Speech of HH Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji during book release – July 29, 2012 – Mysore
With the British rule, our system of education got corrupted. When the British were chased out and they finally left, the burden was upon our shoulders to revive and re-establish our traditions and values. Sri K.M. Munshi was among those who took the strong initiative to establish the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. He has written several wonderful books that have been translated into different languages, Krishnavatara being one such, which has now been translated into Kannada. Sri Ramakrishna Mission also puts out many spiritual works just like Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. I had the opportunity of meeting Sri Munshi in Mumbai through Mr. Desai who had hosted me during my visit. I was a young Swamiji then, several decades ago. It was said thatSri Munshi remarked about the brilliance he noticed in the eyes of young Swamiji. We owe a huge debt to our ancestors who have not only placed us in this world, each of us in our own particular family and religion as ordained by God, but who have also bequeathed to us our ancient works of wisdom. It is true that our tradition extols warm hospitality. It is good to offer shelter, food, clothing and warm company to your guests. You may offer them your plate of food foregoing your own meal, you may offer them your bed, and whatever help is required. But to give up your own home and parents for them, to reject the religion, language, family and spiritual culture that gave you birth, raised and nourished you, to commit yourself to a foreign set of beliefs and lifestyle is the worst crime ever. It is a complete betrayal of trust placed in you by your ancestors without whose grace, generosity and compassion you would not even exist. It is important to honor and preserve your own parents, your religious beliefs, your mother tongue and your traditional eternal values of humanity taught by our epics, scriptures and Vedas. These, you must preserve, promote and pass on to future generations. This privilege and heavy responsibility lies on the shoulders of all of us. Please read the good books, share them with family and friends and cherish the heritage that is your great good fortune.
Sri Guru Datta.