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All Stories
Every blog post from the Pakka Patriot library — 156 stories of history, culture, heroes, and the land we love.
156 stories found
Dr. Hedgewar, from an active Congressman to founding RSS
Introduction Founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His strong desire was that all the people should dedicate themselves to the service of Motherland forgetting the differences of caste, creed, etc… He exemplified this ideal in his own life. He shone as a simple and loving personality. 22 June 1897 on that day, Queen Victoria of England…
Guruji Golwalkar: Saintly man under whom RSS grew multifold
Introduction He was well known as Guruji throughout Bharat and was the second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His life was wholly dedicated to the service of Motherland. Pure like fire, tender like a flower, his was a personality lofty like the Himalayas. He was a great leader with indomitable courage and a sharp intellect….
The Story of Lakshmana, who accompanied Sri Rama till death
Introduction Younger brother of Sri Rama, Lakshmana personifies brotherly love and self-effacement. When Sri Rama, in fulfillment of father Dasharatha’s promise to queen Kaikeyi, set out for the forest with Sita, Lakshmana followed him. When Sri Rama had to wage war against Ravana to rescue Sita, Lakshmana whole-heartedly collaborated in the venture. His devotion to…
Story of Dhruva, a king who was blessed by Vishnu as a kid
Introduction He was a little boy of five years when he was insulted by his stepmother and ignored by his father. He went to a forest in search of God. With determination and devotion, he succeeded. He ruled the country in the name of God and in the interest of the subjects. To this day…
Draupadi of Mahabharat’s Story, from her Swayamvar to Heaven
Introduction The wife of the great Pandavas renowned alike for her loveliness and her granite will. Volcanic, she reduced her enemies to the ashes. But her story is a saga of suffering. This fiery princess bent on vengeance could be compassionate and generous, too. It was early morning. Mother was already up and at her…
Story of Bhagiratha: The King who brought Ganga from Heaven
Introduction The great hero who brought down the Ganga from heaven to the earth. Bhagiratha has become another name for a will of steel that never accepts defeat. There is a very popular song in Kannada: “Descend, O Mother, descend, from the tresses of Lord Shiva, From under the feet of Lord Vishnu, Come gliding…
Story of Bali Chakravarthi, an Asura King, too good at heart
Introduction Who is Bali Chakravarthi? Bali Chakravarthi was the grandson of Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, and the king of Rakshasas. He ruled with righteousness and the welfare of the subjects at heart. Having agreed to give in charity three paces of land to Vishnu, who came in the form of a young ‘Vatu’ (bachelor-boy)…
The Story of Nachiketa who by his will power met Lord Yama
Introduction He was a brave lad. He sought knowledge at a very tender age. He persuaded Yama the God of Death to teach him. His father lost his temper one-day and told Nachiketa, ‘I have gifted you to the Lord of Death.’ This curse turned out to be a boon. He met the Lord of…
Story of just and powerful Chalukya King: Vikramaditya VI
Introduction An ideal king who was as wise as he was brave and strong. He did not want kingship, but when the people needed him, he became king. Matchless in war and matchless in forgiveness, an excellent ruler, he won the hearts of his people. ‘The creator of an era.’ In the history of the world,…
Story of Parashuram Bhagwan: the sixth incarnation of Vishnu
Introduction Parashurama – the epic hero with an axe – was a real ‘Yama’ (God of Death) to the evil and arrogant. He traversed the earth twenty-one times and punished the evildoers who were harassing the people. He was the ‘Guru’ (Master) of such royal stalwarts and savants as Bheeshma and Drona. Parashurama is recognized…
The role of Vidura in Mahabharata, Vidura Neethi, Philosophy
Introduction A great man who shines even in the galaxy of the mighty characters of the ‘Mahabharata. Affection did not dim his wisdom. Fearlessly he walked the path of righteousness. He showed the same path to others. If Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana had heeded his advice the terrible bloodbath of Kurukshetra could have been averted. “There…
Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana who supported Rama
Introduction A devotee of Sri Rama and younger brother of the valiant Ravana, king of Lanka. He had great affection and respect for his elder brother. But when Ravana set him on an evil course, Vibheeshana boldly protested and tendered proper advice. When no alternative was left, he went away from Lanka, surrendered himself to…
The Story of Vishwamitra Rishi from a King to a Brahmarshi
Introduction Vishwamitra quarreled with Vashishtha and was defeated. But Vashishtha himself named him as a Brahmarshi. Vishwamitra created new stellar constellations and threatened to create a new Indra. Gods trembled at this. He tested the truthfulness of Harishchandra. He saved Shunahshepha who was to be sacrificed. He was the guru of Sri Rama and taught…
Vasishta Maharshi, a Brahmarshi who had won Anger and Desire
Introduction Vasishta was a great ascetic. He was the preceptor of great men like Sri Rama and Harischandra. He had conquered anger and desire. He was a great saint who humbled insolent men. As a preceptor, he imparted knowledge and became a guide to thousands of aspirants. Have you seen the Pole Star? If you…
Story of Valmiki from a Hunter to the Adikavi, Brahmarshi
Introduction The Adikavi, the Poet of Poets of India, who gave the world the immortal epic, the ‘Ramayana’. By profession a highway robber, he came under the spell of Maharshi Narada and became a ‘Brahmarshi’. He not only sang the matchless greatness of Sri Rama, but gave shelter to his wife Seetha Devi, and taught…
The story of Veda Vyasa along with the spread of Mahabharata
Introduction The ‘Mahabharata’ remains a marvel in the literature of the world. Veda Vyasa was the sage who gave the world this Store-house of realism, wisdom, and compassion. And he was the guide to whom seven generations of the high and the humble looked up in hours of sorrow and darkness. On the banks of…
Biography of Vikram Sarabhai: Father of Indian Space Program
Introduction One of the greatest scientists of India. As Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he guided research of the greatest importance to the country. A born scientist and a beloved teacher. When a great man dies, the first question people ask is: “After him, who?” Generally, this question is soon answered. But, sometimes, it…
Story of Bhishma: The prince who stuck to vow till the end
Introduction One of the most honored figures of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He gave up marriage and the throne for his father’s sake. To the people of India, he is the symbol of mature wisdom. Long ago in Dwapara Yuga, there ruled a famous dynasty of kings of the Lunar Race, that is, the…
Biography of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and his invaluable songs
Introduction A great saint who lived only for his God Vitthala. He faced a variety of difficulties with astonishing patience. He refused diamonds and opals offered by Shivaji Maharaj himself. His devotional songs are an invaluable contribution to Marathi’s spiritual literature. That day the children of the lane were overjoyed. There was plenty of sugarcane….
Biography of Madhvacharya, his Philosophy with Photos
Introduction He is the saint who installed the idol of Sri Krishna at Udupi in Karnataka. The Philosophy he preached was previously known as ‘ Tatvavada’. Now it is known as ‘Dwaita’. He lived seven hundred years ago. He boldly said to a Muslim king: “By whatever name you may call, God is One.” He…
Story of Eklavya, a student who learned before Guru’s Idol
Introduction A student’s distinction lies in his devout pursuit of knowledge, and not merely in his heritage. This manifests in a splendid manner in Ekalavya’s life. He worshipped an idol of his ‘Guru’, learned his lessons in archery in the Master’s absence, and mastered the art. When his master desired the thumb of Ekalavya’s right hand…
Biography of Adi Shankaracharya from Birth to Sharada Peetha
Introduction One of the greatest philosophers and savants of Bharat. Though he lived for only thirty-two years, his achievement was unparalleled. He pro-pounded the Vedantic tenet that Brahman the Supreme and man are of one essence and that all people should strive to cultivate this vision of oneness. He established four spiritual centers in the…
Biography of Mahavir Swami: A Life Dedicated to Mankind
Introduction A young prince who gave up power, position, and money to the path of Jainism. He spent twelve long years in strict meditation and became a light to millions. Kundapura was a suburb of Vaishali, the capital of the Lichchavi Republic. On the outskirts of the town was a large grove of banyan trees….
Biography of Bhagat Singh: A Source of Inspiration for many
Introduction He is the symbol of the heroism of the youth of India. A revolutionary. He threw a bomb when the Legislature was in session to warn the British Government. He was put to death but lives in the hearts of his countrymen. One evening a boy of three was out for a walk with…