A magnificent life dedicated to service

### Blog 8: A Tribute to Chariji

Words cannot do justice to the humble yet towering character of beloved Chariji. In January 2006, I had the immense privilege of meeting him. The meeting lasted just two minutes.

What followed that brief encounter is beyond explanation. From the depths of self-doubt and despair, I found myself revitalized, regaining all the vigor, intensity, and above all, love for life that I thought I had lost. Everything else—career success, friendships, and improved relationships with family—are mere effects of that profound inner transformation.

In April 2007, I visited the beautiful Manapakkam Ashram for Heartfulness. Chariji was walking outside the gate of his cottage. I stood about twenty feet away, just watching him. I didn’t feel the need to approach him, ask him anything, or speak to him. Tears flowed continuously from my eyes, and I was immersed in a state of love and bliss. This state lasted for about half an hour.

One Saturday, I saw Chariji entering his cottage with a bandage over one of his eyes. I later learned that he had undergone cataract surgery. Yet, the very next morning, he was there, promptly conducting the Sunday Satsangh.

Many abhyasis have shared their stories—countless instances of Chariji’s iron will, enduring any pain, and helping people reach their spiritual potential or find peace, whatever their hearts desired. Even for those who were unwilling, he extended his well-being to whatever extent was permissible.

Chariji’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and love, a legacy that has touched countless lives, including mine. His presence continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of a truly great soul who, with humility and strength, lifts others to their highest potential.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj

#Chariji

#Heartfulness

Honorable, Mr. K. Kamaraj

Does the man possess writing talent?

Does he know literature?

Could he speak a few words in English, let alone with fluency?

But,

Courage, honesty, and unprecedented integrity—these words and phrases find their true beauty and depth in the way this man lived. He was the honorable K. Kamaraj.

Kamaraj's formal education ended at the 6th standard. Poverty forced him into the workforce at an early age. Yet, he grew into a man of extraordinary vision and influence, earning the title *Kaala Gandhi*—"The Gandhi with black skin"—from the people. His actions invited such a title. For years, he would start his day at 6 AM, engaging with the people of British India, walking tirelessly until 10 or 11 PM, seeking new avenues to connect and inspire. Prison walls never confined his soul.

In post-independence India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, there was a movement to restrict education based on caste. If you were a weaver, your children would be limited to learning only the craft of weaving. This would have institutionalized a new form of slavery by the state, if not for Kamaraj's courageous intervention.

In a time when many struggled to find food, with no footwear and often missing two meals a day, sending children to school was an impossible luxury. The practical man that he was, Kamaraj introduced the midday meal scheme, ensuring that children were served healthy lunches at school. This compassionate initiative encouraged parents to send their children to school, understanding that feeding them was as essential as educating them. As a result, the literacy rate in Tamil Nadu rose from a mere 7% in British India to 37%.

Kamaraj introduced many reforms, including the vital principle that the older generation should relinquish power to allow the younger generation to assume leadership and thrive.

He was known as the *Kingmaker of India,* even by those who did not share a common language with him.

For Kamaraj, true work itself was a language. He needed nothing else. His legacy is one of profound gratitude, honor, and love—a legacy that transcends words and lives on in the hearts of those he touched.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj #India #TamilNadu

The Star-Spangled Banner

A Plea to My Beloved United States

Michael Dean, chair of the Department of Music and director of vocal studies at UCLA, has trained many talented singers—from opera stars and pop icons to amateur vocalists—on how to sing the national anthem. He notes that even for the most trained voices, *The Star-Spangled Banner* is a difficult song. Its demanding vocal range, especially hitting the highest note on the word "free," strains the throat, symbolizing the physical and emotional effort required to truly embody the anthem’s meaning.

Being number one comes with its challenges. Many covet the top spot, and some openly or secretly wish for the downfall of the leader. There are always onlookers who take pleasure in seeing those at the top stumble, finding entertainment in their missteps. And then, there are the ungrateful critics, eager to tear down the one who has achieved greatness.

But the greatest tragedy occurs when the top-ranked individual begins to tear themselves apart with harsh self-judgment, even before the criticisms of others take hold.

My beloved United States of America,

Let’s stop making this tragic mistake! You deserve better!

Consider this: Who discovered electricity? Who invented the telephone? Who influenced global opinion on India's British rule, playing a key role in the country’s freedom struggle? Who challenged their own government and succeeded? Whose constitution is still considered one of the best ever written?

And let’s not forget the cultural impact of creations like *Harry Potter* (the movies) or the importance of Google in our daily lives. The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, hails from a South Indian state, just like me.

In my years of living, working, and traveling across Asia, Europe, and North America, I’ve only seen someone like Sundar Pichai rise to such heights in the United States. Despite its imperfections, the U.S. has been a global thought leader and visionary.

But America, being self-critical is vital!

Do we need to rely on others instead of addressing our own mistakes? Must we burden ourselves with guilt instead of joyfully building upon our strengths? Should we join the chorus of thankless critics instead of appreciating our accomplishments?

Let’s not forget to be grateful for what our forefathers and foremothers have done to build this nation. Let’s stop tearing ourselves down and start building each other up with love and honest effort.

America, recognize your contributions and heed my plea!

The greatest tragedy of all is when the top-ranked soul tears itself apart with self-judgment.

Stop being the one who makes this tragic mistake, my dearest United States of America! You deserve more!

I believe *The Star-Spangled Banner* is challenging to sing because it symbolizes the hard work it takes to build a nation like ours. So, on this day of your freedom, I wish for your rebirth as a truly free soul.

Let us rise, not in self-criticism, but in celebration of the enduring spirit that has built, and will continue to build, this great nation.

Citizen KK,

July 4, 2020

#CitizenKK

#Kamaraj #TheUnitedStates #America