Dear One,
'In a few more years, I am destined to meet my death in your hands. Yes you, the one who is reading this in careless apathy.'
'Who am I?'
'I was once the life line of your blessed country, where people were less educated by your standards, but more informed than you. I belong to the race of Ancients, who worshipped me as their very soul and treated me with due respect and dignity. Now I am reduced to a mere channel of sewage waste and my soul is tainted with your countless sins.'
'My name is Ganga and I am dying.'
'My source is at Gaumukh, where I emerge mighty from the Gangotri glaciers. Here I am known as 'Bhagirathi', in honor of the King who successfully channeled me down from the very heavens to salvage many damned souls on earth. Rising from the icy caves of Gangotri glacier, I start my long and arduous journey, gushing through many courses, and join my sister Alaknanda to form the Mighty Ganga.'
'Eons of praise and prayers have been composed in my honor by the ancients. The power in my soul has granted salvation to millions of dying souls. My waters have been blessed by the touch of the Mahadev, capable of transforming a sinner into a veritable saint. In my bosom, lies the love for Hari, who makes me pristine and complete. Your modern scientists too have verified my purificatory properties with modern techniques. I hold the key to life and I am the true Mother of the Indian race; but you have neglected me, leading to my watery grave.'
'I was the crown jewel of the Indian sub-continent, and now I am reduced to a mere dumping ground of dangerous waste from factories. I no longer have the power to purify any soul, as my own soul is blackened by your misdeeds over the ages. I am now filled with hazardous chemical wastes, sewage and even the remains of human and animal corpses lying strewn in decay. Nearly 1.3 billion liters of sewage is pumped in me DAILY by you inscrutable Indians.'
'What have you done to me? I took care of your forefathers and granted them all their desires and wishes to come true, but you have failed to take care of me. Is this how you repay for my love and kindness?'
'Do you know my past was so glorious and holy; it filled every heart with joy upon merely seeing me. Now, if you look at me I am so filled with disgust and filth, especially from factories and tanneries which dispose their dangerous by products in the form of chromium, sulphide ammonium and other deadly chemical mix. Your quest for modernization has left me in a death trap and my waters are now a concocted mix of hydrochloric acid, mercury and other dangerous metals, bleaches and dyes, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls, a highly toxic compound that accumulate in animal and human tissues.'
'In 1996, the Supreme Court had banned the discharge of effluents from various tanneries and factories located on its banks in Kanpur, but who cares. Decades-long efforts by the government to breathe life into me through massive clean-up programs have come to naught. Consider this: Your government has spent over Rs 1,000 crore into the Ganga Action Plan I and II between 1985 and 2000, but yet India's holiest river is still sullied.'
'River Jordan, in Israel too has met with the same fate. It is set to die in 2011. Humans are a selfish and an uncompromising breed. Their thirst for personal power and comfort doesn't deter them from going to the very extremes of selfishness and greed. You can exploit nature to the fullest in the name of science and technology and yet be oblivious to it's needs. What a detestable race you are. Even less intelligent animals show sympathy and respect to nature and it's laws. You claim to be the most intelligent of all creation, yet you don't even think of the ramifications of playing God? What a sad irony?'
'You don't have an inkling of Mother Nature's fury. You are selfishly tapping all her natural resources to it's extinction for your own personal needs. When Mother Nature's turns it's righteous wrath on you and your children, no technology of yours will be able to save you from your own extinction.'
'Today you celebrate Mother's Day. Along with your earthly mother, care to care for me too - Your Nation's Mother. Wake up and realize your responsibilities towards nature before it's too late.'
Visit this website http://www.savegangamovement.org/ and do your best to save me from yourself.
In peace,
S.R
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
An Ode To A Dear Friend
Dear One,
Do you think, struggle and fun can go hand in hand? Can you afford to smile when you don't have a single rupee in your pocket? Can you laugh at yourself and the whole world, that never leaves no stone unturned to ridicule you at every turn?
Well, I did all that and much more. That's because I had my best friend around me, so I really didn't care. We laughed at every incoming setback and made it miserable for misery itself. Nothing negative could touch us in spirit as we flew way above normalcy and worldly conventions. Those were the days of true freedom, where we experimented with diverse mediums, to find our life's purpose and soul findings. And we did succeed in some and bombed miserably in many. But the reward was when we realized that challenges does make us better and not bitter. And the best part was, we faced life and it's challenges together, like brothers in arms. This is my friend's story, which merged itself beautifully into mine too. It is our story.
Vicky, as I knew him then (Now he spells his name quite differently :) was a vagabond spirit, who wouldn't allow the world to tie him down to any fetters of love, life or sex. He aspired to fly high and still does; the only difference is, he has now discovered his own wings to carry him high. Blood boiling with youthful vigor, and a mind soaring high in a creative cocaine rush, I met him in a cyber cafe and that was a beginning of a wonderful camaraderie and friendship, that was to continue for a long time to come.
Being a true blue Bengali, his mind was sharp and witty to a point that it could cut across many impertinent egos. But he also had an impudent childlike charm that made him a fine child-man. He was just 17 then, but had a mind that was way above his age or Bohemian looks.
On the other hand, I was a well "matured and reserved" individual, coming to terms with my constant flights of unemployment and heartbreaks. A stray note of gratitude changed the way we both saw situations and people; and in that very instant, we forged a mutual friendship that hinged on respect and admiration for each other. Friendships are formed in an instant, however life long ones are forged in the fires of doubt, faith and disappointments .
Ever thirsty to know more and much more, he was a prodigy of sorts and that challenged me to live up to his expectations. The whole scene was becoming more like an younger sibling looking up to the elder one for inspiration and guidance. We had constant conversations, discussions and outright arguments over everything under the sun. Why, What, When, How and Where became his most potent weapons of self-knowledge. He made me don the robe of a Teacher, and he became a fit Disciple, fondly calling me "Guruji". He learnt from my answers, as much as I did from his pertinent questions. He was all-mind and I was all-heart which culminated in a concocted fusion of sorts. Doubt and Faith, co-existed in complete unprejudiced harmony and friendship. We were two different sides of the same coin, and yet our identities were a part of the same coin.
Enter Girl Friends.
We both fell in love with different girls (Thank Good God!) at more or less the same time and landed up being blissfully messed up, (and you guessed it right) at the same time. We consoled each other over our heartbreaks and laughed it out over our frequent goof ups. We were both like Siamese twins, conjoined in spirit. We worked in the same Organization, we chucked the job together for a different Organization, later we experimented with our own Organization, wrapped it all up within a year, because we ended up completely disorganized - having senseless fun most of the time and no money at all times.
Then one day, it all faded away as mysteriously as it had all started. Career and work took precedence over mindless fun. We went different ways in search of our destinies, to be led far away from each other. We made new friends along the way and made newer pacts of commitments. Yet, the memories of our bygone friendship lingered all along the way, only to be rekindled recently by his re-discovering me out of the blue.
Friendships lasts only as much as you want them to last. It cannot be swapped for someone else either, as you carry a reflection of your friend in you. That's the beauty of true friendship, your friend becomes a part of your living, lifelong memory. I must have made a thousand acquaintances over the years, but friends I have a select few and of them all you stand way ahead, my brother.
In honor of my very much alive and kicking friend and brother - Ari Sam. (Yeah! That's what he calls himself now)
In peace,
S.R
P.S - For the record, we never broke up, we just took a 14 year vacation.
Do you think, struggle and fun can go hand in hand? Can you afford to smile when you don't have a single rupee in your pocket? Can you laugh at yourself and the whole world, that never leaves no stone unturned to ridicule you at every turn?
Well, I did all that and much more. That's because I had my best friend around me, so I really didn't care. We laughed at every incoming setback and made it miserable for misery itself. Nothing negative could touch us in spirit as we flew way above normalcy and worldly conventions. Those were the days of true freedom, where we experimented with diverse mediums, to find our life's purpose and soul findings. And we did succeed in some and bombed miserably in many. But the reward was when we realized that challenges does make us better and not bitter. And the best part was, we faced life and it's challenges together, like brothers in arms. This is my friend's story, which merged itself beautifully into mine too. It is our story.
Vicky, as I knew him then (Now he spells his name quite differently :) was a vagabond spirit, who wouldn't allow the world to tie him down to any fetters of love, life or sex. He aspired to fly high and still does; the only difference is, he has now discovered his own wings to carry him high. Blood boiling with youthful vigor, and a mind soaring high in a creative cocaine rush, I met him in a cyber cafe and that was a beginning of a wonderful camaraderie and friendship, that was to continue for a long time to come.
Being a true blue Bengali, his mind was sharp and witty to a point that it could cut across many impertinent egos. But he also had an impudent childlike charm that made him a fine child-man. He was just 17 then, but had a mind that was way above his age or Bohemian looks.
On the other hand, I was a well "matured and reserved" individual, coming to terms with my constant flights of unemployment and heartbreaks. A stray note of gratitude changed the way we both saw situations and people; and in that very instant, we forged a mutual friendship that hinged on respect and admiration for each other. Friendships are formed in an instant, however life long ones are forged in the fires of doubt, faith and disappointments .
Ever thirsty to know more and much more, he was a prodigy of sorts and that challenged me to live up to his expectations. The whole scene was becoming more like an younger sibling looking up to the elder one for inspiration and guidance. We had constant conversations, discussions and outright arguments over everything under the sun. Why, What, When, How and Where became his most potent weapons of self-knowledge. He made me don the robe of a Teacher, and he became a fit Disciple, fondly calling me "Guruji". He learnt from my answers, as much as I did from his pertinent questions. He was all-mind and I was all-heart which culminated in a concocted fusion of sorts. Doubt and Faith, co-existed in complete unprejudiced harmony and friendship. We were two different sides of the same coin, and yet our identities were a part of the same coin.
Enter Girl Friends.
We both fell in love with different girls (Thank Good God!) at more or less the same time and landed up being blissfully messed up, (and you guessed it right) at the same time. We consoled each other over our heartbreaks and laughed it out over our frequent goof ups. We were both like Siamese twins, conjoined in spirit. We worked in the same Organization, we chucked the job together for a different Organization, later we experimented with our own Organization, wrapped it all up within a year, because we ended up completely disorganized - having senseless fun most of the time and no money at all times.
Then one day, it all faded away as mysteriously as it had all started. Career and work took precedence over mindless fun. We went different ways in search of our destinies, to be led far away from each other. We made new friends along the way and made newer pacts of commitments. Yet, the memories of our bygone friendship lingered all along the way, only to be rekindled recently by his re-discovering me out of the blue.
Friendships lasts only as much as you want them to last. It cannot be swapped for someone else either, as you carry a reflection of your friend in you. That's the beauty of true friendship, your friend becomes a part of your living, lifelong memory. I must have made a thousand acquaintances over the years, but friends I have a select few and of them all you stand way ahead, my brother.
In honor of my very much alive and kicking friend and brother - Ari Sam. (Yeah! That's what he calls himself now)
In peace,
S.R
P.S - For the record, we never broke up, we just took a 14 year vacation.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Puff - The Magic Dragon
Dear One,
The uplifting melodious notes of the song "Puff - The Magic Dragon" gently wafts through the early morning air. I wonder who's playing this timeless number; in fact I begin to wonder now, who still cares to listen to this unknown but the most beautiful number. Coffee mug in hand, I gently close my eyes and let my soul wander and merge in the rhythms of this beautiful song. Time stands still, memories flood and wash my soul and I am least complaining.
It feels like someone has pulled an old veil of memory and brought back warm old stories of the beautiful times gone by, when I used to sing this song above all. It was my favorite song and I loved every word of it. No one knows who originally wrote this song, but legend has it that two young collegians, maybe aspiring lads of 19, wrote this wonderful poem, inspired by the poetry of a much well known poet, Ogden Nash. Later it was set to music and the rest, as they say, is history.
Many singers have made this song their own, starting with Peter, Paul and Mary to more recently, Seal. But, I personally love the style and feel of an old band known as "Brothers Four". They have added a special flavor to this song with their amazing synchronized vocals and gentle strumming spanish guitars, enhancing the sheer magic of the everlasting song. The effect of the four odd brothers crooning this melodious piece is warm and soul soothing.
Much later to the initial success of this song, speculations rose that this song contained veiled references to smoking of Marijuana. However, the authors of the song have repeatedly rejected this urban legend and have strongly and consistently denied that they intended any references to drug use. The authors have frequently explained that "Puff" is about the hardships of growing older and has no relationship to drug-taking. He has also said of the song that it "never had any meaning other than the obvious one" and is about the "loss of innocence".
This song was a part of my growing up years, where a simple song could incoherently dictate and relate to the situations you are in and give you the strength of character to carry on with a song in your heart and music in your soul. I have always found solace in music and the hope it brings along to soothe my overworked mind. Those four minutes are the best minutes of my life, as the song weaves it's magic, leaving me completely unburdened and prompting me to fly high to the notes of careless abandon.
Songs are the expressions of your soul, and if you don't sing it to your own unique tune, you are really missing a blessing.
Coming back to the song, here are the lyrics for you to savor. It might sound like a children's song, but who cares.
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on puff’s gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whene’er they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name.
Oh! Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.
Oh! Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee.
Listen to the magical tunes of the song, by clicking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh31dGzO9c
P.S - And by the way, this very song was playing in my very own laptop, this very morning. What a musical start to a wonderful morning?
The uplifting melodious notes of the song "Puff - The Magic Dragon" gently wafts through the early morning air. I wonder who's playing this timeless number; in fact I begin to wonder now, who still cares to listen to this unknown but the most beautiful number. Coffee mug in hand, I gently close my eyes and let my soul wander and merge in the rhythms of this beautiful song. Time stands still, memories flood and wash my soul and I am least complaining.
It feels like someone has pulled an old veil of memory and brought back warm old stories of the beautiful times gone by, when I used to sing this song above all. It was my favorite song and I loved every word of it. No one knows who originally wrote this song, but legend has it that two young collegians, maybe aspiring lads of 19, wrote this wonderful poem, inspired by the poetry of a much well known poet, Ogden Nash. Later it was set to music and the rest, as they say, is history.
Many singers have made this song their own, starting with Peter, Paul and Mary to more recently, Seal. But, I personally love the style and feel of an old band known as "Brothers Four". They have added a special flavor to this song with their amazing synchronized vocals and gentle strumming spanish guitars, enhancing the sheer magic of the everlasting song. The effect of the four odd brothers crooning this melodious piece is warm and soul soothing.
Much later to the initial success of this song, speculations rose that this song contained veiled references to smoking of Marijuana. However, the authors of the song have repeatedly rejected this urban legend and have strongly and consistently denied that they intended any references to drug use. The authors have frequently explained that "Puff" is about the hardships of growing older and has no relationship to drug-taking. He has also said of the song that it "never had any meaning other than the obvious one" and is about the "loss of innocence".
This song was a part of my growing up years, where a simple song could incoherently dictate and relate to the situations you are in and give you the strength of character to carry on with a song in your heart and music in your soul. I have always found solace in music and the hope it brings along to soothe my overworked mind. Those four minutes are the best minutes of my life, as the song weaves it's magic, leaving me completely unburdened and prompting me to fly high to the notes of careless abandon.
Songs are the expressions of your soul, and if you don't sing it to your own unique tune, you are really missing a blessing.
Coming back to the song, here are the lyrics for you to savor. It might sound like a children's song, but who cares.
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on puff’s gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whene’er they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name.
Oh! Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.
Oh! Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah lee.
Listen to the magical tunes of the song, by clicking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh31dGzO9c
In peace,
S.R
P.S - And by the way, this very song was playing in my very own laptop, this very morning. What a musical start to a wonderful morning?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Death Of Innocence
Dear One,
'Children are the temple of innocence' - Think again?
I was watching a reality show on TV and it was targeting young children to test their abilities in a country wide talent search. The format of the show is a well tested one, where one is pitted against each other like Roman gladiators, set to prove their innate supremacy. The gladiators were blood thirsty mean machines of bloodshed, but these little warriors are thankfully fighting a bloodless battle of wits and competition, but nonetheless, least aggressive than their Roman counterparts.
When we were of that tender age, innocence was undergoing a drastic transformation. Television had just made it's mark and we had limited programs to watch and grin our face in contentment. It was more of a family affair and I clearly remember when we got our first television set, it was Chayageet and Nukkad all along the way. All the elders and children would sit together to watch these serials with gay abandon. (By the way, "Gay" meant to mean "Happy" then)
Today's generation doesn't have the opportunity to watch such superb serials with their parents and friends. Reality TV rules the TRP along with stupid Saas-Bahu serials. Today's children are the most fortunate and also the most deprived. Fortunate, because of the vast opportunities to tap into and deprived at the same time because of the death of innocence in lieu of this mad rush for early fame and fortune.
Parents too seem to support this incalculable loss of innocence as they prepare their tiny tots to take on the limelight with sheer arrogance and a killer instinct. There was this little girl, no more than 5 years of age, who gyrated to an erotic dance number, that shocked even the judges of the show. When asked for an explanation from the parent, the father unabashedly said, "This is what the audience wants to see!", leaving everyone stunned, including me. Have we come to a stage where we don't mind exploiting our children in poor light, just to bask in that fleeting 15 seconds of fame?
The so called educated parents are ruining their child's childhood by making them behave like callous adults. They teach them everything from smart negotiation to tart answers in retaliation of the judge's questions. When the world gasps in disbelief, they take pride in their mindless tutelage. Media too is to blamed for this exploitive form of child entertainment. If you see, most of the advertisements these days have children in them, making it impossible for the parents to ignore their demands. This is smart advertising but at what cost, no one knows or cares.
Children today behave as if they have a chip on their shoulders, making it impossible even for an adult to stand on the same ground. They talk like well trained brats of senseless wit and retort, at times pushing the limits of entertainment, turning it into plain embarrassment. Children are identified with their innocence and when they lose it to age they are termed as adults. But these days, children have a different story to tell. They are giving nightmares to adults, taking a jig shot at them, irrespective of the age difference, and not minding to pull them down mercilessly for entertainment's sake.
Fame introduced at a young age has it's own after effects. Parents need to understand that their child's life is not a platform to live their own unfulfilled dreams. Exposing these young talents to opportunities is very good indeed, but ensure to safe guard them from turning into a self-proclaimed ego filled useless child prodigies. By instigating them to come in front of the camera, we are exposing their very innocence to unforgiving and unwanted realities of life. In today's highly competitive world, children are the newest pawns of parent's power play. They put their children to the acid tests of mindless games of power and politics, betraying them of a simple, yet fun filled childhood. Is it worth it?
Let them be children and behave like one. They have a long way to go to take a pot shot at life. Let them enjoy the benefits that comes from being a child first, rather than playing a part of an early bloomed worthless adult. Teach them the correct values of living rather than sowing the seeds of mindless and aggressive competition, right from infancy. Teach them to talk, and at the same time, teach them to listen more. Teach them to lose and learn, rather than just to win and outrun. What they learn now will be the building blocks of a valuable tomorrow.
Our future lies with today's children, and we don't want them to turn into a generation of heavy headed and egotistic individuals, set to ruin the future of our nation. Children are one third of our population and all of our future. Please treat them the way they ought to be treated - as children; so they grow to be fine level headed adults.
In peace,
S.R
'Children are the temple of innocence' - Think again?
I was watching a reality show on TV and it was targeting young children to test their abilities in a country wide talent search. The format of the show is a well tested one, where one is pitted against each other like Roman gladiators, set to prove their innate supremacy. The gladiators were blood thirsty mean machines of bloodshed, but these little warriors are thankfully fighting a bloodless battle of wits and competition, but nonetheless, least aggressive than their Roman counterparts.
When we were of that tender age, innocence was undergoing a drastic transformation. Television had just made it's mark and we had limited programs to watch and grin our face in contentment. It was more of a family affair and I clearly remember when we got our first television set, it was Chayageet and Nukkad all along the way. All the elders and children would sit together to watch these serials with gay abandon. (By the way, "Gay" meant to mean "Happy" then)
Today's generation doesn't have the opportunity to watch such superb serials with their parents and friends. Reality TV rules the TRP along with stupid Saas-Bahu serials. Today's children are the most fortunate and also the most deprived. Fortunate, because of the vast opportunities to tap into and deprived at the same time because of the death of innocence in lieu of this mad rush for early fame and fortune.
Parents too seem to support this incalculable loss of innocence as they prepare their tiny tots to take on the limelight with sheer arrogance and a killer instinct. There was this little girl, no more than 5 years of age, who gyrated to an erotic dance number, that shocked even the judges of the show. When asked for an explanation from the parent, the father unabashedly said, "This is what the audience wants to see!", leaving everyone stunned, including me. Have we come to a stage where we don't mind exploiting our children in poor light, just to bask in that fleeting 15 seconds of fame?
The so called educated parents are ruining their child's childhood by making them behave like callous adults. They teach them everything from smart negotiation to tart answers in retaliation of the judge's questions. When the world gasps in disbelief, they take pride in their mindless tutelage. Media too is to blamed for this exploitive form of child entertainment. If you see, most of the advertisements these days have children in them, making it impossible for the parents to ignore their demands. This is smart advertising but at what cost, no one knows or cares.
Children today behave as if they have a chip on their shoulders, making it impossible even for an adult to stand on the same ground. They talk like well trained brats of senseless wit and retort, at times pushing the limits of entertainment, turning it into plain embarrassment. Children are identified with their innocence and when they lose it to age they are termed as adults. But these days, children have a different story to tell. They are giving nightmares to adults, taking a jig shot at them, irrespective of the age difference, and not minding to pull them down mercilessly for entertainment's sake.
Fame introduced at a young age has it's own after effects. Parents need to understand that their child's life is not a platform to live their own unfulfilled dreams. Exposing these young talents to opportunities is very good indeed, but ensure to safe guard them from turning into a self-proclaimed ego filled useless child prodigies. By instigating them to come in front of the camera, we are exposing their very innocence to unforgiving and unwanted realities of life. In today's highly competitive world, children are the newest pawns of parent's power play. They put their children to the acid tests of mindless games of power and politics, betraying them of a simple, yet fun filled childhood. Is it worth it?
Let them be children and behave like one. They have a long way to go to take a pot shot at life. Let them enjoy the benefits that comes from being a child first, rather than playing a part of an early bloomed worthless adult. Teach them the correct values of living rather than sowing the seeds of mindless and aggressive competition, right from infancy. Teach them to talk, and at the same time, teach them to listen more. Teach them to lose and learn, rather than just to win and outrun. What they learn now will be the building blocks of a valuable tomorrow.
Our future lies with today's children, and we don't want them to turn into a generation of heavy headed and egotistic individuals, set to ruin the future of our nation. Children are one third of our population and all of our future. Please treat them the way they ought to be treated - as children; so they grow to be fine level headed adults.
In peace,
S.R
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
7 Thoughtful Sins
Dear One,
A lot of us suffer from irrational thinking which can affect our lives in a dramatic way. It can seperate the successful people in life from the unsuccessful ones, it can mean the difference between loving someone and hating someone, it can be the difference between peace and war. All wars, Yes I mean ALL, are caused by irrational thinking.
A lot of us suffer from irrational thinking which can affect our lives in a dramatic way. It can seperate the successful people in life from the unsuccessful ones, it can mean the difference between loving someone and hating someone, it can be the difference between peace and war. All wars, Yes I mean ALL, are caused by irrational thinking.
Let's us now look at those 7 thoughts, that can drive us to the verge of insanity, and finally drown us in unsubstantiated madness.
1. If someone criticizes me there must be something wrong with me.
There are many reasons why people criticise each other but it does not mean there is something wrong with you if they do criticise you. It means they have a differing opinion to you which is fantastic as without differing opinions in the world it would be a terrible place to live.
2. I must always seek approval in order to feel good about myself.
Many people have thought this at one time or another in their lives, however it becomes damaging when it is an entrenched belief. There is no way you can please everybody all the time so there is no point in even trying. Seek approval from yourself and if you’re happy and feel good that’s all that matters. Yes it’s nice to have other people’s opinions but don’t go out of the way to please other people.
3. I won’t try anything new unless I know I will be good at it.
Many people suffer from these types of thoughts. Trying new things in your life is a way for you to grow and learn more about yourself. You don’t have to be good at everything in your life but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy new experiences even if you are not good at them.
4. It’s not my fault my life didn’t go the way I wanted.
I have news for you; it is your fault. This doesn’t make you bad and it doesn’t mean you are a failure. You have control over your thoughts and therefore your actions. You thoughts and actions will determine your life. If you constantly blame others for the way your life has turned out you have given all your power away to other people. Take the control back and take responsibility for your thoughts and actions.
5. I am inferior to everyone else.
That’s just the way you feel, which doesn’t make it true. You have qualities that nobody else can touch and other people have qualities that you can’t touch. Recognising your strengths will build your self confidence recognising others strengths will build their self confidence but don’t put yourself down when recognising that somebody else is better than you at something.
6. I was rejected which means there is something wrong with me.
This is over generalising like the person who was rejected in a relationship, they think it always happens to them and they must somehow be unworthy of love. People reject others due to differing ideals, just like you do, but it doesn’t mean you are in any way unworthy it just means your ideals don’t match someone else’s ideals.
7. If I feel happy about life something will go wrong.
Another common irrational thought. You deserve all the happiness you make for yourself; your past is your past, if there are still issues lurking from your past that is blocking you to feel happy about today speak to someone about it. Do not tinge your present and future thoughts with bad memories or else your present and future thoughts will get infected and your life will always stay the same.
So how to stop thinking useless self-destructing thoughts and start living thoughtfully. Well, for that you have to wait and watch this space. Not everything comes ready and spiced up in a platter, does it?
In peace.
S.R
In peace.
S.R
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Verdict On Terror
Dear One,
After spending 31 crore, yes that's right, "THIRTY ONE CRORE" and a year of political hogwash, the verdict is finally out. Ajmal Kasab, a native of Pakistan is found guilty of propagating terrorism and will be sentenced to death. (This is open to further debate and extension, thanks to the blessed Indian judiciary system)
What is viewed as a milestone judgement by many, is in fact, just an another example of the poor democratic and judiciary system that we have in India. The cash-strapped Democratic Front government in Maharashtra has so far spent a staggering Rs. 31 crore, or nearly Rs. 85 lakh per day, to keep the 21-year-old terrorist from the Pakistani town of Faridkot safe and secure enough to stand trial in spite of the fact that the state's debt has crossed the Rs. 1.85 lakh crore mark. Still the government is wary of letting out any information on Kasab and is saying Rs 31 crore figure is strictly unofficial.
Statistics say that 24% of Indians earn only $1/day/head or less and are considered extremely poor. In 2005, 42% of Indians were earning less than $1.25/day/head and were considered as Below Poverty Line. This means there are around 283,000,000 Indians who are extremely poor. Government should have spent for the welfare of these 283 million Indians rather than on an individual who is not even an Indian!
India is the only county, I believe, which treats terrorists as Nation's privileged guests of honor or VVIP's. I guess we have not yet learnt to differentiate guests and terrorists alike. For God's sake, "Athithi Devo Bhava" does not apply to terrorists, who instigate and spread terror claiming innocent lives. If the same incident, I theorize, would have happened in a country like Saudi Arabia, I deem, it would have been a different story altogether. Immediate justice without the slightest delay would have been meted, with a verdict so shocking enough to send shock waves to the rest of the terrorist clan.
But India is a democratic country and we give a fair chance of trial to everyone alike, be it a friend or a foe. We even go to the extent of providing top class security and entertainment to hard core terrorists who blew our nation to smithereens. What a shame and failure of national judiciary?
Moreover, Kasab is just a insignificant pawn in this age old terror game of hide and seek. The master minds are sitting far far away, nestled in comfy bunkers, hatching one devious plan after the other to destroy our county. What are we trying to prove and what example are we trying to set? Saudi Arabia is largely crime free. The US never saw another terror attack post 9/11. In India we are so soft that even after so many terror attacks we can't do anything. Such soft nations cannot survive in the modern world.
Tell me, is all this happening due to a poor judiciary system or Is this happening due to political immaturity. Is this happening due to our tolerance being shamefully high or Is this happening because 'who cares, not my job' attitude, Is this happening because there is something secretive that no public knows or is it happening because we simply don't care and don't want to know.
Who knows? God save our country from our own country men and politicians, let alone the terrorists.
In peace.
S.R
After spending 31 crore, yes that's right, "THIRTY ONE CRORE" and a year of political hogwash, the verdict is finally out. Ajmal Kasab, a native of Pakistan is found guilty of propagating terrorism and will be sentenced to death. (This is open to further debate and extension, thanks to the blessed Indian judiciary system)
What is viewed as a milestone judgement by many, is in fact, just an another example of the poor democratic and judiciary system that we have in India. The cash-strapped Democratic Front government in Maharashtra has so far spent a staggering Rs. 31 crore, or nearly Rs. 85 lakh per day, to keep the 21-year-old terrorist from the Pakistani town of Faridkot safe and secure enough to stand trial in spite of the fact that the state's debt has crossed the Rs. 1.85 lakh crore mark. Still the government is wary of letting out any information on Kasab and is saying Rs 31 crore figure is strictly unofficial.
Statistics say that 24% of Indians earn only $1/day/head or less and are considered extremely poor. In 2005, 42% of Indians were earning less than $1.25/day/head and were considered as Below Poverty Line. This means there are around 283,000,000 Indians who are extremely poor. Government should have spent for the welfare of these 283 million Indians rather than on an individual who is not even an Indian!
India is the only county, I believe, which treats terrorists as Nation's privileged guests of honor or VVIP's. I guess we have not yet learnt to differentiate guests and terrorists alike. For God's sake, "Athithi Devo Bhava" does not apply to terrorists, who instigate and spread terror claiming innocent lives. If the same incident, I theorize, would have happened in a country like Saudi Arabia, I deem, it would have been a different story altogether. Immediate justice without the slightest delay would have been meted, with a verdict so shocking enough to send shock waves to the rest of the terrorist clan.
But India is a democratic country and we give a fair chance of trial to everyone alike, be it a friend or a foe. We even go to the extent of providing top class security and entertainment to hard core terrorists who blew our nation to smithereens. What a shame and failure of national judiciary?
Moreover, Kasab is just a insignificant pawn in this age old terror game of hide and seek. The master minds are sitting far far away, nestled in comfy bunkers, hatching one devious plan after the other to destroy our county. What are we trying to prove and what example are we trying to set? Saudi Arabia is largely crime free. The US never saw another terror attack post 9/11. In India we are so soft that even after so many terror attacks we can't do anything. Such soft nations cannot survive in the modern world.
Tell me, is all this happening due to a poor judiciary system or Is this happening due to political immaturity. Is this happening due to our tolerance being shamefully high or Is this happening because 'who cares, not my job' attitude, Is this happening because there is something secretive that no public knows or is it happening because we simply don't care and don't want to know.
Who knows? God save our country from our own country men and politicians, let alone the terrorists.
In peace.
S.R
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Sage Of Arunachala
Dear One,
Listen to a story of a man,
Who seldom spoke the tongue of man,
His silence over ruled worthless words,
To become the Master of the inner world.
In a small town of South India,
Was born a child in 1879,
With large lovely eyes,
And a tender heart to match them all.
At the age of sixteen,
He experienced an instant death,
Only to miraculously live again,
Death made his spirit deathless, and he lived yet again.
He yearned for freedom from misery,
And shattered the chains of worldly trickery,
He travelled far leaving everything behind,
And reached Arunachala, which is one of it's kind.
There he met his timeless match,
In the land of the Holy Beacon,
Arunachala was his Savior,
His father and mother too.
Ramana was his name,
His fame spread far and wide,
In silence he spoke,
And he transformed many a wayward soul.
Who Am I?
Was his simple teaching,
Find it and you shall know,
The mystery of the entire world.
He radiated love and peace,
Even wild animals quelled within his reach,
Men and women of power,
Sat meek at his blessed feet.
Yet he was the same man,
To a king or a pauper,
Showering his unbounded love,
Making his silent life, a supreme teaching.
Miracles played in his backyard,
Like children having harmless fun,
Yet he claimed no cause,
To all the wondrous effects.
In silence he led his austere life,
But the echoes spread far and wide,
In his own self was he realized,
And in death he attained immortal life.
A small tumor made it's home,
In the elbow of the Maharishi,
He seemed quite oblivious,
And radiated even more peace.
Doctors came and went,
Unable to find any cure,
The bird was about to fly,
Breaking the cage loose.
The time was ripe,
For the Sage to leave,
He chose a holy day,
To shed his mortal coil.
A shooting star made it's way,
Across the dark night of the moonless sky,
The Sage silently breathed his last,
But assured one and all -
"Where Can I Go? I am always here."
Call on me and you will see,
I am always with you,
This is for you to believe.
Thus the Sage of Arunachala,
Lived a life of supreme recluse,
Wearing nothing but a loin cloth,
But drank the bliss of God, with a full cup.
I bow down to Ramana,
The Sage of Arunachala,
The One who knew death intimately,
And became deathless and matchless in spirit.
In peace,
S.R
Listen to a story of a man,
Who seldom spoke the tongue of man,
His silence over ruled worthless words,
To become the Master of the inner world.
In a small town of South India,
Was born a child in 1879,
With large lovely eyes,
And a tender heart to match them all.
At the age of sixteen,
He experienced an instant death,
Only to miraculously live again,
Death made his spirit deathless, and he lived yet again.
He yearned for freedom from misery,
And shattered the chains of worldly trickery,
He travelled far leaving everything behind,
And reached Arunachala, which is one of it's kind.
There he met his timeless match,
In the land of the Holy Beacon,
Arunachala was his Savior,
His father and mother too.
Ramana was his name,
His fame spread far and wide,
In silence he spoke,
And he transformed many a wayward soul.
Who Am I?
Was his simple teaching,
Find it and you shall know,
The mystery of the entire world.
He radiated love and peace,
Even wild animals quelled within his reach,
Men and women of power,
Sat meek at his blessed feet.
Yet he was the same man,
To a king or a pauper,
Showering his unbounded love,
Making his silent life, a supreme teaching.
Miracles played in his backyard,
Like children having harmless fun,
Yet he claimed no cause,
To all the wondrous effects.
In silence he led his austere life,
But the echoes spread far and wide,
In his own self was he realized,
And in death he attained immortal life.
A small tumor made it's home,
In the elbow of the Maharishi,
He seemed quite oblivious,
And radiated even more peace.
Doctors came and went,
Unable to find any cure,
The bird was about to fly,
Breaking the cage loose.
The time was ripe,
For the Sage to leave,
He chose a holy day,
To shed his mortal coil.
A shooting star made it's way,
Across the dark night of the moonless sky,
The Sage silently breathed his last,
But assured one and all -
"Where Can I Go? I am always here."
Call on me and you will see,
I am always with you,
This is for you to believe.
Thus the Sage of Arunachala,
Lived a life of supreme recluse,
Wearing nothing but a loin cloth,
But drank the bliss of God, with a full cup.
I bow down to Ramana,
The Sage of Arunachala,
The One who knew death intimately,
And became deathless and matchless in spirit.
In peace,
S.R
Weightwather's Guide To The Galaxy
Dear One,
Alright, I am facing weight issues off lately and it's blowing my living day lights away. It's not that I have transformed into a huge flesh barrel of sorts, but me ain't so much in shape either. Being a die-hard "Riceaterian" the repercussions have caught up with my age at last. Coming from a typical south indian household, rice is an integral part of my diet, in fact the only part of the diet. The rest of the dishes are plain accompaniments to help you savor the rice better.
Yeah, I know I should switch to wheat a.k.a. Rotis et. al., but you see my mother is a die hard fanatic of rice and rice products. So I can't afford to counsel the Home Minister herself, for the fear of losing my existing idlis and dosas, no matter what shape or sizes it may come across to me (Thank God! My mom does not follow my blog). Now, don't even think of suggesting me to get married for the sake of eating hot, fluffy rotis everyday. It ain't a good bargain at all. Just kidding.
I am a cusp between a Mesomorph and an Endomorph. Don't wonder much, as these are body types. There are by the way, 3 body types that most of us fall in. The Ectomorphs, who are blissfully lean and thin; Mesomorphs, who are athletic and muscular and finally there are Endomorphs, who are plain fat and chubby. So as I was saying before, I am a hybrid Meso-endomorph, who easily gain weight, but it doesn't show much on my broad body frame. Thank God for that, but that doesn't change the fact that I am indeed putting on weight.
Tell this to my mom, and she puts me off with a smirk of disgust, and reiterates that's it's all in your mind. In a way she is right. Recent studies have proved that you gain or lose weight by merely thinking about it. You mind plays a vital role in your quest for gaining or losing weight. They say, while eating food if you constantly nag yourself of the fat content or the calories intake, it is bound to show on your body. Whereas, if you just eat (chew it thoroughly and don't swallow) with a calm mind and do your daily dose of exercise, you will remain slim to tell your tale.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. But for people like us who love to eat with both hands, exercise is the only saving grace. Diet if you must, but we both know it's going to fly out of the window in few days. Stick to a daily dedicated regime of exercise. Keep it light and fun, as you tend to get bored with it as days go by. Try walking for a few miles every alternate day, as it's a great stress buster too. A great indoor workout is Surya Namaskar. It facilitates and conditions every part of your body and helps you to lose weight and also helps in toning the muscles too. I read somewhere that Kareena Kapoor is a great votary of Surya Namsakar, and that she does 100 S.N everyday to get that envious size zero figure.
On the other hand, these days the obsession to look good is verily on the minds of everyone. I know people who spend lakhs every month in the pursuit to look good physically, let alone mental or spiritual development. To stay fit is relatively very simple indeed. Eat right, sleep right and exercise right. That's all there is to it.
One simple regime, I reproduce here below for your benefit. Try it and let me know if it works for you.
Morning: (7.00 A.m - 11.00 A.m)
- Wake up/Ablutions
- Drink 3 glasses of tepid water
- Do 3 sets of 10 Surya Namaskars (http://www.medindia.net/animation/Surya_Namaskar.asp)
- Have breakfast (Idlis are the best you see and avoid white flour)
- Water, water and more water
Afternoon: (12.00 P.m - 4.00 P.m)
- Lunch with loads of fresh vegetables
- Yogurt and Buttermilk
- Power nap for 15 minutes (If you find time, that is)
- Munch on roasted lentils (Soya, wheat munchies etc.)
- H2O, H2O, H2O
Evening: (5.00 P.m - 8.00 P.m)
- Try and squeeze another 3 sets of Surya Namaskars
- Supper of milk shake or milk and nuts
- Fruit smoothies
- Light dinner of boiled vegetables with brown bread
- Eat nothing after 7.30 p.m
- End the day with water, the only elixir that is exempted of all restrictions
To sum it all up, don't let exercise become an obsession. Ensure to eat right and get your daily quota of 7-8 hours of sleep, take less stress and lesser sodium (salt), keep yourself hydrated, laugh your lungs out, exercise regularly and pray a lot.
All's well that ends well and that's the recipe for a healthy, happy and wholesome life.
In peace,
S.R
Alright, I am facing weight issues off lately and it's blowing my living day lights away. It's not that I have transformed into a huge flesh barrel of sorts, but me ain't so much in shape either. Being a die-hard "Riceaterian" the repercussions have caught up with my age at last. Coming from a typical south indian household, rice is an integral part of my diet, in fact the only part of the diet. The rest of the dishes are plain accompaniments to help you savor the rice better.
Yeah, I know I should switch to wheat a.k.a. Rotis et. al., but you see my mother is a die hard fanatic of rice and rice products. So I can't afford to counsel the Home Minister herself, for the fear of losing my existing idlis and dosas, no matter what shape or sizes it may come across to me (Thank God! My mom does not follow my blog). Now, don't even think of suggesting me to get married for the sake of eating hot, fluffy rotis everyday. It ain't a good bargain at all. Just kidding.
I am a cusp between a Mesomorph and an Endomorph. Don't wonder much, as these are body types. There are by the way, 3 body types that most of us fall in. The Ectomorphs, who are blissfully lean and thin; Mesomorphs, who are athletic and muscular and finally there are Endomorphs, who are plain fat and chubby. So as I was saying before, I am a hybrid Meso-endomorph, who easily gain weight, but it doesn't show much on my broad body frame. Thank God for that, but that doesn't change the fact that I am indeed putting on weight.
Tell this to my mom, and she puts me off with a smirk of disgust, and reiterates that's it's all in your mind. In a way she is right. Recent studies have proved that you gain or lose weight by merely thinking about it. You mind plays a vital role in your quest for gaining or losing weight. They say, while eating food if you constantly nag yourself of the fat content or the calories intake, it is bound to show on your body. Whereas, if you just eat (chew it thoroughly and don't swallow) with a calm mind and do your daily dose of exercise, you will remain slim to tell your tale.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. But for people like us who love to eat with both hands, exercise is the only saving grace. Diet if you must, but we both know it's going to fly out of the window in few days. Stick to a daily dedicated regime of exercise. Keep it light and fun, as you tend to get bored with it as days go by. Try walking for a few miles every alternate day, as it's a great stress buster too. A great indoor workout is Surya Namaskar. It facilitates and conditions every part of your body and helps you to lose weight and also helps in toning the muscles too. I read somewhere that Kareena Kapoor is a great votary of Surya Namsakar, and that she does 100 S.N everyday to get that envious size zero figure.
On the other hand, these days the obsession to look good is verily on the minds of everyone. I know people who spend lakhs every month in the pursuit to look good physically, let alone mental or spiritual development. To stay fit is relatively very simple indeed. Eat right, sleep right and exercise right. That's all there is to it.
One simple regime, I reproduce here below for your benefit. Try it and let me know if it works for you.
Morning: (7.00 A.m - 11.00 A.m)
- Wake up/Ablutions
- Drink 3 glasses of tepid water
- Do 3 sets of 10 Surya Namaskars (http://www.medindia.net/animation/Surya_Namaskar.asp)
- Have breakfast (Idlis are the best you see and avoid white flour)
- Water, water and more water
Afternoon: (12.00 P.m - 4.00 P.m)
- Lunch with loads of fresh vegetables
- Yogurt and Buttermilk
- Power nap for 15 minutes (If you find time, that is)
- Munch on roasted lentils (Soya, wheat munchies etc.)
- H2O, H2O, H2O
Evening: (5.00 P.m - 8.00 P.m)
- Try and squeeze another 3 sets of Surya Namaskars
- Supper of milk shake or milk and nuts
- Fruit smoothies
- Light dinner of boiled vegetables with brown bread
- Eat nothing after 7.30 p.m
- End the day with water, the only elixir that is exempted of all restrictions
To sum it all up, don't let exercise become an obsession. Ensure to eat right and get your daily quota of 7-8 hours of sleep, take less stress and lesser sodium (salt), keep yourself hydrated, laugh your lungs out, exercise regularly and pray a lot.
All's well that ends well and that's the recipe for a healthy, happy and wholesome life.
In peace,
S.R
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG){kind=small}