Dayanand Saraswati

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He was one of the founders of modern Indian thoughts. He brought new thinking and perspective about the Vedas and worked against idolatry and ritualistic worships. He championed universal brotherhood and gave a liberal perspective about Hinduism.

On the social front his Arya Samaj movement worked for equality of humankind and championed women empowerment. The Arya Samaj asked people to question rituals and beliefs that run contrary to common sense and logic. His book Satyarth Prakash is a study in comparative religion in order to test religion on the basis of rationality. His search for truth and his journey makes me proud.

Swami Vivekanand

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Lived in the same period as Swami Dayanand and worked towards better understanding of Hinduism through Vedic understanding. At a time when the soul of India was getting suppressed by the British and their colonial ways, he helped India discover its identity and contributed to inculcating nationalism in the minds of the suppressed.

Although a life that was short-lived, he worked for empowerment of youths and inspired them with his powerful teachings. Service to man is service to God and more such teachings gave true meaning to many lives that wanted to work for the country. He revived Hinduism and brought its essence to the world and challenged those religions that tried to make fun of the ancient Hindu philosophy. His famous Chicago speech remains immortal in understanding him and his philosophy.

But for his philosophy and those inspiring words I would not have risen from the various falls to rediscover myself and life’s journey.

Bhagwat Geeta

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If ever there was a doubt about life and the road and the action, this philosophical masterpiece has come as a rescue. Religion would lose its meaning if there was no death or birth. Many religions have tried to understand this process of human evolution. Bhagwad Geeta talks of life, birth, rebirth, karma and transmigration of soul. It guides mankind to do better and overcome sins.

When the world is getting mired in controversy over good or evil, this masterpiece defines good and evil in terms of establishment of Dharma (Righteousness) for the society. To work and keep working without the expectations of rewards as if work itself is worship is unique philosophy that will always inspire human lives.

How so many people in the country do not become criminals even when they live in abject poverty. To understand India, Indians and its soul, people would have to read the Bhagwat Geeta. This also explains why Marxism or its various offshoot philosophies failed in India. Whenever I read the Bhagwat Geeta it fills me with energy to act as per my conscience. That is the reason every failure becomes a step to the cause of Righteousness.

Narendra Modi

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NaMo’s journey is full of struggle and true reflection of Swami Vivekanand’s teaching that Service to Man is Service to God. He mastered the art of service, empathized with his fellowmen and time was just waiting to crown him as a leader. I have witnessed a part of his struggle when he was in Delhi during the 1990s.

NaMo’s journey is full of struggle and true reflection of Swami Vivekanand’s teaching that Service to Man is Service to God. He mastered the art of service, empathized with his fellowmen and time was just waiting to crown him as a leader. I have witnessed a part of his struggle when he was in Delhi during the 1990s.

How that small boy from Vadnagar could become a champion and fountainhead of development. He learnt every day even when he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat and implemented what he thought was good for society. Even now he learns and is keen to interact with those who can give innovative solutions to poverty and underdevelopment. He is a solution oriented Prime Minister. I feel very lucky to be a part of his team and I strongly feel that he would make India strong and fill us with a sense of pride. He is perhaps the only hope after years of darkness and negativism.