Offshoot

First Indian to receive Crans Montana Award

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 02:15:00 +0000

The Art of Living Founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, became the first Indian to receive the Crans Montana Forum Award in Belgium on June 24. "You (Sri Sri) represent, today, hope to people in conflict," says Jean-Paul Carteron, Chairman and Founder, in a letter.

Since 1989, the Crans Montana Forum has been awarding individuals who fight for peace, democracy and liberty. Several Presidents and Prime Ministers have received this award. President of the United States of America, Barack Obama; Former Prime Minister of Portugal and current President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso; Current President of Finland, Tarja Halonen; Current President of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka; Current Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel are some of the previous recipients of this award.

Sri Sri was also invited to share his vision of a stress-free, violence-free world at the Crans Montana Forum 21, on June 24, in a session entitled: 'Shaping a new world for tomorrow – The necessity of identifying & implementing common values.' Sri Sri's message of a one-world family and his three decade-body of work in reviving human values have transformed communities across 151 nations. Tribes in Africa, villages in rural India, troubled youth in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo have adopted Sri Sri's call to action: inner peace to outer peace.

The Art of Living celebrated 30 years of service to humanity on July 2 and 3 in Berlin through the World Culture Festival. The organization has been serving people through projects that empower the individual, provide freedom from trauma and stress in crisis areas, and rehabilitates victims of violence and prison inmates. It teaches yoga and meditation, emphasizing on using the breath to relax and manage stress. A key component is the Sudarshan Kriya, a health-promoting breathing technique. The organization also holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN), and he is active in numerous other international bodies and committees in the areas of health, education and sustainable development.

The Angrezi Bhasha

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:27:00 +0000

I have always been intrigued by the eminent columnist like Vir Sanghvi, Shekhar Gupta, Bachi Karkaria, Jug Suraiya, Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, et. al. the way they present an issue and the angles they expose, the ideas they project. The fluency of their language, their command over it is simply astounding. These people can simply pick any national issue under the sun and can speak extemporaneously in an eloquent manner. After reading the entire column written by them, you need to take a pause to digest what they say. It's never a general gossip on a petty issue. It is mostly controversial issues these people write on. Even if they were to write a column on food, like Vir Sanghvi's Rude Food in Hindustan Times, its so magnificently written!

It is my dream since childhood to write an article. Its seed was sown by my English teacher who always used to shout at me for my horrible English. Yes, for very horrible English. My 400 words essay would have atleast 25 spelling mistakes, 15 grammatical errors, and handwriting absolutely illegible. My teacher saw no hope in me, leave alone my English!! My English teacher was confident that would never score above 40 marks in English in my SSC (Std. 10th) exams. Well, I scored 56 against my teachers expectations.

Strangely, without any effort my English improved, as in my Std XII th exams, I scored 70. A whoooping 70 I could say! My Old English Teacher protested that it was due to lowering of the standard at higher levels. Yes, that's partially true as it gives comfort for the vernacular medium students. But never a word of appreciation from her. In my first year of degree on commerce, I joined "English Literary Association" an extra-curricular activity by my college. It promoted English Language and was a sandbox for honing literary skills. It gave enough room to make mistakes. It also served as a platform to display latent literary talents. I got a third prize in the story writing competition in my first year. In the second year, I was a contributing columnist for my college mag, named Pankh (The Wings) I received a second prize in poetry reading competition and the article in the college mag. In the third year, I was elected as the College Mag Editor. I could script a couple of editorials for the mag till the onus of Third year examination took toll on my health. I had to shun "Other Activities" and dedicate more time towards final year studies in 2003. It was after a long hiatus, I got an opportunity with an industrial magazine where I wrote a very small conference visit report. I am still in good term with the editor of that industrial magazine and take some time out every week to have a lengthy chat on any damn topic. He has been an inspiration to many things and habits in my life.

One habit that he has instilled in me is reading the articles of eminent columnists of Indian journalism. Just reading them gives two advantage right away. One, they give you a kaleidoscopic view on a run of the mill issue. and secondly, their rich language enhances your comprehension. In my case I fought all odds and have lived up to my dream, or at least dared to live up to my dream. If I can, anyone can.

Following are the link to the blogs of the famous columnists of India.
http://www.virsanghvi.com/ (You ought to know him..)

http://www.indianexpress.com/columnist/shekhargupta/ (Indian Express Editor-in-Chief)
http://livefist.blogspot.com/ (A Blog by Shiv Aroor - Indian Defence Columnist)
Kushwant Singh
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/erratica/ (Bachi Karkaria)

There are many more.. If you are one of those who always wished to have a good command over English, then you can do so in simple way. Just read columns by the journalists mentioned above. More you read, more the exposure to the current events and familliarity with the writers language. You may also come across some tough vocabulary hurdles, never mind. Just refer to an Engoish Dictionary. Just with in a couple of months of regular and patient practice, your communication will improve. In the worst case, your comprehension (Ability to understand what is written or said) will definately increase.

Communication is an art. It can entice one's heart or can enrage one's mind. But always remember the ultimate purpose of the words is to bring peace in heart and silence in mind.

--
O.A.K.

The purpose of creation

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 04:38:00 +0000

Everything that is created is bound to get destroyed at some point of time. Then why create? A Good question to begin with. Well, let us take an example of this universe! Why was this universe, our galaxy in which our solar system exists, our planet on which we live, was created in first place? Was this a freaking accident or a well planned, calculated effort of a supreme power whom we, the mere mortals, cannot comprehend. Lets say this was a freaking accident, then what? Ok, all of a sudden all the atoms decide to converge together and get zipped into one billionth of an atom and catapult themselves in all directions forming an infinite universe which is still expanding! Good theory by the "Big Bangers" so far. But then the question remains what were those enthusiastic atoms doing before the big bang. Who put them in a time-less and space-less plane which could not have existed?? This gets too complicated here on. So beware!

Now that the universe was to be created, it had to be timed perfectly, an accident again I suppose?? A micro-second late or early, everything would have been a meaningless mass floating in the void. Then the galaxies formed, our solar system formed, our planet formed. So many things took shape and size. Everything was busy being created. This is a mighty exercise. But all this exercise is a mere accident is a grossly misunderstood reality. An accident my happen a couple of times. At the most it may happen in a random manner. But something happening repeatedly, in a very methodical manner cannot be, under any circumstance, be construed as an accident. So the alternative hypothesis is, it is God's mischief. But what was God up to to create this whole melo-drama called universe. The answer is God wanted the hi-tech, 3D, real-time gaming experience. God is the Architect, God is the Maintenance department, God is the Demolition Team. God is one without the any form or any attribute. No gender, Ageless, Devoid of any impression or influence, impartial, and yet exists in every particle of creation.

God created supremely intelligent being called humans. God also gifted humans with ability to create. It was a big clue given to human whose mind was always in search of the almighty who created everything. With this creativity human could create practically anything he/she dreamed of. The creative powers were as powerful as the almighty itself. Humans mind created art, music, rituals, in order to know God more. In turn, the artists started discovering themselves and were amazed by the results. Some became "Realised" souls because they realised the purpose of the creation. Here we come to the question again! Why create?? What do we realise?

Here the answer changes! The purpose of creation is to be destroyed eventually. The deeper I probe, more the answer will change. So now its your turn to think what is the purpose of creation? What is my purpose on this planet? Why am I here? These are the question which does not need immediate answers. Never be in hurry to find the answer to these questions! Just be with it!!

-
Omkar K.

Back at Editorials

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Never in my entire life I had imagined that one day, I'll be writing an article for a magazine. Let alone an editorial. However, my first opprtunity to exploit my flair for writing was in year 2002 when I was made the Editor of the college wall magazine. It was just an editorials for two issues. No big deal! I was actually reprimanded by my mom who is a masters degree holder in english literature. Her point was that my writing was too immature and I was not at all capable of writing even a college essay. Well, that's my mom!

After seven years, I got the same chance, but not in the college magazine. It was an industrial magazine. It was not exactly an editorial but a report that's to be written by an editor himself. But as the editor was pre-occupied with other priorities, I had to fill up the column. Finally it was published! I started wondering, what is it, that my mom although being an masters in english literature, had no iota of interest in writing while I, having no proper training in journalism or english literature, am getting opportunites to write? Well, that is one part of my story.

Recently, I was given a hint by the branch manager of the bank I work at that I had to keep myself highly updated with latest events. I was asked to give an analysis on 2G spectrum scam and nadia case. She highlighted the need for me to stay abreast in all the current developments in India and around the world along with my favorite topics of technology, internet and spirituality!

Great going buddy! Good Luck to myself!

Peace Marathon 02.01.2011

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:26:00 +0000

Today (02 Jan 2011) I participated in the Peace Marathon at Mulund Thane in the morning. The first ever to participate in my life. The event was held for the publicity of Guruji's visit to Mumbai, 13, 14, 15 January 2011.
Even though I was having a gala time with Anjana Gala and her team, I was observing a lot of things going on, Ouside and Inside.

Outside:
The Marathon started with few announcements from Anjana Di. The route was decided, the stops and breaks were decided. The pamphlets and Guruji's Event and Calendar were distributed among the participants. Everyone had worn the T-Shirt publisizing the Guruji's visit. By 9:30am everyone was raring to go for the Peace run. Our run started at SSRVM Mulund, and took stops at Kalidas Hall, Mulund Bus Depot, Tip Top Plaza, Hari Niwas, Gokhle Road Junction, Ram Maruti Road, Talao Pali, Central Ground, then finally at the Stadium. Everyone was exuberant despite the tiredness from running the 6.5km distance. Then Anajana di took O N S Chanting followed by couple of bhajans by Ambarish.

Evening session was with Mahesh Giri-ji at Jain Temple Hall, Thane. I was not in the state to attend it.

Inside:
I saw that every one wanted to lead the show. Suddenly so many leaders started taking charge. I too was obviously charged up! When time came to handle the crowd with the rope to get them in line everyone jumped the line! Everyone was just running helter-skelter, in one direction but not together. The very purpose of the peace marathon was not being served. Then Anjana Di had to shout that everyone had to be inside the rope. That moment I saw the finest level of ego simmer down inside me. I had to swallow my ego and had to get inside the rope. Anyway I was an insignificant lot in the entire mob. Even if I escaped the crowd and had dashed home no one would have noticed!. But then when someone is racking brains to get the whole show up then why should I use my brain. Just follow the command and the chaos is eliminated immediately. So fine, subtle is the ego that one cannot notice it if one's not aware of themselves. A small "I" factor creates an illusion that "I" am "in charge" of some operation or am "in control" of something. What are you in charge of? What is in your hand? This is a general question not pertaining solely to the marathon event. Even if I am given an important department to handle, which can't be done without me then what?? There will always be someone who can replace me. That's how corporates work, Dont they?

The moment I dropped the ego and stayed in line, that very moment I felt relieved. As if a huge burden was off loaded. I felt like returning to my natural self where everything is comfortable. As Guruji says, "Repose in self". It is always nice to take care of things with love as the results will always be wonderful and peaceful.

J G D

Swami Sharanam...

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:53:00 +0000

Yesterday was a very eventful day of my life. The Bank where I work was to be handled by me alone. By 'alone" I mean that I had to handle all the branch related decisions all by my self and the stakes were huge. The mind was super occupied in the work, yet I was getting calls for arranging a wonderful workshop called Math-Magikk, that dispells all the fear regarding maths. By the time the banking hours ended, I was already jittery. All I needed was a sound sleep before I could venture into any further activity.

Even an hour of sleep had not sufficed the uneasy mind. So I decided to pack my armoury needed for seva and started organising the workshop. Atleast, I could distract my mind from itelf??!!?? The results were not as expected. Unfortunately the workshop had to be postponed due to insufficient participants! Quite annoyed by the outcome, I sat for meditation. By how could I meditate?? My mind was not ready to settle down. Was it not annoyed?? (BTW, Annoyed for what?? something so small!!) Then I decided to go to a place where my disturbed mind could meet its match. Aiyappa Bhajan Mandal!! I had initially decided to attend only half hour from 9:15pm to 9:45pm. But I finally left that place after having scrumptious prasadam dinner at 11pm. All was to be taken care by Aiyappa (Read Guruji). That night gave me answers to many doubts. After meditation I had read a knowl sheet on Shaucha and Aschaucha (Vol 1, page 38 New Edition), It was the most apt topic for me!!

Later at night I was made to realise that if I live life by being emotional then my life is bound to be miserable. One must not be emotional, instead one should be devotional. That will take care of all the miseries.

I had to write this down before I could forget what I realised!!

J G D

Till now...

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Since I started understanding the dynamics of Art of Living as an art, I have deep respect and admiration towards guruji.

Till now... I always wanted (wished) to be like him. I was emulating his outward expression. What is more important is the inner dynamism and truthfulness (Sincerity).

Till now... I always used to think that I will talk less. But hardly did I ever realise that it is not the quantity of talk that's important, it is the quality. If the quality is high even a single word is enough. More the time I devote to fruitful seva, less is the need to talk.

Till now... I wanted to implement many knowledge points. But I do not know how many I have really even realised. Actually, to implement one has to stop planning, and just plunge.

Till now... I used to think that only by being swami or rishi or something of those kind, I will preogess in spirituality. But as the whole story of ashtavakra goes, it was the king who got enlightened, the very king who cannot giveup his duties, that very king could get enlightened and for that he did not have to give up his kingly responsibilities.

A person asked guruji how to make one's life satisfactory. HIS answer was, for that you need three factories. ICE Factory in mind, Sweet Factory on tongue, and compassion factory in heart.

Friends for hire

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:06:00 +0000

Social networking sites were built with the intention of connecting people across the globe. Most of my friends who now are staying in different states of India, some are in States (US), I could connect with them through orkut and face book. What an invention these social networking sites are?!?! I used to think. But today, due to networking at lightening speed, a people are glued to the internet and computer for most of their time. The habit of going out with friends (Hang outs) are becoming a rare phenomenon these days. Recently, I read an article saying that you can have friends for hire. I had never dreamed during my adult life that humans will have to "hire" a pal or buddy.

Human beings are social animals. Social interaction is very natural. When two or more people come together, under normal circumstances, people start interacting. They may start with a simple HI ! But today if two or more people come together there is an ice-wall between them. Due to excessive use of computers and social interaction sites, humans have forgotten to greet fellow human beings with simple hi or how are you.

Today, you can easily search for site that offer you friends on hire. They are also priced at competitive rates! But I always wonder how will it be possible for anyone, who have lost their socializing abilities to interact with their 'hired' friend? The core problem is inability to interact socially, not inability to find friends!

More over, friends hold a special place in human world! There are few things that you can share with your parents, your siblings, your children, your spouse. But what you share with your friends you cannot share it with others mentioned above! By hiring a person, you have bought their valuable time so that the hired pal can spend some time with you but have you gained that trust and confidence? Can you share the deepest desires feelings or other personal issues? Even if you share your secrets, there is a constant fear in the subconscious that secrets confided with the hired pal could be misused

If one decided not to share his personal feelings then what is the use of hiring a buddy? True buddies share all the happiness and sorrow with you. They are there with you in the times of trouble!

In todays world what is actually needed is human values. Working and being with machines, we too have become inhuman and do inhumane deeds. Human beings are to be loved and other objects are to be used. But today we use human beings and love objects. That's where the problem creeps in!

Don't you agree??

Part Time Sleaze?

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:49:00 +0000

Since May 27, I have been aggressively hunting for a job with a suitable profile for my highly qualified status. Not that I am getting no calls for interviews, but the jobs being offered are not suitable for my profile. So meanwhile, I started hunting for part time jobs so that till I land on the desired job of Equity analyst, I get a chance to monetize my vacant time. Thus started the procedure of charting out a fresh CV that spoke more on my writing talents. I was keen on fielding jobs related to content writing. It has been two weeks since I started on this new venture. Half of the jobs I applied do not exist in reality. Those that exist want the candidate to work full time. Salary is so low that even peanuts seem to be a luxury product.

I also looked up part time jobs in classifieds and newspapers that announce vacancies. I was not a bit surprised that all the part time jobs in newspapers and online classifieds are 100% bogus. If the salaries they quote in the news ads were really true then why would people travel in the crowded trains and buses to earn half the amount they quote?? One ad claimed that their "Victim" could earn INR.50,000/- pm!!

Hey friends and readers, I have researched thoroughly what I am writing on! All the jobs that talk about work from home, doing envelope stuffing, craft assembly, or other tasks where you are (supposedly) paid by a company as an employee are all frauds. I have come across two sites that will describe in detail how those frauds work! http://bit.ly/9LPy1T and http://bit.ly/beuMXL

Not every part time job is a scam, but today the situation in India is such that one is ready to work full time for a part time wages. Then why would an employer think of hiring a part time worker?

In universities abroad, students cannot afford the accommodation, medical expenses and tuition fees, so the student goes for the part time work at libraries, does medical billing work, or other small jobs. But in India, a student becomes suspicious hearing the part time job! In India, most of the part time job offers are con-jobs a way of defrauding and cheating people of money! It is nice to earn while you learn but there are better ways to do it!

More articles on jobs that can be done to afford your education, and entertainment expenses soon.

Money Mantra - Part I of IV

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:17:00 +0000

Last week I was shopping for new clothes with my friend. I was done with my shopping but my friend could not get clothes that suited his taste. So as we moved through the market, I observed an attitude of people, a behaviour that moved in patterns. I saw something very interesting!

On the basis of observation I categorised people in three names. They are:
Poor-person consciousness(PPC) These people need not be actually poor. Their bank account may have Lakhs of rupees but it does not matter. Such people will always hunt for price list first. Then they look at the cheapest price. These people are least bothered about quality. They just want that product at cheapest possible price. One thing that must must not be forgotten and that is PPC is just a attitude of mind and it can change anytime. Here the main issue is the people with PPC will ask the price of the product. Hearing the price the person compares it with the amount in their wallet or in bank account. If it is not affordable then the person with PPC will ask for products of lower price range. They are ready to compromise on the quality front.

Rich-person Consciousness (RPC) These people need not be rich actually! I know that there may be confusion in your mind. PPC's may not be poor and RPC need not be rich. That's simply because here I am not talking about the financial status of the person concerned. It's the mental attitude that we are focusing on!

A RPC will go to a shop and straight away buy a product with the quoted price. Person may bargain a little bit but will buy with no questions asked. It does not mean that the purchasing will be over in few minutes. The person may spend as much time in the shop till the person finds the product that he or she needs. The person may be buying from his own money or borrowed money but is not disturbed by the price tag. Most of these people have someone else to fund their purchases! These are Care-Free buyers

Wealthy-person Consciousness (WPC) These type of people CAN be rich or poor. The essential difference is a person with WPC will seek a product he or she wants. If the price is with in the budget then fine, else the person will stat thinking how to get more funds to afford the product? That's what make these type of people outstanding. Such people are rare in life. Most of the time you will get to see people with PPC or RPC. People with WPC have a spirit of an entrepreneur. They will not settle for less but will work out a way to afford what they want. They will spend in the cycle of 60-30-10!

What is 60-30-10? Well, wait for next blog on the spending cycles.

This is the part one of the four parts series of Money Mantra!
O.A.K.

Back at Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:26:00 +0000

Last blog was supposed to be my last blog. But I think that loss of words was just a phase I was undergoing in my life. I was not dejected or depressed. Nor was I heart-broken or anything remorseful. It was the silence of contentment. These are the moments one should cherish in life full 'coz they rarely come in one's life!

Well I plan to change the Blog Title. OffShoot sounds too off.. So I decided to shoot it!! Maybe I even keep it.. till I find a better words. In the case of Blog Title... I am really at loss of words!

All the time, I was writing this blog for others to read. Well, I now have to say that from now on, I am going to write articles only for my personal leisure and relaxation. Kinda Personal Diary, but readable by people! I am not interested in increasing readership base of my blog. This blog will just be a space where I will be expressing my thought in words. That's all.

P.S. Now a days I am keen on tracking the stock market. So do expect more articles on economics!

My Final Words

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Well friends this is my last post on blogspot.com.

Actually I am at loss of words. I changed my blogs appearance change the theme on which my blog was based. I changed almost every aspect of my style of blogging. Now I feel that I have written enough.

I may start blogging in future, if i get something to write on more frequently. Till then ..Taadaaaa...

Dog who loves protesting

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:22:00 +0000

The Guardian newspapers covered a story which says that there is a dog in Greece that has been attending all the street protests since past two years! And it was seen again the the recent protest that Greek people did against the austerity drive formulated by the govt. of Greece.

Check it out at this link
The page will open to a slide-show, or you can manually go through the 14 pics of the dog. That dogs really having a day!

Most odd places to sleep

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Wed, 05 May 2010 04:28:00 +0000

This is a link from Reuters which is a slide-show of people sleeping in odd places.

Click or copy paste this link.
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR2D0HW#a=1

Courtesy: Reuters

Newton said, "I am Pascal."

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:30:00 +0000

Once Einstein and Newton were playing hide and seek. Einstein was the seeker. Newton did not hide instead he stood on a square of exactly 1 square meter. Einstein then found him. Newton said, "no, you did not find me. I, newton, am standing over 1 square meter area. so newton upon 1 sq m = N/Sq.m = Pascal. I am Pascal!!! he heee heee

Breaking News: Ooops! it's all broken...

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:35:00 +0000

Breaking News is the 21st century lexicon. I did one hour research on the web about how this word first came to use. The CNN guys started it to get peoples attention to a really bad news. In the initial days of its usage, the word would flash once or twice a week when a plane would crash or a commercial complex would catch fire. Mostly these types of news would be freshly baked ones.

Now a days, most loved word in the red background flashes even during 5am and this news would mostly be 2 to 3 days old!! On one of the channel, They were showing videos from youtube.com and the breaking news flashed below the screen. I read the flashing message. It said that the news channel had discovered that a dog could sing with the master playing piano. I was aghast with all that was going on. I don't know what to call it? Plagiarism or fools play? Something that's on a video channel that they download and show it publicly claiming that they have covered the news. Gosh! when will the media industry report real news.

Who's really bothered to know about the minister dozing off in some miscellaneous conference meet, or about some movie celerity sneezing or if they run out of their news reserves then topics of dysfunctional male are discussed! The 9pm debates are the most wackiest and most craziest show on earth. The bi-spectacle guy or dame willfully and intentionally pours oil in the fire and this keeps their pockets warm!! What a way to earn a living?? My question is "Will debates solve the burning topics of Naxalism, Rising Food Inflation, Soaring Mercury in Summer, Water Woes? and lots of unsolved and neglected issues."

Come on! It's high time now. Stop the silly things. Media industry is one of the power pillars of a nation. With power comes responsibility. Remember spider-man saying this in his movie? It is very much critical how wisely this power is put to beneficial use!

May god bless us all and help us lead in right direction. Amen.

If padavas had facebook account!!!

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Click the image to get a clearer view.Pandavas existed 5000 years back from today! Please read Indian history named Mahabharata for more details.

"Bolt"ed Pug

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:04:00 +0000

Since long time I wanted to watch this movie called BOLT. Hmm... for my friends in stock markets, the word may remind them of "Bse OnLine Trading a.k.a. BOLT. But this bolt is the name of an animated movie of a dog who works in a movie industry; a la Hollywood! but is absolutely oblivious of it's existence. Since young age the dog is made to believe that it has super powers and that it can save the world from green eyed criminals! But an accident happens and the dog is delivered to NY city. From East coast to West coast the dog travels, realizing on it's way back home that he's not any kind of super dog!! But also realize that one does not need super powers to save one he loves!

One such Bolt I have seen is the Vodafone doggy "Pug". It used to follow the little kid (later the cute li'll girl) where ever it went. It also used to do menial work for the girl; bringing lost socks, licking stamps etc. Then came the most happening event in the world of sports... IPL!!! It was to become a phenomenon in Indian Telivision. TRPs shooted through the roof. Vodafone thought to capitalise on this opportunity and introduced ZooZoo.

Thus ZooZoo was born. ZooZoo is a semi alien semi-human character living in an earth-like place ( lot of which is left to the viewer's imagination).These are very very simple beings who are very expressive. They laugh aloud , cry loud and still have a child like simplicity around them.

Well, Zoo Zoos became most adorable cute little beings and people started fan-clubs in facebook and other social networking sites. Vodefone then had a wicked thought (well, this I really dunno!! It's my guess!!) It decided to do away with little pug and welcomed zoozoo! What happened to the pug...

Well here's the pic a paparazzi managed to capture!!

Poor pug, since then has Bolted it self from the whole world to avoid shame...

Images: CreativeCraft, Flickr

The Welder Scrolls

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:29:00 +0000

The power sector in India is facing a unique crisis. It is not the shortage of raw materials that bugs them nor do the labor go on mass unrest but the acute shortage of high pressure welders. These "torchbearers" are not the local local types who fix the window grills of your house. These fellas are rigorously trained from quality institutes, like Welding Research Institute of Tiruchi run by BHEL. The welding trainees are given first hand experience as a part of training program. These welders have to work in high pressure environment. Basically, there are two categories of welders; Structural (Basic) Welders and the High-Pressure welders. The basic welders get enough work in the cities and do not prefer to go to project sites.The high "profile" welders who are willing to come choose to fly abroad as the moolah is more attractive there. Typically, a welder gets Basic salary of Rs.30,000 a month and is paid Rs. 1,000 per joints welded. In a month, welder would work on 30 to 40 joints, there by earning Rs. 70,000 in a month! The Emirates pay them twice to trice the payment they would receive here. European countries pay almost four times the money.

The production and erection of a thermal power station boiler is a welding intensive affair. There are some 30,000 joints to be welded. As we advance technologically, we would need ultra super critical technology, for which the boilers need to be built at very high pressures of at least 300 bars (and above). To explain it in layman's terms, the pressure cooker in the kitchen when in full steam has a pressure of 1.5 bars. Opening it while in full pressure would be a explosive affair and a visit to ICU is certain.

The work at site is also not a pleasant job. Welders work at the height of more than 100 feet with scorching sun over their head. They have to work very accurately as a little negligence would lead to loss in billions and priceless lives of the power station workers would be at stake!

The shortage of welders is like "pinching where it hurts the most" because Eleventh plan looks forwards to add about 55,000 MW of power compared to 22,000 MW in Tenth Plan! And Twelfth Plan targets to add up extra 86,500 MW!!! The dearth of welders could prove quite detrimental to power sector.

Unless some action is taken fast, the immediate future of Indian power sector might be like the proverbial battle that was lost for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Courtesy: BL060410. Images from google images

Back from a long vacation...

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:20:00 +0000

Four months is a really long vacation, and after coming back I feel like I was sent to exile to offline kingdom. Returning back to the cyber kingdom is such a blissful experience!
This blog will undergo a second wave of change from now on!
Most of my friends are in YES!+ (Art of Living Foundation's youth wing) and look forward to read any guru stories, or related posts. Well, there are lots of blogs and sites that posts pages and pages of deep knowledge, transient information, and even useless stupid crap. It's just a search and click away!! I need to post something very different on my blog!! That's what I thought...

So the two major changes in my blog will be:

Opening up the comments feature thereby allowing readers to post comments.
Writing on topics which are commonly neglected by the layman, but have a substantial impact on mankind!

The posts may be posted at irregular intervals as the new "kinda" posts will require some research. I would like to bring one point to everybody's attention that all the views expressed would be very very personal. I have no intention in hurting people's sentiments and feelings, however, what is written would be based on solid facts, for sure!!

--O.A.K.

True Urban Development

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Every year the newspapers and magazines come out with the analysis of which city is the best place to live. Our dear Mumbai ranks 142 out of 205 cities. Last year it was holding 148th rank. A marginal progress!

The question that popped up in my mind is what do the best cities have in common that mumbai does not have? What is the one factor that makes a city worth living. After considerable research, the answer was Urban Public Transport. And mumbai is currently facing a real challenge on that front. Especially considering so many people from all over mumbai shifting their base from their shanties in rural areas to customised slums near the pipelines and railway lines of mumbai!

While developing any city, great care and diligence is needed to decide how much portion of the navigable space should be road and how much should be footpath for pedestrians. And in city like mumbai even an inch of space matters a lot. Allocating more space to roads means more preference is given to motorists rather than pedestrians. If it were any city in America where population is less, most people have cars; then this approach, of more road space than footpath, would have been justified. But in Amchi Mumbai. There is plentitude of motorists and pedestrians. This will eventually lead to traffic jams not only for motorists but also for human beings. The railway bridges of major station of the central and western line are jammed by the human traffic during peak hours. The day won't be too long when there will be traffic lights for humans to move and stop.

The only solution for this would be efficient Public Transport. In the span of one hour on a busy road, all the cars and transport more than 4500 passengers. (assuming all cars are running on car-pool) But the same road in the same time can transport more than 40,000 people. Our mumbai locomotive trains transport more than 90,00,000 passengers on a daily basis, no exaggeration!! But if you look at the Mumbai transport system, least importance is given to Public transport. while private transport is given a great scope! Not that I am against private cars or motorists. In fact I too have a motor vehicle which I drive everyday.

What I mean here is a city like mumbai should improvise on the public transport more than what is now. Expansion of roads will mean more room for motorists to ply on but a dedicated lane for bus will mean faster bus movement. Certain cities have special areas where motor vehicles are not allowed. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed. This model can bring a lot of eco-friendly-ness in the city. But all this is very much hypothetical to begin with. What we need now is something more practical to begin with. The MMRDA has mooted the sky-bird plan. That is the mono rail that will ply along side the roadways of the city. But how much this will help is what I doubt!

This is one city where the people will never stop pouring in. The problem of public transport will be always a unsolved issue. But the development of a city mainly depends on it public transport system.

Pearls of Wisdom (15th Nov 09)

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Bangalore ashram, Nov. 15, 2009

*Q.* Guruji, why is it that sometimes you answer certain questions and sometimes you don’t?
*Sri Sri:* There is a right time and place for every answer. If questions are asked at the wrong time, then silence is the answer.

*Q.* What kind of siddhis (powers) are required to be able to know what is happening in other places?
*Sri Sri:* An ordinary person through spirituality can know what is happening all over. Mansik shakti (strength of mind) is enough. When you put your attention somewhere, you can know what is happening there. Practice and you will see it is easy.

*Q.* When we sit for meditation sometimes we are disturbed by other people. If we are humble, then they take advantage of it. How do deal with this situation?
*Sri Sri:* Just leave it; you will see it will settle on its own. If it goes beyond a limit, then you can also roar. A lion simply sits, doesn’t roar all the time. Inside you must be pleasant, outside you can roar. To roar you need inner strength.

*Q.* How do you recognize that somebody is your real guru and for you? How do you know if someone is a true disciple?
*Sri Sri:* I don’t test anybody nor do I let anyone test me. If anyone will ask me, I will say, “No!” and move on! Divine really doesn’t test anybody. We think we are very good people and when difficulties arise we assume that the Divine is testing us. We don’t get into trouble because of our goodness: it is because of our foolishness. Some things are your karma. Some difficulties teach you lessons. Look back and see all those problems you have come out of. You will see that you have become stronger. This is what you should recognize.

*Q.* What is a sign of the dawning of wisdom?
*Sri Sri:* Prasanna chitta (pleasant state of mind) is a sign. Friendliness, foresight, intuition, a mind in the present moment – these are signs of wisdom.

*Q.* What is the truth behind this Universe? Is everything an illusion?
*Sri Sri:* This universe has come from one unchanging principle. Vedanta also says the same. Everything you see in creation is Maya- like dolls in a laser show, what you see is not the truth. The wave is not the truth, the water is the truth. The form and name are not the truth, the Tattva (the principle) is the truth. The pot is not true but the mud is the truth.

The same brahma tattva (Infinite, Supreme, eternal principle) is the tree, grass, stone and everything else in creation. Brahmatatvamasi bhavayatmane - All has come from that Brahman. This is the ultimate truth. Knowledge of the truth, that this creation has come from Brahman, comes through meditation - Sarvam kalvidam Brahma.

*Q.* How can one attain Siddhis (power)? How does it affect a person to
strive for Siddhis?
*Sri Sri:* A Sadhak or seeker will get many Siddhis on the path. However if you misuse them or start running behind them, you will be lost. Only when you are established, you can receive the true knowledge. One who knows never loses his equanimity.

The tradition of the Masters (parampara) is very important. If anyone moves away from the parampara, it may seem good for some time, but then it bringslot of misery. A sadhak should toe the line of the parampara. The sign of a devotee and seeker is to pick up the best and not try to find all the negative things about others. But if someone cheats, misuses the powers, they undergo the consequences. This should not deter from the path. You move on the path of knowledge.

*Q.* What is the ultimate goal of meditation?
*Sri Sri:* A pleasant equanimous state of mind. A blissful life without sorrow.

*“That which you cannot express is Love.
That which you cannot reject/renounce is Beauty.
That which you cannot avoid is the Truth.”*
*~ Sri Sri*

Wise Guru Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:30:00 +0000

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.
The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him.
She did so without hesitation.
The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said.
"I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."

Sometimes it's not the wealth you have but your wise advice & insight is what others need.

Wise Guru Part I

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:15:00 +0000

A Guru or an Enlightened master is one who is so deep in wisdom that one line uttered by a guru can possibly transform a person's life. It is said that it can even turn a stone into a diamond! Wise Guru is a series of stories of such masters who have brought a revolution just by staying in wisdom. I sincerely hope that you'll love it

And for those who are eager to read more such stories they can hit Seeds of Wisdom

The story goes as below...
Once upon a time, a Master was to arrive in a village with his entourage. A villager, who was skeptical about the "Enlightened-ness" of the Master, thought of a plan to trick the Master and defame him. He decided to hold a butterfly in his palm, and ask the Master whether the Butterfly was alive or dead? If the master says it's alive, he would crush the butterfly to death. If the Master says its dead, then he would release the butterfly free and thus prove the Master wrong!

The Master, after entering the village, was addressing a large crowd of the villagers. The skeptical villager asked if he could ask a question. The Master agreed. The villager asked if he could come near him to ask the question. Again the master agreed. Skillfully, the villager trapped the butterfly in his palm and went near the master. The villager asked the Master, "You see, I am holding a butterfly in my hand. If you are truly enlightened then you will be able to tell me whether the butterfly is Dead or Alive? So is the butterfly dead or Alive???"

The master thought for a while and said, "My dear, It is all in your hands!".

What's the value of your "Peace of Mind"??? Part II

noreply@blogger.com (O.A.K.) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Part I of the story

Now, I saw that my hand was almost trembling with anger. That very moment I realised that I was not being myself. I knew it was time to apply knowledge! The first thing I did was Accept the People and situation as they are…

OK!! This is how my friend behaved; this is how the situation turned out. So What??? Accept it as it is. Next was to take right action. What could I do now? My mind started rummaging through the volumes of knowledge sheets I had read in past 5 years of AoL Life.

I then remembered Rishi Nityapragya's verse, often telling people: “Keep your mind happy. There is nothing in this world for which you can trade your peace of mind for!” I realized that I was losing my peace of mind for Ravi, the crowded trains, for my stupidity of listening to ravi, etc, etc. I firmly decided to keep my mind Calm, peaceful and happy; not subjecting my mind to the whims and fancies of the environment. That moment every illusion in my mind started evaporating. Things became still. Peace returned in my mind. By then the train towards home arrived. I boarded the train and stood near the doorway. The cool breeze actually cooled my hot mental engines! The train halted at Vitthalwadi. A voice within, quietly coaxed me to attend the Satsang. Mind agreed. After vitthalwadi, the train halted at Kalyan. I got down and sauntered towards the Satsang venue.

Suddenly, I realised how grateful I was to Ravi. It was due to him that I got to apply the knowledge points. I felt elated after applying the knowledge points. That very moment, all the acrimony against Ravi got washed away. Love for Ravi blossomed in my heart. If it had not been for Art of Living teachings, then I would have done unimaginable things with Ravi. The priceless relation I share with him would have severed within moments!!!

The Satsang that followed was simply amazing, something that can only be experience when you are on an advance course.

Jai Gurudev.