National Spiritual Responsibility

One of the biggest tasks Indian leaders have faced since independence is to improve the condition of the poor and reduce the gap between the haves and have-nots. A paper penned by a renowned economist and shared with the public last month states that economic inequality in the country is worse than it was during the British Raj. According to other media reports that came out earlier this year, the top one per cent of the Indian elite owns 58 per cent of the country’s wealth.

To bring some balance in society, the government has adopted several measures. One of them, known as Corporate Social Responsibility, binds the corporate sector to give back to society some percentage of their profits. The trend of social entrepreneurship is also gaining ground, with more young people investing in socially beneficial ventures that also have a good business model.

Though these efforts have initiated positive change, statistics reveal that India has a long way to go before it can guarantee a dignified life to all its citizens. Ensuring equitable distribution of resources is a mammoth task , so it’s not just the state or the business class that must step in. All citizens, wherever they may be placed, have to join hands and choose to fulfil their National Spiritual Responsibility.

Spirituality is at the root of Indian culture, and if this inherent potential is tapped into, it can make a big difference to the country’s situation. When we realise that we are eternal spiritual beings who acquire a physical body and material possessions only temporarily, and when we understand that we are mere actors on the world stage who are entrusted with various roles, our world view is broadened. This inner awakening frees us from the propensity to take more than what is needed. When we realise that in our original form we all belong to the same family under the fatherhood of one God, we feel Naturally inclined to share our surplus with our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

A wariness of the spiritual dimension guides us to use our powers and privileges with an eye on the common good. It makes us humble and inclusive. We thereby adopt self-regulatory measures that keep us from wasteful spending, and adopt a lifestyle that places our core values above materialistic pursuits.

Greed and a self-centered attitude are often the vices behind economic inequality. Spirituality teaches us to value our resources as precious means to attaining something useful. It also cautions us against seeing them as our ultimate destination. When we learn that our karma comes back to us, that the one who gives always remains full, and when we realise that an unburdened conscience is a soul’s biggest comfort, we try to be fair for our won sake.

Many rich people in India donate to charity and for social causes. But it is often seen that their noble intonations are limited to these initiatives. Their lifestyle and work ethic do not reflect high values. If we really want to make a difference to our social set-up , it is good to practice moderation in everything especially when one’s fellow countrymen are deprived of even the basic necessities of life.

Spirituality inspires the rich to share, and guides the poor to make wise choices. If the poor are educated, if they are given help to keep them away form addictions and wasteful habits, and they are supported to make the most of what they have, their lot can be improved. They in seemingly disadvantageous situations. That way they can lead a content life despite all odds. Anyone who is

Is in touch with is inner intangible resources automatically shifts from tha taking mode to the giving mode.

The Brahma Kumaris have been working for eight decades to create a culture of responsibility, cooperation and brotherhood. The spiritual knowledge imparted through their centers around the world is available free of cost to people from all walks of life. It helps them make ethical choices, remain content, and give back to the world whatever they can through awakening and service.