JP Singh
We Indians believe in hero worship and indulge in too much emotionalism, especially in the event of mishaps, tragedies and national calamities. We forget altogether the practical importance, utility and impact that spur-of-the-moment decisions have on the living.
Holidays are declared, be it on the national, state or village level, but does the common man observe mourning during these holidays? Does he remember the departed leader? Do holidays demonstrate the ‘Work is Worship’ philosophy of the great leaders we are honouring? If not, then holidays are a tremendous waste of national time and energy.
Monuments and memorials are our pride and tradition. They express our homage to these great people. But do they truly speak about their history and deeds? They should reflect the enormous sacrifices they made for their country and become a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
Miles of area is covered with samadhis of our leaders, to whom we owe a great deal — our very freedom — and whom we hold in high esteem.But the practical utility and impact becomes nothing for the common man. It is but a place of homage and respect, visited by a few dignitaries once or twice a year; and these memories fade away with time.
Soon the older samadhis are frequented less and less and new heroes take the place of older ones. Let us make all these memorials, ‘living memorials’. They could be smaller in size but bigger in the ideals of the great man they portray. Let them be attached to an institution or organisation that believes in and venerates the cause for which the man lived and died. Art galleries, museums, auditoriums for seminars and workshops for cultural training and associated programmes could reflect this cause. A true and living example for the world to emulate — functional and useful for all, i.e. hospitals and learning institutions.
We cannot build Taj Mahals as tourist spots for all. Future generations should learn and take inspiration from the lives and work of these great men and women, the cause for which they lived and suffered for us.
Memorials should be planned and designed while keeping in view the personality, objectives and dreams of those who are no more with us. The institute, organisation or monument should not eclipse the real character and personality but be a part and parcel of it.
Let the example come from the top. Let the big foundations and big business houses and the government take the first step, with enough funds at their disposal.
Otherwise, these samadhis and memorials, like other graveyards and cemeteries, will say only one thing:
‘Oh! Passersby/One day you will be here as I’.
Part of the same Mother Earth — not richer in any way, perhaps a little higher (the height of the samadhi) — the same Universal Soil.
