Janani & Janmabhoomi – The Way Narendra Modi sees both!
Sri. Narendra Modi and Me have one thing in common. We both lost our Mothers in 2022! However, the action after expiration was widely different. Even while they were alive, our approach were hugely different too. While Modi was expressive of his adoration to his mother, there was no such outward expression from my side. I seldom had the opportunity to be away from my mother and I was with her since my birth till her death! Modi was almost always away… physically.
“Mother is God.” It is a phrase that highlights the high regard and respect that is given to mothers in many cultures. The quote is often used as a way to express gratitude and appreciation for mothers and to recognise the important role that they play in the lives of their children. The concept of “Mother is God” reflects the idea that the motherly qualities of love, protection, and nurturing are divine and essential to the well-being of all living beings.
The rituals after death as practised by those who believe in the Sanatan Dharma in Bharat – Antyesti, Sraddha, Tarpan, Pinda Daan, Kriya Karm – are done with utmost reverence that at the end of the person’s physical life, the soul is released from the body, purified, offered food and water and ensure that the “Atma” attains “Mukti” or “Moksha”. I strived to do as much as is possible even taking off from my mundane work schedules, staying home! In contrast, Modi just flew in, paid his respects, carried his mother’s mortal remains to the crematorium, conducted funerary rites and he was back in business. Reminds me of the words Sri Ram told his younger brother after the conquest of Lanka:
“Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi”
“Mother and motherland are greater than heaven.” This quote highlights the deep love and respect that is often felt towards mothers and the role that they play in
shaping the lives of their children. It also recognises the strong bond that is often formed between mothers and their children, and the sense of belonging and connection that comes with being a part of a family. Equally strong is the bonding to the Janmabhoomi – Motherland! The concept of Janmabhoomi is closely tied to the idea of one’s cultural roots and identity. It is believed that the Janmabhoomi is a place of great spiritual significance, as it is the place where one’s soul first entered the physical world.
Overall, one’s duty to their Janmabhoomi is about showing respect and appreciation for the place that has shaped and influenced their life, and working to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the community. We can understand all this, but then is it necessary to be of service to the motherland even before the funeral pyre has hardly settled. I took 11 full days to go back to work!
During his mother’s lifetime, Modi showed love, respect, and appreciation. He treated her with kindness and compassion, and am sure helped and supported her in every way that he could. The
There was a tweet from the PMO informing all that the PM will attend the scheduled programmes in West Bengal, via Video Conference! He actually did not have time to grieve even, I am sure. The grit and resolve that one has to have to take a decision to go from the cremation ground to the studio is not something that many can fathom. The loss of a mother is a deeply emotional and tragic event. It is expected that the leader of the nation, as a son, would behave with great respect and reverence towards his mother, even in death. Did Narendra Modi behave as per our traditional beliefs?
In most probability, Modi must have seen his mother as a manifestation of the divine feminine principle – “shakthi”, a source of strength in leading a nation, the biggest democracy in the universe! Let me take you back to the “Howdy, Modi” event at Houston in September 2019. This is how he introduced his family to Donald Trump. “Mr President, you had introduced me to your family in 2017. And today, I have the honour to introduce you to my family. Over a billion Indians and people of Indian heritage around the globe, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my friend, a friend of India, a great American President Mr Donald Trump,”
It must be that shakti that he drew from his mother that he displayed in the programmes that he attended and also the official duties that he performed with grit and with (maybe) teeth clenched so as not not show any signs of emotion during his public address. The grit with which Sachin Tendulkar scored a ton is something that I can remember of after seeing our PM in action.
On May 23, 1999, Sachin Tendulkar scored one of the most emotional centuries of his international cricket career. Tendulkar, decided to fly back to England after attending his father’s funeral and ended up playing a match-winning knock for his team. A fitting tribute to the departed soul. This time, Modi did not even get the luxury of the travel time. Prime Minister virtually flagged off the Vande Bharat Express connecting Howrah and New Jalpaiguri. He also virtually flagged off metro services on the Joka- Taratala route in Kolkata. He even apologised to the people of West Bengal for not being able to attend the scheduled event in person due to “personal reasons”.
Allow me to compare the Prime Ministership to that of a King! Then, as a king, it is expected that a person would prioritise the needs of the nation above their own personal needs. The king is seen as a leader and protector of the people, and it is their duty to work for the prosperity and well-being of the kingdom. This may involve making difficult decisions and sacrifices in the interest of the nation, even if those decisions do not necessarily align with the king’s personal interests or desires. The concept of dharma, or righteousness, is considered to be of great importance for a king. The king is expected to follow the principles of dharma and to act in a way that is just and fair, even if this means putting the needs of the nation above their own personal needs.
Placing the nation above self is often seen as a noble and admirable quality, as it demonstrates a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to serving the greater good. In the present day, many leaders prioritise the need for “personal time”, the way our PM demonstrated his resolve to keep “nation first”, I for one can only express my deep sense of gratitude to Sri. Narendra Modi with utmost respect to him. My prayers that Heeraba’s Atma attains Moksha.
Let me invoke the verse 20, Chapter 2, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which I am sure is what consoled Narendra Modi.
na jayate mriyate va kadachin nayam bhutva bhavita va na bhuyah ajo nityah shashvato ’yam purano na hanyate hanyamane sharire
Bharat Mata Ki Jai
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