निवेदिता - एक समर्पित जीवन - 22

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

अंग्रेज और भारतीय

निवेदिता बोधगया से लौटी हैं। साथ में सपत्नीक जगदीशचन्द्र बसु तथा अन्य लोग भी है। गया स्टेशन से निवेदिता तथा बसुगण आदि को अलग-अलग ट्रेन से जाना था। बसु की ट्रेन पहले आयी| दौड़-धूप करने पर भी कोई डिब्बा खाली नहीं मिला। अन्ततोगत्वा वे लोग एक प्रथम श्रेणी के डिब्बे में चढ़ने लगे। उस डिब्बे में दो अंग्रेज थे। बसु आदि को भारतीय होने के कारण किसी भी तरह उस डिब्बे में चढ़ने नहीं दे रहे थे। साथी लोग स्टेशन मास्टर के पास दौड़े। वहाँ लौटने पर उन्होंने देखा कि निवेदिता उन अंग्रेजो को जोर-जोर से डाँट खाकर उन्होंने दरवाजा खोल दिया। किसी तरह अन्तिम क्षणों में बसु आदि ट्रेन में चढ़े। ट्रेन चलने लगी। फिर निवेदिता का क्रोध कम नहीं हुआ।

इसी बीच उनकी ट्रेन भी आ गयी। उस ट्रेन में प्रथम श्रेणी के केवल दो डिब्बे थे। एक डिब्बे में एक भारतीय पुरुष था तथा दूसरे में एक अंग्रेज महिला। साथियों ने उन्हें अंग्रेज महिला वाले डिब्बे में चढ़ाना चाहा। निवेदिता में इस पर भारी आपत्ति की तथा जिस डिब्बे में भारतीय पुरुष था, उसी डिब्बे में चढ़ी। दरवाजा खोलकर भीतर जाते ही भारतीय सज्जन उठ खड़े हुए तथा अपने हुक्के को हटाकर बैठने की जगह बना दी। ट्रेंन रवाना होते समय निवेदिता ने अपने साथियों से कहा - बर्बर अंग्रेज और सभ्य भारतीय में कितना अंतर है क्या यह तुमने देखा? 

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Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 34

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Nivedita as Agnishikha in Freedom Movement - 2

After the partition of Bengal, the political scene became very hot. The people protested against the partition, they could see the seeds of British's 'Divide and rule' policy in it. The political differences between moderates and nationalists developed into an open clash.

Nivedita was helping the revolutionaries like Barindra Ghose, Hem Chandra Das, Ulhaskar Dutta, Bhupendranath Dutta etc. Those who wanted to know and experiment in making of bombs also sought help from Nivedita. Hem Chandra Das was sent to France to learn about explosives. Nivedita daringly smuggled two young revolutionaries in the laboratories of Presidency college as assistants to Jagdish Chandra Bose and P. C. Roy who was the professor of Chemistry. P. C. Roy noticed that some of his assistants worked late night in laboratories but he asked no question. The only trouble was they used too much acid. He quietly tidied up after them and cleaned the blackboard carefully. However, he never made any comment. Nivedita was very grateful to him for that.

These young revolutionaries adored Nivedita. Once when Nivedita went to Belur for the celebration of birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the people gathered on lawn saw her on the balcony of Swamiji's room were overjoyed and urged her to speak to them. 'Shall I?' she turned to others to ask and moving in the position. Immediately one alert young revolutionary said, 'Don't speak just give your blessings'. She understood the police hidden in the crowd were watching and listening. So she just joined her hands above the head and cried, 'Wahe Guru ki fateh'.

To be continue...

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{Daily Katha:1463} Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 33

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Nivedita as Agnishikha in Freedom Movement - 1

Nivedita after her experiences in India about the behavior of British was permanently embittered and disillusioned with the British rule in India. She was convinced that if India has to express her soul then political freedom is essential. Even when Swami Vivekananda was around, she took keen interest in freedom movement and was in contacts with national leaders. Swami Vivekananda rejoiced in advance over her initiative in freedom movement, which Nivedita was to show later. He had told to his fellow monks, 'Never restrict her liberty. What do you know about what I have given her?'

In her very first book written in India, 'Kali the Mother' Nivedita has indirectly expressed the need of sacrifice by the youth for the sake of Mother. When Nivedita had gone to Vadodara, she enjoined upon Sri Aurbindo a staunch nationalist to move to Calcutta the center of freedom movement then.

Just before the partition of Bengal in 1905 for 'administrative purposes', Nivedita had fallen seriously ill and it took months for her to regain her health. She was shifted to her friends' bigger house in Dumdum. When she was regaining her health, the partition of Bengal was announced and Nivedita could not keep quiet though she was still advised rest.

To be continue...

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{Daily Katha:1458} Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 32

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

​

Nivedita for promotion of Science - 2

In the year 1901, the Royal Society of London stopped publishing Jagadish Chandra's scientific research papers and dissertations. He was shocked and too disheartened to fight. How would his work be known to the world? Nivedita came forward and told him that the only way to make his work known to the world and to ensure that others do not claim his research as their research was to publish books. Initially Dr. Bose felt too tired and unsure of it. Nivedita did not just suggest she offered herself for writing the books. From then till 1907, the famous three books that Jagadish Chandra published were not only edited by Nivedita, but also the language was mostly hers. The same is true for most of his other essays and later publications.

After the publication of those books, Nivedita also contributed essays and articles about Jagadish Chandra to many magazines and periodicals in India and abroad. She also lectured on 'Jagadish Chandra' at many places. Nivedita used to regard Jagadish Chandra as a 'national asset'. Keeping in view Nivedita's contribution to the scientific research work of Jagadish Chandra, Rabindranath Tagore said: 'In the day of his success, Jagadish gained an invaluable energizer and helper in Sister Nivedita, and in any record of his life's work her name must be given a place of honour.'

It was one of the earnest desires of Nivedita to establish a Vijnan Mandir (School of Science) by the Indians, funded by Indians themselves, where Indian students would get unfettered opportunity to pursue scientific studies. She often used to have discussions with Jagadish Chandra on this issue. That was why, when founding the 'Basu Vijnan Mandir' Jagadish Chandra paid his respectful homage to Nivedita by installing a plaque on the wall displaying a relief model of Nivedita engraved therein. Jagadish Chandra declared that it was Nivedita's dream that was actualized in his 'Vijnan Mandir.' It is known from reminiscences of Dr. Vashishwar Sen that, in accordance with Jagadish Chandra's wish, a small portion of Nivedita's Asthis (bone ashes )was buried under that relief plaque.   

As Nivedita saw aesthetics, art in everything Indian also she saw the science in it. Once Sri Surendranath Tagore who was follower of Brahmo Samaj asked Nivedita, 'If you have to adore an image, why that hideous Kali?' She replied, 'I adore no image. Kali is in me as She is in you. We cannot deny it. Why do you find that revolting'. For her Kali was the scientific concept of the Supreme Power deified, and stood for all functions of life.

To be continue...

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Sister Nivedita - 2

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Sister Nivedita

- Swami Vireswarananda

Her great qualities of head and heart and her versatile genius drew to her quite a number of leading personalities of the time in the field of art, literature, science, education, journalism and politics. Many she inspired and helped in their own fields. Her strength of character, her originality, and her kind heart and self-effacement evoked loving tributes from many. The most significant tribute was 'this radiant child of God'. It was her own innate purity coupled with the blessings of her Guru and the Holy Mother that transformed Margaret E Noble into this 'radiant child of God'.

In serving India to the best of her abilities she became convinced that political freedom was indispensable for the building of the nation. But she did not want to compromise the position of the Ramakrishna Order which had eschewed politics completely at the behest of its founder Swami Vivekananda. So in order to be fair both to herself and the Order she resigned from it thereby feeling free to work in the political field. She, however, maintained the spiritual bond. The brother disciples of Swamiji also maintained the same love and affection which they had for her before her resignation. She continued to be one of them as before. The break was only from the organizational point for the safety of the Order and not in any other respect. This act of hers was misunderstood in some quarters by people who did not know the true story behind this decision of hers. It was no doubt very painful to her but she could realize that it was the only way to be faithful to herself and to the Order, which she loved so much.

Her politics was of an aggressive type and she had no patience with moderate politics of the petitionary type. Therefore, the Swadeshi movement had her full support. In spite of this view in politics she was a friend of the leaders of the different schools of politics, for she had realized that India had to be united if she was to achieve her freedom. It was her dream to see in India 'the great re-establishment of Dharma, when the whole of this nation shall be united together not in a common weakness, not in a common misfortune or grievance, but in a great ever-living consciousness of the common nationality, common heritage ... .'

Nivedita had her full share of trials and tribulations and had to lead an austere life. But she was, and had been, prepared for it. Swamiji had held before her the ideal of sacrifice in these words, 'Sacrifice in the past has been the law, it will be, alas, for ages to come'. Nivedita had accepted this ideal placed before her by her Guru, for we read in her book Kālī the Mother, 'Look for no mercy for thyself and I shall make thee bearer of great vessels of mercy to others. Accept bravely thine own darkness and thy lamp shall cheer many. Fulfil gladly the meanest service and leave high places unsought.'

May the life of this great dedicated soul inspire our youth in the service of our Motherland is my earnest prayer to Swami Vivekananda who gave in her this unique gift to our Motherland.

PB Jan. 2017 [Text of the address delivered by Srimat Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj, a disciple of Sri Sarada Devi, inaugurating the birth centenary celebrations of Sister Nivedita on 28 October 1967 at Mahajati Sadan, Calcutta. It was published in Prabuddha Bharata, 73/2 (February 1968), 49–50 and is being reprinted here—Editor.]

Srimat Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj was the tenth President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

http://www.sisternivedita.org

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हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary : http://www.sisternivedita.org
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Sister Nivedita - 1

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Sister Nivedita

- Swami Vireswarananda

We are here today to celebrate the birth centenary of a great soul who, though an alien, had made India her motherland and had dedicated herself to her service. Th e memorial raised to her in the laps of the Himalayas, where she breathed her last, 'Here reposes Sister Nivedita who gave her all to India' is literally true.

Born in Ireland, brought up in England, her field of activity was in India; but through her life and work she belongs to the whole world. Her idealism and spirit of dedication have lifted her to the ranks of the eternal. Her parents were pious Christians and her mother had consecrated her at birth to the service of God. She too was endowed with the qualities of self-sacrifice and passion for Truth. It only needed the living touch of a great soul to set ablaze the latent fire of dedication in her. And this was what happened when she met Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895. In spite of her being on the guard not to be influenced by the magnetic personality of the 'Hindu Yogi' and her intensely independent nature, she was captivated by his nobility and loftiness of his life and teachings. The result was as she said later, 'I had recognized the heroic fibre of the man and desired to make myself the servant of his love for his own people'.

Sister Nivedita was a unique gift of Swami Vivekananda to India. A talented lady deeply rooted in Western culture and civilization was as it were uprooted from that soil by Swami Vivekananda and made to strike root in Indian culture and civilization. The metamorphosis was a painful one even to a brave heart like the Sister's but she did succeed in the end. Discipleship to this 'Master' and playing the role of a servant to India according to his vision was also no easy task. But he knew what he could expect from her and was not disappointed. The intense spiritual training she received under her Guru's supervision, the infinite trust he had in her, as also the blessing of the Holy Mother who accepted her and treated her as her own child, all these made the seemingly impossible possible. Thence-for-ward she dedicated herself to the cause of India in various ways. She inspired patriotism in the youth of India, and called upon them to dedicate their lives for the emancipation of India.

She worked for the education and uplift of Indian women and interpreted to the West Indian culture and ideals in various fields—in arts, education, social life, religion, religious symbology etc. through speeches and books like Religion and Dharma, Web of Indian Life, Footfalls of Indian History, Siva and Buddha, Kālī the Mother. She also influenced many great personalities of her time in India.

Nivedita was a born educator, endowed with the vision and qualities needed. She started a school for girls which has now blossomed into the Nivedita Girls' School. Besides she became instrumental to a great extent in laying the foundation for the development of 'national education' in India.

PB Jan. 2017 [Text of the address delivered by Srimat Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj, a disciple of Sri Sarada Devi, inaugurating the birth centenary celebrations of Sister Nivedita on 28 October 1967 at Mahajati Sadan, Calcutta. It was published in Prabuddha Bharata, 73/2 (February 1968), 49–50 and is being reprinted here—Editor.]

Srimat Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj was the tenth President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

To Be Continued..

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--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary : http://www.sisternivedita.org
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निवेदिता - एक समर्पित जीवन - 20

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:
राष्ट्रीय आन्दोलन में भूमिका

विद्यालय प्रार्थना में वन्दे मातरम  - कलकत्ता स्थित निवेदिता कन्या पाठशाला सम्पूर्ण देश में राष्ट्रीयता का विरला उदारहण थी | निवेदिता ने न केवल सरकारी अनुदान लेने से इन्कार किया वरन अपनी पाठशाला की दैनिक प्रार्थना '  वन्दे मातरम ' गाने कीशुरुआत कर दी, जबकि सार्वजानिक रूप में 'वन्दे मातरम ' गाने  पर उन दिनों पाबन्दी लगी हुई थी |

क्रांतिकारियों का नेतृत्व - सन 1902 में जब वायसराय लॉर्ड कर्जन का अनुपयुक्त राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा व्यवस्था थोपने के लिए विश्वविद्यालय कमीशन बनाया गया तब निवेदिता ने इसका पुरजोर विरोध किया | उसी समय वे क्रांतिकारी ब्रह्मबंधव उपाध्याय के सम्पर्क में आयीं | श्री अरविन्द ने बंगाल आने के बाद एक पांच सदस्यीय क्रांतिकारी दल बनाया, जिसमे उनके साथ सुरेन्द्रनाथ टैगोर, सी. आर.दास, यतीन्द्र बेनर्जी तथा भगिनी निवेदिता शामिल थे | निवेदिता दल  की सचिव की तरह काम करती थीं | 1907 में निवेदिता जब इंग्लैंड और अमेरिका के प्रवास पर गयी तब वहां भूपेन्द्रनाथ दत्त, तारक नाथ दत्त जैसे अनेक क्रांतिकारियों से मिलकर आजादी के आन्दोलन में सहायता करती रहीं तथा उन्होंने क्रांतिकारियों के पुनर्वास एवं आन्दोलन के लिए धन एकत्र करने में भी बड़ा योगदान दिया |

बंग-भंग का विरोध - 1905 में जब ब्रिटिश सर्कार ने बंगाल के विभाजन का फैसला किया तो पूरा देश इसके विरोध में उठ खड़ा हुआ था | तब निवेदिता गंभीर रूप से बीमार थीं, फिर भी उन्होंने प्रसिद्ध क्रांतिकारी आनन्द मोहन बोस के साथ मिलकर बंग-भंग का प्रबल विरोध किया |

क्रांतिकारी पत्रकार  - 1906 से 1907 की अवधि में भगिनी निवेदिता ' प्रबुद्ध भारत' में संपादकीय लिखने के साथ-साथ अनेक अखबारों में क्रांतिकारियों के पक्ष में लेख किखा करतीं थीं | अरविन्द,उनके छोटे भाई बारिन्द्र घोष एवं स्वामी विवेकानन्द के छोटे भाई भूपेन्द्रनाथ दत्त द्वारा शुरू किए गए साप्ताहिक पत्र 'युगान्तर' जो गोपनीय रुप से क्रांतिकारी आन्दोलन का प्रमुख साधन था, में भी निवेदिता लिखतीं | बाद में तो जब भूपेन्द्रनाथ दत्त को जेल हो गई तब निवेदिता ने ही 'युगान्तर' को जारी रखने का बीड़ा उठाया था | ऐसे अनेक प्रकार से निवेदिता राष्ट्रीय आन्दोलन से सक्रिय रूप से जुड़ी रहीं तथा उन्होंने अनेक क्रांतिकारियों को आजादी की लड़ाई के लिए प्रेरणा भी दी |

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Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 31

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

​

Nivedita for promotion of Science -1

Scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose met Nivedita in the year 1898. Before that he had already earned the name of a scientist and secured D.Sc. degree from London. His research work was appreciated by eminent scientists like Lord Kelvin, and many others. But such a world-renowned genius had to suffer much indignities and harassment at every step because he was one from a conquered country! Nivedita was deeply pained to observe that. She realized that the Indians were not incapable of doing great things but were incapacitated by the British. She thought it was a sacred national duty to stand by his side. Thus science-eccentric personality Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose became her friend and child. Though he was ten years senior in age to Nivedita, we find from many of her letters that Dr. Bose was referred to as 'Khoka' (child) by her.

Whenever Dr. Bose would become mentally exhausted, having had to fight with a thousand and one obstacles, Nivedita would inspire him with motherly affection. She exerted her influence in many quarters of the Government bureaucracy to remove difficulties standing in the way of his scientific research work. She knew how much importance Swamiji attached to science for the regeneration of India. She openly advocated the case of Jagadish Chandra Bose before Miss. MacLeod and Mrs. Ole Bull and successfully brought them to his side.

Nivedita wrote to Mrs. Bull, "You know how to inspire a great man to do great work. Think about him (Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose). You will achieve a greater kind of greatness, for he is kindness and perfection itself. You must protect him. Become a second mother for him as you are for Swamiji. Bose is sick of life, yet honestly anxious to hold on and on, just to prove his countrymen that their chances of success in experimental science are as great as those of any European!"

At the same time, with supreme discretion, Nivedita encouraged Bose to treat Mrs. Bull as a mother though the actual difference in their age was not much. She told him to keep her informed about his work, his aspirations. When Indian papers began to speak of his discoveries, he felt cheerful. When letters of congratulation arrived, he regained his confidence. He did not suspect that Nivedita was at back of them.

To be continue...

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Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 30

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Nivedita on Art -

​3​

Mrs. Herringham, an artist, once came to India with the idea of copying the frescoes in the caves of Ajanta. She was in search of Indian artists for the act of copying. Nivedita arranged the services of Nandalal Bose and Asit Kumar Haldar for the task, through the mediation of Abanindranath. She was eager because the student-artists would get the chance to see the real forms of Indian art if they went to Ajanta. She personally met their entire expenses of board and lodging, and travelling. Thereafter, as the artists were still working at Ajanta, she reached there along with the Bose family. Her presence greatly increased the enthusiasm of the student-artists. In Nivedita's articles, the Ajanta frescoes celebrated the unity of India. Later in their professional careers, the artists were immensely benefited by this experience. Their experiences at Ajanta gave them the clear idea of what the true forms and contents of Indian national art should be.

Her tremendous strength lay in her pen. Therefore, she was not content by providing encouragement only; she contributed several essays to different magazines and periodicals on these artists and their art works. Sri Ramananda Chattopadhyaya, the editor of 'The Modern Review', became the chief exponent of the art movement that developed the Indian traditions. Nivedita first instilled in the mind of Sri Ramananda Chatoopadhyaya a respect for the national art. Sri Chattopadhyay himself acknowledged it.

Nivedita placed such importance on the regeneration of the national art movement that she wrote to Mrs. Ole Bull that her fondest dream was the regeneration of the national arts and crafts. She thought that when there would be regeneration of the ancient arts and crafts in India then only would India emerge as a powerful nation. The great historian Jadunath Sarkar also reminisced: 'Nivedita was a great champion of Indian art. She always appreciated and encouraged any original contribution (in this regard) of any Indian. She would criticize the art works of the young artists and make them aware of their lapses. An excellent art connoisseur, she had extensively studied the Western arts. Bengali artists who followed the national traditions, were greatly benefited by her expert counseling. The frescoes of Ajanta would overwhelm her. She also said that she had found the finest expression of true Indian art in the frescoes of Ajanta, and the philosophy of integration of the Hindu religion in the carved image of Trimurti in the Elephanta caves. The students inspired by her and moulded by her later founded the Indian Society of Oriental Art.

​ To be Continued...​

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Sister Nivedita: Vajra Shakti - 3

यतो धर्म: ततो जय: 

We need to acknowledge the vajra shakti, thunderbolt power, that Nivedita was. This power is speaking to us through its charges of brilliance even today through the numerous women who are excelling in their pursuits. All of them have minuscule specks of Nivedita in them. The greater Nivedita has pervaded into so many smaller Niveditas. The best way to commemorate Nivedita would be to celebrate the excellence of women in no matter how small a venture. If an Indian woman writes well and with power, Nivedita writes through her. If an Indian woman displays her expertise in any of the performing arts, Nivedita performs through her. And, if an Indian woman educates naturally through her maternal instinct, Nivedita teaches through her.

The need of the hour is to critically analyse the writings of Sister Nivedita, especially her letters. It is unfortunate that till date, there is no comprehensive biography that covers her multi-dimen-sional personality. Though Nivedita was the truest offering ever possible, the age-old Indian orthodoxy has distanced Indian minds from her and has made them see her only as an outsider, who came to learn and help. To call Nivedita an outsider to India is to betray one's lack of patriotism. She is an outsider to India only as much Swamiji is.

Many Indian institutions of national importance like the Indian Institute of Science would never have seen the light of day but for Nivedita's untiring efforts. And yet, we have dismissed her as a forgotten figure, who is not even granted enough pages in history textbooks or studies. The post modern penchant that haunts the aspiring intellectual has reduced many a national icon to a faint memory of no importance. It is a grave injustice to the cause of India that such is the fate of Nivedita's writings. If not anything more, her writings would bring the much-wanted sincerity in individual and public discourse that has plagued India and has forced its administrators to launch desperate drives to protect its sanctity. Nivedita calls upon us to try to know India. Through her, everyone can become a patriot of India irrespective of the country of birth.

(Prabudhdha Bharat January 2017)

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--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
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Sister Nivedita: Vajra Shakti - 2

यतो धर्म: ततो जय: 

Nivedita strived to protect Indian forests and to bring about a deep understanding of natural conservation in Indian minds. She wanted that all-renouncing monks take up the study of sciences so that they could, through practice and precept, teach science to the masses. She created a flag for India. Though it was never adopted as the national flag, this flag, the vajra, best symbolises Nivedita's energy. She, Swamiji's offering in the female form, shakti, came upon India as a thunderbolt. Wherever she went, whoever she met, whatever she read, whatever she saw—all were encompassed with and entrenched in the thought of India. Her collaborations with Patrick Geddes were for India. Her meetings with Rabindranath Tagore were for India. Her sojourns to the Himalayas were for India. She lobbied with the rulers, dined with the ruled, and learnt at the feet of masters—all for the sake of India. She herself became India as a result. That is why she could turn the very course of the life of a great poet like Subramania Bharati. She turned him towards Kali,whom she had inherited from Swamiji. Bharati's life became transformed because of Nivedita.

Nivedita was passionately mad with the thought of India. The Indian cause occupied her body, mind, and spirit, till her passing away. That aggressive dedication is what we need to imbibe. We need to wander through lost lanes of history, dust its brittle pages, and unearth that undying dynamism. We need to be aggressive in social, philosophical, national, cultural, and spiritual life today. A sense of urgency to attain the goal is what characterises the lives of the great ones, especially the lives of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sister Nivedita. That urgency is much needed today. The comfort of complacence has never been the path of progress. Nivedita is India. We need to know Nivedita to know India. Anyone even remotely connected with India or anything Indian needs to study Nivedita in depth.

(Prabudhdha Bharat January 2017) To be Continued

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--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
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Sister Nivedita: Vajra Shakti - 1

यतो धर्म: ततो जय: 

Sister nivedita was offered to India.Her offering was in all respects. No human being can be more completely offered to any cause than what Swami Vivekananda offered through Sister Nivedita. It was an offering in all dimensions. All the manifestations of human power including maternal love were offered to the cause of the building, rather rebuilding, of a nation. Swamiji never did anything in any manner that was less than thorough. He wanted a 'root and branch reform' and he made a 'root and branch' offering. Today, the amount of attention given to Sister Nivedita in the country of her birth is not even a minute fraction of the reverence she is accorded in India. Nivedita is synonymous with India as was her guru, Swamiji.

Any attempt to describe or remember Nivedita is an attempt to remember Swamiji and it is also an attempt to remember the centuries-old cultural, social, political, philosophical, and spiritual history of India. Any such attempt can only be an attempt merely scratching at the outermost covering of the shell that contains gems of invaluable wisdom. At best, one can only draw pointers to this timeless treasure. Sister Nivedita was being prepared to be offered to India since her birth. Just as the first fruit of a tree is traditionally offered to a deity in India, similarly the best fruit of Ireland was chosen to be offered to India. Offerings to the almighty have to be necessarily the best and Nivedita possessed a keen insight and sharp intellect. She touched the centre of all social problems at a very young age: education. Her experiments with education had their natural continuance in India. She pioneered non-formal education. She literally begged from door to door to send girl students to her school in Calcutta. She was enthralled when she got her first girl student and thus sowed the humble beginnings of a great work, a work of inspiration that would lead to numerous such efforts to educate the girl-child.

Nivedita plunged to treat the sick. She clothed the distressed. She fought for innovation in Indian education. She fought for higher education in science in India. She strived to bring the Indian traditional thought in a harmonious synthesis with the Western thought in philosophy, humanities, sociology, and many other subjects that are taught in Indian universities. She sought to bring a unique way of representing Indian motifs in visual arts and influenced the pioneers of the reawakening of Indian art. She inspired numerous freedom fighters to give up concessionary politics and fight for complete freedom. This also was a natural continuance from her experiences at fighting for Home Rule in Ireland. She stood for women rights at a time when such attempts were practically unheard of in India.

(Prabudhdha Bharat January 2017) To be Continued

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--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
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निवेदिता - एक समर्पित जीवन - 19

साधना का मार्ग

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

निवेदिता स्वामी विवेकानन्द के साथ अमरनाथ यात्रा पर गयीं,उन्होंने देखा कि स्वामीजी शान्त भाव से चाले जा रहे थे | उनके अन्तर का अनुराग नेत्रों से टपक रहा था | कभी-कभी वे कुछ गुनगुनाने लगते और उन्होंने पाया कि भाषा से अनभिज्ञ होने पर भी भाव की सरसता उन्हें भी आप्लावित करने लगी है | धीरे-धीरे चलते हुए उनका दल देवाधिदेव के मन्दिर के पास पहुँचा, और तीर्थयात्रियों की भक्ति के साथ मिलकर जय घोष ने वातावरण को प्रकम्पित कर दिया |

 अपने गुरुदेव के साथ भगिनी ने भी गुहा के परम पवित्र गर्भगृह में प्रवेश किया | सामने ही शिव-लिंग के रूप में प्रतिष्ठित ईश्वर के दर्शन कर आनन्दातिरेक में उनकी आँखों से अश्रु बिन्दु लुढ़क पड़े |  उन्होने देखा-भक्तिपूर्वक प्रणाम और पूजा करने के पश्चात् स्वामीजी समाधि में मग्न हो गये है | वे सोचने लगीं -'निश्चय ही मैं यहाँ आकर ईश्वर एवं गुरु के और अधिक निकट आ गयी हूँ, परन्तु समाधि !' उन्हें अपनी असमर्थता पर खेद  हुआ -'काश ! वह भी उस परमसत्ता के साथ एकत्व का अनुभव कर पातीं |'

 वापसी का मार्ग अपेक्षाकृत सरल होने पर भी तीर्थ यात्रा की अपूर्णता के बोध ने उसे कठिन बना दिया था.......... उनके मन के भावों को जानकर साथ चल रहे गुरुदेव विवेकानन्द स्नेहासिक्त कंठ से बोले - 'तुम्हारी तीर्थ यात्रा पूर्ण हुई| तुम निश्चय ही समय आने पर इसका फल पाओगी | '

गहरी निराशा से भरकर वे बोली, 'न जाने वह समय कब आएगा स्वामी जी ?' स्वामी जी हँसते हुए कहने लगे - 'देखो, अपने निर्दिष्ट लक्ष्य को ढूँढती हुई सरिता कभी दुर्गमता या वक्रता को देखकर वह कभी भयभीत नहीं होती,  क्योंकि वह जानती है, विश्वनियन्ता ने उसको चाहे जैसा भाई कठिन पथ क्यों न दिया हो, प्रवाहित होने की शक्ति और श्रेष्ठतम लक्ष्य भी तो दिया है, जिसमे मिलकर एक न एक दिन वह पूर्णत्व को प्राप्त करेगी ही, फिर भय कैसा ? मनुष्य को चाहिए कि वह धैर्यपूर्वक अपने लक्ष्य की ओर बढ़ता रहे,बस इतना ही उसका कर्तव्य है | '

To be Continued

http://www.sisternivedita.org

Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 29

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Nivedita on Art - 2

At that time, every one believed in the Greek influence on Indian art and gave all importance to it. It was Nivedita who disproved this and opened the eyes of the artists to the real facts. She impressed even Havell to understand the Indian viewpoint in art and architecture. She made the artists to realize the truth of the ideals of Indian arts and its originality.

Directly, and at times indirectly, Nivedita made Havell, Abanindranath and Coomaraswamy understand her special vision of Indian aesthetics and the philosophy of art, which she had received from her Guru. She did not stop there. She always inspired and guided the talented students of the Calcutta Art School to move along the forgotten tracks of ancient Indian art. Nandalal Bose, Asit Kumar Haldar and Surendranath Gangopadhyaya were among them.

The Bengal School of Art, which began its movement in the first part of the twentieth century, in no time, snowballed to take the shape of an all-India art movement. The movement was initiated by Havell, Abanindranath and Coomaraswamy, whereas Nivedita remained the vibrant centre of this art movement faithful to Indian national traditions. Nivedita had learned from Vivekananda the inmost and intricate specialties of Indian art. Indian artists and art critics of the time were hardly aware of those specialties and Nivedita wanted to make them so.

The artist Nandalal Bose was then a student of the Art School. One day he and another promising student of the school. Surendranath Gangopadhyaya, went to meet Nivedita at her Bosepara Lane residence. They took their seat on the sofa in the drawing room. A carpet was laid on the floor. Nivedita asked them to sit on the floor. They did take their seats on the floor but were offended, as they thought that the European woman had insulted them by advising so. However, how wrong they were, they realized a little after. Nivedita looked at them intently for a while, then said: 'You belong to the land of the Buddha. I do not feel happy to see you seated on a sofa. Now as you sit like Buddha. I find it so good to look at you.' Then in her happy mood, she called Sister Christine and introduced her to them, and then they discussed pictures and drawings.

 To be Continued

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Sister Nivedita: The Dedicated - Who gave her all to India – 28

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Nivedita on Art - 1

Nivedita believed that the awakening of India would not remain restricted to the fields of politics and religion alone. It would be a total awakening, covering all the fields-science, education, literature, history and arts; and Nivedita directed all her energy to achieve this goal. Especially, she considered that the revival of arts was absolutely necessary for national awakening. She arranged for cultivation of arts for her own students. Nivedita used to say that, 'The rebirth of the National Art of India is my dearest dream.'

Nivedita would see the beauty in old houses of Baghbazar and ruined temples than the big utilitarian buildings. When she went to see Kali temple in Baroda with Gaekwar King she exclaimed 'How beautiful'. But when she saw the tasteless huge college buildings she said, 'How ugly'. It seems the Geakwar was shocked and exclaimed to Sri Aurbindo, 'Is she mad?' But what she was perceiving was the deep beauty that lay behind the images which was actually the essence of India. 

Initially she found little sympathy or support around her. Gradually, an Englishman E. B. Havell head of the Calcutta school of Art, who had a group of extremely promising Hindu Pupils became her supporter. In the Calcutta school of Art these Hindu pupils were taught to copy Greek Art. Nivedita was dumbfounded. But Havell explained, 'I can teach a man to draw and paint but I cannot make him an artist or a genius..' Nivedita commented, 'But I can! Love of a country, love of one's fellows, hope for the future, dauntless passion for Indra (Personification of force) and there will be such a tide of art, of science, of religion and of energy as no man can keep back!'

To be Continued

http://www.sisternivedita.org

 
--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
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Letter to Miss J Macleod

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Wednesday, July 5th [1899]
2 OR 3 Day From Aden,
Monsoon Slightly Abated

My dearest Yum,

.....................

I looked at the intoxicated eyes of the prostate God, and I saw how they did indeed meet Hers, as Sadananda had said - and then I saw how She was Siva's Vision of the Mother. Only Siva would have courage to see the Divine in such a guise, only Siva could look with that rapture, though Her feet are, trampling on Himself. Do you see how clear this makes it all?

It was amusing to find that yesterday was the fourth, and that once more we were in the company of Americans. The missionary-family all appeared in my Editions of the Stars and Stripes!

I am sure there will be letters from you at Aden - sent on from Calcutta. And more, Saradananda promised me to send the telegrams to you and ETS. So you know where we are now, and appoximately follow our doing from day to day. Perheps at Marseilles we shall have a real letter.

I ought to tell you about Colombo. With great delay and difficulty we got off the boat after midday, and went from one hospitality to another. Last of all, driving down to the quay, we had to enter a house where we were met out side by drums fifes and tomtoms. Inside a dense crowd, adn fruit on a table. Oh what a crowd! And how they looked at Swami! Black and naked almost - Shining - and and the heat - but I could have done anything for anyone of them - for the way they looked. He pointed to his European clothes but it made no difference. He was their Avatar just the same. Then he took a small fruit, and sipped milk (remembering even then, to make me sip from the same glass) which was evidently to be left as ucchistham. And then as he turned to go - you should have heard the shout - "Praise to Siva! - the Lord of Parbutty! Hail!" it was deafening, and the crowd in the street when we got out! - and the crowd on the leading stage -there came our first host and hostes back to see us off - with enless presents, the hostess, Lady Coomaraswamy, was an Englishwomen - her husband a Madrassi Hindu - such a fine man! And there that quiet Europeanised looking memeber of the Goverment stood - and 3 times called aloud the praise of Siva, and then 3 times "Swami Vivekananda ki - namaskar!" While the crowd cheered, and we steamed away to the Golconda. And when we got on board and had been wlcomed back by the others, I went down to my cabin and found a puja-spot still on my forehead, to my great amusement.

Lady C. promised me that if I found the person and made the plans I could come to them for help in starting a school in Ceylon for Hindu girls. Did I tell you that I am now clear as to our having 4 school, Calcutta, Madras, Poone and Jaffna in Ceylon? However, time enough.

And now my darling Yum goodbye. I think of you every day and remember that but for you I should not have been here. My love to all and especially of course to S. sara -

Your "Child"
Margot

http://www.sisternivedita.org

 
--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
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Letter to Miss J Macleod

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

Wednesday, July 5th [1899]
2 OR 3 Day From Aden,
Monsoon Slightly Abated

My dearest Yum,

This heavenly voyage has been somewhat trying physically ever since we left Colombo, a week ago. The weather has been terrific though nothing I suppose to what it might be, and now if we are very lucky we shall reach Aden on Friday, or at worst probably Saturday. The King is looking magnificent and sleeping well. He has almost stopped smoking and drinking iced water - is deep in the Imperial Gazette - and is of course impatient to be at the next place. The rolling and pitching do not seem to cause him the least sufferings, but rather to do him good. He said to me this morning "I threw the load down so completely!"

But in spite of discomfort there have been hours so glorious that one would go through 50 monsoon for them. Sometimes it is Rajputana or an Indian story that starts him off, but oftener now he talks to me of the future and the work. The olf indifference is dropping off, and he lets me feel that something depends on me, that he looks to me for certain powers and so on. But these things I shall tell you when we meet. And always that claim of which I told you in my last letter deepens and extends - "I am Kali's child in some special sense" - and i never try to tell him what I hold to be the truth - what I see now like daylight -"Not child at all - but Siva - Consort and Spouse!"

One sweet thing I am sure I may write - The trust-deep has not been signed - at the last it was a question of doing it on our way to the ship. This worried him, and he would not, and yesterday he told me that he had taken it as the protection of the Mother, as if she would say. "The men are not yet here to whom all this must be handed over. You must keep the responsibility yet a little while." Oh how he wants great strong men for disciples!" Give me men! Give me men!" he has said over and over again. "You know I have never wanted money or power or anything but persons. Them I must have."

I have a new feeling about Kali. It came to me that last day in Calcutta, as I sat with the King beside a Kali image that I had just refused to bring away.

I looked at the intoxicated eyes of the prostate God, and I saw how they did indeed meet Hers, as Sadananda had said - and then I saw how She was Siva's Vision of the Mother. Only Siva would have courage to see the Divine in such a guise, only Siva could look with that rapture, though Her feet are, trampling on Himself. Do you see how clear this makes it all?

To be continued

http://www.sisternivedita.org

 
--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary : http://www.sisternivedita.org
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Letter to Miss J Macleod

यतो धर्म: ततो जय:

To Miss J. Macleod

In the Suez Canal
Saturday evening, July 15 [1899]

My sweet Yum,

I have found a new name for your – Dear Lady Lakshmi – do you see what it means ?

You are so great and generous that I know you will suck no personal bitter out of what I am going to say – and will realise that whatever feeling it proceed from, it at least breaths nothing but love (and infinite gratitude) for you and S. sara. I am sure you will know without my saying it that to my inner consciousness I have only shown the power to perform one single renunciation – the willingness to become dependent upon others. I am sure – I know – that you two at least have always understood that this was not easy – in itself – to me.

It it should ever happen – as is ofcourse entirely unlikely -that I should die before you and Swami I would b glad that he should hear from you that you understood this, and that I had asked you about it the day we went through the Suez Canal.

But a more practical point calls me to letter-writing.

I am anxious, if I go to America at all, to go first and foremost, on swami's WORK to perform some definite service – if possible a lucrative service, and NOT to go as a visitor to anyone – least of all to you and S. sara.

I should like to see you and Mrs. Bull only after I was embarked on money-earning, if I could. Could I do any small educational service to begin with that would defray board and lodging in a modest way, and yet leave me free to preach my cause? Will you consult Mrs Bull about this, and will you take my request very very seriously and try to arrange something of the sort – when you are settling the question of my movements with the King? Of course we don't know what my fate may be in London and England – but I have more faith in America as a field for money-earning in the ways that I can do best. In a general way I feel volumes of power within me – but when it comes to details, I cannot see how its going to be applied – I see no opening. However that's not my business.

Somehow or other the Mother will let me offer up something to him – won't She?

Isn't that funny? I don't know how you will feel about yourself – or whether you will think I have a right to describe my relationship in these terms – but I came to India with little or no dependence on the personal side of Swami. In that awful time at Almora when I thought he had put me out of his life contemptuously – it still "made no difference" to the essentials. Now – he is the whole thing – for good or for evil – instead of growing less, I have grown infinitely more personal in my love. I am not sure but his least whim is world the whole […] - now. When one turns to him in thought the heart grows free. Blessed be God for making it possible to love like this.

He is not well today. I fear he has pain -but I trust it is for no serious cause. He has scarcely smoked at all since Madras, and he knocks off iced water quite suddenly. These things may account for it.

Life does not seem so simple to night as it did that monsoon night when I kept waking up and thinking "I won't leave the ship without Swami. I'll go down too" ad then falling off to sleep again -

Did I tell you about it?

Poor Mrs. Jacobs was in such terror all night -  and when I once found out my plan of action I was as peaceful as a flower.

"Have you ever been in a monsoon before?" she exclaimed at least in a half vexed voice. "You don't seem at all frightened." "Well" I said "after all, if the worst comes to the worst it won't be so serious!" But she probably thought this affection – and I forgot for the moment that she had two sons with her and a husband in Calcutta.

Dear Yum I have no business to bother you like this.

My love to the Babelet,
Your Own Margot

http://www.sisternivedita.org

 
--
हमें कर्म की प्रतिष्ठा बढ़ानी होंगी। कर्म देवो भव: यह आज हमारा जीवन-सूत्र बनना चाहिए। - भगिनी निवेदिता {पथ और पाथेय : पृ. क्र.१९ }
Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Anniversary : http://www.sisternivedita.org
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