नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः

 

“नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः”

The profound message of the Mundaka Upanishad—“The Self is not attained by the weak”—refers not merely to physical strength but to mental courage, moral firmness and spiritual discipline. Self-realisation demands the strength to overcome fear, control desire, face adversity and remain committed to truth. True power does not lie in dominating others; it is found in conquering one’s own anger, ego and weakness. Therefore, one must cultivate courage, patience and perseverance, because the highest truth is attained only by those who refuse to surrender before life’s difficulties.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

The Self Is Not Attained by the Weak

 

“नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः” — The Self Is Not Attained by the Weak

The profound declaration of the Mundaka Upanishad—“नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः”—means that the highest knowledge of the Self cannot be attained by one who lacks strength. Here, “strength” does not refer merely to physical power. It signifies inner courage, mental discipline, moral firmness, spiritual determination and the ability to remain steady during adversity.

True self-realisation demands continuous effort. A person who is easily defeated by fear, temptation, disappointment or social pressure may find it difficult to discover the divine power residing within. The journey towards truth is seldom comfortable. It requires one to confront personal weaknesses, control restless desires, overcome attachment and continue walking even when the destination appears distant.

Life repeatedly tests our patience and conviction. Difficulties are not always punishments; many times, they are opportunities through which our character is refined. Just as gold is purified by fire, the human personality becomes stronger through struggle. Every challenge teaches us something about our hidden capacity, and every sincere effort brings us closer to wisdom.

The weakness condemned by the Upanishad is primarily an inner surrender—the belief that we are incapable, helpless or destined to fail. Such thoughts gradually imprison the mind. Spiritual wisdom therefore calls upon us to rise above fear and recognise the strength already present within our consciousness. Courage begins when we refuse to be governed by doubt.

This teaching is equally relevant to personal, professional and public life. Justice cannot be defended by those who fear inconvenience; truth cannot be protected by those who compromise at the first sign of opposition; and society cannot progress when responsible persons remain silent before injustice. Strength, however, must always be guided by wisdom and compassion. Power without morality becomes oppression, whereas strength rooted in righteousness becomes a means of service.

The Upanishadic message does not glorify aggression, arrogance or domination. A truly strong person need not humiliate others or loudly display superiority. Real strength appears through self-control, patience, humility and the courage to stand alone for what is right. One who governs his own anger, greed and ego possesses a far greater power than one who merely controls others.

Therefore, we must develop strength at every level—physical vitality, intellectual clarity, emotional stability, moral courage and spiritual faith. We may fall, but we must rise again; we may face rejection, but we must not abandon truth; we may encounter darkness, but we must continue searching for light. The eternal Self is realised by those who persevere with discipline, sincerity and unwavering determination.

The message of “नायमात्मा बलहीनेन लभ्यः” is ultimately a call to awaken. It reminds every human being: do not underestimate the divine potential within you. Remove fear, cultivate courage, strengthen your character and proceed towards truth with confidence. The path may be demanding, but the light of self-knowledge belongs to those who possess the strength to pursue it.

— Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Kindness Is the Finest Form of Humanity

 

Kindness Is the Finest Form of Humanity

“रहिमन चुप हो बैठिए, देखि दिनन को फेर।
जब नीके दिन आइहैं, बनत न लागत देर।”

Rahim teaches us that life never remains the same forever. Difficult days, however painful, are temporary; when favourable times return, circumstances can improve more quickly than expected. Therefore, during adversity, one should remain patient, composed and hopeful instead of surrendering to despair.

Hard times also reveal the true character of people. When someone is already suffering, we should not deepen their pain through harsh words, humiliation or indifference. A person may appear weak today, but tomorrow circumstances may change completely. Wealth, power, success and social position are never permanent. The same person who needs our support today may become capable of supporting many others tomorrow.

The deeper message of Rahim’s wisdom is not merely to remain silent and wait, but to preserve dignity and inner strength while time completes its cycle. Silence in adversity should not mean helplessness; it should mean restraint, reflection and faith. We must continue making sincere efforts without allowing temporary failure to destroy our confidence.

Similarly, when life is favourable to us, we should remain humble and compassionate. Pride in good times and cruelty toward the unfortunate are signs of moral poverty. A truly great person is one who remembers the uncertainty of life and treats others with respect in every circumstance.

Therefore, be kind whenever possible. Do not ridicule anyone for their present condition, because no one knows what tomorrow may bring. Offer encouragement instead of criticism, assistance instead of neglect, and hope instead of despair. Time changes, wounds heal, opportunities return, and seemingly impossible situations can transform unexpectedly.

Patience protects us during hardship, while kindness preserves our humanity. Together, they give us the strength to endure difficult days and the wisdom to remain humble when better days arrive.

Bharat’s Independent Foreign Policy

 

Bharat’s Independent Foreign Policy

Our Prime Minister has displayed diplomatic courage by engaging with Iran’s leadership despite external pressure. Bharat cannot be intimidated by threats from any foreign power.

The age of unilateral domination is fading. No country can dictate the policies of an increasingly multipolar world. Bharat is neither blindly joining any camp nor surrendering its strategic autonomy. It maintains relations with diverse nations while pursuing a path founded upon sovereignty, cooperation and mutual benefit.

Bharat’s expanding global outreach is impressive. Any credible allegation of covert foreign interference must be lawfully investigated, but such challenges have only made the nation more vigilant and self-reliant.

Bharat will cooperate with all, submit to none and act according to its national interest.

Vande Mataram.

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Bharat’s Independent Voice in a Multipolar World

 

Bharat’s Independent Voice in a Multipolar World

Our Prime Minister has demonstrated considerable diplomatic courage by engaging directly with the leadership of Iran at a time of intense geopolitical pressure. Such engagement reflects Bharat’s determination to conduct its foreign relations according to its own national interests, strategic requirements and civilisational principles—not according to instructions issued by any foreign power.

Bharat cannot be intimidated by threats, sanctions or political pressure. The age in which a single country could dictate the policies of the entire world is gradually disappearing. Today’s international order is increasingly multipolar, with nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions asserting their sovereignty and demanding equal respect.

The United States has often sought to preserve its global dominance through military alliances, economic pressure and diplomatic influence. However, many countries—including some of its traditional partners—are now independently reassessing their interests. This does not necessarily mean hostility towards America; it represents a wider rejection of unilateral supremacy and a demand for a more balanced international order.

Amid these changing global equations, Bharat is following a steady and carefully considered path. It maintains relations with the United States, Russia, Iran, Israel, the Arab world, Europe and the Global South without surrendering its strategic autonomy. Bharat is neither blindly joining one camp nor becoming an instrument of another. Instead, it is helping to create a platform founded upon cooperation, peaceful coexistence, economic development and mutual respect.

Bharat’s expanding global outreach is impressive. Its diplomatic engagements, humanitarian assistance, technological capabilities and civilisational message have strengthened its international standing. Bharat seeks partnerships beneficial not only to itself but also to all responsible nations that value sovereignty, stability and peace.

Concerns about covert foreign interference and so-called “deep-state” activities must, of course, be examined through credible evidence and lawful investigation. Nevertheless, every attempt to influence Bharat’s democratic institutions or weaken its social unity should make the nation more vigilant, informed and self-reliant.

Bharat has awakened to the realities of modern geopolitics. It will cooperate with all, submit to none and continue advancing upon a path shaped by its national interest and the larger welfare of humanity.

Vande Mataram.

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Bharat and Russia: A Time-Tested Friendship

 

Bharat and Russia: A Time-Tested Friendship

A Bharatiya meeting a Russian often experiences a natural sense of comfort and confidence. Russia has earned this trust through decades of dependable friendship, strategic cooperation and support during Bharat’s difficult times.

Both nations value their traditions, sovereignty and national dignity while possessing the courage to confront external threats. Though there is no bond of blood, their relationship has been strengthened by mutual respect, reliability and shared interests.

International relations must always be guided by national interest, yet Russia continues to occupy a special place in the hearts of many Bharatiyas as a trusted and enduring partner.

Long live Bharat–Russia friendship.

Joy Hind.

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta

Bharat and Russia: A Friendship Forged by Trust

 

Bharat and Russia: A Friendship Forged by Trust

Ordinarily, when a Bharatiya meets a Russian, there is a natural sense of comfort and familiarity. The interaction rarely feels burdened by excessive suspicion, hesitation or diplomatic uncertainty. This confidence was not created overnight; Russia earned it through decades of dependable friendship, mutual respect and consistent cooperation with Bharat.

While relationships with many countries have often been influenced by changing governments, strategic calculations and temporary interests, the Bharat–Russia partnership has displayed remarkable stability. Russia stood beside Bharat during several difficult periods when support from many other nations was uncertain. Consequently, the confidence of Bharatiyas in Russia has gradually become rock-solid.

Russians and Bharatiyas also share certain similarities in temperament. Both peoples remain deeply attached to their histories, cultural identities and traditional values. They may appear orthodox in protecting their respective civilisational foundations, yet neither hesitates to embrace science, technology and national development. Above all, both nations possess the courage and determination to defend their sovereignty and confront threats whenever necessary.

There may be no relationship of blood between the people of Bharat and Russia, but their bond speaks through decades of cooperation, goodwill and mutual understanding. From defence and space exploration to energy, education, science and culture, the two countries have repeatedly demonstrated that reliable friendship can transcend geography, language and ethnicity.

International relations are ultimately governed by national interests, and every partnership must be assessed with wisdom and realism. Nevertheless, Russia occupies a special place in the collective memory of Bharat because it has generally remained a dependable strategic partner during critical moments. That historical trust explains why many Bharatiyas continue to place immense confidence in Russia.

The Bharat–Russia friendship is more than a diplomatic arrangement; it is a time-tested partnership built upon respect, resilience and reliability. Such a relationship must be preserved and strengthened for the peace, security and prosperity of both nations.

Long live Bharat–Russia friendship.

Joy Hind.

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court at Calcutta