REFLECTIONS... :)

THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

2016-03-22T06:42:00.003-07:00

I start my day with a glass of pure water. And I end my day with the same. I’m sure most people follow the same ritual every day. But how often do we think about a world without water? Since most of us have uninterrupted supply of this precious liquid now, we take it for granted that, it is forever. Hence, unclosed taps, polluted rivers and cutting down of trees. With summer temperatures already hitting the highest ever in human history, we are here again…observing yet another World Water Day.

An estimated 650 million, which is 10% of human population do not have access to safe water. In other words, they are all under the risk of infectious diseases and premature death. Water being a natural resource, each and every living being on this earth has equal right over it. It is our duty to make sure that we do not contribute to their suffering by wasting water. It is our duty to keep our rivers and fresh water reserves clean. What annoys me the most is “I pay for it…so I can do whatever I want with it (waste it)” attitude that prevails in our society. But wait. Are you really paying for the water or for the service? Can you ever pay for the water? I don’t think so. It is a priceless resource which is vital for the survival of life. This awareness should be injected into our social thought streams in order to create a shift in the thinking. How many millions do we spend on space probes just to find a sign of life outside earth? And this ‘sign’ of life is water. I wish these millions were spend on cleaning and preserving the water we have on earth.

Everything in nature is connected. We cannot save water if we do not preserve our forests. We cannot save water if we keep polluting the air which in turn will result in global warming. Global warming will result in the drying up of rivers. And if there is no water, there is no life. So, understanding this interconnectedness is the key for future planning here. We need a holistic approach towards environment preservation. Preservation and conservation of all natural resources should go hand in hand. We have unfortunately distanced ourselves from the truth that we are part of this nature. Thus, we humans have become like a cancer which kills our own mother from the inside. The ultimate realization will happen only when we reconnect with this basic truth of our existence.

Is it too late? Yes it is. We have already done some serious damage to our home planet. But let’s not give up. All we need is awareness. And the actions will inevitably follow. The moment you decide to close a running tap, or stop polluting water, or plant trees, you become the ‘green warrior’. Green warriors are the need of the hour. Being a Superman may be impossible. But being a green warrior is not. Eventually, a real hero is the one who saves the planet!

I found a brilliant post in the net which discusses World Water Day. Kindly go through this link to see 40 mind blowing snaps which will make you think twice before wasting water. And make a pledge that you will never waste this elixir of life! J

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/world-water-day-2016-40-photos-make-you-think-twice-about-wasting-this-precious-resource-1550350

" Water is the driving force of all nature..."

- Leonardo Da Vinci

SENSE V/S SENSATIONAL!

2014-10-10T11:05:00.001-07:00

Today, when every news channel in the country was playing out their breaking news, “Nobel peace prize for Kailash Satyarthi, Malala ” , I was just wondering who this Kailash Satyarthi was! The name sounded Indian and the following reports confirmed it. But this man was a total stranger to my brain! And I was feeling a bit ashamed of my ignorance. But very soon, I realized that it was not my mistake ;) He is not a film star, not a politician, not a cricket player and not even a criminal. So, he was never ‘eligible’ to be in the news according to Indian media for 30 years, I guess!

‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’ or Save the Childhood movement was found by this man in 1980. And I was born 9 years after this. Internet sources say that about 80,000 child slaves were saved by this remarkable movement till date. Two of BBA's activists have even been killed in the past during their fight for child rights. One was shot and another beaten to death for raiding and preventing employers from exploiting innocent children. The man himself, Kailash Satyarthi was attacked several times. All these sacrifices for our future generation and I don't even know this man. Ashamed. :(

You think our country is on the right path? I think it’s going down. Simply because our priorities are upside down! There was a time when our national heroes, poets, and social reformers filled our papers…What about now? The information that is fed into our minds by media have very little sense and a heavy dose of sensationalism. When ‘sensation’ wins this battle of sense Vs sensation, it is we, who lose eventually. Our independence was just defined as the freedom from British rule. But since the day of independence, we are fighting new wars within our country. And people like Kailash Satyarthi are leading those fights. In every nook and corner of this country…there are many such heroes, who are striving day and night for liberating thousands of chained souls.

Are we not responsible to support them? What social media revolution are we boasting about, if we are not even aware of our own Andolans? Why does the media fail to enlighten us? How come our government failed to recognize a man like Kailash Satyarthi for 3 decades?

I hope that one day, I will wake up and read reports about all these brave warriors in the front page. I hope that one day we will all join these andolans and fight for the liberation of our country from social evils. We don't need 'cleavage' journalism..we need a clean age journalism. :)

"Real courage is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. Doing the unpopular thing because it's what you believe, and the heck with everybody "

― Justin Cronin, The Summer Guest

THE SECRET

2014-04-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

She was upset. She have suffered a lot in her life. "I can't take it anymore,I'm done " Tears flowed,but not enough to kill the fire which was burning her. He was miles away, still the boy could feel her pain. They were connected. The dark clouds are always born out of the sea. But where do they fall? Miles away..

"Let's go for a walk" He spoke to her mind. She was too tired to respond.He waited for sometime,then he lifted her and started walking. "Am i heavy? " she asked. "No,not at all my love" He replied with a smile."Everything is heavy when you wake up..something is heavy in the dream world..but nothing is heavy in this world!" She didn't understand what he said.

"Where are we going? Who showed you this path? It's so beautiful" She seemed lighter with every step that he took. She never saw such a beautiful place before. "Can i walk now? " He happily agreed and she placed her feet down with so much excitement.They were walking on the clouds..

"Are you happy now? " boy looked at the girl. "I'm the happiest! Thank you somuch for taking me here" Her face was bright as the moon. They sat under a tree. "Now tell me,who told you about this beautiful place?! I never knew such a place existed! " The girl wanted to know the secret.

"I don't know who He is..once, He came to my dream and took me here..and gave me this book" The boy took out a book from his pocket. "But,when i opened it,it was full of blank pages.."what do i do with this? " I asked Him. The man smiled and whispered in my ears "This is the book of answers..but no answers are born without questions!" and He disappeared."

The girl opened the book. She read these words inside..

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be nomore, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying,
nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

THOU ART MY LIFE..

2014-04-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Ever since he chose the path of love, he was a philosopher..everything spoke to him.. and he spoke to everything.. Earlier, he used to complain "Life lacks background music..some movies are interesting just because of right music " But love transformed him. Now his eyes can see what normal people can't see. His ears could easily tune into the rhythm of life. He was happy.

He flipped the pages of his memory and found these words.. "Be a love bomb..not to break, but to heal the broken hearts! " These words were written by a beautiful soul years ago..in his autograph book..His heart filled with gratitude and he smiled.. "Why are you smiling? " the girl wanted to know. He didn't answer..but he took a piece of paper and started writing something. She read aloud " Thou art my life"

THE SILENCE

2014-04-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

"Do you still love me? " the boy asked..there was a pause..then came the answer "yes,i do" "How much? " She didn't answer that. It was the boy who taught the girl many times, that love can't be measured. Yes,all good teachers were not great students..

The silence of his love haunted him..he kept on asking himself "Why didn't she answer me?" He started walking..just to feel good. It was dusk..the sun fell in to the sea splashing beautiful shades in the sky..the birds were rushing back to their nests.. "I wish I were a bird..wings are a blessing..it teaches you everything about perspective" he thought..Everything in life becomes microscopic when you have wings..So,a bird can never have depression.

He walked until it was dark. Until he could not walk further because of the darkness.He used to walk in the dark..for 7 long years..nobody knew why he was doing that for so long. They thought he was crazy. But one day, he came back with a ball of fire in his hands.It was the gift from the darkness,for trusting it.

He took the ball of fire outside and asked "Show me how much she loves me" The ball of fire started growing..the light filled every inch of darkness.He never saw something like that ever in his life. The brightness grew so much that his eyes started to ache..and then he was blind..everything was dark. He got the answer.

For the first time in his life, he realised "darkness is born twice..when there is no light and where there is only light" So with the silence in love..He ran to his girl and hugged her tight. He whispered.. "I love you" She was silent.

I'M A FLOWER

2014-04-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today she told him.. "you are unromantic..you should visit a doctor soon" He smiled..as if he already knew it. For the last few days,he was not able to bloom everyday.. "a flower has no choice" he thought.."it has to bloom..otherwise,it's not a flower"

He knew that he had to go to doctor..that's why he goes to beach often..there he sits for hours trying to connect his inside with the infinity..he closes his eyes and focuses on his breath..that's his definition of peace! But,it's very short lived..his mind would tell him that people are staring at him..and he opens his eyes, to see if somebody is staring.. "Why do they do this? When you do what everyone does,you are
not stared at..the moment I close my eyes,they start staring "

Looking at the sea,he remembered what he read somewhere..mind is like the sea..and thoughts are the waves..one could see the bottom of the sea if it was still..there you will find everything precious..stones,pearls.. "may be it's a deception" he thought.."what secret is revealed by finding
precious stones and pearls? Nothing. Then where else should we search for the answers? " He was confused.

The wind was blowing harder..he felt good.When he was a little boy, his mother used to blow his eyes when something was trapped.Even if it did not clear his eyes,he
felt good after she did that. Now he felt the same pleasure..he was happy.

Clouds were on a trip..as if they were in a hurry to reach somewhere..the stars were happy as ever.. "they don't have any ego..everyone knows how big they really are..
but,they know where they should stand to stay beautiful" He grew impatient..he asked "Who am I? Why don't you reveal the truth of my existence?"

He did not expect the sea to answer him..he did not expect an answer at all. Something told him from inside..
"Not yet.."

THE DESI DEVOLUTION! ;)

2013-09-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

Newspapers have become one of the most depressing ways to start our day! When was the last time you read a full page filled with positive or at least neutral reports? Why is our world filled with so many atrocities? Rapes, terrorism, natural calamities...words which hits us every morning :( Is it even possible to hope for a beautiful and peaceful world? I hold these words by Andy Dufresne (The Shawshank Redemption) close to my heart.. " Hope is a good thing,and no good thing ever dies.. " :)

I have been reading a prose by Swami Sivananda..and it’s about the Universal Laws. I realize how significant a topic he dealt with in that write up…Especially at this crucial juncture of human evolution! Well, by the word ‘evolution’, I did not mean anything physical :) It’s all about mental evolution…something that silently yet powerfully determines the course of mankind. In this universe,everything has an order..certain laws govern everything that happens in this mysterious cosmos! And we, being an important part of it..have a greater role to play.

We make contributions in two different levels of existence..one is the physical level and the other, the mental level. Einstein explained universe as a ‘time space cloth’, no? And it is said that each of us affect the structure of this ‘time-space cloth’ in a unique way! Leave it…we have a much greater topic for discussion here! It’s all about the psyche… And how does it affect our personal lives? How it eventually affects our society, nation and the whole world?

Each and every thought has an effect...that’s why the ‘thought power’ was/is & will be a favorite topic of all self help books! “Whatever is true in the case of an individual is also true in the case of a nation, for individuals make a nation. As in small, so in great..” says ancient Hermes.

So, it all begins with a thought! The collective thought force of the entire population creates the present and future of a nation. What we think, we become…there is no doubt regarding that. Swami explains..

“The collective Karma of a race or a nation is as much a fact in Nature as an individual one.

The same principles underlying the Karmic laws apply, without much wide difference, to national and collective Karma. Nations rise and fall, empires flourish and are dismembered on the same ground. The wise heads in a nation should not neglect the dominating sway of this law.

“In the midst of a national calamity it is well to remember that nothing can come to us which

we have not deserved. We may not be able to see the immediate cause of the catastrophe, but it does not follow that it took place without sufficient cause…”

It’s high time that we start thinking about the real cause behind all these negativity that has crept in to our nation…and as stated above, nothing happens without a reason. So, what could be the reason? I think, it's cultural disintegration. Do you agree? Every nation has its own culture…and the culture is greatly influenced by numerous factors ranging from geography,religions,standard of thinking…and so on. So, every culture is unique and beautiful in its own way. So 'was' our culture. It was very special and unique in many ways! But, does it even exist now? Only a shadow.

The great poet was right. This culture is all about “unity in diversity” .. But the word ‘development’ was totally misinterpreted by us! India lost its soul when people started aping the west. Western culture is well and good in west. But trying to blindly blend it with our original culture was ignorance. That is nothing but the devolution of culture and tradition. I’m not talking about the usage of iphones, or wearing the western dress or emergence of townships. I’m focusing on the exploitation of nature in the name of development, the traditional art forms being replaced by pop and rap culture, the traditional food being replaced by KFCs, the total negligence towards spirituality, which was one of the strong pillars of our culture…

Once I was travelling in train..that’s when I met Tom and Sierra. They were from England. I wanted to know their feedback about my country…and this is what they said… “We traveled a lot! India is such a big country..One could travel around England in a couple of days, but this is really impossible in India..we could not even cover a state in two days! It’s a beautiful country with lots of different cultures..the climate is really good compared to England :) We were warmly received by villagers..great hospitality! (Tom tried to remember the name of that place, but he couldn't) And the food is awesome…we love the spicy food!..” Those were the positives..

Now the flip side.. “ the most disappointing thing was..we noticed a lot of malls, big buildings and KFCs..which is what we get to see in the west…this is not the India we read in books… we came to INDIA to see INDIA..not London or New York ..” Tom & Sierra hopes to visit India again. Because, they love India.

So, that sums it up! We have to preserve what we received from our past..the uniqueness..It is the responsibility of an intelligent population! The new generation kids are forced to speak English even before they learn their mother tongue..They are playing games in ipad instead of playing in rain and mud.. Instead of feeding their young brains with moral values and spirituality, we expose them to violence, sex and all such negativity.. No wonder that our society is filled with anti social elements. We created them. The future is not so bright if things don't change. And it’s even more dangerous when we impart the same attitude to our children. Because, in their hands lie the future of this country. We have to teach them the value of our culture and traditions..we have to teach them how to preserve what we inherited from our glorious past..we have to infuse civic sense and pure nationalism in their minds..Let them learn to be proud of India, the land of great saints, mathematicians and scientists!

Let’s pledge to stay original :) Because, I still believe..the tricolour and Gandhiji continues to be the best ambassadors of my India! You doubt? Ask Mr.Obama ;)

“India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.”
- Shashi Tharoor

PETROL AND COMMON SENSE !

2012-05-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Let me tell you upfront that, this post is a spontaneous reaction to a breaking news that appeared on TV last night! "Historic hike in petrol price" No doubt that, this was a shocking news for almost every Indian middle class family which included me..but to be frank,i was not at all surprised to hear this news! Simply because,i expected this! You need proof? :)

Here it is http://sachindinesh2210.blogspot.com/2011/12/tomato-ram-and-mrj.html
and i'm wondering why people are blaming the government,the oil companies etc for this uncontrolled price hike..Is it really about this politics and the global market? Well..it's not..at least in my perspective..and may be i'm sharing the same view point with many of the nature lovers :)

Petrol is generally regarded as a non-renewable energy resource and i hope that this fact is not so popular among the consumers! If people were aware of this fact,how can they expect the price of a non renewable resource to remain constant throughout their life time?!! That too under this exploding population growth! I just don't understand the logic behind such blame games..Population explosion is a major contributor to this scenario..that alone has led to the increased consumerism..and what about our choice of vehicles? Priority is clearly for the luxury..not for the planet's future..or in other words,not for your future! One retarded rich man once said " I pay for water..so,i can waste it..why do you care? " Same is the attitude here..not just in this case..every aspect of our life..such individual attitudes can destroy the whole world..

Sustainable development is now just a topic for debates and discussions..and when it comes to real life,nobody really cares to contribute..and i had made my attitude very clear about this in my last post on this issue..I don't think we can replace bikes or cars with bicycles and carts..it is an impossible suggestion! It would be great if people can do that..but,we have nothing to do with "if" here. Practically,what can we do to control the situation? That deserves more importance. That's why,as i mentioned earlier,our choice of vehicles becomes a significant decision. Why should you spend more money on style and luxury just because you have money..or to satisfy that innermost desire of yours or just to feel 'big'..Why do we ignore the fuel efficient vehicles which can change our destiny? Because,we still haven't understood the importance of being simple!

Dear youngsters! Are you planning to buy a bike or a car? Your parents will be happy to grant your wish (and i guess,i know what you are wishing for!)..and no common man would naturally think or discuss environmental issues while buying a vehicle! Am i prejudiced? I would be the happiest man on earth, if you can prove me wrong :) So..the petrol prices will go up again an again..and the time will come when the less fortunate section of the society will have to depend on cheaper means of transport..this is inevitable. It is high time that we start finding solutions to our current crisis instead of blaming and protesting. Common sense can tell you that petrol can only get costlier in future..no matter how much you protest! It is a limited gift from mother nature..

Leading a simple life is a really challenging task! Sacrificing your personal comforts and desires for a universal cause! It can't be simple..i know :) But that alone gives you the eligibility to blame anyone..during the next price hike :D

" Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need,not every man's greed "

- Mahatma Gandhi

A CONVENIENT TRUTH!

2012-04-01T00:07:00.001-07:00

Today,let's celebrate Global warming! And did you observe earth hour yesterday? To be frank,i couldn't..i just completely forgot it, during that 1 hour..and none of my neighbours reminded (i mean,they too failed to observe it) I felt so bad about missing such a wonderful chance to be part of this fantastic concept..and now,i have to wait for one year! So,i decided to compensate for this loss :) I thought of an extended idea..streching this same concept to get more results! If we can observe this 'earth hour' once in every year,why not five minutes daily or even a couple of minutes daily?!!

We all have learned and discussed somuch about global warming,its causes and the possible ways to fight it. It was 3 years back when, the nature club of my college arranged a study tour to a nearby forest..and that was the first time ever, that i was going to experience a forest..because,major part of my life was inside concrete jungles and i never had a chance to visit a real forest! And this forest was more special than the usual ones for a particular reason! And what makes it so special? It is a man made forest! Mr.Abdul Kareem,an old man from kasaragod district in Kerala has done something unbelievable..he has turned his 32 acres of barren land into a bio diverse forest..and to witness the result of his years of hardwork, was amazing..for the first time in my life,i saw something superhuman :)

That day,by the time we reached the destination,it was almost noon..and the sun was at his scorching best! We were all melting, literally! And i think,the temperature was almost touching 40 degrees. And it gets worse when you are in a very humid region like this. We were introduced to Mr.Abdul Kareem and he was a thin man dressed in white and white :) After having a short chat, he took us to his forest..and i still remember that particular moment in which i stepped in to the shade of the first tree..it felt like,there was a sudden change over in climate! I no longer cursed the sun for being so hard on us..I should say that, i felt the soothing touch of mother nature as i walked through the forest..the sounds of birds,insects and the fresh cool air that filled my lungs..and i took special efforts to take deep breaths! (May be, i thought that i would never ever get a chance to breathe such fresh air in my life again) Later, he took us to his small home which he built inside his forest..and there was no fan,air condtioner,but just a CFL bulb for providing light during night.

I can't live through a summer without a fan..and i don't think you will differ too..and it is strange to note that, the middle class families have also started to invest on air conditioners. Earlier,these air conditioners were just another luxury..an added comfort..but,now the scene has changed. It is more or less inevitable. That clearly depicts the harsh reality about climate change. We could have avoided this situation..but,we didn't. But,it is still not late to write off the possiblity of a total restoration of climate. We can still give it a shot. Atleast, prevent the situation from getting worse.

I already suggested some very practical suggestions in my earlier blogs..like using bicycles :) There is a lot more to add to this list..I'm thinking of writing specifically on each topic in my future posts..because, i really wish them to be implemented in our lives. And the last thing i want is, this post to be just another discussion! So,for the time being..keep thinking about my proposal of that 'extended' earth hour concept :) Can you switch off everything for 5 minutes daily? That is a total of 1825 minutes of power saving in a year..and that is 30 hours of power saving per year per home! These are not silly figures when you think about the global population and global power consumption..so,think about it,and start today itself..let this be a part of your life's routine..and be proud about living a meaningful selfless life of 5 minutes!

I leave you with this link so that you can read more about Mr.Abdul Kareem :) Or you can google about this man and his forest.

http://www.theweekendleader.com/Nature/248/Green-Dreams.html

No words will prove sufficient to descibe the amazing endeavour carried out by this man..and i know that i haven't tried my best to project him in this blog..it is just because,the following video speaks more than i can! So,watch it and realise for yourself :) When we are proud of owning a car,a laptop,an iphone..imagine what a feeling that would be to own a 32 acres forest!

Before leaving,let me remind you about the potential 30 hours that we can contribute towards a greener planet! Let me know if you have decided to do this..so that i can thank you :)

" The least movement is of importance to all nature..the entire ocean is affected by a pebble "

- Blaise Pascal

I 'WAS' A HYPOCRITE..

2012-02-10T00:42:00.000-08:00

Finally,this day pushed me to break the ice inside..and i'm writing after a long long break..it wasn't an intentional hibernation..but a mere confusion over what i'm supposed to write..too many issues to be addressed..majority of them related to the pathetic picture of my nation..and i didn't really have a choice about being specific..because,i don't wish to isolate issues..they all form the bigger picture..and this blog is about some recent news headlines which touched my heart..since my blog is not after 'sensational' topics..

Last month,on january 26th,the nation celebrated yet another republic day..two weeks before that day, the news papers and the news channels aired a news about a mother,who died in the pavement giving birth to her baby..she was denied admission to a hospital despite possesing health cards..the reason? They are investigating (till we forget this)...what a great moment for the republic India..I couldn't differentiate the emotions that rushed inside me..was it anger?sadness?helplessness? Whatever..it was a moment of realisation..that,my nation is now a sinking ship in terms of morality and humanity..but that wasn't a pessimistic moment..rather, an optimistic,over powering thought that motivated me..hope it is the same with every young indian..or so be it..i wish..

baby Falak in AIIMS

Remember Falak? The 2 year old girl child who was bruised and battered..who was admitted to the AIIMS with severe head injury, both her arms broken, bite marks all over her body and her cheeks branded with hot iron..the media celebrated this for a week as usual and left it when they got something more 'sensational'..and all i can do is to raise her name through this blog..so that you won't forget her without meditating on the issue..

And the latest addition to this topic..the porngate scandal in karnataka assembly..three members of parliament were caught red handed while watching porn inside the temple of democracy..and the worst part..one of them happened to the minister for welfare of women & children..haven't heard of a better irony in my life! It was the most shameful day for the indian democracy..and thanks to the media for conducting some interesting debates on the issue of double standards of indian society..the best word to represent the modern india seems to be "hypocrisy"

I was quite surprised when some of my classmates once spoke against Mahatma Gandhi..and it was not restricted to that single experience..i kept hearing this several times after that particular day..what is wrong with the indian youth? i know that these minority doesn't represent the youth of india..still,what made them speak against that great soul? Now i'm reminded about the famous movie 'inception' ! Those who have watched the movie must be remembering that famous dialogue by Dicaprio.."An idea...Resilient... highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate.." The movie went on to win 4 oscars but certainly missed out for the best script..coming back to our topic..it looks greatly relevant..

Nationalism is displayed during cricket matches..inside social networking sites..but where is the true spirit? I have seen many modern student 'revolutionaries' who speak against america..but he wore a Levi Strauss jean! I have seen them drink Pepsi and Cola..and the same guys talk against Mahatma..People talk against corruption..they fight against corruption..but imagine how many of you would prefer to bribe an official just to get things done quickly..to skip the long queue in government offices..don't think i'm prejudiced..i have seen people do that when it comes to ensuring their comfort..why this double standards?

Can we ever wipe out terrorism from this world? You won't say 'yes' if you have understood the gravity of the dialogue i quoted from 'inception'! The problem with terrorism or any other social evil is that, it is just an idea inside someone's mind..it is born,grown and should die inside the mind..no other way out..you can't influence someone's thinking without his/her permission..that makes the whole process quite an impossible one..but that doen't give us the license to stay irresponsible..but these days,our reactions are short lived..they evidently lack the power to sustain the movement till meeting the end..let us be honest with ourselves..and cease to be hypocrites..

I realise the truth that Falak is my sister..the mother who died in the pavement was my mother..the ministers who watched porn inside assembly were my servants..now it's your turn dear indian..

"A republic is a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, have supreme control over the government and where offices of state are elected or chosen by elected people."

THE LION OF VEDANTA

2012-01-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

There is something absolutely wonderful about history..it celebrates only the time tested..be it individuals,books or great moments in history..nothing which fails to come through that rigorous process of time,will be given the throne of eternity! And that is exactly the reason why this great man from India is living even now,as if he never really died! He is Swami Vivekananda..

Any attempt to explain the greatness of Vivekananda would prove futile,since,he is beyond such man made language and expressions..Still,i found a great account on his biography in a website written with unbelievable brevity,yet with clarity..i'm sharing that with you..

"A spiritual genius of commanding intellect and power, Vivekananda crammed immense labor and achievement into his short life, 1863-1902. Born in the Datta family of Calcutta, the youthful Vivekananda embraced the agnostic philosophies of the Western mind along with the worship of science.

At the same time, vehement in his desire to know the truth about God, he questioned people of holy reputation, asking them if they had seen God. He found such a person in Sri Ramakrishna, who became his master, allayed his doubts, gave him God vision, and transformed him into sage and prophet with authority to teach.

After Sri Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda renounced the world and criss-crossed India as a wandering monk. His mounting compassion for India's people drove him to seek their material help from the West. Accepting an opportunity to represent Hinduism at Chicago's Parliament of Religions in 1893, Vivekananda won instant celebrity status in America and a ready forum for his spiritual teaching.

For three years he spread the Vedanta philosophy and religion in America and England and then returned to India to form the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Exhorting his nation to spiritual greatness, he awakened India to a new national consciousness. He died on July 4, 1902, after a second, much shorter sojourn in the West. His lectures and writings have been gathered into nine volumes.."

The birthday of Swami Vivekananda (January 12th) is declared as national youth day by the goverment of India..and how great a decision was that..why? It was just 39 earthly years that Vivekananda lived..but that makes no sense when you study his life filled with great actions and thoughts..Attention youths! How many of you feel that you have accomplished atleast 10% of what He has done during his 39 years..? I don't think there can be a single claim for that..To be frank,i feel ashamed at this moment..to feel the hollowness of the life we live in..with no real purpose,moving along with the drift..and yet calling ourselves, the future of our nation..do we deserve to be called so, atleast at this point of time?

It's all about living your life by knowing its worth! I have listed few truths about youthhood..this list, as always, is incomplete..:)

this is the best period of human life! (ask any old man!)

abundance of energy and creativity (channelise it..you can do miracles!)

heard health is wealth? then know that, it is a golden reality!

Do you really wish to do something?!! Then,this is the moment to follow your heart..this is the moment to chase your passions and live your dream..but,the real question is a bit ironic..do the modern youth know about,what to dream and what to chase?!! Or is it just that they are pushed into a rat race by the society?..whatever! It's your life and you are going to live it..not the society..so,be selfish! (only to take this decision!)

When the whole world remembers Vivekananda for vedanta and the famous speech he made at the Parliament of religions,i would say that there are much more simple and important things that often go unnoticed about his life..the foremost being the topic which i discussed earlier..about living the youthhood in the best possible way..being productive beyond proportions..and ultimately contributing to the nation building and to oneself..

What made Vivekananda unique among the saints? A woman follower in America once recalled her experience of meeting him..her observations were remarkable.."when we heard that a saint from India is coming,we had the picture of a lean,sickly man in saffron robe..but when Swami Vivekananda entered the room,we were stunned! Head held high,with a robust physique and lion like looks..!" That explains it all..:) He redefined the term 'saint' in his lifetime..he taught us that real 'sannyasa' or renounced state isn't about inaction..but,full of action! It's not about meditating in caves or jungles..but,living for the poor and suffering..and he preached that purity of heart can be easily attained through selfless service to the society..no doubt,he continues to inspire millions across the globe even now..

Finally,i'm dedicating this blog for all the young,wonderful,supertalented youths(including me!) of this world...the world awaits you!

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life..think of it, dream of it, live on that idea..let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone..this is the way to success.."
~ Swami Vivekananda

WOMANHOOD, STILL A BURDEN?

2012-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

For the last few days,i was haunted by a little girl..I met her last month, during a train journey to my home town..She was seated opposite to me and looked dull,tired and worried about something..i really didn't care at first,since,her brother was sitting next to me (i picked this from their conversation) So,i decided to leave it to them and let my mind loose..

But,how long can you keep your eyes off from what's happening infront of you? Just five minutes before the train reached my destination,i found the reason..she was abused by an old 'man' (i don't think he qualifies to be called a man) sitting next to her..I was shocked and hurt to see this..but,it was too late for me to respond as the train stopped and i had to get down.. i just had one choice left..i gave her my seat..she looked so relieved and thankful to sit next to her brother..i still can't believe how that criminal managed to do this in public, without being noticed..and i felt really sorry for the girl who suffered it for more than two hours.. :(

Life is not easy for a sexually abused child..especially a girl child..it ruins the whole system of mind..you are no longer a happy child after being abused,since you face an inevitable depression after you experience this..and don't wonder how i'm commenting on this topic with somuch authority..i'm also a victim..not once,but several times..but,thats not going to be the highlight of this blog..i'm more concerned about the level of deterioration of our modern society..i'm not sure about the global picture on this issue..but here in india,it is a silent evil,spreading like a virus..but often covered up and none gets to see the real magnitude..

India is a country with rich tradition..and unlike the western culture,india is known for it's strong foundations in spirituality and morality..a place where women is worshipped as the divine incarnation of universal mother is no longer the same for the last few decades..sexual crimes against women and children are shooting up with every single year..and at the same time,the laws to protect women & children are also being introduced every year..but in vain.With a population hitting 1.2 billion..i do understand how easy it is to break laws which are weakly implemented or not implemented at all..

According to our scriptures,women deserve an inevitable position in determining the destiny of a family.society,country and ultimately the world itself..Hindu sriptures declare them to be the foundation of a good social setup..and it warns of a great disaster that could spring up when women are mistreated..and why? Because, women have a greater role to play..and being a mother is one among the many amazing things that a woman can be proud of..and i don't have to list out other facts..just think about your mother!

I don't advocate equality of men and women..since,i find it absolutely senseless(personal opinion,for clarity,please read on..!) Why do we shout for equality and why don't we accept men and women as two special beings..! I always found them equally special and not equal! Man is blessed with a stronger physique so that he may protect woman & a woman is blessed with a great emotionl strength so that she may support man! That's the way i see things..and it's all about mutual respect than equality..i don't think feminists do any good to a woman than a loving husband,father or a caring son..

Recently, a top police official was targeted for his remark about the reason why crimes against women are on the rise..what he found was this "provacative and obscene dressing"..and i still don't understand what is so wrong about his remark! Of course,it is up to each individual to choose what he or she should wear..but,criminals don't respect your individuality and are driven by baser insticts! So,why deny the fact that you are putting yourself in the risk zone while expressing yourself? Morals and codes of conduct are not to be compromised while holding up individuality..and that can cause instability to society..those who disagree shall reflect on the social evolution..which would show you why the world looks so insecure at the moment..

Debates and discussions can only take the society so far,but not further..that's why i believe in individuals..you and I can make a change..restoring moral values and injecting the same to the social stream through effective ways, can bring about a social revolution..it should start from every home..be devoted to your mother and wife..and respect womanhood..show them why men are special!

Though i don't totally agree with this quote,i found it funny enough to share it with you..:)
"Sure God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece! "

-anonymous (lacked guts?!!)

WHY THE WORLD REALLY NEEDS A SUPERMAN!

2011-12-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

Does the title remind you of a man in red underwear? (or is it 'outer' just in his case!) :) But,i'm sure that nothing will come to your mind, if you aren't a great fan of superhero movies! Infact,you are supposed to remember the title 'WHY THE WORLD DOESN'T NEED SUPERMAN' from the movie superman returns..a pulitzer winning editorial written by heroine Lois Lane in the movie..the film didn't make it big in the box office..but,i am happy that i got inspiration to write this prose from Lois Lane..:)

It's newyear :) 2011 is gone and 2012 is making it's way in to our lives..(i'm happy that we all are still alive,i was really haunted by the movie 2012!) 2011 was a great year for somany good reasons..and it was equally bad for somany contrary reasons as well..listing out the issues would make this more a newspaper than a blog..but,i should tell you this..i am really looking forward to a great year ahead..personally,2012 will be the most important year for me as im trying to bounce back in my life..and so am i concerned about this world..

As the crime rate shoots up,pollution is on the high and the natural calamities disturbing the sleeps of millions..i'm seriously reminded about all the superheroes of the screen,who are always there to save the day..but what about the reality? Well,i'm going to point my fingers at you..Can you be the superman/superwoman for this world?!! It has nothing to do with all those flying,crawling and dangerous combats with bad guys! But..ofcourse, i'm talking about some superhuman skills such as:

super love to your fellow beings
super attitude towards your life
super actions to make earth a green paradise

the list is evidently incomplete and you can add any number of skills to the list..! i stressed about love,attitude and action..just because,it forms the foundation of a great character..unless you have a great character,you aren't ready to take up the greatest responsibilty..

What is so special about love? Only love can bring about the peace that can heal this wounded world..no terrorsim can grow where there is love..love alone heals every wounded heart..beware when i say the word love..i'm talking about the divine or unconditional love that you should radiate to every living thing around you..unconditional love is bliss..:)

Attitude towards your life is important beyond words! I can't explain to you,how important your life is..I can't show you how much it is worth..i can just tell you one thing,this world needs you..very badly! Feel that you are important..and understand that a selfish living is nothing superior to an animal way of life.. you should equip yourself with the best of education,morals and attitude & live for the welfare of the world..use your talents for this world..make this a better place to live in..before you say good bye..leave a legacy!

Actions do speak louder than words..and always let your actions to speak for you..there is no bigger advertisement to your visions than living that visions for yourself..:) Don't do too much talkng,just be silent and be immersed in your work..i read an interesting tweet last day "a seed grows in to a tree silently...but a falling tree creates a lot of sound..creation is silent,destruction is noisy.."

2012..let's make this a wonderful year for all those suffering people around the globe..when nature plays havoc,let's accept the truth that, we are responsible for every change in nature..& at the same time,choose to be a superhuman..who can save this world..:)
This is superman...signing off, from planet earth!

"Be a love bomb..not to break,but to heal the broken hearts..."

-Sister Anila of Avila (from my autograph book)

BHAGAVAD GITA..THE TRUTH & THE SHADOW..!

2011-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

The wikipedia gives you a fine but peripheral explanation about the sacred text Bhagavad Gita. In the case of any religious texts,be it the Holy Bible,Holy Quran, or any other,the study of the written philosophy or the exact wordings, would give you just the outermost and direct meaning of the scriptures..Most often,this would prove absolutely insufficient to serve the real purpose of study..be it for your theology research or to quench your real spiritual thirst..:) That is the sole reason why the world is still divided when it comes to religious and philosophic boundaries..The recent devolopments in russia throws light on this issue..

Infact,what is the real issue in russia? Some claimed that the commentary of Bhagavad Gita written by A.C.Bhakthivedhantha Prabhupadha (the founder of ISKCON) is an extremist religious literature,and should be banned..the book is named as "BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS"..and the author claims to represent Gita in its most perfect sense..the author's history will tell you a lot about what influenced his writings..hailing from traditional vaishanava family,the man grew up to be a sanskrit scholar who mastered vedic literature..later he founded an international society to spread "Krishna conciousness" by which he proposed an exclusive way for liberation from earthly life..and he also proposed Lord Krishna to be the supreme personality of Godhead in his writings..by the time he died in 1977,ISKCON succeeded in promoting vaishnavism around the globe..by spreading the movement mainly in west and constructing temples..

A.C.Bhakthivedhantha Prabhupadha

The root of the problem lies in interpretting hinduism to be a religion..Then,what is hinduism,if it's not a religion? It is a way of life..a dharma..dharma does not mean religion. It is the law that governs all action. Thus, contrary to popular perception, Hinduism is not just a religion in the tradition sense of the term. Out of this misinterpretation, has come most of the misconceptions about Hinduism..In the real Bhagavad Gita, Krishna summarizes the methods to liberation or "Yogas" through eighteen chapters. Three yogas in particular have been emphasized:

Lord Krishna seen with Radha in this painting

Bhakti Yoga or Devotion

Karma Yoga or Selfless Action

Jnana Yoga or Self Transcending Knowledge

A man can adopt any of these methods to realise God..total freedom is given to the man,to choose what suits his nature..it is obvious that all men don't share the same way of thinking..and there is no compulsion too regarding the strict following of this "way of life"..after all,it's not for God,but for you! And Bhaktivedhantha chose Bhakthi yoga and promoted bhakthi yoga..but, with all due respect to the great master, i still believe that he often forgot the equal importance that the other branches of "yogas" deserved in hindu scriptures..and vaishnavism was just a path for those who wanted to choose it..not a universal one..no path in any religion can be called universal..that itself destoys the very meaning of the word religion.."the opinion"!

In a nutshell,the problems in russia were born out of wrong perceptions of the scripture..it's not easy to enlighten a group of confused individuals in a court room..but,a sincere and personal attempt to understand the allegory is the only solution that remains..how peaceful the world would have been,if everyone in this world chose to do that..:)

"Delusion arises from anger..by delusion,the mind is bewildered..by bewilderment of mind, reasoning is destroyed...when reasoning is destroyed,one falls down..."

                                                                                       -Bhagavad Gita

IMPORTANCE OF FAILURE..

2011-12-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

While browsing the web,i found a blog written by Mridu khullar,a freelance journalist..she shared a brilliant piece from real life to show you the importance of self esteem..this is why i love corporate training sessions..:) lot of motivation is in the air..you can hardly choose to stay demotivated!I share a part of that insightful blog to you..read on..

At a corporate training session, the trainer took out a $100 bill, waived it in the air, and asked, “Who wants this?” All hands immediately shot up, accompanied by huge grins. The trainer then proceeded to crush it, step on it, and throw it around. Short of tearing it up, he did everything possible to batter it. “Now who wants this bill?” he asked. All hands were still up.

“You’re like the bill,” explained the trainer to the somewhat confused group. “You may be battered, crushed, or stepped on, but you’ll always retain your value. If anything, you’re more valuable now, since you’ve gained from your failure and learned the true meaning of success.”

How great a parable was that! For all those who have failed in different stages of their life,this could be a great moment of realisation..:) It is important to know that life never keeps you a failure forever,if you don't choose to be! You have to know your worth..that is all that matters..nothing else..and you have no reason to believe that you can't bounce back..how many times have you heard about the these world famous 'failures' like Abraham lincoln,Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein..still you are not convinced?!!

Let me ask you a question..If you were a corporate manager,would you pick a man who never failed or,a man who failed,but still manged to bounced back ? :) Your answer is important! Because,modern corporates don't see failure as mere failure..but they see it as an added experience to your life..! Acccording to them,a man who failed is capable of handling crisis situations better than a man who never failed..they also feel that, his decision making skills are sharper under pressure than the others..aren't they right?!! So,the message is clear,it's not failure that's going to harm your profile..but your strength and character to bounce back.. that would be the point you will have to prove..may be the only point..:)

Celebrate your failure by feeling the power of failure..know the potential power that it has added to your character..when the right time comes to pass,you will see that strength manisfest out of nothing,to save your day! So,be grateful to Lord for giving you the opportunity to appreciate success more than anyone else..failure is a common thing..but once you bounce back,it's not to be called a 'failure' anymore..you are special..you are unique..you are you!

“A failure teaches you that, something can’t be done that way! ”

- Thomas Edison

GOD IS SUED!

2011-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today,i had no intention to blog about anything sensational..but i should say,i failed..:) I was,to a large extent,tempted by the media..so blame them if you hate this! yeah..it's about the international comedy that we all have heard in the news channels,read in the newspapers and tweeting in twitter..'GITA' ban in russia..

The movement against 'GITA' in russia is the latest chapter to the series of senseless things that ever happened in history.The two nations have so far been the best of friends and never failed to support eachother in crisis..and it's interesting to note,what a group of irrational fundamentalists could do to affect the harmony of two nations! I won't say they succeeded or they will ever succeed..but,are they not posing a potential threat to a society? Interpretting a time tested scripture with their ill intended mind and injecting ignorance..i dare to call it 'terrorism'!

This is a moment to reflect and introspect..a holy scripture taken to court of law and being tested for its integrity! The sunny side is that,it could have beeen much worse! And thankfully,it didn't happen..it's time that we promise to ourselves that we won't fall to such traps..because, i expect them to be everywhere(not just in russia) and these people are not to be called 'russians'..they are just a set of misleading individuals with no real cultural or national identity..and this is never an issue between two nations..but the humanity v/s individuals..

I found the picture of a beautiful painting in the web years ago and i just loved the philosophy..and it's a beautiful co-incidence that i post it in this blog after several years,and that too, with a purpose..dedicating this painting for those who never understood the 'oneness' of religions..please,kindly be satisfied with atleast the physical co-existance of the 'Gods'! :)

                             "God made the truth with many doors."

                                                                                              -KAHIL GIBRAN

    Spread peace..spread love..God bless!

TOMATO, Jr.BACHCHAN & THE BICYCLE!

2011-12-20T00:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday,while on twitter,suddenly a tweet from our one & only junior bachchan flashed on the screen. "to chat with me,follow the link,hope to see u there". If i were a die hard fan of this man,i would have called this moment a 'dream' :) but,i wasn't so obsessed with bollywood and the stars..so,i chose not to get 'excited' about that tweet!

But,the man wouldn't leave my mind so easily..everything associated with him started to flow..from the movies he acted,the dialogues he delivered, finally his famous ad motto also..& it struck my heart like never before.."an idea can change your life" That's it! I clicked that link,registered for chat,and finally ended up talking to the man himself!

So..what made me chase him? And what did i ask him? Being a nature lover by birth,i knew i had to do whatever i can to save this planet..and i had tried not to contribute to the chaos..primary concern was the pollution and climate change due to it. And i chose to ride a fuel efficient bike and to walk the walkable distance. But that wasn't enough to bring about a revolution..was it? So,here comes an 'opportunity' to make use of a celebrity to promote my vision..:) that's how i decided to give it a try and i should say that it really paid off..:)

I was asked to enter a nick name for the chat and i chose TOMATO RAM..and i said to him "i have just one simple request for you bro..please promote bicycles for a greener planet! " And he was laughing to see 'TOMATO' part on my nick name! Well..come on man,i am talking something about saving our planet & you are laughing at my nick name??!! Though he was distracted by that,he finally answered me "dear tomato..i will do that tomato..:) " Mission accomplished and i logged out..the rest is upto Mr.jr.bachchan..if he keeps his word,i wouldn't mind being his fan!

THE BICYCLE REVOLUTION!

Please think about it my brother's and sisters. There are lot of things that you can do to contribute to this world.This is your chance to make a change by being the change.A bicycle wouldn't cost you much & is known to be one of the best ways to keep you fit.No pollution,no traffic jams,no parking issues and no fuel! Isn't that a really cool idea to live with?!! It's quite hard for the youngsters to even think about a bicycle substituting their 220cc,350cc bikes..it's up to guys..we always have a choice (that's what spiderman teaches you in the final movie!)

If you want to know what a bicycle can do to this planet..first few minutes of this video by my friend paul will tell you..i am impressed..:)

And what is this TOMATO all about?!! That was my popular nickname in school..ya..i was chubby and cheeky but never looked like a 'fat ass'! So,they had to resort to a cute & refined vegetarian nick name :)
Good day everyone..God bless you..!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” -Maria Robinson

MAKE THAT CHANGE..

2011-12-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

It is a great month for those who love the word 'change'. Thinking what is so special about december? Well..being the last month of an year,december is the month to recharge your batteries..especially,if you feel that you had a tough life this year..:) And would'nt you love to enjoy this christmas and make some new year resolutions?!! For all those who frown upon the word 'resolutions' and say "I have done it before,only to fail..", this is the moment to trust yourself and keep saying "I CAN DO IT THIS TIME.."!!! If you had failed earlier (several times) in achieving your new year resolutions,its not a bad thing..! May be you don't know how to do it right.That's all.

Heard about warm ups? yeah..i mean that! There is an order for everything in nature.The water boils only when it is heated upto 100 degree centigrade..what does that teach you? There is a minimum quantum of energy that is required to convert water into steam..and when that transformation happens,you see that steam can do things that water can't! It can pull trains which weigh tons..but water can't.. so,would it be wise to think that you can change over in a couple of days? We have to be patient and persevering at the same time..that's the only way you will see the light..make sure that you give yourself sufficient time to transform in to a new being..'Rome was not built in a day'..so is your habits,character and the life you experience now..the 'change' you dream about is possible..but,be a patient,hardworking man/woman fuelled by optimism..

So,before and after making resolutions,keep the following things in your mind:

Be motivated: think about the day you will see yourself as the victor.
Be a workaholic: get ready to put your shoulders on the wheel,you are going to create your destiny!
Stay focussed: don't get distracted by the triflest of things.Set your priorities right.
The victor's attitude: start thinking like a successful man.It gives you great maturity!

And next step is the usual bussiness..:) making resolutions. You can see a lot of stuff in the web to help you make a good set of resolutions..(caution:too many resolutions can fail you!) Read and choose what feels more suitable for you and just begin straight away!

Planning to watch some movies during christmas eve? If you choose wisely,even movies can change your lives! I would love to recommend two movies that can inspire the winner in you. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION & THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS..you must have seen these movies,but watch it once more and keep these words closer to your heart..:)

                                         "hope is a good thing..
                                          may be the best of things..
                                          and,no good thing ever dies..."

                                                                 -ANDY DUFRESNE (character,The shawshank redemption)

   Sharing one of the best videos i have watched..watch it before you leave..:)

     Merry Christmas everyone! God bless you all..:)