Shri Krishna—Youth Icon

Introduction-- Krishna an inspiration

`Krishna` is divided into two syllables `krish` and `na`. `Krish `means` one who has appeared on Earth to mitigate the burden of demoniac kings, and who attracts the minds of all living entities`. `Na` means `the supreme transcendental pleasure`. These two syllables combine to become the name `Krishna`.

Shri Krishna, the flute player has been the source of inspiration for many through ages – the perfect youth icon. He is like the blossom of spring that keeps returning with every season. Whenever we think of him, the picture, which emerges is that of a dark complexioned, attractive man who is ready to acquire anything through `Saama, Daama, Dand, Bhed` and yet remain free of all vices. He is one of the most revered Gods of Hindu mythologies.

The master of all arts, he is a true leader having that rare mystic appeal and beauty, which is hard to resist. He continues to rule our hearts and actions. We know Lord Krishna by many names but the most popular ones are Balgopal, Makhan Chor, Govinda, Devkinandan, Murali, Morari, Girdhari, Dwarakadhish and Parthisartha. Traits and character like him are hard to find in any individual. The younger generation admires him and treasures his principles.

Who was Krishna as a youth?

Shri Krishna is like the morning mist that brings tranquillity and novelty with itself. He personifies the eternal spring of youth. Krishna while enacting his leela on earth was a man of his word. He went through sufferings, pain, revenge, ambition, achievements, love, marriage, politics, diplomacy and finally submission to death, which is very similar to the life of the youth today. But what made his life divine was that he remained a ‘Karmayogi’, performing actions yet remaining free from them. He attained a human body, to show humans that they can use their body to discover spirituality and the Absolute truth. He took incarnation to kill Kansa. His childhood was beautiful and mischievous like that of any common child. He was a Makhan Chor and enjoyed the nature and colours of all festivals and arts. His love play with ‘Gopis’ (milkmaids) and ‘Gopas’ finally ending in Rasaleela is something every teen shares with their lovers. His love for Radha was eternal and an ideal example for all of us. Because of his pragmatic approach, he is loved, followed and worshipped.

Krishna inspires youth to be determined, courageous, articulate and diplomatic. He was an able administrator, strategy maker, philosopher, and above all a politician. Various instances of his life, which highlight these aspects are-

Youthfulness (Naughty at young age, then playing and enjoying with Gopas and Gopis as well the epic of love and longing in Rasaleela)
Joyful (Enjoying all colours of festivals and arts)
Daring (Killed Kansa and evil powers)
Rebellious against old rituals, customs (Stopped villagers from worshipping Indra for rain and lifted Govardhana hill)
Far Sighted (Advised Yudhishthir and other Pandavas for the right strategies to win the battle of Mahabharata)
Firm and Determined (Achieved all what he wanted at any cost)
Good Politician and Diplomat (Always was a well wisher of Pandavas yet a friend of Kauravas)
Wise Strategy Maker (Was the strategy maker for Pandavas in Kurukshetra)
Philosopher (Revealed Gita to Arjuna which contains the meaning of life when he was in dilemma)
Good Friend (Helped each of his friend either it was Sudama or Arjuna )
Learned (Well versed in Arts and Shastras)
Well Mannered and polite (Treated everyone as equal)
Good Administrator (Dwarka is told to be one of the best states that ever existed)
Very Practical Approach (Used Saama-Daama-Dand-Bhed as essential)

What today`s youth desire

Today`s youth is competitive, fast and enterprising; in brief, they are jack of all trade. They want to obtain things at any rate. If they set eyes on anything, they want to acquire it even if the path followed is justified or not. Pleasure is yet another vital aspect of their life. They never question morality and live in relationships, in fact, `we need to have an understanding before we decide to live together forever` is their logical response. They are assertive in their demands. They dare to go to any extent to get what they desire and are manipulative, intelligent and shrewd. However, they crave for art and culture too. In such a scenario, where the Youth is swinging between desire and peace, Krishna’s message in the form of Bhagvad Gita comes to rescue. The divine concept of ‘Karmayoga’ (the path of selfless action and selfless service) and the ‘Stitha-Pragya’ (a person of unwavering intellect) acts as an anchor and ideal for the youth.

Krishna-In our hearts forever

Krishna`s message is like an eternal flower that spreads its fragrance across all generations. He was a mentor, dictator, politician and a diplomat – traits that inspires every one. He represents wealth, strength, beauty, knowledge, and renunciation in all its glory. There is no doubt that he was a God but even after being the divine, he took birth to show the limitless possibilities that exists in human beings. His determination, courage and endeavours truly motivate the youth.