Ekaadashi

Today being Ekaadashi is a very auspicious day to Vaishnawites, devotees of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Desmond Tutu

Mr Desmond Tutu died today. Aa an anti-apartheid activist, he will be remembered for his efforts to end decades long apartheid regime in South Africa. 

Divine Discourse

It was joy viewing Shree Bhupendra Bhai Pandyaji's divine discourse on Sanskar TV Channel this evening. He explained the need to discover the divided nature in us. For instance a person should know whether he is a husband or a man, a wife or a woman, man or a human being, a human being or a jeevaatma and so on. I think that he meant that this discovery should lead towards knowing the Paramaatmaa which is different from the jeevaatmaa (Dwaithaa philosophy) as propounded by Madhwaachaarya, the spiritual Guru of the community in which I belong.

Modiji at Kaashi Vishwanath temple

A few days back there was a function at Shree Kaashi Vishwanaath Temple in Vaaranaasi, Uttar Pradesh. As leader of our countryfolk, our Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modiji participated in the function by performing sankalp under the guidance of the temple priest. A nice gesture that had never been displayed by any Prime Minister we have had before Modiji became our PM.

Dhanur maasa

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Dhanur maasa begins today. Special worship is offered to our Divine Mother Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, the wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, our Divine Father, daily for a month from today onwards. 

As I write this post, it is joy viewing a divine discourse on Shreemad Bhaagavath Katha by Shree Indradevji Saraswathi Maharaj, from Brindaavan, Uttar Pradesh, on Sanskar TV Channel.

Krishna Manthra and George Harrison

In my previous posts I have mentioned about The Beatles, the best ever western softrock music group. 

In the 1960s, during their tour to our country, the members of the group got immensely interested in Hindu philosophy and Indian classical music. George Harrison became involved in Krishna Manthra and Paul McCartney became a disciple of  sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. Let me share a bit of George's experience in this post.

Hanumad vratam

According to our Maadhwa almanac, Hanumad vratam is observed today. Special worship is done to Hanumaanjee, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam, an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

The following image is from the toys made in a village known as Kondapalli, near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India; it shows Hanumaanjee worshipping Lord Shree Raam and His wife Seethaa Devi.

Following is the image of a set of toys made at Kondapalli. It shows the ten main incarnations of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

Shree Hari and His Bhagavad Geethaa

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindu people in general and Vaishnavites in particular.

Today being Ekaadashi, devotees of Shree Mahaa Vishnu fast on this day and offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Her Husband Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

Today is also known as Geethaa Jayanthi. This was the day during Dwaapara Yuga, a little more than 5000 years back, that Lord Shree Krishna presented His true form in all divine splendour to Arjuna and delivered the most revered Bhagavad Geethaa (God's Song) and guided him to resolve his dilemma as to whether to fight or not, with Kauravaas. 

Many Organisations offer free downloadble pdf version of the revered Bhagavad Geetha. One such is that of ISKCON. There are many programs on TV to mark the occassion. One such was telecast on Bhakthi TV this evening. It was a Geethaa Paaraayanam led by Shree Gangadara Shastri. 

The following image is that from a collection of toys made at Kondapalli, a village near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. It shows Shree Krishna riding Arjuna's chariot at the battle field at Kurukshetra where the battle between Paandavaas and Kauravaas took place.

While it is easier to buy Kondapalli toys online, it is better to visit the village, see how the craftsfolk make the toys, and buy from them directly so that it is relatively beneficial to them.

Friend in need is a friend indeed

We have all heard the adage "A frind in need is a friend indeed".

Day before yesterday, I visited a few old friends in a Senior Citizens Home in which I and my mother stayed for a few years until we moved to an apartment near where my brother stays. 

Among these people, there were Mr Sudhakar Rao and his wife Mrs Vijayalakshmi Sudhakar Rao, basically from Andhra Pradesh. They were an active Brahmin couple with a helping tendency. Mr Rao was an Administrator in a hospital and Mrs Rao, a high school Headmistress. 

Day before yesterday I was shocked to hear that Mr Rao died due to cardiac arrest a little more than a year back. I remember him as a smart gentleman who used to do daily walking round the campus after wearing a formal dress of nicely pressed trousers, shirt, socks and a well polished pair of shoes. His wife used to coordinate rituals in the temple housing Lord Shree Krishna and other deities. It also had a statue of Shirdi Sai Baba.

Before leaving Mrs Rao's house, she gave two banana fruits. It reminded me of Mrs Van Chan Khan (shown in the photograph below), my line manager during my stay in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

She was the Inspector General at the Inspectorate of Education at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Government of Cambodia.  In Cambodia there is a custom of offering fruits to participants in official meetings. Usually after official meetings, there would be some excess fruits. As my line manager and I used to share the same office room, beforeeaving for her home, she had the nice gesture of placing a few fruits in my bag and asking me to take them to my residence. Whenever I politely refused, she would say, "Guru, I know that you don't really enjoy cooking after hard day's work and that your Indian restaurants here in Cambodia may not have 100% vegetarian food items cooked by any Brahmin. Hence these fruits can be handy to you".

Thanks to these people.

Divine discourse and Bheema jayanthi

It was joy to view Shree Bhupeshbhai Pandya's divine discourse from Ishhavaasyopanishad. He mentioned beautiful verses including one that means "The world is complete on itself. It is the beauty of His Creation". As usual, he was quoting the revered Bhagavath Geethaa, Lord Krishnaa's Divine lecture to Arjuna.

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender.  It is the birth anniversary of Bheemaa. 

Bheema is considered to have been born as Hanumaanji previously, and after his life as Bheema, he is considered to have been born as Madhwaachaaryaa, the spiriritual Guru of Maadhwaa community, to which I and my ancestors belong.

 

Divine discourse

It was joy to view Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya ji's discouse on Shree Hari on Sanskaar TV Channel. He explained the Guru - Shishyaa (Teacher- Learner) relationship from spiritual perspective.

We some times see good people dying when young and evil people living longer than 90 years or so thereby polluting people and doing everything to break families down.

Recently, my brother's brother-in-law, a good person, died at a young age probably in his 50s. Similarly Arun, younger brother of one of my former colleagues, passed away when he was just in his 50s. Arun was a gem of a person.

Russia, US and India

Current visit of Russia's President Vladimir Putin to our country is of interest not only to political analysts but also to very ordinary senior citizen folks like me (who were in our teens in the golden '60s).

During that golden era, it was common to see portraits of celebrities from different countries, particulatly the US and Russia (known as USSR in those days). Alongside portraits of Mahaatma Gandhiji, Netaaji Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore etc. there used to be Kruschev, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr etc. adorning the walls. 

We used to get very informative magazines such as SPAN (published by the US embassy in Delhi) and Soviet Land (Published by USSR Government in different languages). Although SPAN is still being published, it's editions and those of Soviet Land of those days were giving more importance to socioeconomic issues than political ones, unlike today. Soviet Land had regular columns for philatelists with latest stamp releases. 

Government Radio Stations such as VOA and Radio Moscow used to broadcast  programmes in different world languages including Hindi and Tamil.  VOA used to have daily half hour program known as 'Tamizh maalai" meaning 'Tamil evening' and Radio Moscow used to broadcast for longer duration and began it's programs with a local presenter saying "Moscow vaanoliyin Tamizh oliparappu.." meaning 'This is the Tamil language programme beamed from Radio Moscow..." There were also other popular broadcasters such as BBC and Radio Beijing (known as 'Radio Peaking') that used to broadcast in Indian languages. 

As Mary Hopkin sang, 'Those were the days...".

The beatles get back

On 25 November, the full history in the development of 'Get back' by the 'The Beatles' was released, thereby bringing back nostalgic memories of the best softrock band and the late '60s.

Shree Raam Kathaa

This morning I had the joy of viewing Sant Muralidharji Maharaj's 'Shree Raam Katha' on Aashtha TV Channel. He was explaining the concept of 'Bhakthi' (Devotion to Shree Hari) and the excellent qualities of Hanumaanji, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam (an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu). 

Though there are numerous totally immersed viewers in such divine discourses, some are ecastatically absorbed.  The photograph shows one such devoted viewer. I think that this gentleman (with folded hands in front of his chest) is nearly of my age or younger. He seems to have an excellent sense of devotion.

Health insurance oddities

Let me describe a common problem faced by us and how there is no proper policy guideline/s from the Government. I have been having some dental problem for which I sought treatment. The dentist prescribed a denture.

The treatment cost about Rs 12, 000. When I contacted Star Health Insurance with whom I have had my health issues insured, they said that dental issues are not covered in their scheme. Are dental issues not dental issues? I think that our Central Government look into such anamolies and rectify them.

Until a few years back, in any financial transaction, either the remitter or the receiver or both, had to literally make his/her/their presence at the bank.  This involved time, energy and money. But today, without spending much of any of these three, secure financial transcations are possible.

(I was able to send my monthly house rent and monthly maintenance to my apartment owner and apartment maintenance office respectively, simply by using my mobile phone. I could also renew my health insurance. All these in about 15 minutes. Of course I am sure that most people derive such benefit).

Thanks to compure engineering and mobile technology.

Shree Muralidharji Maharaaj

Today being Ekaadashi, is a very auspicious day to Hindus in general and Vaishnavites in particular. It was treat to eyes, ears and to the mind, to view a Divine Discourse on Shree Raam Katha (Lord Shree Raam's Biography) by saint Shree Murlidharji Maharaaj. He was describing saint Thulasidas's 'Raam Charith Maanas', Shree Raam's Divine Wedding with Seethaa Devi, importance of mother cow etc.

BBC World TV Channel's 'CLICK' presented by Spencer Kelly has been one of my favourite programmes, which I don't usually miss. (Their prograames are to some extent value added by the presenters: for insrance, Zeinab Badawi and Stephen Sachur's Hardtalk', and so on). This evening's 'CLICK' featured a mobile phone museum with the curator explaining the fast development of mobile tech and sucessive replacement of mobile phone versions in the market.

It is said that change is inevitable, and understandably so. But in areas like communicational instrumentation, if changes are at a slower pace, it would be easier for most people who are not economically well off, to adjust with the changes (considering affordability to buy new gadgets frequently).

Single senior and Short wave radio

In this post let me share a difficulty that is probably  common to most senior citizens of my age (70 plus) who live alone in their dwellings, though there may be close relatives staying in other parts of the town or city.

Thanks to Amul India Limited for their KoolCafe, for sparing me from the trouble of preparing my morning coffee, daily. 

Thanks to growing number of Brahmin food catering services for sparing me from the ordeal of cooking side dishes such as gravy and curry. I don't mind cooking rice by myself.

Sometimes I prepare my favourite dosaas (rice and urad dhaal pancakes) for dinner. But often oddly enough I get so much immeresed in viewing my TV programmes until such time when the dosa in the frying pan sends s strong signal that it is burnt beyond rectification. These are the times that I do miss my Shortwave digital radio (that used to be somewhat like a part of my body for more than 40 years until the early '90s). I think that a radio receiver is better than any TV in this aspect.

(I had a very reliable and efficient Digital Radio viz ICF7600, for many years, until it was deliberately broken by my divorced wife's son many years back when he and his mother came on a visit for some reason).

A few minutes back I did Google Search to find out if there is any Didital Radio supplier in India, and found that there is none. Even SONY India Limited doesn't seem to market shortwave receivers any more.

Well, I think that fast technological development is inevitable and necessary, but not at the cost of stable options of using gadgets such as radio receivers.

Jhansi Jayanthi

Today there have been many functions including the one in which our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji delivered a speech, to commemorate the birthday of Rani Lakshmibhai.

I remember my stay in Jhansi when I worked as Principal of Rani Laxmibhai Public School, Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. 

I fondly remember my visit to a nearby dam alongwith my colleagues (and driving the jeep for some time), a fellow Rotarian (who used to take me to Club meetings in his car and drop me back), my colleagues Mr Takur, Ms Ametha Singh, Selvaraj (a teacher from Tamilnadu), Mrs Renu Bansal and many others. (I also remember a few bad colleagues such as Gaudamani, a teacher from Tamilnadu, and Sujatha, a teacher from Andhra Pradesh).

I regret that I didn't use my weekends and holidays to visit places of divine importance such as Ayodhyaa (Birth place of Shree Raam) and Naimishaaranyaa.

I remember the authentic Aaloo Paraathaa  that used to be cooked in the school kitchen and served hot. It was pleasure working in my office during dinner time amidst which I used to get Aloo parathaas and delicious dhaal as side sish.

As Mary Hopkin sang "Those were the days ...". 

COP 26

Recently we have heard a lot about eminent people from different countries using big phrases in the COP 26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland (which had featured in many of the British classic novels by writers such as Charles Dickens). Previously in the early '90s there was a similar Global Meet in Mexico. Like many people, I am skeptical as to possible outcomes and as to whether the Meet's main aims and objectives would be realised.

Let me give an example right in my neighbourhood. Just adjacent to the Apartment complex where I reside, there used to be a large mangrove; the owner/s of the grove used to display their mangoes and sell them at a probably reasonable cost. Nearly two years back, the trees were cut and large machines were brought in to construct concrete buildings in the area. Besides, the work was (and has still been) carried out day and night, amidst a lot of sound emitted by these machines. No body seems to question the atrocitites comitted by such highly selfish and greedy owner rascals.

I think that we live in a world of contrasts.

Shree Raam Temple at Ayodhyaa

It was nice to take a virtual visit (thanks to technology) to Ayodhyaa, the birth place of Lord Shree Raam, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, to view a Divine Discourse on Vaalmiki Raamaayan by Shree Bhaaskarji Maharaaj.

The program reminded me of the Bhoomi Puja ritual performed as part of construction of Shree Raam temple in the city of Ayodhyaa and how devotedly our beloved Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi participated in the event.

Shree Prembhushanji Maharaj

It was nice to view Shree Raam Kathaa (Story of Shree Raam) by Shree Prembhushanji Maharaj on Ashtha TV yesterday. 

Damodara Tulasi Divine Wedding

Yesterday was a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharma Calender. According to ancient Scriptures, this was the day on which Daamodaraa (a roopaa of Shree Krishnaa, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu) married Tulasi (a roopaa of Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu). This day is known as Uththaana Dwaadashi or Uthwaana Dwaadashi)

Today being Ekaadashi, one of the most auspicious days to worship Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, I liked to spend atleast some time viewing to Divine Discourses on TV. 

I had the joy of viewing two speakers on Amritha Channel's 'Sandhyaa Deepam'. The first speaker described what Shree Raamaa said to His brother Lakshmanaa on His first sight of Hamumaan, the greatest devotee of Shree Raamaa. The second speaker described Sudaamaa's meeting with Lord Shree Krishna.

(Although I can understand Malayaalam very well, my spoken Malayalam is very moderate and written Malayaam is nil. Hence I am unable to remember the names of the two speakers as displayed on the TV screen. However it is my pleasure to include their photoes in this blog).

Divine Discourse

Formally retired senior citizens in our country either continue working or like to take rest after serving for a few decades. I belong to the latter category.

I have always liked the company of good books or any media with good content than people (with a few exceptions when people are compatible).  Nowadays I like viewing good programmes on TV rather than working on my PC or fiddling on my mobile.

This morning, it was great pleasure viewing Shree Bhai Shree's Divine Discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa (Divine Story of Shree Hari) on Ashtha, one of my favourite TV Channels. In the discourse when he sang "May nahi markand khaayaa.." (a popular song about Lord Shree Krishna), I was reminded of Shree Anup Jalota, one of my favourite Bhajan singers popularly known as 'Bhajan Samraat'. My memory took me to 1989 when I first heard Anup Jalota in a friend's house in Southern Africa.

de Klerk's demise

South Africa has lost one of its neutral statesmen in the recent demise of Mr FW de Klerk, former President of South Africa. Alongwith Mr Nelson Mandela he was instrumental in eradicating the country's apartheid stand that lasted for several decades. Mr de Klerk and Mr Mandela received the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Tigray in turmoil

The recent news that Tigray Liberation Force is moving towards the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. I hope that the ongoing efforts of the UNO and several countries to bring peace in the region on a permanent basis succeed.

Bali Pratipat

Yesterday was an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is known as Bali Pratipat.

ABBA's re-entry to music

Recent news that the Swedish popmusic band ABBA is teamed up after 40 years to come back in it's digital form is interesting. I was one of their numerous fans in the late '70s when they were most popular. It was sad that they split in 1982 (much like how The Beatles split in 1970 with their 'Let it be'). Who can forget their songs and related movies such as 'Mama Mia? (I remember the sunny day in 2009 in a restaurant in Phnom Penh, where I was viewing this movie on wide screen, with a colleague from Holland). 

Festival of lights

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindus all over the world. This was the day on which Lord Shree Krishnaa (an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, our Supreme God) killed Narakaasura, a demon, during Dwaapara Yuga, more than 5000 years back. 

This day is also considered to be the day on which Lord Shree Raam (an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu) killed the demon king Raavanaa, who abducted Seetha Devi (an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu and Divine Mother of all of us) during Trethaa Yuga, billions of years ago.

This day is celeberated as Deepaavali (meaning line of lights) every year. I have described about this Festival of lights in my earlier posts.

Puneeth Rajkumar's demise

It is sad that Puneeth Rajkumar, the Kannada actor and son of popular veteran Kannada movie actor Mr Rajkumar passed away at a young age. I haven't seen any of Puneeth Rajkumar's movies. But the fact that he was the son of Mr Rajkumar is evidence enough to show that the young actor was talented.

Deepaavali: Festival of lights

As Deepavali is just a few days away, my memory takes me back to my younger days. 

In those days, my father used to buy crackers  two months earlier and my mother used to distribute them to us. Thereafter, I, Jyothi (my sister) and Ramesh (my brother) used to exchane them according to our likes and dislikes (for example as I was afraid of handling large crackers, I used to exchange them for light crackers with my brother who was fond of large ones. He was far more daring than my father. Mr. Padmanabha Rao, a professional cook and a nice gentleman used to make sweet items such as Jangri etc. a few days before the festival. My mother used to make items like kai murukku (for which she used to have  bronze or brass implements, taken away by Jyothi later). All the eatables were offered to Shree Hari and Shree Mahaa Lakshmi before our consumption and distribution to our neighbours, friends, well-wishers and the needy people. 

Apart from these, Ramesh used to do additional shoppings for crackers (for all the three of us). During the Fest, my father used to be active in firecrackers like us children whereas my mother used to be busy in the kitchen cooking special items.

These were all not unique in our house; these were part of all good households.

As Mary Hopkin sang in her famous song, "Those were the days...".

Evil people and their influence

A few months back, I mentioned a wonderful religious discourse in which Shree Morari Bapu described as to how newly married women get spoilt by their mothers, start accusing their husbands and parents in law (particularly mothers in law) without any reason and get divorced, so that they can stay with their parents. This happened in my own case when I got married in 1982. We can see many examples in which even relatives interefere and try to break marriages. This has also happened in my case by way of dirty involvement by my father's cousin brother's wife and her son, my mother's sister and my mother's brother's wife, according to the woman who got married to me. 

Once the woman to whom I got married told me that she heard that my mother left my father without letting him know her whereabouts and that my father searched and finally found her after three months. I replied to her that it was rubbish. My father clarified to her that it was not my mother who left him. My father explained to the woman to whom I got married as to how enduringly my mother was patient and calm and that she never left him at any time, in spite of his short temper and frequent beatings. He clarified to the woman to whom I got married, that it was my maternal uncle's wife (one of the vicious women mentioned above) who left her husband for three months etc. As my father and my maternal uncle had the same name 'Raghavendra Rao' it was easy for the gossip monging sadist relatives to fabricate false things about me and my mother and succeed in breaking my marriage. 

My parents got me married to the woman because one of my father's friends who was considered to be good in astrology said that horoscopes of the woman and that of mine tallied well with each other. I suspect that the woman's parents got their daughter's horoscope fabricated so as to tally with my horoscope. 

Such things are not unique in my life. There are many such instances in which good people suffer due to evil people. 

Some times I wonder why good people suffer and evil people have no suffering at all, though as far as I know, according to Shaastraas, such evil people will reap the consequences in their next birth if not at present. 

Divine Discourse

I am a fan of Rajendradas Devaachsaryajee Maharaj for many years. In this evening's discourse on Shreemad Bhagavatham, on Astha TV Channel, Swamiji was explaining how the whole universe is  Shree Hari's Divine Body, which many of us know from Bhagavatham. What I didn't know until I heard Swamiji saying a few minutes back that what the scientists call 'Black hole' is Shree Hari's naabhi  (stomach button). He is a charismatic speaker.

Bill Clinton's recovery

It was nice to hear that Bill Clinton, former US President, got recovered from a urological infection and discharged from the hospital. Best wishes to him and his dedicated wife Hillary Clinton.

Nostalgic memories

As usual, it was nice to view my favorite TV Channels and programs such as Guru Kaarshnee Yamunaa Aarthi in Brindavan followed by divine lectures of Shree Sharananandji Maharaj on Ashtha Channel,  David Rocco's 'Dolce Africa' featuring Lalibela in Ethiopia on BBC Earth and a plane journey in Bhutan with Captain Kenga Tshering taking us to and from Paro airport (which was was under construction when I and my friends used to pass through, on our way to Paro Post office and back, on some afternoons after school) on BBC Earth, in the past few days. Some of these bring nostalgic memories.

9 Nights and 10 days Fest

Past Tuesday night and the next day morning marked the beginning of the holy 9 nights festival known as Nava raathri and the 10 days Fest known as Dusaraah in Bhaarath (India). During this period, special worship is done to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Shree Mahaa Vishnu, Shree Durga and Shree Rudra, and Shree Saraswathi and Shree Brahmaa respectively.

Shree Krishna Chandra Shastriji

It was joy to listen to 'Shree Bhaagavath Venu Geeth' discourse by Poojyashree Krishna Chandra Shastriji on my favourite Ashthaa TV channel this morning. He was explaining the sacredness of Brindaavan, the holy land where Shree Krishna performed His numerous Divine Acts. A solace to a troubled mind.

Gandhi Jayanthi

Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, known as father of our nation 'Bhaarath'.

Food manufacturing double standards

Like most consumers, I had always been fond of snacks such as Brittania Biscuits, Cadburies Milk Chacolate, Lays Chips and Maggi Noodles. A few days back my brother forwarded a Utube video on WhatsApp. That was the end of my road to such snacks. I have stopped buying such snacks.

This video brought out some shocking facts about consumer food items that are sold in our country after getting labelled as vegetarian products as stipulated by the Guidelines of FSSAI. The presenters of the video say that Companies use non-vegetaran items as Emulsifiers and Acidity Regulators when manufactuing their products. Although they do mention these by code numbers, they don't list these conspicuous substance/s in the 'Ingradients' section of their products. 

However what is mentioned in the video may or may not be true. But when analysing the food manufacturing scenario in our country, I think that the contents in the video are true.

I think that our Central and State Governments should look into this issue seriously and ban Companies from manufacturing and marketing non-vegetarian products as vegetarian.

I deleted the Utube video as soon as I got the relevant information. Probably readers of my post may find the video from Google Search.

Divine Discourses

As I type this post, by God's Grace, I derive joy by viewing one of the many Divine Discourses given by learned Pundits under the auspices of Narayan Seva Sansthan. This morning's program is being delivered by Shree Ramakanth Vyas Ji.

PM's birthday

I had forgotten that 17 September was the birthday of Shree Narendra Modiji, our Prime Minister. I join numerous people in wishing him a long and happy life.

Vaamana Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This was the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Vaamanaa billions of years back.

My mother's birthday

Today is the birthday of my mother, according to the English Calender. My father's birthday was on 13 September according to the English Calender.

Shree Hari's Divine Sleep

Today is one of the most auspicious days to Hindu people all over the world. This day is known as Parivarthini Ekaadashi.

Holy man

It was nice to view Shree Ganapathi Sachitananda Swamiji's Divine Discourse on Hindu Dharmam TV Channel this morning. I have written about this charismatic holy man in my previous posts.

John Lennon's 'Imagine'

Today marks the 50th anniversary of 'Imagine' written and sung by John Lennon, after The Beatles split. I fondly remember John Lennon, The Beatles and many of their songs.

Divine Boar Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Shree Varaahaa, billions of years back.

Lord Dhanvanthri Fest and Lord Balaraamaa's birthday

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindus. 

It is the anniversary of Lord Dhanvanthri, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated Himself as Dhanvanthri billions of years back.

Today is the day on which Lord Balaraamaa, the elder brother of Lord Shree Krishnaa (an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu) was born, more than 5000 years back, during Dwaapara Yugaa. In Trethaa Yugaa, he was born as Shree Lakshmanaa, the younger brother of Lord Shree Raam (an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu) and served Him and His wife Seethaa Devi, during Shree Raam's exile to the forest. He was an exemplary brother in both Yugaas.

My father's death anniversary

According to the English calender, today is the death anniversary of my beloved father. Hindus all over the world observe death anniversaries according to the Hindu Calender.  According to the Hindu Calender, my father's death anniversary comes on 10th of this month. Like most Hindus, on this day I and my brother will perform death anniversary ritual in our traditional manner.

My father was a workaholic headmaster (of Government Higher Secondary Schools). I fondly remember him. I have written about him in many of my earlier posts.

Like many good mothers of that era, my beloved mother gave all the support and affection that a dutiful wife can give, to my father, sharing all odds and evens with him. I fondly remember her also.

Teachers' day in India

Today is celebrated as Teachers' day in India. This is the birthday of Dr S Radhakrishnan. 

Oddities in Online shopping

Although online shopping facility is a boon to us, particularly senior citizens like me, as I had mentioned in a previous post, it has disadvantages too. Let me share an experience that I had a few days back. 

I had ordered for some branded fruit juices through Amazon. When I received the material, I found cranberry juice, which I never ordered.  As returning the material is a cumbersome process, I drank some juice and gave the remaining, to my maid servant. 

Although online shopping agencies such as Amazon are very reliable and cost of items relatively low, I think that direct shopping is always better.

Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones

As I was browsing through my mobile net this evening, I came to know of the demise of Charlie Watts, who was a drummer in The Rolling Stones, a British heavy metal rock music band that was very popular in the '60s. Charlie Watts will be remembered by his fans as one of the fastest popmusic drummers of that era.

Shree Krishnaa Fest

Yesterday (rather last night) was one of the most auspicious times to Hindu people all over the world. 

According to Scriptures, it was on this day that His Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Krishnaa nearly 5000 years back, in kali yugaa.

On this day, His devotees offer special worship to Him particularly at the time of his birth. According to Hindu Almanac, His time of birth was a few minutes before midnight (Indian Standard Time) last night.

Saint Fest

Today is the first day of the three days long aaraadhanaa celebrations of Raaghavendra Swaami, one of the most revered saints in the Maadhwaa community.

Divine Discourse

This morning's spiritual discourse by Shree Ramesh Bhai Ojah, popularly known as 'Bhai Shree was a solace to my troubled mind, to some extent.

Vishnu Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender for two reasons. 1. This day is celebrated as Hayagreeva Jayanthi. 2. Today is practised as 'Upaakarmaa' day, mainly by Brahmin males; on this day they get their spiritual batteries charged by replacing their old sacred threads by new ones. It is an important annual ritual.

Singapore's National Day

Today is Singapore's National Day. Singapore is of the few countries in which people of different countries of origin, cultural beliefs, traditions, religions etc. live peacefully. 

Food programs on TV

As I am neither a food addict nor a food enthusiast, food centered TV programs had never been my 'cup of tea'. But still I do like some such programs telecast in Channels such as FoxTV and TravelXP due to their 'side dishes': for instance a variety of people and places.

This afternoon I happened to view an interesting program featuring a South East Asian country. This program brought pleasant memories of the time period that I spent in Cambodia (mostly in Pnom Penh, the Capital). I remember a vast array of ready to cook vegetarian noodles made from wheat flour, rice flour, tapioca etc. available in grocery stores and supermarkets en route my residence from my office. Cooking these had also been easy and pleasant, let alone eating.

Shree Mahaa Lakshmi Fest

Yesterday was a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was celebrated as Shree Mahaa Varalakshmi Vratam with special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, our Divine Mother, and to Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa, our Divine Father.

Shree Vishnu, Mahaabali and Onam

Billions of years back, His Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated in His Vaamana Form as a young Brahmin boy, grew to his Trivikramaa Form, and blessed King Mahaabali. Mahaabali was the grandson of Prahlaadha, the greatest devotee of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

It is belived that King Mahaabali visits his Kindom and his citizens on this day every year. This day is celebrated as Onam in Kerala and by Malayalee people all around the globe. 

Onam greetings to all Malayaalee readers of my post and to my Malayalee friends.

Divine Discourses

As I write this post, I derive the joy of viewing 'Bhaagavath Kathaa' by Shree Abhishek  Krishna Shastriji at the holy Brindavan Kshetra in Uttar Pradesh. Added to the divine atmosphere is the presence and words of Shree Rajendradas Ji Maharaj.

Pujya shree Bhupendra Bhai Pandya

Thanks to Sanskar TV Channel for having telecast a live discourse on the Devine Sreemadh Bhagavath by Poojyashree Bhupendra Bhai Pandya this morning after a few months.

Tokyo Olympics

The news that 26 years old Mira Chanu won a Silver medal in the events that began yesterday brings pleasure. Congratulations to her, her parents, all those who encouraged her, and certainly not the least, her coach.

South African unrest

I sincerely wish that the situation in Durban and Kwa-zulu Natal improves and that normalcy is restored.

Angry South Africans' targeting Indians is obviously not justified, and as their President Cyril Ramaphosa said, such attacks are planned. As we all know, every community has good and bad people.

I remember how people of different races lived peacefully as a community, in Durban and all over the country, when I was working in the region.

Indians including those running businesses, have been making significant contribution to South African economy eversince Gandhiji's days there. Their contribution cannot be forgotten. 

Infact our fellow country folks have contributed to development of countries in which it is like tip of the iceberg. When I was working in Ethiopia in 1982-83, 'Augusta' shirts were very popular as a branded commodity. It was being manufactured by a Company founded and run by people of Indian origin.

(I know a few colleagues from our country who left teaching and opened grocery stores). 

Digital discomfort

Many of us depend on net banking for various reasons. But unfortunately if the system doesn't work well, it makes us handicapped.

Yesterday, I had paid some amount online to a grocery store. According to alert from the bank, the amount was credited into the store's account. But to my disappointment, the store informed to me that it hasn't received the amount. Hence I decided to check my account statement. 

When I tried to log in into net banking, my attempts were futile in spite of typing the correct password. As we all know, immediately after a certain number of attempts, the banks disable customer access and the account holder is mercilessly asked to contact the bank in person.

This is not the first time that such a thing has happened to me. It has been happening frequently. 

I think that there is some inefficient or indifferent rascal at the bank who handles net banking. Only if such employees are dismissed, banks will be able to function as they should. 

 

Tale of two towns

Though there are numerous entertainment TV channels today, there aren't many that offer programs featuring food, travel, people and places, all under one roof. One such channel is Epic channel. 

After a few weeks, it was interesting to view one of the channel's programs entitled "Raja, rasoi aur annya kahaniyan". (I tried to access it from the Channel's website but unfortunately it is under maintenance. Hope I can access it when it is possible, and provide a link to it). 

This program feaured two large towns in Tamilnadu. One is Thanjavur and the other, Pudukkottai. The first is famous for its people of Marathi origin. These people's ancestors came from Maharashtra a few centuries back along with their Maratta king Raja Sarfoji. These people follow Maharashtrian customs and traditions and speak what is popularly known as 'Thanjavur Marathi' (that is significantly different from that spoken in Maharashtra).  This Marathi was the mother tongue of my mother's parents and my paternal grandfather's parents. (Mother tongue of my paternal grandmother was Kannada). I and my two siblings were brought up conversing in Thanjavur Marathi and Kannada.

Pudukkottai is the headquarter town of what is popularly known as Chettinadu and is well known for its history and cuisine.

'Efficient' engineers and 'Perfect' politicians

In a previous post, I had mentioned about a Tamilnadu Government Notification to pay the electric bill. Although I did accordingly it hasn't worked. 

A few minutes back, my brother called me from the local Electricity Board office (that handles consumer electric bills) and said that he was paying for my bill and his as the EB staff were about to disconnect electric power supply to our residences. This has happened with many other consumers.

Government officials such as this Assistant Engineer should be severely punished and dismissed from service with no post dismissal monetary compensation or pension. Similarly politicians including Ministers and MLAs should be severely punished for their indifference and arrogance, and should be banned to contest in any election during their life time. They should be punished severely irrespective of their gender.

Tension in Tigrai

WION TV is one of my favourite channels as it's programs are versatile and interesting without the usual news items that overwhelm in other channels. Besides, this channel takes viewers to places and people that are not festured in other channels. This evening's WION news coverage that included the current unrest in Tigrai and it's capital city Makelle, brought back fond memories of the city in 1982 when I and my teacher friends from India used to spend our days. I remember viewing 'Noori', a Hindi (or Urdu) language movie in a cinema hall in Makelle. Bollywood movies were very popular among Ethiopians all over the country at that time. I also remember how I and my Malayaalee friend Sebastian used to frequent a local restaurant known as 'Abraha Castle' in Makelle. It was actually a castle turned restaurant. Good old days. I hope that Makelle and Tigrai return to normalcy.

BBC Earth

As many TV viewers would know, it is very unusual nowadays to find travel programs that feature people and places instead of food and cooking. BBC Earth Channel's 'Life off the Leash: A journey through India' is one such unusual, but interesting travel program hosted by two youngsters with their two dogs. This evening's program was about Odisha. (It reminded me of my visits to Odisha when I was working for a Chennai based NGO with Education Development projects in Rayagada District of Odisha. Good old days).

(I tried to provide a link to the program, but couldn't locate it from the website. I'll try to do do it when I find time).

According to today's TV news reports, Tamilnadu Government has relaxed its Covid restrictions. Like most common folk, I think that it is a good move.

But at the same time, it seems that bad officers in the government still continue to take the resrictions as a safe haven for their bad practices. In a previous post, I had mentioned a State Government notification about the function of Assistant Engineers in Tamilnadu Electricity Board  regarding consumer electric bills. Though it is nearly a week, I and many other consumers have still not had any response from the rogue Assistant Engineer to our request for the amount to be paid.

Divine Discourse

There is a growing number of saintly minded men giving discourses on Sanaathan Dharm and related aspects, via TV. 

One such man is Shree Abhinandanji Maharaj. It was joy viewing him on Aastha TV this evening. He explained as to how a person cannot attain the fruits of going to temple, performing pooja etc. if he or she is jealous and evil minded.  I tried to provide a link to his website, but I couldn't find any website of his own or his team. If I do find it, I'll try to provide the link in my post.

(According to the theory of karma as explained in Hindu Sciptures, a person will go to heaven or hell or both, depending upongood or bad deeds he or she comitted during life time on earth).

(From my own experience, I know of a few individuals who have succeeeded in destroying the lives of people unreasonably; some of them have died).

As BBC World continues to be one of my favourite TV channels, I happened to view a program entitled 'The Troubles With Naipaul' Episode 2 this evening as I was relishing my lime juice. It was a program featuring V S Naipaul, a popular Trinidadian writer of Indian ancestry. He won the English Literature Nobel Prize for his 'A house for Mr Biswas'.

Since my school days, I have been fascinated by novels written by Naipaul, Mark Twain, Wole Soyinka etc. as their works were like reading history books. I think that to a large extent, their works give an unbiased account of the complexities and difficulties associated  with people who leave their home countries to distant lands as labourers. (My interest in this area got ignited by a lesson entitled 'Tom whitewashes the fence' when studying in my school final class back in 1966 when I was 15 years old).

Although like in any work, there are unacceptable  ideas, these works are okay to have some glimpse of history.

Restrictions and responsibilities

Recently Tamilnadu Government announced stricter restrictions due to Covid Pandemic. One of them is that line staff will not be coming to consumers' residences to take meter readings of their electricity consumption and that consumers have to send photographs of their meter reading to the Assitant Engineer at the Tamilnadu Electricity Board, by WhatsApp, upon which the AE will let the consumer know the amount due to be paid. 

Although it is nearly a week since I sent my meter reading to the AE, I haven't still heard from him/her.

I think that Covid Pandemic has become an easy excuse in the hands of rogue Governments, rogue Establishements, rogue communities and rogue inndividuals to evade from basic responsibilities.

Digital Dependance

For the past few days, my mobile phone doesn't work properly. I think that it is my fault that I allowed some water to enter into the instrument while taking bath. (I rely on my mobile phone to view  religious verses and chant them when taking bath, and when performing daily religious rituals). As my mobile is of a relatively old version, I intend buying a new one. Until then, I think that I have to bear wtth the inconveniences associated with lack of a good mobile phone. I think that digital dependence is inevitable in today's circumstances. 

 

Divine Turtle Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Billions of years back, it was on this day, that Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as a Divine Turtle. Hence this day is known as 'Koorma Jayanthi', meaning 'Divine Turtle's birthday'. Devotees offer special worship to this Avathaar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu on this day. 

Vedavyaasaa and Narasimhaa Fests

Yesterday was an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was the birth anniversary of Lord Vedavyaasaa, an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. Sage Vedavyaasaa is considered to have written the two epics 'Raamaayanaa' and 'Mahaa Bhaarathaa' as well as many other Divine Scriptures.

Today is also a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was on this day, billions of years back, that Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Shree Narasimhaa.

The following photograph shows Shree Ganapathi Sachithaananda Swaamiji of Daththa Peetam, Mysuru, India, performing Shree Lakshminarasimha Poojaa.

Apsara dance

It was a pleasure to view a programme on Cambodia on Travelxp TV channel, one of my favourite channels. The programme explained 'Apsara dance' that is popular all over the country and outside. This dance is usually used to depict the Cambodian version of the great Indian Epic 'Raamaayanaa', the life history of Lord Shree Raam, an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. The programme brought pleasant memories of my tenure in Cambodia in 2008-09.

 

Today is the death anniversary of my beloved mother, according to the Hindu Calender. I and my brother performed the Shraddhaa ceremony for her.

Fraud and Arrogance

A few days back I received an email inviting me to join their team of ELA editors, from a US based start up K-12 Curriculum Company called wisewire.com. I replied that I was not interested as I was not paid for the freelance work that I did for them in 2016. The Company spokesperson replied that the amount will be paid if I can fill a Form that includes the SWIFT Code of the bank in which I hold my savings account.

Immediately I communicated to the bank by phone to request them to let me know their SWIFT Code. I tried a few times, the phone did ring, but none took the call. Then I communicated using the mailbox option in Net Banking. Still I  haven't got a reply. 

This is how most employees in our Public Sector Banks seem to work, with the added excuse 'Covid lockdown'.

Yesterday when I mentioned about it to an acquaintance who works at a senior level at the bank's head office, he cautioned me against disclosing SWIFT Code. I think that it was a good advice. I think that using the Code, such fraudulent companies and individuals can hack our account and cause harm. 

Fraud and professional arrogance/indifference seem to be universal.

By the way, as I have mentioned in an earlier post, I am deliberately disclosing the names of fraudulent companies and individuals, based on my own experience, to prevent readers of my blog from getting cheated by such companies and individuals.

It was joy viewing Shree Raaghavaachaaryaajee's divine discourse on Vaalmeeki Raamaayan on Aasthaa channel this morning. This discourse was given in Ayodhya, the birth city of Lord Shree Raam, an incarnation of Shree Hari.

It was joy viewing Shree Shreedharaachaaryaajee's divine discourse on 'Sreemad Bhaagavat Katha' (meaning 'The Story of Shree Hari, The Almighty') on Aaasthaa channel this morning. annel this morning. This discourse was given in Ayodhya, the birth city of Lord Shree Raam, an incarnation of Shree Hari.

Hanumaan Fest

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindus all over the world. This day is celebrated as Hanumad Jayanthi. This was the day during Trethaa Yuga, that Hanumaan, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam, was born.

Shree Raam Kathaa

As I am typing this post, I derive the joy of listening to a mesmerising discource on Lord Shree Raam by Shree Lal Govindadasji at Brindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Bhaarath (India), and telecast by Aashthaa Channel. It is the first time that I happen to view this charismatic young gentleman's discourse.

 

Shree Raam Fest

Yesterday was a very auspiciuos day to Hindus all over the world. Every year, this day is celebrated as the birthday of Shree Raam, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Bhavaani Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Bhavaani Jayanthee. Shree Bhavaani, Shree Shiva and the Almighty Shree Hari present in Shree Shiva are offered special  worship today.

Oddities in Online shopping

It is well known that online shopping is more convenient than direct shopping in that it saves time and energy. But depending on the vendor, online shopping isn't free from risks. I had heard from some one that ready made 'Pancha gachchams' are available nowadays in shops in Chennai. From Google search I found that Ramraj Cottons sells these. Their Web page clearly mentioned "Pancha gachcham with an icon of a man wearing ready made panchagachcham. I  placed the order. But when I received the material, it was long dhoti that is used as panchagachcham and not panchagachcham itself as advertised by Ramraj Cottons. Moreover, the material seems to a blend of polyester and cotton and not 100% cotton. I think that direct shopping is always better unless it is not possible.

Divine Fish

Today is a very auspicious day to Hindus and is celebrated as Mathsya Jayanthi. It was on this day in Kritha yugaa, the earliest yugaa, more than 30,00,000 years ago, that Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Divine Fish on planet Earth for a good cause, as in all His later Incarnations. (In Samskritam, 'mathsya' means fish and 'jayanthi' means birthday).

Traditional New Year's Day

Yesterday was an auspicious day to mainly to Hindus. It marked the beginning of traditional new year to Indians in many states of the country. Today is the new year's day in other states in the country, as well as in countries such as Thailand and Cambodia According to historic evidences, ancient India stretched from present day Afganisthan to Bali, Indonesia.

Best wishes to all my Indian and Cambodian friends and acquaintances.

Sriram Parasuram

It was a great pleasure to view violin maestro Shree Sriram Parasuram's  rendering on Bharathi Channel this evening. 

It was Joy viewing Ram Kathaa Praavachan (Devine Discourse) by Shree Chinmayaanand Baapujee Maharaaj on Aashthaa Channel yesterday.

It was Joy viewing Shree Rajendra Das Ji Maharaj's Divine Discourse on Shreemadh Bhaagavath Kathaa this morning, after several days, 

on Sanskaar channel.

Discrimination against indigenious communities

I was viewing a program entitled 'Dark secrets of Canada' on Al Jazeera TV Channel (one of my favourite channels). It was on how generations of indigenious communities got discriminated by the Canadian Government. Indians (South Asian) of my age would remember how some communities were undergoing blatant discrimination by Governments run by fanatic, attitudinally pervert political parties such as DMK (Davida Munnetra Kazhagam) in Tamilnadu and the atrocities that they were committing, unforgettably so. (I and numerous youngsters witnessed discrimination in our own country. I have inferred discrimination from documented historic evidences in South Africa, although by the time I had worked in the region, things had already begun to improve, thanks to untiring efforts by even minded political leaders such as  F W De Klerk, Nelson Mandela, and others).