A Morning Steeped in History: Visualising Greatness in the Legacy of Veer Savarkar

A Morning Steeped in History: Visualising Greatness in the Legacy of Veer Savarkar

Yesterday morning, the air in the Delhi Resident Commissioner's office was reverent. It was the  Jayanti of Swantatra Veer Savarkarji. We were privileged to have Hon'ble Minister for Ayush, Shri.Prataprao Jadhav grace us with his presence to garland the image of Swatantra Veer Savarkar.
Our Manager read his brief  biography and as we listened to it the sheer enormity of Veer Savarkar's being, his successes, his tribulations, his intellectual fire  opened out before my eyes and I could see his grandeur and greatness.
Veer Savarkar's life was essentially based on his relentless loyalty to Bharat, our motherland. This was not a passive attitude rather, it was the motivation behind his creation of foundational works like "The Indian War of Independence, 1857." Based on his thorough investigation, the 1857 rebellion was not a simple "sepoy mutiny," as the British dismissed it.  Rather it was India's first war of Independence, a significant liberation movement, therefore inspiring a fresh sense of pride and a strong awareness of our historic past.
His ability to unite people with a nationalist spirit has been phenomenal. Founding the Abhinav Bharat Society in early days in London, he established a venue for radical ideas and action. He saw the might of a united people, a country waking to its natural strength and direction. His aim was for a nation aware of its cultural and civilisational identity, a Rashtra.
One cannot recall Veer Savarkar without acknowledging his great bravery during the two terrifying periods of captivity. Designed to crush the spirit of the most powerful, the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was known as the terrible 'Kala Pani.' Still, it was inside those enormous walls where Savarkar's fortitude was most brilliant. Denied  pen and paper in prison, he penned his nationalism on the prison walls using thorns and pebbles. There he created some of his most poignant pieces. His epic poem, "Kamala," is evidence of his unshakeable determination and literary genius blooming even in the worst of gloom. The very lines of his heartbreaking plea in Marathi, "ने मजसी ने परत मातृभूमीला, सागरा प्राण तळमळला" (Ne majasi ne parat matrubhoomila, saagara praan talmalala - Oh ocean, take me back to my motherland, for my soul yearns for her!), sung with a deep longing by countless Maharashtrians, presents that profound ache of separation and his undying love for Bharat. Born from the depths of his agony, this song still arouses strong feelings of patriotism. Savarkar's literary ability was a great weapon, beyond his activism and superhuman endurance.
His intellectual output was rather diverse. In "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?" he presented a politico-cultural perspective describing Hindutva as anchored in a shared territory, ethnicity, culture, and civilisation. Though powerful, this piece reflects the intricacy of his thoughts and has been hotly debated. Always meant to awaken national consciousness, his poems, articles, and plays were incisive, perceptive, and inspirationally  provocative. When I look back at  his life and his strong bond to our country, like him, I have no doubt in believing that Bharat is the land of Hindus in a geographical, civilisational and cultural sense. Hinduism seems to me as a great, ancient banyan tree, Vatavriksha. Its great antiquity and power are shown by its spreading branches and deep roots; nonetheless, its special quality is its capacity to foster and give life to its always developing roots. Over millennia, it has welcomed and given other religions and ideas, rich footing to grow beneath its large, tolerant canopy. Every one of them has enhanced the richness of the ground without reducing the parent tree. Maybe as I pondered today, our definition of tolerance has really been a virtue widely misinterpreted. True, strong tolerance is neither about weakening one's own individuality or the others nor about compromising the basic beliefs in the sake of a surface agreement.
From the same basic core of our common history, it is about the confident, compassionate power of the banyan tree, safe in its own roots, yet spacious enough to allow other lives to flourish alongside it. Reviewing Veer Savarkar's history with an eye towards the echoes of his strong words and the moving notes of "Ne Majesi Ne," was more than just a historical remembrance. It was a trip inside the soul of a man living and breathing for Bharat. 

These rituals of memory or Jayantis and Punyatithis are essential; they enable us to relate to the giants who shaped the course of our country, grasp the depth of their sacrifice, the power of their intellect, and the constant flame of their patriotism. Veer Savarkar's brilliance felt today not like a far-off historical truth but rather a live, tangible presence. 

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Padma Vibhushan Jayant Narlikar's World Through Discovery of Cosmos

Padma Vibhushan Jayant Narlikar's World Through Discovery of Cosmos

My interest in science has always been strong, despite the fact that I was a Humanities student studying History at the University of Pune. As post graduate students we were required to select an elective subject, and I decided to take a subject that focused on the history and philosophy of science and technology.
We were introduced to a variety of aspects of science and technology by our professor, Dr. Rekha Ranade, who is a knowledgeable scholar in the field of history and also has a background in science. A few of these activities included reading a variety of books or going to locations of interest that were related to our topic. She is among those who are aware of the fact that art and science can coexist in a beautiful harmony, so she drove us towards this  exploration.
On the occasion of the establishment of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), she accompanied us on a trip to the department.  

To begin, the tranquility of the campus was what initially drew me to that part of our campus. As we continued our conversation,  I was increasingly fascinated by the field of astrophysics and Dr.Jayant Narlikar's work. He started his independent career in India at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) going on to establish IUCAA at Pune.
In the past, to me, science has appeared to be nothing more than complicated formulae, diagrams and  logic. Her explanation of Dr. Narlikar's work and personality introduced me to a new facet of science, one that is brimming with imagination, intellectual honesty, and a profound feeling of awe. In addition to being a pioneer in the field of cosmology and a well-known astrophysicist, Dr. Narlikar was also a collaborator of Sir Fred Hoyle. He was not only able to explain the universe but also make you experience it. In addition to his contributions to the scientific community, and scientific temper, he was characterized by a spirit of questioning, of challenging orthodoxy, and of bridging the gap between the known and the unknown. His kind disposition, the humility with which he carried his towering mind, and his unique devotion for reading were probably even more striking than his towering intellect when it came to writing. 

A man who demonstrated that it was possible to pursue the stars in the cosmos yet maintain a connection to poetry on earth  was shown here. That science and the arts did not have to be separated from one another or in reality, scientists and artists can collaborate was something he demonstrated with ease. 
Dr. Narlikar had said that "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." There is no doubt that his life exemplified this idea. Not only was he a pioneering physicist, but he was also a talented writer who was able to convey complicated concepts to the general audience in a manner that was both graceful and clear. His many books include, The Lighter Side of Gravity, which is an exploration of physics with humor and ease,  Scientific Edge, which is a highlight of India's scientific minds;  The Structure of the Universe, which is a deep dive into cosmology; Seven Wonders of the Universe, which is a journey for young readers;  It Happened Tomorrow, which is a collection of science fiction stories with an Indian touch;  A Cosmic Adventure is where science and storytelling are brought together for people of all ages. Apart from this, he also played a major role in the writing physics textbooks of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
No wonder he received the Padma Bhushan at a very young age followed by the Padma Vibhushan combined with a literary award from the Sahitya Akademi. He was also honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award by the State of Maharashtra. 
I was a student of history with a  passing interest in science. I couldn't have  suddenly understood black holes or cosmic background radiation in one day's visit to IUCAA  but I certainly walked out of the room with a tremendous appreciation for it; rather, I saw the heart underlying the body of scientific knowledge. 
Today, when I think about Dr. Narlikar, he is more than simply a name in the field of Indian astrophysics, he became a representation of what it means to be a genuine seeker. A conscious, kind, and brave scientist who inspired generations of physics and mathematics students in India, especially in the field of astrophysics.
Furthermore, Dr. Rekha had mentioned that Dr. Narlikar's passion for history and science was the driving force behind his decision to bring a branch of the apple tree under which Newton sat and plant it in the IUCAA campus. I had been speechless when I saw that piece of history and science together.  It is possible that the branch of the apple tree that he planted may not have survived, but his legacy will not only survive but continue to shine brightly  like the stars, the moon, and the cosmos which were a part of his universe. 

R. Vimala, IAS, 

Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

From Liberty to Unity : Journey to the Statue of Unity: A Dream Realized

From Liberty to Unity : Journey to the Statue of Unity: A Dream Realized

I distinctly remember the year 2018 when the Statue of Unity was unveiled at Kewadia, Gujarat, in Bharat. I happened to be in the USA then and had just returned from sightseeing after visiting the Statue of Liberty. Back home in Bharat, something bigger was happening and I still remember the local  Bharatiya community celebrated it by  unveiling of a similar small statue in New York city. 
The Statue of Unity has captured the world’s attention since then not just for being the tallest statue globally but for what it represents : unity, strength, and the unwavering spirit of Bharat, India.
A visit to this monument which is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, has long been on our family's wish list. When our summer trip to the Statue of Unity finally materialized, the anticipation was palpable. I was excited to witness the world’s tallest statue but was unaware of the depth of feelings that would be evoked.
Leaving the comfort of our air conditioned vehicle for an e-rickshaw in the sweltering heat was very discomforting initially. Yet our first step on Narmada's punya bhoomi negated everything adverse.
During the day when we visited different places like the cactus garden, animal safari, valley of flowers we had already seen the Statue from various angles at a distance. Yet nothing had prepared us for the actual collosal view of the statue  as we neared it. The heat seemed to have just evaporated.
Standing 182 meters tall, the Statue of Unity is a marvel of engineering and artistry no doubts and almost double in comparison to the Statue of Liberty.
But what struck me most wasn't just the height but the the emotions it invoked. The stern yet composed expression on Sardar's face, the lifelike detailing of his clothes and the sheer scale of the structure filled me with awe.
The entry to the monument is well-organized with great thought for comfort of the visitors with travelators, escalators and electric carts that make navigating the whole complex easy. And going upto the viewer's gallery located at 153 meters in a lift makes it easier. The panoramic views of the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar Dam from there is awe inspiring as one isn't just looking at a statue but at the idea of Bharat, India, firm, resolute, and unshakably united.
The museum below tells you about history  and Sardar's great role in uniting India. Yet, no amount of reading could have prepared me for that feeling. Facts can tell us how tall it is, how much steel went into its frame, or how long it took to built but they can't tell us what it feels like to stand before it and look  incredibly miniscule yet feel  incredibly proud.
There’s a quiet magic in how this statue brings people together. Standing among fellow visitors, were people  with different backgrounds who spoke different languages yet had one shared expression of wonder and gratitude. The  idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ no longer remains a slogan but becomes real and alive along with the air reverberating  with the heartbeat of each person around.
Sardar Patel's legacy is not just cast in bronze and concrete; it is alive in the feelings which the monument stirs in every visitor. His efforts to unite a fragmented nation come alive in the silent reverence that surrounded us all.
The sound and light show on the wonderful statue is the best part  bringing to light many facts about Sardar instilling a sense of nationalism.
Visiting the Statue of Unity wasn’t just another trip, it was a journey into the soul of our nation.
I couldn't help but recall the sense of freedom represented by the Statue of Liberty, a symbol that holds little meaning unless we stand united. In a world increasingly divided by narrow-minded thinking, the need for unity has never been greater. The Statue of Unity reiterated just that.
So if you haven’t yet made the journey to Kewadia, I urge you to go, not just to admire the tallest statue in the world, but to feel unity that no data can define. After all it isn’t just about Sardar Patel alone, it’s about us, Our identity as Indians. Our connection to one another, no matter our differences.
As for me, I went to see a statue. I came back having felt something deeper, a renewed sense of pride, of gratitude, of belonging to Bharat. 

The Statue of Unity is not just a photo opportunity; it’s a journey into our history, our values, and the vision of a united India.Truly some places give you more than memories, they give your life a meaning.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

From Baby Steps to Marathon of life : Learning to live- "Aaram se"

From Baby Steps to Marathon of life : Learning to live- "Aaram se"

"Aaram se" , I heard a mother's soft words of encouragement to her toddler, who had stumbled while learning to walk. A doting father looked on, his eyes filled with love, arms half-extended, ready to help but holding back just enough to let the child learn. There was no shame when the child fell. No disappointment. Only warmth, encouragement, and great pride in every faltering step.
In those tender moments, I experienced the purest kind of support, love without judgment, patience without pressure.
As parents, we celebrate every “first” , the first word, first step, first day at school. We cheer, support, hold hands, wipe tears. Our children grow surrounded by unconditional love, where trying matters more than succeeding, where effort is everything.
We take pride in those moments by cheering at every word spoken, and raving about every step taken. The efforts  of our children are celebrated  without looking for perfection. We aren't ashamed when they fall instead, we rush to help them get up each time they fall. 
But somewhere along the way, things change.
That same child who was encouraged and  not looked down upon while stumbling is suddenly thrown into a world where stumbles are embarrassing. A world where grades define their worth and where ranking above peers becomes the measure of success. And slowly, joy gives way to pressure, laughter becomes rare, and childhood becomes a race. Somewhere between school ranks or grades, college GPAs  and job interviews, between peer comparisons and societal expectations, the joy of learning is replaced with the sorrow of failure.
A sense of fierce competition which was initially subtle slowly becomes  becomes suffocating even as we begin to compare,  "Look at her / him , why aren't you like that? Instead of asking, " What is holding you back?", " Do you need any help?"  or saying, " Just do your best and  "Hang on", we begin questioning our children, "Are you really working hard?  “Are you the best?” And when the answer is no, it’s met with disappointment, pressure, anger or worse, just silence.
Children are also engulfed in these pressures of the new age. 
Recent news of teenage anxiety disorders, depression and  suicide have been a cause of concern and serve as a stark reminder of the immense pressure our young people are experiencing. It is a tragic reflection of the environment we have created. These are not failures of individuals but perhaps they are failures of a culture that has forgotten how to nurture and encourage to live. 

We need to overcome the pressure to constantly prove our worth through achievements and accolades. We need to question why have we tied our worth to grades, salaries, and ranks?
Why as a society have we forgotten that each individual is different, has different capacities with their own pace and path? Why do we shame those who don't make it or those who choose to simply be rather than constantly prove themselves ? We need to figure out why did we start equating a child’s report card with their entire future? When did we begin to believe that only the toppers, the ten-pointers, the winners, and most beautiful deserve to feel proud?
And more importantly,  why does this happen?
No doubts it's a complex interplay of societal factors. There is no denial of the fact that, the world in which we live now emphasizes more on external validation like grades, titles and material possessions. Social media, while connecting us in many ways, also inadvertently fuels a culture of comparison, where curated highlight reels can leave us feeling inferior. The education system, while aiming to foster growth,  inadvertently prioritizes marks over the joy of learning itself. And , even well-meaning parental aspirations sometimes get translated into unintentional pressure by parents.
But let's pause and reflect , Is life truly just a race, or is it an opportunity to savour the breathtaking beauty around us? Think of the vibrant hues of a sunset adding beauty to the sky, the quiet strength of the mountains standing tall, the lovely rhythm with which waves of the ocean meet the shore, the laughter shared with loved ones that spreads warmth.These moments and  connections are the very essence of life, aren't they? They nourish our souls in ways that a report card or a promotion just cannot.
So what can we do to consciously shift our focus, for ourselves and for the generations to come? Shouldn't we start nurturing the intrinsic joy of learning and celebrating effort and resilience once again? What if we began fostering a culture where vulnerability is seen as strength, and where seeking support is a sign of courage, not weakness?
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered to explore their passions without the crushing weight of constant comparison. A world where the beauty of a blooming flower holds more value than a perfect score. A world where connection, kindness, and simply being are celebrated as great achievements by themselves.
This isn't to say that ambition and striving for excellence are inherently wrong. But perhaps the key lies in finding a healthier balance and encouraging growth without sacrificing well-being and also aiming high while  appreciating the journey and the simple joys that surround us every day.
Let's consciously try to cultivate a supportive, non-judgmental environment we so naturally offered during those first baby steps. Let's remind ourselves and our children that their worth isn't defined by external metrics, but by the unique and beautiful individuals they are.
It’s time we shift our perspective since life is not meant to be a race with only a few winners. Life is a journey, a beautiful one, meant to be savored. The blue skies don’t ask for our resumes. The sun doesn’t care about our paychecks. The mountains don’t judge our social status. The breeze, the moonlight, the stars  are all gifts, reminding us of the beauty of being alive.
So, let us pause and remember that the greatest joys come not from achievements, but from connections; from a heartfelt conversation, a hug, a walk in nature, a shared silence.

Let us teach our children not just how to run, but how to rise when they fall and also rest. Not just how to compete, but how to coexist. Not just how to win, but how to wonder.
There is no shame in taking life slowly. No shame in choosing peace over pressure. No shame in simply being because life, in all its fullness, is not a race to the top. It's a chance, a precious, fleeting chance we get only once  to love, to learn, and to live with joy and it must therefore not be wasted.
So let's breath, relax and move forward to bring back the calm of "aaram se"...

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

On Mother's Day...

On Mother's Day...
Maa, Amma, Aai, Mamma, Baa are some of the different ways in which children call their mother. The one thing common among these different ways of calling is the softness associated with the word mother. Shakespeare has rightly said, the rose by any other name would smell as sweet. And so however we may call out to our mothers, our relationship with her is always sweet.

Maybe mothers are more special because the bond with our mother begins nine months before our birth. This revelation dawns on most women when they themselves become mothers.
For me too it was no different. I still remember the day when I was able to see the foetus growing in my womb. Faceless, bodyless, yet a part of my own being. Technology has made things so much easy for modern day mothers. It is possible for them to keep track of every single development of their child.
I can never forget the day I saw the spinal cord of my baby during the course of a sonography. I have never felt so excited as I felt then. It was the most beautiful image I have ever seen, straight , clear, every segment, delicate yet strong. After all, this was the path of our reflexes and thoughts going to our brain. All at once then, I had been enveloped in so many emotions which included gratitude to God, a feeling of wonderment at his creations, a sense of belonging to the bundle of joy that was growing in me. I could barely contain my joy. My touch thereafter was transformed because everytime, I touched my stomach I started feeling one with my child. An inexplicable bond had been established.
It was therefore impossible for me to consider termination of my  pregnancy when during one such visit to my doctor it was announced that my foetus may not be normal. I was adviced to ascertain myself with further tests before taking the decision of going ahead with my pregnancy.  For me however, the  bond with my child as a mother had been established and there was no looking back. Maybe that soft and tender feeling of mothering my foetus gave me strength or my strong and innate belief in God that eventually all things would be alright made me hang on ! Till today I derive strength during my most difficult moments from that single source that everything happens for the good. Without any doubt, motherhood with all it's challenges became possible due to the constant support of my family.
Just this morning, a senior colleague shared a powerful image with me — a mother working as a labourer, carrying bricks with quiet resilience, her baby tied to her back in a cloth sling along with a gentle smile on her face. That image stayed with me. It reminded me of another powerful image, Rani Lakshmi Bai charging into battle during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, with her infant son strapped to her back. From then to now, not much has changed. The forms may differ, but the weight of bricks, of responsibilities or of an empire’s expectations still rests on a mother’s back.
Maybe it is deeply ingrained in the gender roles of the society. Or maybe it's a mother's innate strength, her boundless warmth, that makes her carry on unflinchingly.  But the truth remains that the burden of raising a child still falls largely on her shoulders.
Modern mothers whether in boardrooms, offices or construction sites  often carry a heavy, invisible weight: guilt. The guilt of not being enough, of missing out, of not ticking every box. Workplaces aren’t always kind nor homes always supportive. And so, while we celebrate the "supermom," we forget the human behind the image.
Even today, in all villages women work in the fields but are not counted as farmers. They shoulder responsibility in offices but are denied recognition. The glass ceiling may have been broken, but the walls are still high.
So, Mother's Day shouldn't be just a one-day celebration of sentimental  posts on social media or fancy cards and wishes. It should be a reminder  that mother is not a martyr by default. She is a woman first and a human being with dreams of her own. She deserves to grow, to be heard, to be supported. And that growth needs a collective will,  from families, from partners, from society.
My own mother didn’t speak in lofty quotes or grand philosophies but was always there like the steady light of a lighthouse, quietly guiding, always giving. I remember her pawning her gold without a second thought whenever money was needed for my brother’s education, for a wedding or for any of us. That’s the kind of love that builds nations. Silent, invisible, and unshakably strong.
But here’s the bitter truth too that the same society which glorifies mothers often fails the very women who become them. The wife, the sister, the daughter-in-law are too often disrespected, joked about, dismissed, or worse, subjected to violence or molested and raped. In those moments, motherhood doesn’t shield or protect her. The very tenderness that defines her is forgotten.
If we want to truly honour motherhood, we must teach our sons and daughters to respect women. Not just their own mothers, but every woman they meet. Because behind every mother is a woman who deserves dignity. That, more than anything, will be the real tribute.
This Mother’s Day, let’s dream not of a perfect world, but of a fair amd equitable one. Let’s work toward a society where motherhood is not a burden carried in silence, but a role celebrated with equal partnerships, shared responsibilities, and boundless respect.
Let’s promise this not just for our mothers, but for ourselves.

R. Vimala, IAS,

Compassionate Bureaucrat & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay