31 January 2019

As I write this post, I have the pleasure of viewing 'Direct Talk' on NHK WORLD TV. It is an interesting program with an interview with Ivan Penn, a young Afro-American journalist. The program includes a lot of material on American Civil Rights movement and works by Afro-American leaders like Dr Martin Luther King Jr. I remember my first ever article published nearly 50 years back in my College Magazine when I was a teenaged student working for my first degree. The inspiration to write the article entitled 'Racial Discrimination' came from the the circumstances in the US at that period of time. 

It is a well known fact that Dr Martin Luther King Jr himself was inspired by Mahaatma Gandhiji and Gandhian values.

Shree Thyaagaraajaa Fest and Kumbh Mela Fest

Today is one of the most important days in the Sanaathana Dharmaa (Hindu) calender. This day, reveredly known as 'Ekaadashi', occurs twice every month. I have described the significance of this day in my earlier posts.

A few days back, annual aaraadhanaa of Shree Thyaagaraajaa (one of the three most revered classical music composers and singers from Thanjavur district in Tamilnadu) was performed with classical musicians from all over the world at Thiruvaiyaaru. The fest went on in different places in the country and abroad.  Shree Thyaagaraajaa was not only a revered composer,  musician and singer, but also a great devotee of Lord Shree Raam. He was also blessed with the Dharshan of Lord Shree Ram and His Consort.

Another event that is inexplainably divine is the Mahaa Kumbh Melaa Festival that is being celebrated in Prayaagraaj  (Formerly Allahabad), where three divine rivers Gangaa, Yamunaa and Saraswathi meet. It is a great treat to view saints and experts under one roof delivering religious discourses and performing satkarmaas.