I want to mark this day by the expression of a long cherished wish; that of becoming an Indian citizen. From the first time I came to India - in 1914- I felt that India is my true country, the country of my soul and spirit. I had decided to realise this wish as soon as India would be free. But I had to wait still longer because of my heavy responsibilities for the Ashram here in Pondicherry. Now the time has come when I can declare myself.
But, in accordance with Sri Aurobindo's ideal, my purpose is to show that truth lies in union rather than in division. To reject one nationality in order to obtain another is not an ideal solution. So I hope I shall be allowed to adopt a double nationality, that is to say, to remain French while I become an Indian.
I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo's great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity.
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O India, land of light and spiritual knowledge! Wake up to your true mission in the world, show the way to union and harmony.
- The Mother, 23rd September 1967
(This message by The Mother was broadcast by All India Radio, Pondicherry, on it’s inauguration day)
India has become the symbolic representation of all the difficulties of modern mankind.
India will be the land of its resurrection- the resurrection to a higher and truer life.
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In the whole creation the earth has a place of distinction, because unlike any other planet it is evolutionary with a psychic entity in the centre. In it, India, in particular, is a divinely chosen country.
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What is India?
India is not the earth, rivers and mountains of this land, neither is it a collective name for the inhabitants of this country. India is a living being, as much living as, say, Shiva. India is a goddess as Shiva is a god. If she likes, she can manifest in human form.
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(CWM Volume 13, The Mother, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust 1980, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry).
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