Residents of Amritapuri explain what the day marking India’s freedom from British rule means to them.

Br. Vinay (Daniel Grey Marshall), 27, USA

“It means there is hope for humanity. For me, India is the spiritual heart of the world. If India had not regained her independence, there is a chance that her priceless heritage of Sanatana Dharma could have been lost forever.”

Br. Anand Ramani, 36, India, whose B’day falls on Aug 15th

“A day of chocolates, holiday, friends and family. A feeling of pride and love for India, mixed with deep sadness about the past 50 years, years that could have seen us outshine the world but instead have seen us moving backwards, losing touch with our very essence—our spirituality, our religion and our pride in our glorious heritage—and in us compartmentalising ourselves, seeking just our slice of a meagre pie and thereby leaving to fend for herself. But I say this along with a firm belief that the future will see a much greater India, which is just arising.”

Vani (Daisy Rockliffe), 20, UK, living in Amritapuri

“India is the spiritual centre, the heart of the world. It preserves and keeps alive the ancient spiritual tradition and values. I feel privileged and lucky to have the chance to spend long periods of time in India. I love having the opportunity to study the ancient scriptures and am really keen to study Sanskrit soon.

“What is so special about living in India is that it is an environment conducive to learning, to put what we study into practice and make it become part of us and of our daily life and experience.”

Sreevalsan Moothedath, 42, India

Head of Information & Communication Technology Services, Amrita University.

“I was born after Independence, so what I know is what I read about it. I feel that India has achieved a lot of advancement since Independence, mainly in the scientific fields, and all for the good of human society. Now, to balance this, the country should strive to revive its earlier heritage. That heritage, the ancient values and traditions, had flourished greatly before the colonization era, and they can have a great relevance in today’s scenario. Along with the technological advancement, the country and its citizens should try to uphold this ancient culture. This is precisely what Amma’s actions and message are about!”

Parsuram Ganpathi, 71, India, presently residing at Amritapuri

“I feel that India has become a stronger nation in the last few years. I live overseas, so every time I come to India, I can see the improvement. Since Independence, the nation has been able to overcome all the tests of time: natural calamities, economical difficulties, etc. And the nation is always making progress. I remember well when in 1941 I used to take the train, the railway services conditions were very difficult. Today, there is a very big communication development and everything is easily available. The bad aspect of this is that today people make very little physical effort. No exercise, everything is readymade.. this is bringing laziness.”

Kripa Winn, 18, USA, born to a family of Amma devotees

“The Independence of India is the independence of a nation that contains a culture based on morale values and dharma. India holds a crucial role in the state of the world today, exemplifying a higher ideal of life. Living in India has provided me with a stronger and more complete way of thinking about life and the world. Amma has embodied the greatest truths in India and is spreading those messages for the independence of the world.”

Unnikrishnan Nair, 73, India, living in Amritapuri

“India got its Independence because of the efforts and sacrifices of great men who offered their lives for the nation. After more than 50 years, I feel that the people have not used these sacrifices properly. The political field is still not enough efficient. Nothing has been done for the welfare of the people. A few have become millionaires while many don’t even get enough food. This is a pity.
“At present, Amma is doing great things, trying to help the poor ones. Because of her work, I feel the future of the nation will be better.”

Ganganath McGill, 58, USA, chiropractor, ashramite

“India has been the centre of divine love and spirituality since the beginning of civilization. India gained independence from the global militaristic power of Great Britain without using one weapon of violence. However through the inherent inner power of Mahatma Gandhi and the people of India, the most powerful weapon of all was used, this same divine love. In the process, Great Britain and the entire world were transformed.

“Now an out-of-balance male energy, similar to what tried to hold India captive, is threatening mankind’s very existence. Independence Day is a reminder that the world can gain freedom from such influence by fully imbibing the divine love that is offered from the very heart of India. And in this time of great need, the fullest expression of this divine love has come, Amma. May we all become truly independent, by surrendering the ego, depending fully on divine love within and without.”

Anandan, 45, householder, residing with family at Amritapuri

“Independence Day is the day when the people became free to express themselves. Under British rule, there was oppression of freedom. After Independence, all citizens became equal and were allowed to express their opinions.
“Spiritually, there are no restrictions on any religion or any belief. I feel that the country is in a good and positive state.
“Amma is a helping energy. She is sowing the positive ingredients for future generations. She is re-awakening the spirit of selflessness and the ideal of service to others, as well as giving new life to ancient traditions and values.”

Tejas (Jean Louis Pistorino), 69, Italy, retired soldier living in Amritapuri

“When we talk about India’s Independence, we think of Mahatma Gandhi and how he gave independence to the Indian nation following the spirit of non-violence, even though the British rulers used violence. This is how India gained its freedom and the poor gained the right to participate in public life and express themselves. Gandhi abolished the cast system too. Today, Amma is upholding the Indian dharma of spirituality and values.”
mangalam
Mangalam Warren, 10, USA, blessed by Amma since birth

“Independence Day reminds me of how Mahatma Gandhi succeeded in freeing India from the British rule, and since then no outside power can interfere with India’s life. But I think that politicians nowadays are bad.
“I think of Mother India as the most spiritual country of the world. It is the heart of the world. When my friends in the West tell me that India is a poor country, I answer that it is in fact the richest country because of its spirituality.”
kunji krishnan

“Bombay Acchan,” Kunji Krishnan Nambiyar, 79, ashramite, in charge of ashram accommodation for many years

“For 500 years (300 under the rule of Islamic kings and 200 under the British), India was like a sleeping tiger. The Moguls and the British had harmed the social and spiritual culture and destroyed places of worship.

“I was 21 years old when India gained independence and was an active member in the students’ movement and a volunteer in the freedom movements. In these years it was a joy to die facing a British gun or rifle. There was no fear to go to the streets, participate in the strikes and marches facing the guns. In my village, 2,000 workers joined forces and went on strike for political reasons.

“Independence gave political freedom, but for real freedom to happen, spiritual freedom, Indians need to go back to their inner culture, the culture of the Sanatana Dharma. The goal should be to have a government that holds and lives by applying the Sanatana Dharma in everything: daily life, politics and economy.”