Greed Lust Addiction

by Ravi Dabral

  After hearing this hot conversation, Guruji asked, “Mr. Jain, what solution do you have in mind so that all of you can come to an amicable solution and live peacefully instead of going to the court for hearings which can last for many years?”

  Mr. Jain said, “Guruji, as long as I am alive I am ready to go to the court to attend all hearings, but I don’t want to deprive the deserving students and force them to discontinue their studies because of lack of funds. If I give money to my children, then how will these students complete their studies and move ahead in life? I have committed to help them through the trust money, so now I cannot back out. After learning the concepts of self-reform and social reform at the ashram, I understand very well what the real meaning of materialistic and spiritual life is. Now I am an enlightened person, and for the rest of my life, I want to serve the society through welfare meditation. So, our decision is final, and we will not give a single penny to them as long as we are alive.”

  Guruji said to Mr. Jain’s elder son, “You should be proud of your dad and mom who are working for the upliftment of society. You should have the patience to earn money and buy your own house instead of pressurising your parents for the money.”

  Mr. Jain’s elder son angrily said, “We want our share of the money and are not here to listen to your useless lecture. What is this self-reform, welfare meditation, and social reform that you have taught to our innocent parents? You are the person who has provoked my parents to help the poor rather than helping their own children.”

  On hearing this Guruji kept silent and did not comment, but Mr. Jain stood up and shouted, “You cannot blame Guruji for our decision and don’t be rude to him. Have you forgotten even the basic manners as to how to talk to and respect your elders? Had you been humble to us the other day, you would not have been deprived of this money! You deserve to be punished. In fact, your rude behaviour towards us has come as a blessing for many children.”

  After seeing Mr. Jain’s elder son behave rudely with Guruji, I said to him, “Please listen carefully. You cannot misbehave while in the ashram and in front of elders. If you are here for settlement, then first learn to remain humble and come up with a feasible solution which should bring a win-win proposition for all of you and your parents.”

  Mr. Jain said to his sons and daughters, “Please remember that we taught you several times that we are your biological parents and our role is to support you till you settle down in your career. Your real parents are virtues, ethics, discipline, and empathy, which make you good human beings and guide you to live a contented and peaceful life. Your grandparents are sanskar, values, culture, traditions, customs and heritage to keep you connected to your roots. But, it seems because of greed you have forgotten all these teachings. You may please leave this ashram immediately, and first, learn some basic manners as to how to behave with your parents and elders.

  Now your Mom and I, are guardians of many children. We no longer need selfish children like you. We are not ready to compromise with our dream social reform project, so there is no possibility of any settlement. Please leave us alone. We will meet in court. We will fight this case until the end, to secure the rights of our new children. We are retired people and have a lot of time. It is your problem to spare time to come to the court hearings, but this was your choice.”

  After listening to Mr. Jain’s harsh words, his children left the ashram.

  Mr. Jain said to Guruji, “I apologise to you for their misbehaviour.”

  Guruji said, “No need to apologise for the misdeeds of others. By being rude to us they have spoiled their karmas. These are the side effects of materialism, where personal relationships are kept aside for greed. Instead of developing their skills and capabilities to acquire material wealth, they want easy money. God bless them! We should pray for them to come out of their greed and live a peaceful life.”

  30

  Farmers Welfare Society (FWS)

  I n a few days, I prepared a draft report for the smart village project after incorporating the suggestions received from other ashram learners. Guruji reviewed the project report and selected ten nearby villages for the experiment. It was discussed that a team of five ashram volunteers would go to each village to conduct a survey about the difficulties faced by farmers. After the survey, the final feasibility project report would be prepared for distribution among investors in India and abroad particularly to NRIs.

  The village survey revealed facts such as the average income level of farmers was only around ₹ 30,000 per year. The standard of living was poor. They did not have access to clean water for drinking and sufficient water for irrigation. Many farmers did not have toilets in their homes. Electricity was available only for four to five hours in twenty-four hours. The villages had no proper connectivity through roads. Most of the teachers in the schools were incompetent, particularly those selected after paying bribes to the ruling political party. Migration from these villages was at a peak, so some of the villages were known as ghost villages.

  During the survey, we found that alcoholism was a serious addiction among some of the farmers. On the other hand, village women were found to be very cooperative, hardworking, aware and focused. Ashram volunteers realised that alcoholism and migration could affect the availability of quality manpower for the implementation of smart village project.

  As per Guruji’s advice, if we focus on addressing the issue of alcoholism in the beginning, these farmers could easily revolt, be instigated and agitated against us by the nexus of local politicians and goons running alcohol shops having a government license, as a reward for being ruling party supporters.

  Ashram volunteers were following Guruji’s instructions which were, not to have any clashes with the existing corrupt system and particularly conflicts with government officials and agencies. Our role should be complementary and not contradictory.

  About the implementation of smart village project, ashram volunteers showed willingness and keen interest to improve the conditions of the farmers.

  Mr. Chopra enthusiastically conveyed, “After receiving the final smart village project report, I can approach Indian and international investors to invest funds.”

  Mr. Jain said, “As per research, organic, natural and herbal plants grown in hilly areas such as Uttarakhand, Assam, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, have medicinal and herbal properties. This is because of the pure and clean air, better soil properties, and when the water comes from the roots of traditional trees and herbal plants, it gathers part of their essence which is transferred to the crop being grown there. It is practically pollution and pesticide free farming, as seeds are preserved in a very ritualistic and conventional way, that is, they are kept in containers made of dried agricultural products. While doing marketing and sales of these products, we can educate the consumers about all these medicinal features which cure many diseases.”

  Mrs. Jain said, “I will study local folk music and dance, and can help village women learn these to develop their hobbies and live a stress-free life. I can also volunteer to teach students after school hours.”

  Suman said, “I can assist Indu Bala Mam in teaching dance and music to women.”

  “Being an architect and builder, I can help in developing local infrastructure such as rainwater harvesting system for irrigation, solar panels for electricity, low budget toilets, earthquake-proof houses and the construction of clinics, community halls, schools, and similar projects,” said Mr. Chatwal.

  Roberto said, “Sports teach us to fight against all the odds and develop a sportsman spirit. We should add some sports activities like soccer for village children and young men. Sports activities will also keep them busy and away from alcohol and drugs. I will try to extend my visa for another three months and will try to plan a soccer tournament during my extended stay with the help of ashram volunteers.”

  There were many other ashram volunteers from different batches working hard on the smart village project. To do farming on a cooperative basis, they form
ed and registered a cooperative society in the name of Farmers Welfare Society (FWS) and a product brand name ‘NatureNurtureU’ for the benefit of farmers, investors, and consumers.

  Guruji emailed the smart village project report to ex-ashram learners, especially NRIs. Some of the NRI investors showed keen interest to initiate such projects in their native villages provided they get dedicated and professional people at ground level to effectively and profitably manage and implement such projects. Guruji has future plans to contact other ashrams, corporates, schools and colleges in India and abroad to work on similar projects.

  31

  Meeting Army Captain and Farmer

  Y esterday evening when I was walking on the banks of the river Ganga, I saw a kid building a sand castle with the help of his father. After seeing this scene, I was immediately reminded of Ujjawal. I had a flashback when Ujjawal used to come and hug me. Whenever there were heated arguments between Priya and me or between other family members, he would get frightened and hug me tightly. I was fed up with my family members’ material demands, but whenever I saw innocent Ujjawal, it motivated me to work harder to make his life happy. In a true sense, he was the only true friend I had at home. I became worried thinking about him; without me what would he be doing now? I felt a strong desire to meet him without wasting any more time.

  I had already come to know through Guruji that Vijay had visited the ashram and informed him that the family was staying in the village and that he had become a police inspector.

  I went inside the ashram and told Guruji, “Guruji, I want to visit my village to see my family, mainly my son Ujjawal. I am missing him a lot.”

  Guruji said, “In what form do you want to meet them, as Suraj or Swami?”

  I said, “As a Swami, until everything is settled in my life.”

  Guruji said, “You can visit your village. But be careful, because if any of the family members identify you, then they may try to force you to stay with them. Also, it is dangerous if any of the crooks come to know about your being alive, then they can harm you and your family members.”

  I said, “Guruji, I know there is a risk, and I will try my best to hide my identity and emotions while facing them.”

  Guruji said, “I can understand your feelings. This is what this world is all about; full of emotions which help us connect with each other as human beings. But because of conflicts, this string becomes weak and gets disconnected.”

  Guruji asked me, “When do you want to go there?”

  I said to Guruji, “Can I go tomorrow morning?”

  Guruji said, “Okay. My blessings and best wishes are with you.”

  Next morning, I left for my village which is in the higher reaches of the Himalayas hills in Uttarakhand. I had already grown my beard, moustache, and hair in the last few months. I put on reading spectacles with zero power to look different. To look like a monk, I put on saffron coloured clothes. At first instance, it was difficult for anyone to identify me, but still, I was nervous wondering how I would control my emotions when I faced my family members, particularly my son Ujjawal. I was very excited about meeting them. I took a bus from Rishikesh to reach my village. My village is around a hundred kilometres uphill from Rishikesh.

  In the bus, I saw an empty seat next to an army officer who was sitting at the window side. I went and sat beside him. I love and respect the armed forces, so I started talking to him and asked him his name.

  The officer replied, “I am Captain Mahender Singh Chouhan of The Kumaon Regiment, currently posted in Jammu & Kashmir. I am going to my village on vacation. What about you?”

  I said, “Presently, I am staying in an ashram in Rishikesh, undergoing a self-reform course. By profession, I am an investigative journalist.”

  The Captain shook my hand warmly and said, “You are a soldier of journalism! That’s great, nice to meet you,” and he warmly made the gesture of a salute towards me.

  He asked me, “What is this self-reform course?”

  I said, “It is a course in which we learn how to purify our body and soul. We learn how to use welfare meditation to reform society.”

  Captain said, “Interesting. This is the first time in my life I have heard about this self-reform course. These types of courses are the need of the hour to inculcate a value system in our young generation.”

  I said, “Thanks for your encouragement. I am always excited to know about the life of army people, protecting our nation and fighting on the borders with enemies and terrorists. So please tell me some interesting and exciting experiences of your life in the armed forces.”

  Captain Mahender Singh said, “Well, you often hear good and positive stories about us. These stories boost morale and generate a patriotic feeling. But there is a dark side as well, which as an investigative journalist I suppose you may have an interest in knowing. The media never report our dark stories to the public. You can say we do not have the privilege of enjoying the freedom of expression.”

  I was stunned and could not believe what he was saying. So, I asked, “Captain, what do you mean by dark stories?”

  Captain said, “We work under tremendous pressure, sometimes twenty-four hours of non-stop duty, with a threat to our lives. We have no family life. Modernisation of weapons and equipment take a back seat because of the decrease in government’s annual budget. We have poor quality armaments as compared to our Chinese and Pakistani counterparts, and what the terrorists have. There are poor amenities which can be termed a violation of human rights. We have low salaries, poor quality food and no adequate pension as compared to government servants. Corruption virus spread by politicians has entered the armed forces too, like the Bofors and Rafale deals. Ruling party politicians buy technologically outdated armaments, weapons and fighter jets after getting bribes from international weapon manufacturers. Many army and air force personnel lost their lives while using these.”

  Captain continued saying, “In a way, to protect the nation, we are bound to follow fundamental duties as per the constitution, but we cannot demand fundamental rights which is the domain of the general public and politicians. If we give any feedback to our seniors, then instead of taking any concrete action to improve the system, we are considered anti-nationals and rebels and get punishment, causing stress, depression, and suicides.

  You may be aware that Indian armed forces are ranked ahead in the world for suicidal deaths. How unfortunate is this that India, once known as the ‘golden bird’ because of its prosperity and glorious past is now economically weak and burdened with huge foreign debt. We believe in ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan’ (hail army persons, hail farmers) but sadly, now India is considered ahead in the world for suicides of army personnel and farmers.

  Who is responsible for all this? The innocent voters who choose corrupt politicians to rule the country or the corrupt leaders and bureaucrats? Does anyone have any answers? Media is not interested in broadcasting stories of our dark facets because it does not help them increase their TRPs. Also, they do not want to get in trouble with the ruling party politicians because our problems can disturb the sentiments of the general public thereby affecting their vote banks and thus election results.”

  I said, “It is shocking and surprising to know that there are such serious issues in the armed forces as well.”

  Captain said, “These corrupt politicians have not only spoiled the lives of the general public but also the lives of armed personnel.”

  He continued, “If I send you our stories with proof and evidence then can you help us in making the public aware of the truth, under what tough and objectionable conditions we are living and still protecting the nation. The objective behind this is to tell the public to cast their vote sensibly and judicially so that corrupt politicians should not come to power to affect the lives of both civilians and army personnel.”

  I said, “As a journalist, I will try my best. You may note down my ashram address and post facts with evidence. You are right; the public has Brahmastra through voti
ng power to elect honest politicians who can resolve the serious issues faced by the armed forces.”

  I gave Captain the ashram address and took his father’s mobile number and village address.

  During our conversation, I also told the Captain that we were working on a smart village development model. He suggested to also form a political party which should give importance to honest retired army personnel, teachers, activists, social workers, and intellectuals to come forward and participate in the elections. I assured him to discuss this idea with Guruji.

  Before alighting from the bus, he hugged me. With wet eyes, he said, “My friend, our life is very short, as anytime we can die while protecting the nation and ensuring that the public can work and sleep in peace. I don’t know when we will meet again, so goodbye, my best wishes and best of luck to you; take care of yourself.”

  After alighting from the bus, I saw him saluting me with a smile on his face, and as he started climbing the hills towards his village, he was still waving at me. In this short journey, we got emotionally close to each other. Seeing him going away from me, my eyes became wet too, particularly after remembering his last words, “I don’t know when we will meet again, so goodbye.” I thought for a while and hoped against hope that he was not suffering from depression and prayed to God for his good health.

  After a four hour journey through the beautiful and captivating hills of Uttarakhand, I finally reached my village around noon. While I was walking towards my home, I saw an old farmer ploughing his field. I went to him, and after touching his feet as a mark of respect, I just hugged him. He was surprised to see a monk embracing him and very humbly asked me, “Son, who are you? I cannot recognise you.”

  I said, “Uncle, I am like your son but wanted to hug you because you are the person who feeds the nation by doing hard work in your fields. You are the true son of Mother Earth. Mother Earth and you are both nurturing millions of people by providing food which is essential to survive. So, I just came over to say thank you for your efforts and hard work.”