Sankar Halder’s Speech on 20th Foundation Day

On the occasion of Mukti’s 20th Foundation Day, Mukti’s Founder President Shankar Halder delivered a profound address to all Mukti Sathi members. In his speech, he articulated his commitment to transparency, aiming to deepen the understanding of all Mukti Sathis. Reflecting on the pivotal message conveyed by Honorable Somnath Mukhopadhyay (Association for India’s Development – AID), emphasizing the imperative of nurturing consciousness alongside material progress, the President underscored Mukti’s holistic approach. He emphasized that sustainable development hinges on the synergy between consciousness and material prosperity, with ongoing initiatives to foster both aspects. Addressing prevalent misconceptions surrounding the term “Mukti,” he elucidated its multifaceted essence beyond spiritual, religious, and addiction-related connotations, clarifying its true essence. He quoted Rabindranath Tagore’s lines:

“My path to liberation is not through renunciation

Joyous amidst myriad bonds, I will taste my liberation

My emancipation is want’s emancipation

Let my wants burn bright as liberation”

Choosing a path of spirituality, whether by leaving one’s family or society, is often seen as a profound quest for the meaning of life. However, true liberation isn’t found solely in self-isolation; it’s intertwined with societal betterment. Mukti advocates recognizing the distinction between genuine needs and insatiable desires. While fulfilling basic necessities like food, shelter, education, and healthcare is vital for family life, obsessively chasing more can lead to bondage, not freedom. Liberation isn’t attained by indulging greed, but by transcending it and fostering a balanced, fulfilling existence within society.

“Like a lamp, my world, in a million circles

Will illuminate in your light”

To all our Mukti Sathis and fellow social workers, envision yourselves as lamps. Just as a lamp radiates bright light, each Mukti Sathi illuminates society, sparking new lights from one another. Like the flame of a lamp, casting gentle light while enduring the intense heat within, every Mukti Sathi embodies the resilience to withstand the fiery trials of social service. For in every great endeavor, challenges akin to poison inevitably arise. Hence, Mukti Sathis must cultivate a mindset of tolerance towards adversity, forging ahead with unwavering courage and determination.

In discussing the ideology of Mukti, he emphasized, “You may have noticed that our organization doesn’t idolize any individual or adhere to religious rituals throughout the year. This isn’t about replacing one form of servitude with another. We must transcend the slavery of thought, including our own, and embrace a collective consciousness. It’s crucial for every Mukti Sathi to elevate their awareness, critically evaluating thoughts in the context of society. A liberated consciousness is fluid, evolving over time, and it is incumbent upon all Mukti Sathis to nurture and advance it through a deliberate process.”

Continuing, he shed light on the critical issue of education. Liberation entails freedom from illiteracy, and a significant transformation is underway in India’s education system. Our current model predominantly focuses on livelihood, neglecting holistic education, particularly value education. This gap in our educational structure hampers the development of genuine individuals. The fault lies not with the people but with the system itself, a flaw we must rectify. While livelihood-focused education is essential, integrating value education is paramount. This message, emphasized by our esteemed secretary, Mr. Satyajit Roy, underscores the importance of nurturing both aspects. The president further articulated that those of us associated with Mukti have instilled the right values from our surroundings and the education system since childhood. If we aspire for a better society and wish to see those around us prosper, then advocating for a comprehensive, value-centric education system is imperative. Moreover, setting an example as individuals of integrity is non-negotiable. We must remember that our children and society emulate our actions, making self-improvement a fundamental societal need.

In our society, we often judge tasks based on their perceived importance, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that designate certain jobs as solely for women. We strive to dismantle these ingrained biases, recognizing that progress is hindered when we continue to assign value based on the nature of work.

Illustrating this point, he cited the example of planting fruit and flower saplings across Mukti Gram. While some may view this endeavor as merely for beautification or women’s empowerment, its true purpose lies in supporting vital ecosystems. These saplings serve to facilitate and enhance the work of bees and other pollinators, whose role in the environment is indispensable. These tiny insects play a pivotal role in pollination; without their diligent efforts, plants wouldn’t produce seeds, leading to dire consequences for both flora and fauna. Therefore, it’s imperative to abandon the notion of devaluing any form of work, recognizing the interconnectedness of all tasks in sustaining our world.

He emphasized the importance of empathy amidst rising conflict and intolerance, quoting, “He who sees himself in others and others in himself, will harbor less intense hatred.” This perspective is crucial in today’s divisive society, where seeds of animosity are sown in various spheres, be it politics or religion. By striving to empathize with others, we can mitigate the hatred within ourselves. While complete eradication of hate may be elusive, it can be conquered through love. To illustrate, he likened it to the sun’s consistent warmth, which we appreciate in winter but resent in summer. Similarly, people judge actions based on personal circumstances, underscoring the need for liberated individuals to persist in their endeavors without being discouraged by unfair criticism. Our life’s purpose shouldn’t be contingent on external validation; instead, it should stem from a commitment to humanity, transcending fleeting societal needs and preferences.

When one finds true joy in an activity, it’s natural to consider personal happiness. Yet, few transcend individual bliss for the collective good. If Mukti Sathis embrace this ethos, boundless love will flourish, and personal happiness will expand infinitely. Reflecting on luminaries like Vivekananda, Gandhi, or Subhash Chandra, we must acknowledge the societal forces that shaped them. Subhash Chandra’s greatness, for instance, was nurtured by the socio-political context of British rule, his upbringing, and educational background. Individual prowess stems from collective influence, and there comes a point when individuality merges back into the collective. Like a tree returning its essence to the earth, personal growth relies on collective nurturing. The question then arises: what constitutes our collective property? Is it family, close connections, or society at large?

 

In addressing queries regarding Mukti’s stance on patriotism, it’s vital to understand that patriotism begins with self-improvement. From there, it extends to family, village, society, and country, with a broader responsibility toward humanity and even the planet itself. This sense of responsibility fosters empathy and diminishes jealousy. Patriotism isn’t merely about addressing domestic issues but also about serving humanity globally. Social service doesn’t always require hefty external funding; individuals can contribute from their own capacities. Hence, there’s no need for unwarranted hostility towards neighboring states; every person can play a role in serving society and country from their respective positions.

“The burdens received from you have come with the means to bear them

The burdens I have accumulated have become a dead-weight.”

When we share responsibility collectively, its weight becomes more manageable, but if we attempt to shoulder it all alone, the burden soon becomes overwhelming.

“You called upon me to tread the path

But I have fallen behind, how do I keep up?

The dark night has obliterated the path

I think you are with me, but I am afraid, what if

I have lost you in the darkness before dawn?”

As I reflect on the verses of this poem, I question whether all Mukti Sathis are truly committed to the ideals of Mukti, or if some are motivated by personal agendas. If their objectives are met, might they eventually drift away from the cause? It’s crucial for everyone to ensure that the founding principles remain as vibrant as they are today. I urge all Mukti Sathis to introspect deeply on their reasons for embarking on the path of true Mukti.

“Nowhere is an escape to be found, even the skies are a prison

The air becomes a poisonous breath”

The pervasive impact of global warming is evident in the state of our planet today, echoing the concerns voiced by Rabindranath Tagore nearly a century ago. It’s imperative to establish stringent criteria for all future development endeavors, ensuring they withstand the rigors of our environment. As Mukti Sathis, we must integrate environmental considerations into every aspect of our work. For instance, in the production and use of sanitary pads, we must prioritize eco-friendly practices. The sight of countless sanitary pads, plastic, and alcohol bottles polluting the rivers of Sundarbans prompts us to reflect on the urgency of change. I implore all Mukti Sathis to contemplate this issue deeply.

A heartfelt message for all Mukti Sathis who may feel disheartened by obstacles hindering their work:

“They who call you mad, say nothing to them

Those who smear you with dirt today

Tomorrow will see them following you with garlands”

I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I’m confident you will too. When you embark on a journey of social service, expect skepticism at first, followed by resistance. However, if you persevere, you’ll eventually earn admiration and support. Therefore, all Mukti Sathis involved in our new programs must anticipate and understand this trajectory. Those who have long been part of Mukti have traversed this path. The path to liberation, as you perceive it today, was not without obstacles. Any path devoid of challenges is unlikely to be the correct one. Therefore, muster the courage to navigate this journey with determination.

“In the dawn of the new age

Do not while away your time in choosing the right moment

What will remain, and what will perish, what will come to be and what won’t

O you circumspect one

Your action will be your victory drum

The strength of your feet will overcome obstacles, do not hesitate”

Let’s not waste any more time; let’s continue working together. As we move forward, the collective efforts of everyone will pave the path ahead, revealing the way through our unified actions.

“The sun may hide behind the clouds for a while

Maybe you will find the skies gloomy

But wait a while, braveheart

Be assured that victory will be yours

No action will be useless, no effort will be in vain

The flower that was shed before it could bloom

The river that disappeared in the desert sands

I know, I know even they are not lost”