Balaji's Arrival: A Celebration of Patriotism and Unity

Friends, our nation has been a birthplace and a stage for great individuals, brimming with qualities like sages, poets, writers, and musicians. The countless creations of these luminaries are invaluable treasures. Today's youth, in this digital age, seem to be lost somewhere, and we are drifting further away from our heritage and priceless legacy. subkuz.com consistently strives to connect you not only with these invaluable treasures but also with captivating stories, news, and information from across the globe. Presented before you is a truly inspirational story by the renowned author, Munshi Premchand.

Farewell

The next day, Balaji returned from various locations and began awaiting King Dharmsinh. Today, a grand cow-shed was to be inaugurated at the royal ghat, and the markets and streets of the city were filled with joy. Flags and banners fluttered on either side of the road. The gates of homes were adorned with flower garlands, prepared for the arrival of the patriotic soul, who had sacrificed everything for the nation's well-being.

The goddess of joy, accompanied by her companions, strolled through the city. The air thrummed with happiness. There was no trace of sorrow or sadness. Greetings echoed from every corner. Men, dressed in fine attire, strutted with pride. Women, adorned with exquisite jewelry, sang songs of celebration. Children, wearing saffron turbans, played joyfully. A radiant sense of happiness shone on every face, for today marked the departure of a true patriot, who had dedicated his life to the nation.

As Balaji, accompanied by his attendants, headed towards the royal ghat, the sun emerged from the east, welcoming him. As soon as the people laid eyes on his radiant face, a chorus of "Victory to Mother India!" resounded from thousands of mouths, echoing through the sky. The sound of bells and conch shells reverberated, and the joyful melody of celebration filled the air. Just as kites gather around a lamp, people quickly surrounded Balaji. Over one hundred and fifty members of the Bharat Sabha greeted him.

His elegant attire and spirited horses were a spectacle to behold. Every member of this assembly was a true well-wisher of the nation, and their enthusiastic words filled the hearts of the people with excitement. Spectators lined both sides of the road. Greetings were exchanged. Flowers and fruits were distributed. The city's beautiful women, adorned with ornaments and carrying golden platters filled with incense, flowers, and sandalwood, performed the aarti. The shops were festively decorated, like brides. The entire city seemed to compete in its splendor.

And like the dark clouds of the monsoon season that rise and occasionally rumble through the forests, the enthusiastic cries of the people ("Victory to Mother India!") ignited excitement and exhilaration in their hearts. When Balaji reached the Chowk, he witnessed an extraordinary scene. Children, clad in bright-colored, laced coats and saffron turbans, holding beautiful staffs, stood in rows along the path. Upon seeing Balaji, they formed groups of ten and, striking their staffs, began singing this inspiring ode:

May your arrival, Balaji, be auspicious.

Blessed, blessed be this city; blessed, blessed be our fortune.

Blessed, blessed be the inhabitants of this city, where your feet have trod.

May your arrival, Balaji, be auspicious.

What a captivating sight! Though the song itself was simple, the combined voices created a beautiful and powerful melody, causing everyone to pause. An encompassing silence descended. Amidst the quiet, the melody resonated like the song of a nightingale in the stillness of the night. All the spectators stood motionless, lost in contemplation. Beloved countrymen, where else have you witnessed such a sight? Savor this moment, for it will be gone.

Although you have enjoyed the dances and music of courtesans, and have had your fill of their romantic displays, this genuine happiness and uplifting fervor, which you are now experiencing, will you ever find it again?

The captivating music of the courtesans and the alluring displays of beauty, while stimulating sensual desires, diminish fervor, and do not instill patriotism and national pride in one's heart. If you have witnessed such a display once in your life, its sacred impression will forever remain imprinted on your heart. Balaji's divine countenance radiated with spiritual joy, and his eyes shone with the light of national pride.

Much like a farmer filled with delight upon beholding his bountiful fields, Balaji experienced a similar sense of contentment. As the songs concluded, he took a few steps forward, lifting two young children and placing them on his shoulders. He declared, "Victory to Mother India!"

Gradually, people gathered at the royal ghat. A towering cow-shed stood tall, welcoming them. Velvet carpets were laid out in the courtyard, and the gates and pillars were adorned with flowers and leaves. Hundreds of cows were tied up within the building. Balaji personally fed them hay and lovingly patted them.

A spacious hall featured a magnificent octagonal marble tank, brimming with milk. Balaji took a sip of milk, applying it to his eyes before drinking it.

While people were still settling down in the courtyard, several individuals rushed in, exclaiming, "Pandit Badalū Shastri, Seth Uttamchand, and Lala Makhanlal are outside, creating a disturbance. Please allow us to speak with Balaji." Badalū Shastri was a renowned scholar from Kashi. He wore a green jacket and a saffron turban, sporting a beautiful forehead ornament.

Uttamchand and Makhanlal were affluent and influential citizens of the city, accustomed to spending lavishly on their titles and respecting and honoring high-ranking officials. These prominent figures wielded considerable sway over the city's populace. Pandit Badalū Shastri was known to consistently defeat his opponents in scholarly debates, particularly scholars from Kashi, Prayag, and other religious centers in the region. Panditji was renowned as a protector and pillar of Hinduism in Kashi. Uttamchand and Makhanlal were embodiments of religious zeal. They had eagerly sought an opportunity to engage in a scholarly debate with Balaji, which had finally materialized.

A group of pundits and scholars arrived.

Balaji, hearing of their arrival, came outside, only to find a tense atmosphere. Both sides were armed with sticks, their sleeves rolled up, poised for conflict. Panditji was challenging the scholars, and Sethji was shouting, "Let's humiliate these low-caste people! If we face litigation, we will see what happens. Your heads will be shaved!" Makhanlal, his voice booming, declared, "Come out, anyone who thinks they have pride! I will show every one of you a botanical garden." When Balaji witnessed the scene, he turned to King Dharmsinh, saying, "Please counsel Pandit Badalū Shastri to refrain from this conflict, as it would be detrimental to both sides and a source of ridicule in the world."