14 Nov 2008 Guwahati, Assam

The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) is the largest paramilitary force in the world. We were invited to conduct  Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique classes for the CRPF personnel in the north east sector. Just as we had finished making the final preparations to depart to Guwahati – we were informed of the distressing news that the city of Guwahati had been rocked by serial explosions – claiming nearly a hundred innocent lives. Though we were offered the option of postponing the classes, we decided that Amma’s message was all the more required in the prevailing scenario, and we went ahead anyway.

Guwahati is a city still in mourning. The residents are brimming with grief and rage. As always, it was the innocent who had to face the brunt of this rage. On the day that we arrived, two CRPF personnel were lynched to death by an angry mob as these personnel were helping in the rescue operations . The mob needed something or someone to vent out its anger against the government – and these jawans  found themselves at the wrong place at the wrong  time.

The north eastern region is a hot bed of terrorism. The paramilitary forces find themselves in an unenviable situation. They are required to fight a war which nobody seems to  want to end (or even overtly acknowledge its existence ). The figures speak for themselves – the force is battling with over 6500 cases of hypertension within its ranks. Last year, more lives were lost due to suicides and fratricides (soldiers killing their own compatriots) than in actual counter insurgency operations on the field. They are deployed unsolicited all the year round in terrorism hubs without proper support, infrastructure, equipment or incentives. It is in this context that these meditation classes are being conducted for all the military and the paramilitary forces of the country.

The class was well attended, with the Deputy Inspector General of the North East sector along with other top officials actively participating in the classes – as did the jawans. We did not have anything else but Amma’s message of Love and Peace to share with them – which we did –  and it was wonderful to observe  a glimmer of hope on the battle hardened faces.

At the end of the class, the DIG announced to his troops, “More than the technique itself, I realize that the hope that the message of Amma has given us is elevating – the message that, indeed, there will be a better tomorrow for all of us. I am sure that this technique will go a long way in helping our soldiers to find peace and happiness in their otherwise tough lives”. The soldiers we talked to, echoed the same sentiments, and most of them were very eager to see and meet Amma as soon as possible. I am sure that they must be closer to Amma than they realize – for it is the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that  really pulls Amma closer.

In reality, we are sure that Amma is working tirelessly to bring peace and hope everywhere though we may not be aware of the specific details of the process. May we become worthy instruments in the accomplishment Amma’s Divine purpose.

– Mukesh

[geo_mashup_map]