An auspicious occasion to recall resolutions of Patel when Rajasthan was born as a new State in India

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada stands synonymous to strong decisions which have been taken in India to script a new story: a story of development, a story of growth, a story of spirituality, a story of the victory of dharma over adharma, a story of victory of justice over injustice and much more…

Today, when we are according a warm welcome to Vikram Sanwat 2081, the occasion immediately takes us back to the old memory lanes when Rajasthan was born as a new state on the map of India with the earnest efforts taken by ironman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on this auspicious occasion at 10.40 am.

Sardar Patel was a visionary man who well understood the significance of this day and hence he said, “Today is the new beginning of the new year in Rajputana. Today, year changes. This is a new year, so we should understand the significance of the new Maha-Rajasthan. Today, we should purify our hearts and pray to God to help us become worthy Rajasthanis for the state of Rajasthan. May God give us strength and wisdom to uplift Rajasthan and serve the Rajputani people. Today on this auspicious day, we have to seek blessings from God. I hope that all of you will join me in this pledge to serve Rajasthan, in this prayer, he said.

Today, when Rajasthan has already completed 75 years of its existence and formation, this auspicious day of Varsha Pratipada is an opportune time to yet again offer the same prayer to God. Further, this is also an opportunity to pledge to work wholeheartedly for the development of Rajasthan during the ongoing Amrit Kaal. Varsha Pratipada is a symbol of our self-pride. This Pratipada inspires us to make strong efforts for the nation. Today, Rajasthan is ready to take a big leap, leaving behind five years of intense darkness, disappointment, fear and despair. In the last four months, due to the efforts of the BJP governments at the Centre and the State, new saplings of hope and expectations have blossomed amongst the minds of the common people of the state. They have started feeling that the state can script a new story of development in the next five years by keeping pace with the visionary thinking of the country’s successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I believe that during the Lok Sabha election to be held in the beginning of Samvat 2081, voters of the country and state will take the right decision in the national interest taking clues from the development story being scripted in the last 10 years on the national map and in four months in Rajasthan.

In fact, on the occasion of New Year, we all need to understand the implications of the new message being given by the nature silently and smartly. Let’s understand this message by reading between the lines of renowned poet Suryakant Nirala who said, ‘Nav Gati, Nav Lay, Taal Chhand Nav, Naval Kanth Nav Jalad Mandra Rav, Nav Nabh ke Nav Vihag Vrand ko Nav per Nav Swar de.’ These lines reflect the sentiments of the New Year which symbolise new thinking, new energy and new excitement. Nature wears a new look with new leaves and new branches, and grains are harvested on this occasion which symbolise with prosperity.

In India, the tradition of welcoming the New Year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is not without reason. It has deep implications related to creation, nature, religion, and science. Varsha Pratipada is a cultural festival to purify oneself. There is a feeling of dedication and revival which is done by synergising with nature. It is said in Brahmapuran that the beginning of the creation of earth took place on the Pratipada of Chaitra Shukla and from this auspicious, started the time calculation in India.

This day also stands synonymous to traditions and festivities; this festival of New Year is celebrated with different names at different places like Ugadi, Chetichand, Gudi Padwa etc. Ever since I have memory, I have been observing the process of wearing new clothes on Varsha Pratipada, decorating the house with flags, banners, bandhanwar, doing charity and bringing Neem branches home.

Elderly people give neem shoots to chew on this day, so that the body’s immunity remains intact. From a historical point of view, Vikramaditya and his Digvijayini army had driven the Shakas out of India and re-established happiness, peace and prosperity in the country. Emperor Vikramaditya had started ‘Vikram Samvat’ from Varsha Pratipada to commemorate the defeat of Shakas and our victory over them. It is also believed that after the killing of Ravana for the establishment of religion, the coronation of Lord Ram, took place on the year Pratipada itself. If we look at it, there cannot be a better day than this to start new work and make new resolutions. Dr. Keshavrao Baliram Hedgewar, who gave the infallible mantra of organization to the country in the form of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was also born on the year Pratipada.

Dr Hedgewar, with his amazing vision and organizational skills, prepared many patriots who are today engaged in realizing the dream of taking India towards ultimate glory. It is the success of their efforts that after almost five hundred years, Ram Lalla will celebrate his birth anniversary in a grand and divine temple at his birthplace in Ayodhya.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Bhajan Lal Sharma The writer is Chief Minister of Rajasthan