क्रांति-कर्म

Summary

In a discussion among young men and an older intellectual named Hariprakash, a youth named Vijay bursts out demanding revolution, bread, and clothing, not sermons. He is visibly agitated and leaves abruptly. Hariprakash addresses the remaining group, questioning their silence and suggesting that Vijay's impatience for action is valid. He argues that giving sermons where revolution is needed is presumptuous, but notes that even offering revolution through words is still just a sermon. He emphasizes that learning and discussion should lead to action, and that what is appropriate to learn in youth should later be applied. A young leader responds that they come to elders like Hariprakash to temper their discontent and avoid rebellion, but Hariprakash challenges them, saying he cannot preach patience to them as he was once impatient himself. He advises them to face hardship and study deeply, but questions how they tolerate their youth so easily. He insists that enduring injustice is not tolerance but cowardice, and that one should not accept wrongs even from respected leaders. The youths become inspired, feeling a unity with Hariprakash. He then speaks of a "supreme revolution" beyond political change, questioning the purpose of life and death. He critiques past revolutions as mere fireworks that fade, leaving darkness. He argues that true revolution requires abandoning self-interest and loving others before oneself, starting with one's neighbor. He warns that sacrificial altars built for nation, religion, or caste often exploit the idealism of youth, while the real altar is the human being, and the true revolution is living with awareness of others.