Light of Indian Intellect

Book excerpt: In Sri Aurobindo’s life was resurrected the vital essence of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga and through him the spirit of yoga came alive and was given back to us as his legacy of love for the heritage of India. --- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s place in the pantheon of India’s freedom struggle is, by common consent, central and significant. By securing the integration of princely States within the Union of India, he became the principal architect of the new Indian State. He had ‘no-nonsense’ attitude to the issues before the nation. He was at once fair and firm, pragmatic and idealistic. His belief to liberal democratic principles was unswerving and unqualified. --- Netaji Subhas Bose displayed tremendous energy and organizational skill in recruiting, training and financing the Indian National Army. He gave them the inspiring call of ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Dilli Chalo’. He was a doer as well as a thinker, and a fighter who never submitted to defeat. --- Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was a national leader and statesman of exceptional calibre. He was a great patriot and an ardent votary, committed exponent and inspiring exemplar of the cause of India’s National Unity and National Integration. He lived and died for that cause. His contribution to the making of India’s Constitution of his understanding and the breadth of his national vision. --- Dr. Kalam has the capacity to ignite a million more minds. What a mind! All his speeches are cerebral and inspiring. He worked hard, selflessly and for long hours, led an austere life in an opulent palace. Simplicity, patriotism, equanimity rectitude are the hallmarks of Dr. Kalam.