Vaikunda Ekadasi and the Fall of a President: A Journey Through Memory
Date: December 30
Category: Memoirs / History / Spirituality
That Early Morning: December 30, 2006
The calendar marked December 30—the auspicious day of Vaikunda Ekadasi. It was an era before smartphones dominated our lives, a time when we didn't wake up to WhatsApp notifications but to the glow of the television screen for world news. On that particular morning, however, the news flashing across the screen wasn't just another headline; it signaled the end of an era.
The Fall of a Titan
The world was reeling from the news regarding the former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. From what I had gathered through my reading at the time, he was a formidable administrator and a steadfast friend to India. His "Oil-for-Food" program, which fostered a deep bond with our nation, remains a significant chapter in diplomatic history.
After the defeat in the war against America and a long period of imprisonment, the news of his execution came at a moment few truly expected. A massive chapter of history had reached its conclusion at the end of a rope.
Words from a Mentor
I shared the shock of this news with my college professor that day. We discussed at length the life, the power, and the eventual downfall of the Iraqi leader. As our conversation drew to a close, he uttered a sentence that has echoed in my mind ever since:
"Today is Vaikunda Ekadasi... the day Vaikundam welcomes even those who opposed it."
(In Tamil: "வைதாரையும் வரவேற்கும் வைகுண்டம்!")
There is a profound philosophy hidden in those words. The world may judge a man by his actions, politics, or power. However, the compassion of the Almighty is boundless. Vaikunda Ekadasi is believed to be the day the gates of heaven (Paramapada Vaasal) open—a day of ultimate grace that transcends human judgment.
Conclusion: The Account of Time
Beyond politics, wars, and the struggle for power, there exists a space where every soul seeks ultimate peace. Reflecting on the fact that Saddam Hussein’s life ended on this sacred day, I choose to believe—as my professor did—that he too found solace in the shadows of that divine grace.
Time has a strange way of intertwining events. On one side, deep devotion; on the other, global geopolitics. The intersection of these two on that December 30th remains an unforgettable memory in my life.
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"December 30, 2006: A day of spiritual significance and a historic political end. Remembering the Vaikunda Ekadasi when the world watched the departure of Saddam Hussein. A reflection on grace, history, and the words of a mentor. 🕊️🏛️
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