Introduction:

It was August 17th, 1:35 PM, and I was in the cloakroom where people had deposited their mobile phones. Suddenly, the phones emitted a loud, alarming beep, unlike anything I'd heard before. It felt like an emergency. I picked up my phone to investigate. The screen displayed a message: "Emergency alert: Extreme," with a danger icon. Upon a more thorough inspection, it became clear that there was no cause for concern; it was simply a test message sent via the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. It was part of an exercise to evaluate the Pan-India Emergency Alert System implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority. This initiative aims to enhance public safety during emergencies, particularly natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and flash floods. Its primary goal is to protect the lives and physical well-being of all citizens.

As I returned the mobile to the cupboard, a thought crossed my mind, “How safe are we? Are our lives completely free from disasters?”

Material Protection:

In today's world, material protection is an imperative aspect of governance. Governments heavily invest in infrastructure, disaster management, healthcare, and various sectors to ensure the well-being of their citizens. The recent initiative of Cell Broadcasting System in India exemplifies this commitment. Through real-time alerts and timely information dissemination, the government aims to minimize casualties and damages during disasters.

Material protection encompasses a wide array of services and systems, including disaster preparedness and response teams trained to deal with natural calamities. Public health services ensure that medical assistance is available when required, all in an effort to mitigate suffering and protect the physical lives of citizens.

Governments also focus on economic well-being, social security, and justice systems. These components together form a network of material protection, striving to create an environment where citizens can lead healthy and secure lives.

It is important to acknowledge the Indian government’s initiatives in preserving the nation's cultural and spiritual heritage, including safeguarding heritage sites, promoting cultural and spiritual tourism, and commemorating International Yoga Day. While these efforts are significant, their number is relatively limited.

Spiritual Protection:

However, when we delve into the depths of spiritual wisdom, we find a concept that transcends the confines of modern governance - the idea of spiritual protection. Srila Prabhupada, the most distinguished spiritual teacher of current times and the founder-acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), reveals that governments in previous ages primarily focused on the spiritual well-being of their citizens.

In ancient times, governance was carried out by Kshatriyas. The term "kshatriya" stems from "kñat," meaning "to protect”. Kshatriyas protected everyone and also upheld the religious principles and scriptures. They were rightly called "rajarshis," as they were simultaneously kingly and saintly in nature. Guided by guru (spiritual guide), sadhu (saintly persons), and shastra (scriptures), they encouraged citizens to fulfill both their material and spiritual duties. Thus, they ensured not only the material but also the spiritual protection of their subjects. Notable kshatriyas included Prahlada, Ambarisha, Bharata, Yudhishthira, Parikshit, and among others.

The Role of Spirituality:

While modern government’s initiative makes us feel secure during disasters, we must not lose sight of our mortality. None of us can escape death; it is the ultimate disaster. The most complete and authoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge, the Srimad Bhagavatam alarms us in 2.3.17, "Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life for everyone." In this sense, we are always in a state of emergency. Aren’t we?

One who is spiritually protected can transcend even death. Spiritual protection revolves around nurturing the inner self - soul, understanding one's relationship with God, carrying out duties in spiritual consciousness. Eventually, these save the individual from the cycle of birth and death and award a spiritual body for an eternal blissful life.

Srila Prabhupada's teachings reveal the art of developing the spiritual consciousness. He emphasised that Chanting “Hare Krishna”, the holy names of the Lord, and studying the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are the most authentic and practical ways to quickly develop such consciousness, thereby enhancing spiritual protection for all citizens. Notably, this spiritual dimension automatically addresses stress and anxiety- related issues, which are predominant in today's society, particularly among millennials and Gen Z.

The Complementary Nature:

Material and spiritual protection are not a matter of one versus the other. In fact, these two aspects complement each other. Material protection addresses the immediate physical needs of citizens, ensuring their safety and well-being during crises, while spiritual protection focuses on nurturing the inner selves of individuals, providing them with the tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience and equanimity.

Modern governance systems can embrace priceless ancient wisdom, such as that offered by Srila Prabhupada. These are economical, efficient and secular at the same time. Recognizing the spiritual dimension of citizens and providing more avenues for their spiritual growth can enhance overall well-being. It's a holistic approach to governance that acknowledges the multidimensional nature of human existence, potentially leading to prosperous states resembling the ideal Rama rajya, a society many aspire to live in.

Conclusion:

To conclude, the recent efforts to enhance public safety through the Pan-India Emergency Alert System are commendable for the physical well-being of citizens. However, for a truly harmonious and prosperous society, governments should also consider bolstering the spiritual protection of their citizens. Balancing material and spiritual protection can lead to a society where individuals not only survive but thrive, finding inner peace and contentment even in the face of material challenges. This duality of protection represents a forward-looking approach to governance that considers both the body and the soul of its citizens.