If we take a look at the world around us, we have a million reasons to be proud about, as the amazing human race. After all, have we not landed on the Moon? Have we not sent Pathfinder to Mars? Gene-mapping and cloning have become a reality. Hats off to the exponential progress made in the realm of science!

Nevertheless, if we contemplate for a moment on the question, “Have all these advancements made life happier and more peaceful than before?”, what rejoinder do we get? A quick, unambiguous “NO!” If we were to assume that intellectual, cultural and scientific backwardness was the reason behind the tribal, cavemen and other men of the past fighting with each other, how do we explain the situation prevailing today?

In the age when we claim to be at the peak of intellectual and cultural refinement, the incidence of violence and war is on the rise, globally. We expect all these developments to nullify differences, break all walls, wipe out boundaries and take us to universal brotherhood. On the contrary, what is happening is an increase in the number of countries! – more and more boundaries are being demarcated. Countries are breaking down from more countries. Instead of integration into one powerful, peaceful society, there is only disintegration all the time, in the name of race, religion and language.

How can we achieve that integration? Down the ages, there have been numerous thinkers, revolutionaries, leaders and organizations who have worked towards that goal and yet their efforts have not produced sustained results because they have all tried to bring about unity through changes in the external world and society. Any external transformation is never long-lasting. So, Universal brotherhood and peace can never be brought about by power, force or scientific advancement.

The only solution is inner transformation – a change in the tendency of every single person and the only way to achieve it is through spirituality. To achieve this, we need not change our lifestyle; we need not go to another place; we need not renounce anything; there is no dress code or any such formality; we can go to work; go to school and live as usual and yet bring about ‘UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD’. How is that possible?

Indian culture is one of the most ancient cultures of the world and it is globally acknowledged that our Scriptures and the great Rishis have accurately predicted the course of the world and future. Thousands of years ago, foreseeing the troubled times ahead, they have shown the remedy which is the Maha Mantra found in the Kali Santarana Upanishad –

“Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare |
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||”
 

Not only do we believe in the Scriptures and the great Rishis, but it has been found that all have experienced the inner transformation, bliss and joy even while chanting  this Maha Mantra. Having tasted the divine nectar called ‘Hare Rama…’, we wish to share the joy with one and all, through Nama -  ‘Nama Dwaar’.

On this New Year’s day, we all pledge solemnly to work towards Universal peace through the Maha Mantra.

“Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare |
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||”