Acharya Tulsi
Man is the master of his fate. His personality is shaped by his determination. Within him reside the traditional hereditary impulses, both creative and destructive. He can modify them through resolution. The individual, in whom the constructive impulses are dominant, can change his negative tendencies into creativity. Negative impulses are destructive and push a man towards crudity, violence, indiscipline, and unrighteousness. lf a country or society is dominated by violence, where innocent people are done to death, it is that country's or society’s great misfortune. To avoid that misfortune, it is necessary to rouse and consolidate all non-violence powers.
It is true that violent incidents create terror in the mind of man. In a state of terror, no individual can think rightly or properly exercise his capabilities. Terrifying situations have a greater impact upon the children and the old. The young men are not so daunted by fear; rather they love to face dangers. Their nature is enterprising, but they need discretion. Lacking wisdom, a young man may commit deeds which suck up all his energy and leave him exhausted and prematurely old.
If the young generation really wishes to preserve its youth and establish new records, it will have to develop its capacity to swim against the current. It is easier to swim with the current; even a little straw smoothly moves downstream, but to swim against the current requires a lot of energy.
Hedonistic mentality is the current of the age. To divert this current and develop an ascetic attitude is the challenge facing the modern youth.
Lack of faith in truth is one of the prevailing notes of public life. To change this note and develop faith in truth is the mark of youth. The youth who does not deviate from truth, and is ever awake and faithful to his word, in time reaches a stage when the word itself follows his will: whatever he utters stands fulfilled!
Shunning labour is the mark of idleness. An indolent person's capabilities get blunted and inertness turns him prematurely. On the other hand, industriousness brightens up one's personality and keeps one unfailingly young for a long time.
Love is a constructive emotion. It unites an individual with his fellowmen and extends his relationships. The crop of cordiality dries up only when the fire of malice burns nearby. A man without amity becomes isolated. Frustration and despair of isolation results in the individual's inner disintegration: That is why a youth must be always full of love and friendship towards all.
Addiction betrays a tendency which squeezes all juice out of life. It may be addiction to smoking, to drinking, gambling, or to hunting; it is always harmful. The well-being and prosperity of that country whose youth is free from all kinds of addiction, no one can take away.
Uprightness is a quality which raises a man’s character to great heights. The whole problem of corruption is the problem of indifference towards moral values. The mentality of ignoring the consequences of the continuing preoccupation with wealth and grandeur makes a man dishonest. lr is incumbent upon the Youth to always keep before them the ideal of Uprightness.
The youth of the country who mould their lives ion great ideals, will be able to resolve all the problems of the age and march ahead without any obstruction.
