There are numerous social values from the West that we can learn from and adopt. Life in Sydney often resembles what living under ‘Ram Rajya’ might have been like. The first thing that strikes you is the prevalence of rule of law and social justice. No matter how well connected you are, the law will always take its course, even an iota of influence can’t be felt at all. You will never hear phrases like “You Know Who Am I” or “Do You Know Who My Dad Is” in Australian society.
Humbleness and a down to earth approach are always encouraged since childhood. It’s very normal here that you can find an Ex-Prime Minister in a local park taking a walk and people even after knowing his identity won’t pay any attention. There is no “VIP Cultural” in the social landscape of most of the Western civilizations. Even the highest office bearer of the country i.e., Prime Minister is just treated as a public servant. That’s what Lord Ram taught us that an ideal Raja is merely a servant of praja (People).
Another important lesson we learn from nature is balance. Yoga, which unites the mind, body, and soul, teaches us the art of balancing life’s elements to create the best ecosystem within and around us. Similarly, procreation within a family, which expands into a community, forms a society, evolves into a state, and ultimately a nation, must have balance embedded in its ethos. This balance is essential if the goal is to allow each family member to experience heaven on earth, akin to Ram Rajya. If you can live in a neighbourhood where the primary concern isn’t protecting yourself from potential theft, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep even with your doors and windows open. Sydney offers this freedom. This is significant because, at a deeper level, it indicates that everyone around you has enough of what they need, and no one is looking to take anything from you. People are content and focused on building their own relationships, pursuing their interests, and achieving their dreams.
Similar to the ideal of ‘Ram Rajya,’ this evokes images of the sounds of a flute, children playing under fruit trees, an archer honing his skills, and a dancer perfecting her moves. Was this the kind of environment that fostered the development of renowned universities in India, such as Nalanda and Takshashila, as early as the 5th century BCE? Nalanda located in present day Bihar was one of the first residential universities in the world, attracting students from various parts of Asia including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and SouthEast Asia. It offered a wide range of subjects including theology, grammar, logic, astronomy, and medicine. In the 1190s, the university was destroyed by a marauding troop of invaders led by Turko-Afghan military general Bakhtiyar Khilji, who sought to extinguish the Buddhist centre of knowledge during his conquest of northern and eastern India.
It requires peace, light, and tranquillity for knowledge, interests, and dreams to flourish. Such an environment shifts focus away from fear and safety concerns, allowing individuals to fully dedicate themselves to learning and creative pursuits. Respect for everyone, regardless of their chosen profession, and valuing all types of work fosters an environment of equality. Judging and ranking people based on their careers creates social pressures that can undermine the freedom to pursue one’s chosen path.
Disparaging blue-collar jobs, such as plumbing, electrical work, and trades, does a disservice to a significant workforce that plays a crucial role in a nation’s development. In Sydney, it’s not uncommon to see a Senior professional in the corporate sector with children pursuing careers as a gardener, nurse, or plumber. These parents take pride in and support their children’s valuable contributions to the community. This mindset evokes the ideals of Ram Rajya, where excellence in one’s chosen field is prioritized. It also reminds us of images of Lord Krishna herding cows, illustrating that even for a deity, serving and caring for cows was considered honourable.
Maintaining balance, living honestly, and upholding the dignity of labor are three essential lessons. If learned and followed, they can help any society create a ‘Ram Rajya’—a place where everyone can live a fulfilling and cherished life, no harm is intentionally done to anyone, and justice prevails for all. As Bharat evolves, it is crucial to uphold and aspire to these principles. While pursuing economic growth measured in GDP, we must also foster a rich cultural heritage and the right values. Fortunately, Bharat has a legacy of these values, often referred to as Ram Rajya. We need to reconnect with our roots and hold onto them firmly, ensuring that as we progress, we also deepen our cultural foundations. This is the best and most sustainable way to grow.
–Shammi Duggal
