By Hasubhai Dave
Rajkot witnessed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pathsanchalan in two divisions of the East and the West on October 9, 2011. I always play an active role in every programme in complete uniform especially on the days of Vijyadashami and pathsanchalan. Since 1957, I have been playing imperative role in it; but now I just remain present.
There were nearly 25/30 swayamsevaks who did not take part in the pathsanchalan in the West division. After beginning of pathsanchalan; they stayed at the Sangh Sthan (place). There was a time of nearly 45 minutes. One of the leaders instructed them to be divided into two parts and to talk on any motivational issue from the real life events which have moulded their lives. Many swayamsevaks narrated their experiences.
“Corruption and to curtail the corruption”, articulates the leader, “is the most convoluted and debatable contemporary issue.” He requested the swayamsevaks to offer their views on it because, recently, we witnessed Anna Revolution against corruption; this has made people to contemplate over many implacable issues that block the holistic development of our country. In the beginning, swayamsevaks remained quiet. But one of them nicely analysed the issue of corruption and left the conclusion for us to mull over. The leader also told me, “Hasubhai you are a veteran swayamsevak, you please put across your views on the topic”. I smiled at him and said, “I cannot comprehend the intricacy of this topic.” After this; swayamsevaks, one by one offered their views and meanwhile the time got over and the swayamsevaks went for pathsanchalan.
After coming back home, I started contemplating and felt that I did not give the right answer. Because when we have been conferred upon with the ethics taught by RSS, then it is our moral obligation to spread the values of Sangh everywhere and it must begin with self.
I have heard, read, and experienced a lot about corruption and many examples came to my mind but everyone differs in his opinion but everyone would agree that “corruption and black money have become integral part of our life, which cannot be detached.” These words echoes pessimism and on the other side, such protests against corruption gets enormous support of public but people pelt the mud at one another.
Building up of national character is essential to stamp out corruption and black money and it will not fetch the results, if we do not work together in the same direction. I remember the words of former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, “When Indians go to foreign countries they strictly abide by rules, do not throw waste or spit anywhere, stand in a queue and get the tickets from the automated machines, and follow the traffic rules. But when they come back to India they forget the discipline they followed. Why? This question and answer is self explanatory or reflective.” It comes to my mind that Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s conference of Gujarat state was organised at Porbandar in 1984. The late Ramnareshsinh (fondly known as Badebhaiya) then senior Sangh Pracharak and BMS general secretary) was also present there. At that time Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh had reached on second position among the Trade Unions working in India. All the members were very happy with the feelings of gratification and a slight sense of ego of doing something. I can recapitulate the inaugural speech of Ramnareshsinhji. He said, “We do not believe in number one or two. It is the exercise of government and government will continue that exercise. We are in labour unions to do the work in different ways than what others have done so far. We must not get swayed away by the ideology without side origin; we must spread and value Indian culture to take our nation to the sublimity of peace and prosperity by putting in consistent efforts by applying unanimous mindset.” I would like to continue by giving another example. He said “Quantity of members is not important now but to make them aware of their responsibilities is required. Bank employees, bus conductor, TT and so on have to understand that they are the service providers to the people and believe that customers or passengers are our God and because of them only we get the salary so they must not be indifferent with people and they must establish Atmiyata with common man.”
Ramnareshsinhji’s viewpoint can take us to right direction. He believed in Indian values of “national character building” and “Atithi devo bhavo”.
I would like to give the example of “Use of public money as trustee” (Chapter 19 – Page No 44) from a book Karyakarta Nirman (Character building of swayamsevaks), written by VS Nathan, edited by Shri Bhikhubhai Dalsania to understand the importance of character building so as to change the mindset of people against burning issues. Corruption and black money ought to be swept away.
Party or organisation gets the monetary assistance from members and well wishers on the basis of integrity and accountability of work. So this fund is necessitated to be used to strengthen the party. It is possible to be done through transparency, honesty and trust. Fund must be used at the place for which it has been collected. It should be taken care of the way we take care of our glass utensils. Financial transactions/administration must be simple, easy to understand and must fulfill our dignified endeavours. We must not proclaim our financial capability. Our leaders have won the credibility of the people because they have been transparent in their actions and deeds. So we have to shape our character that can sanctify any financial transaction that we carry out.
Once upon a time King Chandragupta Maurya gave blankets to Chanakya to distribute among the poor people. Chanakya kept them at his home. A few thieves came to know about it and planned to steal the blankets in the night. But they got shocked seeing Chanakya sleeping on very thin mat and was shivering in biting cold. Thieves asked him, “Why don’t you use these blankets which are beside you and trembling in this cold? Why didn’t you use them?” Chanakya replied wisely that these blankets are to be distributed among needy poor people and are not for me. This is the most pertinent instance of honesty.
Dr Hedgewar knew well that financial transitions and books of accounts must be transparent in public enterprises. Dr Hedgevar went to Shri Rao Sachale Datar (editor, All India Reporter) to request the fund in 1939. Datar was bit apprehensive. He wished to fund after seeing the books of accounts of Sangh. Dr Hedgewar brought in and handed over to him. Datar checked the accounts very meticulously and became happy seeing that every penny is well transacted and accounted. This made Datar to donate generously.
It is very significant to build up the character and it becomes more essential to ascertain concord with civic life. So let us develop an unblemished character in terms of use of public money and only on that foundation we would be able to win the conviction and respect of community.
