MARATHI, MAHATMA GANDHI AND NAMASMARAN: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Some leaders (from different fields) have mistaken identity. Mistaken identity is identity other than that of a human being. They identify themselves; with region and language; e.g. Marathi Asmita (pride), Marathi Manoos (person), and Marathi Bhasha (language)!

Their sectarian opponents with equally petty identity and partisan motives; pretend to be broad minded and large hearted; and criticize them.

We are in a dilemma. Which side to choose? What is the solution?

Both sides represent; generalization of subjective and illusory or paranoid fear; of being dominated by the others; by petty, fanatic and maniacal leaders; representing both sides.

Even though the petty leaders on both sides; are selling blame games; and many of us; find gratification in them; (due to our own narrowness), soon we all would be disillusioned; and if we don’t rectify in time; would degenerate.

While everyone one of us is prone to fall prey to parochial chauvinism; the solution does not lie in such vicious and barbaric reactions. We have to make efforts to rise; and bravely conquer the obstacles to growth; inside and outside; and blossom together!

Marathi manoos (as well as others) has gone far and wide and excelled in a variety of fields and walks of life; such as art, sports, languages, trade, sciences, finances, politics and spirituality; but not with a narrow identity such as Marathi or Non-Marathi manoos.

In this respect the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi is a guiding light for the whole mankind and all of us even today. In essence; Mahatma Gandhi tried to initiate individual and global blossoming and self empowerment.

Charkha, khaadi, naturopathy, walking, moolodyog (productive element in education); were all; essentially aimed at self empowerment! Freedom; for him; meant freedom from within and outside; and for India and the people of world!

For him, nonviolence meant “freedom from indiscriminate inflictions; to oneself and the others”!

Mahatma Gandhi’s globally benevolent ideas articulated; as his “inner voice”; had sprung from the enlightenment inside; originated from his practice of NAMASMARAN. One can also argue that NAMASMARAN sprung from the enlightenment!
There is no issue. In any case; NAMASMARAN and enlightenment go hand in hand!


We must understand that if our blossoming is punctuated, then our inner growth is also stunted. In as much it is unnatural to deny our physical and subsequent identities; it is antinatural get saddled in regional, linguistic or religious identities. It is stressful to everyone.

Let us see a practical problem!

Restricting our identity creates a conflict in our mind when it comes to judging humane and inhuman acts!

If a person committing some inhuman acts; is a member of our family, caste, language, region, religion, nation, race; and a person serving mankind selflessly; is not; then whom should we consider as “ours” and accept, love and respect?

What is our true identity?

In addition to our body, family, caste, village, religion; our true core identity is; “being part of the process of individual and global blossoming”! The simplest way of realizing this; is practice of NAMASMARAN, in absence of which, we get trapped in the restrictive identities and throttle our soul! We should not merely believe or disbelieve; this; but verify.