Prof. Vandana Sharma
During an interaction with school children recently, I was astounded to discover their lack of familiarity with the name of a personality who touched many lives profoundly and meaningfully and devoted her life for a selfless service in India in early twentieth century.Ostensibly, it is a matter of concern to find the young minds left untouched by such noble souls who come to this world for much larger nobler cause. As we start investigating the issue, it is bound to boomerang upon every adult associated with the education system of our country. Admittedly, the young minds will imbibe what is imparted to them through structured teaching pedagogy and relatedco-curricular activities. Nevertheless, the thrust at the national level today to revamp the educational system either through NEP-2020 or other awareness programmmes is a well-thought and meticulously executed move which will have rewarding returns.
Swami Vivekenanda’s words, “The history of the world is the history of a few men who had faith in themselves” powerfully resonates the potential of humans in accomplishing great deeds for common good. As we celebrate 125 years of Sister Nivedita’s arrival in Bharat to serve the masses selflessly and to educate the women, I deem it pertinent to connect the youth with such an iconic yet unassuming; towering yet selflesswoman from Ireland who arrived with a mission radically opposite to what the Europeans in 19th century aimed at. Bharat has always been a great attraction for invaders from across the globe, who exploited, plundered and distorted it in numerous ways. Nevertheless, Sister Nivedita’s arrival in India was a boon for Indians in many ways. The life of Sister Nivedita aptly resonates her master’s instructions, “be thou to India’s future sons, the mistress, servant, friend in one’. Following Swami Vivekananda’s message, Nivedita accepted India as her own country and served people in their days of suffering and distress on the one hand and bringing about enlightenment and empowerment among women on the other.
Margaret in Europe
Born on 28th October, 1867 in Northern Ireland, Nivedita’s family name was Margaret Elizabeth Noble. Nivedita imbibed piety from herfather who was a priest and mother, a devout lady. However, she lost her father at the tender age of ten and was brought up by her maternal grandfather Hamilton, who was one of the first-ranking leaders of the freedom movement of Ireland. Inspired by the influence of her parents and the ideals of maternal grandfather, she developed in her character truthfulness, religious zeal, patriotism and interest in political affairs. Interestingly all these attributes were implemented by her in her Karmabhoomi, Bharat. What is noteworthy is that Margaret lead an accomplished life as a teacher in Wimbledon but her quest for truth and peace, which she found in Vedantacoupled with her zeal to serve humankind brought her to India. She became a teacher at the age of seventeen and opened a school at Wimbledon and had established herself as a powerful writer in the intellectual circles of London. However, her discontent with material accomplishments and quest for ultimate reality made her strongly inclined to Vedanta philosophy after she met Swami Vivekananda on a cold afternoon in November 1895, when he was explaining Vedanta philosophy in the drawing room of an aristocratic family in London. Charmed by the philosophical exposition of Vivekananda, she attended many of his lectures as an inquisitive rebellious student and later convinced with realization that only Swami ji can lead her to truth, accepted him as her Guru.This was also the period when Vivekananda, besides lecturing in Europe was feeling pained at the subjugation of Indian masses and plight of women in particular. When Margaret proposed herself to visit India, Swamiji initially had reservation but soon convinced at her truthfulness and determination, invited her to for the task of spreading education among the common masses and women in particular.
Nivedita in India
Sister Nivedita in India lead the life of a spiritual seeker, educator, social servant and freedom fighter. She arrived in India on 28th January, 1898 with an irresistible urge to embrace Indians, to educate them and join Swamiji task of nation-building .After formally initiated into Diksha( spiritual vows), Swami Vivekenanda gave her the name Nivedita, meaning the one who is dedicated or offered to God. She thus became chosen of God when she was thirty years old. Later she was initiated into NaishthikBhahmacarini( celibacy) in 1899. Here began Nivedita’s firm resolve to serve India. She set up a Girl’s school at Bosepara lane and started the work of women’s education following the national ideal of India. During those days Nivedita had to work in an extremely conservative society as people were no willing to educate their girl children. So Nivedita had to move from door to door to enlist her students. She would impart them skills, teach them and motivate them to enhance their innate potential. So we can very well call her one of the precursors of popular Beti Bachao, Beti Padao Scheme. In addition to young girls, she empowered elderly women and widows by imparting them sewing and related skills.
In 1899 when plague broke out in Calcutta, she plunged into relief work with the band of sannyasins of Ramakrishna Mission. She nursed the ailing patients, cleaned the rubbish from walls without caring for her own life. This is how she inspired youth to serve the distressed ailing masses too. When Swami Vivekanand left the mortal plane in 1902, Nivedita continued working with more zeal to complete unfinished tasks of Swamiji.
As Nivedita witnessed the nature of British torture in the name of administration upon Indians, she realized that India needs freedom from colonial rule. This is how she plunged into politics and freedom movement. When Indian started opposing British rule openly during the Bengal Partition Act 1905 of Curzon which triggered the Swadeshi Movement in India, specifically in Bengal, she played a key role in encouraging and supporting the leaders.
Nivedita possessed exceptional oratorical skills besides being a powerful writer. She worked relentlessly to enthuse Indians with nationalist ideas. Whereas on the one hand she helped the Indian scientist JC Bose in carrying out his scientific research by helping him financially and nursing him like a mother in a foreign land, on the other she herself realized the power of her pen and contributed articles on religion, literature, sociology, arts and various relevant issues to raise national consciousness. Some noteworthy books written by Nivedita are, The Web of Indian Life; The Master as I saw Him; The Cradle Tales of Hinduism; Studies from an Eastern Home; Civil Ideal and Indian Nationality and Hints on Indian Education in India.
What Youth must learn from Nivedita?
There are numerous incidents of the life of Sister Nivedita recorded in Nivedita of India published by The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture which reflect the loftiness and humility of this Irish lady, who should be a youth icon, an ideal and a role model. The youth today must emulate such ideals and learn from her versatility, profundity and zest for service. The need today is to break the shell of self-love, narcissism and the abyss of inconsequential validation from others so as to discover their hidden latent potential. Nivedita’s life ever since her childhood in Belfast radiates her inborn strength, will to fight against any odds in life, honesty and zest for life and tradition. She studied Bible while in school and took of vow of restraint and self-control. Nivedita’s interest in music, art and natural sciences and willingness to immerse in a task made her accomplish so much in life. Be it oratorical skills, writings skills or serving the masses, she performed all this through her power to unite mind and body. Ostensibly, the life story of Nivedita’s dedication and self-sacrifice must instill a sense of patriotism and a sense of dedication in the hearts of people and we must remember and learn from such noble souls who descend this earth with a higher purpose.
(The author is Dean, School of Languages Central University of Jammu)
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