One member of the audience asked Swami whether it was not necessary for India to equip itself with atom bombs in view of the fact that both affluent America and Communist Russia had huge piles of atom bombs. Swami replied: ‘what folly is this! When there are millions in the country who lack food, clothing and shelter, the provision of these necessities is the most urgent task and not the manufacturing of atom bombs. Of what use are bombs when you cannot feed the people? Crores are being wasted on armaments. I cannot agree to such wastage.’

Then another member asked: ‘How are we to meet an attack from outside?’ Swami replied: ‘Our country’s name is Bharat. For this country, the Mahabharata is the authentic guidebook. The heroes in this epic are the five Pandava brothers. Among them, Arjuna and Bhima are incomparable warriors. Nevertheless, they submitted themselves to Dharmaja, the eldest of the brothers. If India upholds Dharma, America and Russia will have to respect Bharat. Confronted by Dharma, anyone, however powerful, will be cut to size. Therefore, the most vital thing for Bharat is Dharma.’

When Swami gave this reply, the entire gathering cheered Swami for fifteen minutes. Thereafter Swami told them: ‘It is not enough to clap your hands; open the taps of your minds. Take to the path of Dharma. There is no use merely applauding my words.’ (SS Dec 94 , pp. 314-315)