Towards a happier Republic

Right from childhood, our Republic Day and Independence Day have held a special appeal for me. The charm of the parade, floats, cultural program and speeches has been a highlight, undoubtedly. But, being holidays, these have also been days with some leisure and time to rethink of our nation in the current context. This is time to reflect on the significance of our India, that is Bharat, being a Democratic Republic, wedded to the values of liberty, equality and fraternity.

These three words, liberty, equality and fraternity were the driving words of the French Revolution as well. 

However, as the great modern Yogi, Sri Aurobindo explained, of these three, the word ‘fraternity’ has a notch higher bearing. Fraternity could be the capstone that is the top vertex of the triangle formed by these three, powerful values. While the spirit of liberty and equality is equally valuable and precious, it has a certain ‘clinical’ twang that gets ‘wholesomeness’ with the spirit of ‘fraternity’. Fraternity, if really practised in letter and spirit by the people of the republic, would make them relate to each other better and hence, happier too. Unlike what is seen around today, we could become a Happy Republic.

India is ranked 122 nd among 155 countries in the World Happiness Report, 2017. As recently reported in India Today, Happiness has a whole range of spin-offs for health and wellness, too. Studies show that there is a 300 per cent greater likelihood of developing common cold and chest infections among the least happy people. Happy people can regulate themselves better and hence choose healthy behaviour. Happier people invest in relationships and have a supportive network of family and friends.

Among older people, too, optimists have a 77 per cent lower risk of heart disease. Happiness also adds several years to a person’s life. Cortisol is a stress-inducing hormone that leads to weight gain, type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Happy people have lower levels of Cortisol. As reported in the same issue, a Happiness project is currently underway at the Sera Jey Monastic University, at the Tibetan colony in village Bylakuppe of Coorg District in Karnataka. At this location, scientists are studying the effects of ‘mindfullness’ and ‘Budhaesque’ attributes of monks. The brain scans of these Buddhist monks are disclosing how meditation rewires the brain for greater happiness, love and wisdom.

Several decades ago, the Pontiff of Kanchi – Paramacharya had composed a song to be specially rendered at the United Nations to disseminate these ideas for the people of the world. This beautiful song, called ‘Maitreem Bhajata’ has been immortalised in the hearts of its listeners by the equally beautiful rendition of Bharat Ratna M S Subbalakshmi. I have attempted a translation of this immortal and precious song.

Maitreem Bhajata :

Serve, Follow and Profess Fraternity
Follow friendship to win over all hearts
Look at everyone with a feeling of one-ness
Give up war, conflict and competition
Renounce attacking others needlessly
Mother Earth fulfills all our needs and wishes
Our Divine Father is ever so kind
O People! Practise restraint, charity and compassion
May all the people be happy and prosper.

This simple song with a powerful message can well be adopted as the anthem for our lives at home, office, public places and the nation. If every citizen of the country could understand and internalise these words from a young age, we would indeed have a ‘Paradise on Earth’. As we celebrate our 69th Republic day, can we resolve to make ours a Happy Republic? Can the simplicity of these values be internalised? These would melt away complications, meaningless violence, conflict and confusion, making our lives simpler, beautiful, prosperous and happy.