Philosopher Acharya Prashant issued a stark reminder on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day: without conquering internal chains, the republic remains incomplete. In his New Delhi address, he transcended legal definitions to spotlight personal enlightenment as the bedrock of national strength.
Defining republic, Prashant said, ‘It rejects external rulers – kings, traditions – empowering people to self-govern with democracy.’ The peril, however, is endogenous: ‘Prevent inner despots like instincts, dogmas, ego from reigning, more vicious than outsiders.’
Ignorance within exploits relentlessly, surpassing external threats in peril.
Praising the Preamble as constitutional spirituality, he unpacked: ”We, the people’ asserts autonomy; ‘solemnly resolve’ marks willful adoption; ‘give to ourselves’ affirms self-rule.’
Gita analogy: Krishna prioritizes Arjuna’s inner clarity over Kurukshetra combat strategies. ‘Inner liberty fortifies against external subjugation.’
Constitutional pillars – socialism, secularism, etc. – clash with petty egos, underscoring spiritual origins. ‘Sovereign socialist secular democratic republic? Impossible sans inner radiance.’
Unawakened masses turn democracy to mobocracy. Socialism to rivalry. Sectarianism to pseudo-secularism. Virtues like justice and equality stay superficial absent inner vitality.
Youth directive: ‘Nation is people – the gan. Self-elevate.’ Masses must embody greatness.
Spirituality simplified: ‘Self-scrutiny. Reject self-sabotage, vices, fetters.’ Indian embrace accelerates national supremacy, inspiring global ‘one family’ ethos.
Unique nationalism: Benevolent, non-aggressive, world-uplifting per Constitution.
Final note: ‘All hinges on quality humans. Constitution seeks elevated, self-aware citizens. Superior Indians ensure superior India.’