(A topographic map of India)

India is the land, where the dichotomy of ‘that’ and ‘this’, of ‘creator’ and ‘creation’. of ‘energy’ and ‘matter’, was resolved in one grand unity, by both theory and practice, in philosophical schools and hermitages. The tree of life, with its countless branches proliferating into thoughts, words, and deeds, attitudes, tendencies, and impulses, is known by the sages of India to have its roots in heaven! So, every rule and ritual was made sacred and holy, suffused with purity, humility and love. This resulted in peace and happiness, for the individual, the family and the community, the nation and the world. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 75)

Strive to make India strong and happy so that it may not be a drag on other countries, or even a temptation; she was once the Guru of Humanity. Let her assume that role again. Live therefore the life that will make you respected and revered as a child of Bharat, the life that will be an example and inspiration for all. (SSS Vol.5, p. 79)

My country is India. My religion is the religion of India. My ideals and traditions have been born in India. You must develop such thoughts in your mind. You must develop great respect and attachment to the culture that has flourished in this country from time immemorial. Our culture is ancient and immortal. You will have to dedicate your life for the future of this country. Your life can be peaceful only when you can control your excitement of the body and the mind. These are harmful. (SSB 1973, p. 14)

Gandhi said, ‘My India is the India of villages’. The freedom that has been won and the prosperity that is looked forward to can be ensured only when the villagers are free and prosperous. And this depends in its turn on the freedom and prosperity of each family in the village.

Now, there is no unity, no mutual co-operation, no love between the four or five brothers in the family; everyone is at cross-purposes with the rest. How then can the village enjoy freedom and peace and prosperity? And what to speak of the country when the condition of its villages is so bad?

Every person seeks positions of authority, without trying to deserve the authority by means of the qualifications necessary to use it in the right way. Of course if a person has good intentions and full capabilities and the vision of the divine, he can well seek authority and discharge it well. But, we seldom see any one thinking of one’s duty; everywhere people are after the acquisition of positions of authority. (SSS Vol. 15, p. 271)