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Subject: WV2000:THEN AND NOW:1893-1993 
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**************************************************************************
				THEME IV
   Systems are Conducive to the unfoldment of Divinity of Human Beings
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			 THEN AND NOW:1893-1993

		            By D. B. THENGADI

[Shri Dattopant Thengadi is the Founder of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (
Indian Labour Organization), and an organizer of Rastriya Swyamsevak
Sangh (RSS), a National volunteer organization in India since 1942. ]



When Swami Vivekananda refused to accept the Western paradigm as the
universal model of progress and development, the progressive
Macaulayites were taken aback by this startling observation of an
otherwise rational warrior saint of Bharat. To Macaulayites the
Western civilization was modernization. Leftists in the West
considered Swami Vivekananda's approach as status quo. And when he
talked of Bharat's ancient glorious past, the radicals dubbed him
revivalist.

All this despite the fact that Sister Nivedita, a former staunch
follower of Prince Kropotkin, the most revolutionary anarchist
ideologue of the then contemporary west became a life long disciple of
Swamiji. Macaulayites could not understand Swamiji because it was the
hay day of Western materialism whose internal self contradictions
could not be perceived by them. And secondly they had very hazy
notions about the terms 'Revolution, revivalism, reform and
renaissance. Materialistic West believes that matter is basic and the
mind is only a superstructure on it.  But Hindu sages thought that
since nature had bestowed decision making ability only on the mind it
was more basic than matter.  Molding of minds was more important.

In this context Dr.  Ambedkar's views about human rights are very
relevant. 'Rights are protected not by law but by the social and moral
conscience of the society. If the social conscience is prepared to
recognize rights which law chooses to enact they will be safe and
secure.  But if the community opposes, even the fundamental rights
cannot be guaranteed by the community, law, parliament, judiciary in
the real sense of the term. 

 Western materialists disregarding the mind could not understand how
legitimate pride for the past generates aspirations for the
future. Shri Guruji had declared that the grand, world unifying
thought of Hindus alone can supply the basis for human
brotherhood. The knowledge of human spirit will change the human mind
with sublime urge to toil for the happiness of entire mankind. Hindu
thinking is integrated.  Swamiji's was a gesture of unique courage of
conviction.

In 1993, the position is that the West concentrates on
development. But it suffers from great imbalance. Communism has failed
and days of capitalism are numbered. The search is on for the 'Third
Way'. Arnold Toyanbee says 'It is becoming clear that a chapter which
had a Western beginning will have to have an Indian ending, if it is
not to end in self destruction of the human race. If India were ever
to fail to live up to the Indian ideal which is the finest, the most
exacting legacy in your Indian heritage, it would be a poor lookout for
the mankind. So a great spiritual responsibility rests upon India'.

The west is confident that Bharat will do the needful because we know
that in India there is an attitude towards life and an approach to the
handling of human affairs that answers the needs of the present
situation. And these needs are not only inside India but in the world
as a whole.  

Thus they have defined the role and responsibility of Bharat in the
21st century world affairs. The circle begun in 1893 is about to
become complete. But the Seer is no more in our midst to guide us. Who
will take his place? Without assuming physical form he has to guide
and supervise his complicated mission. He is not competent for Moksha
until the fulfillment of his original responsibility.