As the nation celebrates its 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervor, a touching video of the renowned saint of Vrindavan, Premanand Maharaj, has surfaced on social media. The video captures a poignant moment when several Indian Army soldiers visited him to seek blessings. Seeing the men in uniform, Maharaj was visibly moved and expressed his profound gratitude. For their selfless service to the motherland, leaving a lasting impact on his followers.
A Soldier's Duty is a Great Penance
Addressing the soldiers, Premanand Maharaj emphasized that the life of a soldier is far from a regular job. He described it as 'Maha-Tapasya' (a great penance). He explained that wherever a soldier is stationed, they remain ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation at any given moment, while this level of dedication and sacrifice is unparalleled. Maharaj pointed out that the peace and security enjoyed by citizens within the country are solely due to the brave soldiers standing guard at the borders in extreme conditions.
A Heartfelt Appeal to Society
During the interaction, Premanand Maharaj criticized the societal mindset that often views soldiers merely as government employees. He made a humble request to the public to change this perspective. According to him, an individual who leaves behind their family, children, and personal comforts to protect the nation deserves the highest form of respect. He urged every citizen to fulfill their duty by honoring soldiers and acknowledging their immense contribution to the country's sovereignty.
The Parallel Between Saints and Soldiers
In a beautiful philosophical comparison, Premanand Maharaj stated that in his eyes, saints and soldiers are two sides of the same coin. He explained that while saints work towards the spiritual well-being and moral guidance of the nation through their meditation and teachings, soldiers protect the physical and geographical boundaries of the country with their bravery, while both are dedicated to the service of the nation, one protecting the soul and the other protecting the body of the motherland.
Defining True Love Through Sacrifice
Using the soldiers' patriotism as an example, Maharaj redefined the concept of true love. He remarked that in today's world, what people call love is often just a transaction based on mutual selfishness. He clarified that real love is selfless and expects nothing in return. Soldiers embody this pure form of love as they stand firm against enemies without any personal greed. Their commitment to the nation is the ultimate testimony of selfless devotion and sacrifice.