Dedicated to the Second day of Navartari Jeevanvrati (Life workers)

Bharatiya Veerangana

Dedicated to the second day of Navartari

Navadurga - Brahmacharini

Jeevanvrati (Life workers)

Today's story is quite unusual. Veerata can be interpreted in many ways. It doesn't always manifest through fighting or rebellion. Veerata is a state where one can be silent, calm, and peaceful, yet powerful, strong, and rooted enough to stand firm.

When we look at veerata from this perspective, I strongly believe that all the Jeevanvratis (lifelong workers) who dedicate their entire lives to selfless causes and the betterment of society—walking on the path of सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः ("May all beings be happy!")—can also be considered veeranganas (valiant women).

I met such veeranganas—Jeevanvratis—at Vivekananda Kendra, who are committed to the mission of man-making and nation-building, creating powerful and fierce young Indian minds across the country. Numerous incidents come to mind when I think about them. For instance, how Jeevanvratis built schools in Arunachal Pradesh in 1972, or how they tirelessly walked miles to take students to the hospital when someone fell ill. The common thread connecting all their actions is seva (service). Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa always said, शिवभावे जीवसेवा—service to humanity is service to the Divine.

A great example of this spirit is Bhagini Nivedita. Born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble in Ireland, she was captivated by Swami Vivekananda's teachings. Drawn to India—the land of knowledge and wisdom—she decided to come here. When she attempted to start a girls' school in Kolkata, she faced countless challenges. The local people, seeing her as an outsider, initially rejected her. Yet, an inner drive kept her going. Despite the disrespect she faced, she persevered, and her efforts eventually bore fruit. In time, she was regarded as more Indian than many who were born in India. Bhagini Nivedita is a perfect embodiment of the tattva (principle) of Brahmacharini.

This quality of the Jeevanvratis reminds me of Devi Brahmacharini, the maiden Parvati. Her tapas (penance) to achieve union with Shiva, the ultimate truth, was so intense that she succeeded in overcoming every challenge in her path. Shiva represents the ultimate consciousness, and to attain this, she fought not only external evil forces but also her own internal struggles. She triumphed in both the external and internal battles.

Similarly, the Jeevanvratis are on their journey, winning battles of their own. Their lives reflect the ideals of love, loyalty, and unwavering tapasya (penance).