thanks again for awakening Hinduvta spirit of this great country.
Sincerely,
Vishwajit.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Avani ji,
It’s great to hear from you. But the topic you have choosen “At the feet of Swami Ranganathananda”, is compleletly irrelevent on the time when India is struglling to hold it’s foot firmy on ground at many front. The blog you have shared have some interesting topics like “the incident of Gujjar Neta” and ” Muslim remark of Jinnah”. However do you really think that after reading these incidents one will really be thinking of their inner to do something for their country, their land. You may say that the feeling for your country , for your land should come from one inner. But you must have realised that times have changed now. Even to think for one’s country one needs a little bit of ignition.
So to me it seems the blog you have written is a nice one, but it should have some relevence. The whole country is now looking not at anyone else but to you.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Advaniji,
When I read this blog, two things that came to my mind was reading Swamiji’s three vlume book on Bagavatgita and about another great person Dr Ramanad Prasad of Gita Socity and his writings on Bagavatgita, there are two books I carry where ever I go, they are like leading light for me.
Regards
Raghu
January 29th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Dear Mr Advani,
Its great to see an Indian politician use the Net to broadcast his views !
If you have come under the ennobling influences of the Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ranganathananda, the influence they have on your thinking coupled with your rich experience in Indian politics must surely give you the requisite qualities to run this great nation.
Here’s wishing you all success in the coming elections … you have my vote !
Best Regards,
Ramya
February 1st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Sir, I wish that you start another revolution to be able to get the youth of India out of the wrong belief that all politicians are corrupt and politics is not for honest, sincre and hardworking people. Your message of Ek Kaam Desh ke Naam should to be propagated by you too in all your speeches which you deliver during election campaign accross India. An illustrative list of such simple tasks can be distributed like - Plant a tree, teach a child, donate 1 day earning for victims of national calamities, help road accident victims, always cast your vote - These are such simple and workable tasks, which people wont mind doing. This will become a revolution and will help in the growth of the nation. Your dream of developed India by 2020 will surely be achieved if each Indian makes even this kind of simple contribution. Best Regards & Love, Rajat Krishan
February 4th, 2009 at 9:57 am
May India’s new dawn embody a spirit of autonomy, both spiritual and material.
Swami Vivekananda encouraged India to learn from the Greeks, spinning the old fox and hedgehog metaphor anew. And looking at the state of the country, there is still much work to do. But how the country has progressed since British Rule, the time at which he wrote.
Yet, let us never again as a nation be Orientalised in the way that we have allowed ourselves to be, especially in the recent past. May our wish to establish a true cultural autonomy not be denigrated, by those who fear it abroad or stand to lose from it within, as a rejection of secularism. For those who do so, forget that Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s life story continues to form the bedrock of India’s identitity!
And looking beyond our shores, Unity in Diversity must mean multipolarity! Hegemony is out!
February 8th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Namaste Advani ji,
Bombay was re-named as mumbai…
bangalore was renamed as bengaluru…
madras was renamed as chennai….
Culcutta was renamed as Kolkota…… so on and so forth
But unfortunately none of the children of Ma bharathi thought of renaming India as Bharat. It is so sad that all individuals could not think collectively for an exalted cause.
Sind valley civilization became Indus valley civilization (as some greeks could not pronounce sind),and from the from the word indus came forth India.
But from the legacy and the legendary statemanship shown by raja bharath( Inspite of being a king who espoused the grandest ideal of democracy) came forth the name ” bharath “. bharath in simple english means ” engrossed in divine illumination “.
may the children of this country who changed the names of their respective states unite for an exalted cause and henceforth let the nation be addressed as ” Bharath ” and not as India.
Aum Tat Sat
February 10th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Respected Advani ji,
Trillions Namaskarams to you. You are a great person and a million to listen to you and follow you.
Please visit http://www.kabirproject.org. You will find in heart of Pakistan that people sing in praise of Lord Rama listen to His Holiness Kabir Bhajans. There was a documentary on NDTV. Please you use your good offices to ensure that the entire telecast to be converted into a CD/DVD and distributed free of cost to every member of your party and your associates
If a divided germany can unite why not India, Pakistan? Please think the trillions of money spent on defense, people can at least have food one time a day if invested in any national bank.
Please think about this. After all when you die, you have to leave everything here itself.
Namaskarams Again
K. Sankara Raman
February 11th, 2009 at 9:52 am
This is really great to have a company with such a great monk. People call him second Swami Vivekananda. I really enjoyed your writing here. Hope you post more interesting one. He stayed and advised so many people throughout World towards their betterment. Here at Delhi RKM still people cherish and rememeber his discourses as like you. We should carry foroward his teching by implementing it asap.
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 am
RESPECTED SRI ADVANIJI ,I AM OVERWHELMED TO KNOW ABOUT SWAMI RANGANATHANANDA AND THE SPIRITUALITY HE WAS BLESSED WITH.SIR PLS DO PRAY FOR ME TOO SO I TOO CAN TREAD ON THE FOOTSTEPS OF SUCH A MAGNIFICENTLY BLESSED SOUL.SIR I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT WHEN I COME TO THIS SITE CAUSE EVERY TIME I COME HERE THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN .SIR I ALSO WANTED TO MENTION THAT I WANT TO BE EXACTLY LIKE YOU SIR ,GRASP AND LEARN ,KNOW AND SHARE ,THE CALM AND TRANQUILITY ON YOUR FACE FASCINATES ME AND YOUR AURA IS TREMENDOUSLY CAPTIVATING .SIR INDIA AND ALL OF US INDIAN CITIZENS SHALL BE TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS OUR PM .SIR PLS FOR THIS COUNTRY AND ALL OF US NEVER EVER STEP DOWN SIR .THE PM ‘S CHAIR SHALL BE UNDER YOU FOR AT LEAST 7 FULL TERMS SIR AND I CAN SEE THAT SIR .NOW IS OUR TIME SIR WITH YOU AS THE PM .WE INSHALLAAH WILL BE THE NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD INSHALLAAH AMEEN .
JAI HIND SIR
THANKING YOU
YOUR SON IN PATRIOTISM,FAITH AND VISION
FAIZAAN KHAN.
BJP—THE PRIDE OF OUR INDIA
February 25th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hi,
This is Deepak from Pune.
In the advertising world please do not waste people hard money as the done in Feel Good Factor last Time
Ministers should declare there property as corruption start there as Tahellka expose the corruption scam property should be reviewed every 6months If found excess it should be seize and auction should be done as to teach the lesson for the corrupted people this will help to gain the glory of My country
All the ministers should be sent to IIM for the political management course it is useful for them as most of them are not aware of economics and Vision of our Great Country they should know it very well to achieve it in limited time frame I think they should be given target for the year or two if not achieved then they should be replaced by professional as CEO of good organization it will work.
Jai Hind!
Thank You,
Deepak
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Dear Sir, I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and an admirer of Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj. I enjoyed reading your article. Thank you very much for very kindly sharing your experiences with us. With warm regards - S.Sivasuriyanarayanan
March 6th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
dear advaniji we hope that you be the next PM of india. we would like to see you as PM. i think this is the era of coalitions. i would like your party not to make any blunders at this crucial moment. at this moment i feel you need to add more parties into your front. while giving tickets winning candidates should be considered. party loyalists should not be forgotten. BJP should not give way to dynasty politics. my request is that give tickets to winning candidates.
regards
narayana gowda
bangalore.
May 18th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Advaniji,
ur blogs are always fresh and a nice read. i’ve known of ur fondness of saints, i’ve u heard u speak for the first time at d satsang of sant shri Asharamji bapu.
i didn’t know much about Jinnah before ur comment on him, altho i didn’t like him, bcuz d way our history text books projected him. but even den, i took ur word for it. if a man with a stature as u says somethng, there had 2 b somethng 2 it.
and now i also feel any one who respects a saint can never be wrong. maybe even u get ur strong principled persona from d saints, i really wish their were more political leaders with d kind of commitment to serve d country as u do, it wud do our country so good.
even if u quit politics, u will always b remembered as d lauh purush. but everyone wud wish u dont.
hari om
March 10th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Respected Advaniji,
It has been the great privilege of yours that got an opportunity to spend some years with such a great monk like Swami Ranganathananda. Me and my husband took initiation from him on 21st march 2002 at Belur Math and then onwards, the sphere of life confronted a drastic change. It has been our good fortune that we got an opportunity to become a part of him (his disciple).
Jay Sree Ramakrishna.
January 25th, 2012 at 11:53 am
Respected Advaniji,
Please forgive me for this extremely belated response. Not being a very avid blog reader, I came across your blog for the first time today. I had been meaning since long to somehow communicate with you regarding your Jinnah comment. Please correct me if i am wrong, but i thought you used your visit to Jinnah’s mausoleum to remind the people and rulers of Pakistan of that “historic” but a one-off, all-too-brief “secular moment’ of 11th August 1947 in Pakistan’s history when Jinnah , in a spell of guilt-inspired introspection , spoke as a statesman rather than as the author of the pernicious Two Nation doctrine that had secured political power for himself. You were doubtless aware that his “historic” words were inscribed on the walls of the Pak National assembly,only to be obliterated later during Zia’s reign. I am sure your description of Jinnah in the visitor’s book as a ‘historic personage’ was really meant to refer to that ‘historic’ speech.