July 1st- Doctor's Day
When the corona pandemic was at its peak, when death cases were rising, every one of us had gone to doctors to save our life. Despite having their own families, they understood their responsibilities toward society and people and saved the lives of millions of Indians. Some doctors and nurses lost their lives while serving society. We might have heard some incidents of doctors getting quarantined from their families, and their children by converting their vehicles into their homes. That’s why it is said that doctors are God for the patients because they save your life.
But this is not only limited to pandemics, even the doctors working with us go into villages, listen to people and give consultations or medicines. Let us thank all the doctors and nurses of this nation for saving our lives. Salute to these Corona warriors. Also, let us remember those doctors who lost their lives in the pandemic.
July 04- Dead Aniversary of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda is an excellent example of a man with a great spiritual presence, tremendous intellect, tireless teacher and a writer. Narendranath Datta (Childhood name of Vivekananda) in his youth was fascinated by the agnostic Western schools of philosophy. Fascinated by western culture, he wanted to know about the existence of God. Hence, he questioned people of holy reputation, asking them if they had seen God. Sri Ramakrishna became his master, allayed his doubts, guided him on the spiritual path, and transformed him into a sage and prophet with the authority to teach. Vivekananda’s main teaching in the West, and in India for that matter, is Practical Vedanta. By this, the Swami stressed that religion needs to be intensely practical and carried into all areas of our lives. The primary message of Vedanta is one of oneness and that our human purpose is to realize our divine nature. This all was possible because he had knowledge of both eastern and western cultures.
The current scenario is very different. Many youths of this country have become Atheists. They don’t believe in God but believe in science. People want a reason to believe in something. Hence, it is said that “Half knowledge is the Devil's mind”. Earlier, the western world bought their culture in India. But now many people in the western world have voluntarily adopted our culture. Let’s bow down to this great sage of the country who represented Hinduism at the international level & made it recognizable.
July 13- Guru Purnima
In Hindu Mythology, there is a lot of Purnima. But has someone wondered why one Purnima of all has been selected to worship and pay respect to gurus? Universe has a lot of things which are beyond our imagination. Our solar system is formed in such a way that if we understand its formation and planet’s position, we can change our life completely. One thing which is commonly used in our culture is Moon. On this day, there is a certain alliance between the Moon and the planets, which creates a receptivity in people to that dimension which we refer to as the guru.
Another story behind today’s day is that it is also the birthday of Krishna Dwaipayan Vyas, the author of Mahabharata. He was a Sanskrit scholar and also composed the four Vedas. For this reason, he is also named Ved Vyas. He is called Adiguru and Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima in his honour.
Whatever may be the belief, on this day, we give respect to our gurus. These people inculcate good values in us and make us our better version. We don’t bow to them or pay respect to them for the whole year except for two days i.e. today’s day and teacher’s day. We should respect our gurus, teachers or any other person from whom we have gained knowledge. Let’s respect their teachings & try to become a better version of ourselves.
July 19- Birth Aniversary of Mangal Pandey
Around 195 years ago., on this day, a pure Brahman was born in Balia, Uttar Pradesh. His name was Mangal Pandey. By the way, in order to start his professional career, he joined the British East India Company as a soldier, but his religion stopped him from killing his own people.
A new Enfield rifle was introduced into India and the cartridge was rumoured to be greased with animal fat, primarily from pigs and cows. To use the rifle, the soldiers would have to bite off the ends of greased cartridges in order to load the weapon. The cow is a godly animal of Hindus and the pig is abhorrent to Muslims. So, both will refrain from using such rifles. Mangal Pandey got the sense that the British were trying to divide Hindus and Muslims and hence, he rebelled against the British's East India Company. He threatened them that he would kill any British army officer if he came in his way.
Today, innocent Hindus and Muslims are being killed for no reason. Just like Mangal Pandey, who revolted against the British Government for dividing Hindus and Muslims, let's revolve against our thoughts and our belief in each other’s religion that divides us and stay united. It is also said that India's first Independence war was started by him by revolting against the British.
July 23- Birth Aniversary Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Chandra Shekhar Azad (Combined)
It is said that a pen has the power to bring transformation to society. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the Freedom fighters who, through their writing, instigated various revolutionary activities in the country. His ideology was based on Nationalism and Swaraj. Hence, he started the Swadeshi movement and asked people to boycott British goods. This caused huge losses to them. He was of the opinion that people should be educated about wrong things by the British. He used to participate in activities which affected the life of the common man. His fight was against economic injustice to the common man. He believed that mass support is important.
On the other hand, Chandra Shekhar Azad was a person who believed in actions rather than words and educating people. His famous saying is "If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” He was sentimental. Because Mahatma Gandhi suspended the Non-cooperation movement, his nationalist sentiments got her and hence he became aggressive and believed that action was more suitable for his desired outcome. He took part in several violent activities including the Kakori train robbery and killing a British officer.
Both the freedom fighters had different ideologies but the motive was the Independence of our mother India. Each of them did not interfere with each other’s work. In our country, there are two main castes- Hindu and Muslim. Both have different ideologies. But they have only one goal which is to go to God. But before all that, we should not forget that we are children of Mother India. We should stay united with love and harmony, and think about the development of this nation instead of fighting and taking the life of each other.
July 31- Hariyali Teej
Marriage is an amazing journey where two people become one. Your marriage life is said to be successful if you marry a perfect person. In Hinduism, the duo of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are termed as the best couple in the universe. This festival commemorates their reuniting. That’s why this festival is very important for married women. But why “Hariyali”? This is because it signifies greenery during the monsoon month in India.
Another mythological story is that the Banyan tree is a symbol of sacredness and its hanging branches reflect knowledge. Therefore, worshipping the Vat Vriksha on the occasion of Hariyali Teej is also considered auspicious. Married Women are dressed as if they are newly married, they are presented with Shringara items like traditional dresses, bangles, henna, sindoor and sweets to name a few, by their respective in-laws. The women particularly dress up in green colour lehengas or sarees. These Shringara items are symbolic of marriage and hold great significance for married women. As per the Hindu traditions, it is believed that by wearing all the 16 adornments a woman can keep her husband protected from all evils.
Hariyali Teej is the festival which gives re-birth to women’s excitement which she had before her marriage. In modern society, the cases of divorce are increasing. If they think that they are not happy or compatible with each other, they take their ways apart. A married couple is happy only when there is an equal understanding between each other. On this Hariyali Teej, let lord Shiva and Parvati keep our married life happy and healthy.