Namaskar, 16 July, 2012
Jai Bharat. My visits to the Sri Aurobindo Baroda centre for the purchase of art paper during my days as a student of Fine Arts in the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, presented me with the opportunity to become acquainted with the life of Sri Aurobindo. Interestingly, this iconic freedom fighter, philosopher, and yogi stayed in this city for 11 years, serving the Maharaja in various capacities till 1906 when he left the position of Vice-principal, Baroda College, to plunge himself in the revolutionary movement against the British in Bengal. Baroda also happens to be the place where he realised his first major spiritual siddhi.
It was in 1910 that he withdrew to Pondicherry labouring till the end to bring down the supramental truth consciousness. His method of Integral Yoga proves to be a perennial source of inspiration to numerous people today. It is to such a legendary nationalist that even we, the members of the Indian Parliament, bow down to.
It has been brought to my notice that an American named Peter Heehs has written an objectionable book on the life of Maharshi Sri Aurobindo. I observe that the contents of the book are not only a blot on our Indian Culture but also hurt the sentiments of countless devotees across the world who have the utmost love and respect for him. I consider it to be a grave insult to an architect of modern India.
It further pains me to learn that this American has been staying in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, using all its facilities. I firmly believe that the Managing Trustees of the Ashram should expose people who indulge in such activities. There should be a movement to boycott them so that such foreign perverted elements would never dare to commit such misdeeds.
I endorse the memorandum dated 15.05.2012 (copy enclosed) submitted by my fellow members of Parliament to you regarding this matter. I hereby request you to provide me with the information sought therein at the earliest.
In 1947, after we got a fractured independence, Maharshi Sri Aurobindo observed: “I can see an India getting united. It will be this India that will lead the entire world through spirituality.” In order to realise his dream, I wish all of us should contribute to our highest capabilities.
With Regards.
s/d. Shri Ramsinh Rathwa
Member of Parliament
Vadodara, Gujarat.
Encl.: a/a
[Scan of the original letter in Gujarati of which the above is the English translation.]
[Scan of the original letter in Gujarati of which the above is the English translation.]
WHAT A WONDERFUL AND EFFECTIVE NARRATION BY THE HON. M P SHRI RATHAVA! IT BECOMES NOW THE DUTY OF ASHRAM TRUSTEES TO UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITED SUGGESTION MADE BY THE M.P.
ReplyDeleteIT IS EXPECTED THAT SENTIMENTS OF ALL THE M PS AND OTHERS WOULD BE HONORED BY THE TRUSTEES NO MATTER LATE.
ONE THING MAY PL. BE NOTED THAT THE FLAME OF OPPOSING THE CONTROVERSIAL BOOK AND ITS DIRECT, INDIRECT SUPPORTERS WILL BE CONTINUED TILL THE VICTORY OF TRUTH TAKE PLACE.