When we talk about patriotism, some people feel upset. They say do not teach them patriotism. This is true that nobody can teach patriotism, it comes from inside. Patriotism is in our blood. It emerges whenever opportunity appears. If the talk of patriotism hurts anyone, let them, we will act as we wish." This view was expressed by the special guest of the concluding session and the famous film actor Anupam Kher at the three- day lok-Manthan programme.
The programme was organized under the joint aegis of the Culture Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government, Bharat Bhavan and the Pragya Pravah organization.
Kher further mentioned that topics like intolerance and patriotism have been raised intentionally in the last two-three years. When discussion on intolerance took place, the 'Bhartiya' inside me awoke and told me this is no time to keep quiet. Hence, I opposed the intolerance openly. Kher said that people make efforts to neglect people who talk about patriotism. The question is why we should be protective to talk about patriotism.
He said that he is a Kashmiri Pandit and he has patriotism in his blood. The Kasmiri Pandit never spoke against the country despite they have been banished. He mentioned that the nation should come first for every Indian. No fingerprint matches another's - means every individual is unique. We all have different identities but our first identification is that we are Indians.
The chief guest of the concluding session, Boddha religious guru Somdong Rinpoche, describing the time of lok-Manthan the right time said that this will be a new direction. lok-Manthan has importance because by admitting the views on country, period and situations has given importance to Nation First concept. Today all the four situations are not simple. Pollution is at its peak in the country. There is no clean water. Velocity of speed and stability of situation has created a bizarre situation. Everyone talks about challenges but not solution. Maximum increase in violence is seen in the form of war and terrorism.
Humans are not feeling safe anywhere. He further said that Mahabharata war had come to an end within 18 days but Vietnam war continued for18 years. To keep their weapons market intact, violence took place and it is continuing till date. He said that plastic is held responsible for pollution but we never talk to stop plastic production.
Executive chairman of lok-Manthan organising committee Chandraprakash Diwedi said that Shastra has said that there is no second. Kabir in reference to public said "Prem Gali Ati Sankri, Ja Mein Doi Na Samaaye" - means there is no other in the auditorium. "Hence, we deliberate first what is slavery beside we wish freedom from foreign slavery."
He narrated that one of the soldiers of Sikander asked Rishi Salates that he wish knowledge deliberations. "Rishi said remove your clothes and lie down on stone near me. When you are not ready to remove your clothes, how will you remove the veil from your heart. We have tried to remove veils from the hearts in the lok-Manthan," he said.