Although India and Pakistan share numerous historic, cultural, geographic and economic links, their relationship has historically been plagued by hostility and suspicion. It all began with the violent partition of the British India in 1947, and the two nations continue to lock horns even to this day. Of the three major wars fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the war of 1971 was contemporary with Radhanath Swami's visit to India. Earlier in an year before in 1970, he had managed to cross the Wagah border to enter into India, a border recalled in his autobiography as one of the tensest in the world. Now he was in Vrindavan, and the Pakistani jets had begun carrying out pre-emptive bombing of Indian Airbases in Agra and around. Vrindavan, not being very far from Agra could be a potential target too, and was therefore blacked out in the night to avoid any air strikes. Radhanath Swami offers a vivid recount of the event, and uses the same to illustrate how a prior preparation is always helpful while we as conditioned souls pursue our battle against Maya.

Radhanath Swami