On 12th January, Sewa International organized Sewa Samwaad

On the occasion of National Youth Day, Dr R Balasubramanian, a renowned scholar, author, and public policy advocate, blessed us with his deep insights on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

Dr R Balasubramaniam founded the Swami Vivekananda Youth movement when he was 19 years of age. After spending 26 years in development work among rural and tribal people, he pursued academic degrees in leadership, organisational development, and public policy. He shared his vast experience which can bring a radical change in our society. He also highlighted how Swami Vivekananda’s teachings are relevant even today.

He added that Swami Vivekananda is more than just a human who lived among us to date. Though he worked for only nine-year yet he had enormous power and potential. Dr Subramaniam life’s mission is to read and understand Swami Vivekananda. He said that Swami Vivekananda is as bright as the sun. The farther you are from the sun, you are aware the light is there, but you see it in a particular way, you may interpret it as a candle or as a flame which gets better and better as you go close to it.

The more we try to live the message of Swami Vivekananda the better we will understand him. Dr Subramaniam is convinced that India is on the verge of an extraordinary transition. He mentioned a newspaper article - “India is soon having a problem” where it was clearly stated that the age group of 35-40 earns money and burns it out soon. He read a famous quote from Swami Vivekananda- “As long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them”.
Dr Subramaniam said that Aspiration is related to education that is structured for employment. Society is changing over the past decade. The dependency ratio is quite less in our nation. And right now is the best opportunity for this nation to have work on its potential. He said that his faith lies in this generation that will serve India.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- World is one family. This quote has been repeated in India time and again. And its essence can be noticed during Covid as we had helped the whole world during the crisis. We had exemplified leadership. Dr Subramaniam advised that we need to understand and decode today while thinking of tomorrow.
He expressed his association with Sewa International by saying it was a second home to him. Our work during Covid was also admired by Dr Subramaniam.

“Only an act of serving is not important, intentions hold equal value.”

The three aspects of Sewa was clearly explained by Dr Subramaniam. Sharirik, Baudhik, and Adhyatmik were the three levels that dealt with different levels of consciousness.
Dr Subramaniam simplified his ideas through a question-answer session. The questions not only clarified the doubts of the listeners but also compelled them to think from multiple perspectives.