Remberence

Life ends with death. So is the notion. Some say it extends even beyond. Names are remembered even after death. Their birthdays are celebrated. Humanity observes two minutes silence on their death anniversaries. To-day is the brithday of Subhas Chandra Bose. He is no more. But his brithday on 23rd January is celebrated each year with great respect. States like West Bengal, Odisha and Tripura observe holiday on this day. There are several programmes to commemorate the day. The day is remembered for the his courage and kindness.

Popularly known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose challenged the might of the British and even attacked British India with the help of the Japanese. His only aim was to free the country from the clutches of the British who suppressed Indian and subjected them to sufferance and torture. Netaji is said to have died in a plane crash on 18th August, 1945 and his ashes are there in Japan but Indians fail to believe this theory.

Each human being has a birth. So there is a birthday for all. Birthdays are observed initially by parents then relatives and friends. Some are lucky to have their birthdays celebrated even after their death. The nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi for his sacrifice for the people of this country. People are therefore remembered for their actions. The actions might not be the same. 25th December each year is celebrated being the birthday of Jesus Christ. More than 50 per cent of the countries celebrate the day.

Pages from history mention the courage of Subhas Chandra Bose. His escape from India under severe surveillance is something worth remembering. It showed the courage he had and was ready to face any eventuality. He did not do it for himself. It was for the people. We are enjoying freedom for such courageous and spirited people. That is why the people of India remember him to-day. Netaji he is popularly referred is remembered not only in India but is referred at times in different countries. Apart from being a courageous person, he showed signs of kindness. When the British Government arrested hawkers in the streets of Calcutta, Netaji as Mayor of Calcutta Municipal Corporation personally took the initiative to have a Trade License issued in the name of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee popularly remembered by all as `Dada Thakur' known for several attributes the main among all being his principles which he never compromised. He used to sell his newspaper printed at Jangipur, Dt. Murshidabad in the streets of Calcutta. Always bare foot and without kurta or shirt along with the dhoti he wore. Netaji took the initiate to protect Dada Thakur from arrest. This aspect showed his human attribute - kindness. Netaji through his deeds showed courage and kindness much needed for any human. That is why he is remembered by the people even to-day. It is not only the people of the country but Government and Government establishments that pay homage to the person. Reason why people of the country remember Netaji it is for his respect for human values. Not for any other reason.

To-day, Subhas Chandra Bose would be 122 years having being born on 23/01/1897. It is for his deeds that we remember him even to this day and observe his birthday. An obvious question comes how many people would be lucky enough to have his birthday remembered after he is no more on earth. Our scriptures have warned us of ego. We are advised to shed ego. But somehow people cannot shed ego. It is hard to conquer.

I was fortunate to have been invited by an ex-judge of a High Court last week on the occasion of a social event. I did not expect to be invited as I am no person of standing. Like all person I have a name and do small things for existence. I have watched that Mr X did not care anything. He valued human attributes. Mr X is seen to help people. Earlier Mr X had phoned me to arrange for an accommodation for his colleague ( Mr Y)who is also a retired High Court Judge. Mr X's calls can hardly remain unheeded. Immediately information of an accommodation came which was passed on to Mr X. On the occasion date when I was there, Mr Y had come. When it was time to leave Mr X request me to find whether Mr Y could see the information. At the request of X arrangement for Mr Y was made. People who would show the accommodation arrived. I was requested by Mr X to accompany the team. The visit was completed smoothly. It was observed that it was Mr Y was doing a favour by visiting the place and carried a sense of ego throughout. He discussed all with the people concerned. He cared little for others. After finishing his work he left showing least concern for the people who had arranged for his visit here. The difference between Mr X and Mr Y as person was clearly visible. They belonged to the same class. But their attitude towards others was different. And this was easily apparent. Human elementary was absent in his attitude towards others. He wanted others to remember that he was an ex-Judge of High Court. I noticed that his car which was a new one had the words that he was a Judge. When he left, all left behind stared at each other. The arrangers offered to risk it out by giving me a lift in their motor cycle even though we would be there. I preferred to walk back to my place by taking the short cut.

I wanted to forget about the visit by Mr Y but I immediately remembered that I should give a call to Mr X apprising of the visit. To-day I remembered the birthday of the daughter of a couple who are respectful ever ready to help others and wished the child HAPPY BIRTHDAY.