Family and Nation

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya, A P J Abdulkalam
Publisher: Harper Publications India

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THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS AND PAIN
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but consists of who we are, what our heart is feeling and what we can give to the needy. Here we would like to relate a unique story from Punjab, one in which spirituality resulted in a societal mission.
There is a rivulet called Kali Bein. Here, Guru Nanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment. Over the centuries it turned into a sewage-ridden, weed-choked drain. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, in partnership with the Punjab state government, undertook a mission to clean the rivulet. He organized people's participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the rivulet and cleaned a 160kilometre long stretch over four years. On an average, 3000 devotees volunteered every day in the mission. Today one can enjoy in this rivulet the flow of fresh water released from the Tarkina Barrage. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past four decades are drawing water again. Baba, with the volunteers, not only cleared the rivulet of weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built a 100-kilometre long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet. In major places of worship in India, on an average 500,000 people come every day for prayers. Normally, when we go to a religious place, we pray for our happiness and prosperity. At these places of Worship, can we not write and display certain vows that transcend personal petitions? Vows such as: I will be responsible for educating at least five students
for three years. I will activate at least one water pond in my neighbourhood
or nearest village. I will remove all enmity within my family and withdraw
any court cases. I will plant five fruit bearing trees. I will not gamble and succumb to any addiction.