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Values to Learn from Netaji

The future of a country rests on the shoulders of youths as they're going to eventually become the leaders of tomorrow. Leadership is a process through which the society is directed towards attainment of goals. Therefore, as would-be leaders, the youths are to be directed at helping them fulfil their purpose and prepare for leadership roles. For that it is pertinent to acquire moral standards and values that will mould them into personalities ready to lead for the progress of the society.

Society is dynamic, and as it changes from simple traditional societies to complex modern societies, people, values, trends and activities also change. Leadership evolves to the fore, in societies where people look for comfort, justice and harmony.

In the light of the auspicious occasion on 125th birth anniversary of the great revolutionary freedom fighter of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, let us take a look at some of his inspiring quotes and take life lessons of values to guide the youth of today.

Bose was a bright student and also the topper in matriculation examination from Calcutta. Since childhood he was influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and was popular for his patriotic enthusiasm. To pursue his career in Indian Civil Services, he visited England and appeared for competitive examination and stood fourth in it. However, he soon realised that his true calling lies in serving the cause of his motherland, so he left the chance of materially rich life and career to come back to India and dedicate his life to freedom struggle.

Some cherished and upheld moral values that reflects on his life work and words are:
  • Truthfulness: “Reality is, after all, too big for our frail understanding to fully comprehend. Nevertheless, we've to create our life on the idea which contains the utmost truth.”
  • Respect: “For enslaved people, there are often no greater pride, no higher honour, than to be the primary soldiers within the army of liberation.”
  • Tolerance and Cooperation: “Remember that the greatest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you would like to give if you want to urge.”
  • Hard work and Functionalism: “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”

Just as societies have developed, values have also continued to vary to suit the character of a changing world which has brought in an increased wave of ethical decadence and moral laxity.

One undesirable fall out of the new era is values that are predominantly held and pursued today include dishonesty, disrespect, intolerance and lack of cooperation, profit oriented relationships, abuse of human dignity, loss of pride in diligence and an increased interest within the pursuit of injustice and other crimes; be at a bid to accumulate wealth by adopting the philosophy that “the end justifies the means”.

Moral decadence has resulted in indiscipline at all levels in the society and its effects are seen in our lackadaisical attitude to work in the youth; our readiness to cheat and embezzle, lack of dignity and respect for human life and therefore the monster of corruption.

Public goods and resources are audaciously stolen by individuals who are in leadership positions during a bid to accumulate wealth for themselves and secure the longer term of their families caring less about the pain and burdens to be borne by other members of the society as a consequence of their actions.

In a world were development continues to require place and societies rapidly move with latest developmental trends; it's vital for teens to carry on to moral values taught them in their childhood.

The great revolutionary freedom fighter of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, is celebrated the world over as a truly remarkable man who did not hesitate to sacrifice his life for his ideal. His values should be guiding light for proud young men and women of India whose spirits are dampened by the morally degraded era. Netaji stood for truth, justice and freedom and is today hailed as a hero, an icon and a man of the people.

Written by: Prof. Avirupa Bhaduri
Faculty - Media & Communication,
ISB&M Kolkata