Who was Shivaji

by Govind Pansare

Even great individuals are subject to the constraints of their historical time, the constraints of their circumstances.

We can hardly choose the family we are born in. But it is certainly in our hands to make of our life what we will — at least some of it! Of course, those who do not have any ability to do anything significant will only sing the paeans of lineage and racial superiority.

A good idea, when common people accept it, becomes a force and such force allows common people to perform uncommon deeds. Extraordinary events in history do not take place unless the common people participate in them.

Faith is one thing. Superstition and fundamentalism are quite another.