Physiological metamorphasis

All of us experience internal and external bodily changes as we get older. We all know that it applies to facial changes as well. But amazingly, there are exceptions in facial changes dimension in people such as Saroja Devi (veteran movie actress from Karnataka), Mammootty (popular Malayalam actor), Shabana Azmi (popular Hindi actress) and my dear friend Vijaya Lakshmi (with no visible change in ageing except a few wrinkles on her beautiful face, since I first met her four years ago. She is nearly of my age).

I was looking at a few of my own photographs (shown below), as an occassional pastime. 

When I was 30 years old

When I was 40.

When I was 40.

When I was 50.

When I was 60

A few years back, when I was almost 70.

Health insurance oddities

In this post, let me share a problem faced by every one, especially senior citizens who are more than 65 years old.

Like many people of my age (71), I have a health insurance policy known as Senior Citizen Red Carpet Plan as advised by a health insurance guy.

I have been paying my premium promptly and I have never made any claims. I liked to know whether the Insurance Company will refund what I have paid, if I decide to cancel my insurance. 

I am taken aback to find that the money paid will not be refunded in such case, unless cancellation is sought in the first six months from the day the policy was purchased. 

I Google searched for authentic information from our Indian Government Agencies and Health Insurance Companies extensively on this aspect, but didn't find anything worth. 

There have however been some improvements in health insurance schemes for people below 65 years. These people have the option of buying any TROP policy.

I don't understand why our Indian Government has not taken any steps to include senior citizens older than 65 years in this category.

I think that this age based disparity is very much the same as age discrimination. I think that our Government should intervene and regulate the way in which our Health Insurance Companies function. 

Family Get Together in Meditation

Gujarat based Swamy Naaraayan Mandir's 'Ghar Sabhaa' and the divine discourses of Swami Nityaswarupdaasjee are my favourites. (Although I don't know Gujarathi language, I can understand conversational Gujarathi to some extent, thanks to Marathi, my mother tongue, and Hindi that I learnt when I was in lower secondary school. I fondly remember my mother teaching English language (using a very popular English Grammar Textbook written by Wren and Martin) and Hindi using books published by Chennai based Dakshina Bhaarath Hindi Prachaar Sabhaa). As Madhu, my first cousin put it once, those were "golden days". (In this context, I remember Mary Hopkin's song 'Those were the days").

Trinity Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Datha Jayanthi.

In this context, Shri Ganapathy Sachithananda Swamiji's Avadootha Datha Peetam is a spiriritual centre where special worship is offered to Dathaathreya.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu and Geethaa Fest

Being Ekaadashi, today is a very auspicious day to Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees. Today is also a very auspicious day, because it is on this day, that Lord Shree Krishnaa, an Incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, resolved the dilemma of Arjunaa, just before beginning the Mahaa Bhaarathaa war, that eventually led to the victory of good over evil. The Devine words spoken by Lord Shree Krishnaa  himself to Arjunaa is revered as 'Bhagavath Geethaa', literally meaning 'The Divine Song'. This day is devotedly celebrated as Geethaa Jayanthi.

Bhagavath Geetha begins with "Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre...". The term 'Dharmakshetre' meaning 'the place where Dharmaa got established'. 

According to a divine speaker, whom I listened to a few days back, the term 'Dharmakshetre' means that the place became a Dharmakshetraa as Lord Shree Krishnaa himself had perormed Yagnaa at this place for many years well before the war took place.

Ethiopia

This afternoon's episode of 'Gordon Ramsay's Unchartered' on FOXLife TV Channel featured his visit to Tangier in Morocco. Morocco shares many common North West African aspects of culture and traditions. There is striking resemblance in how these people use donkeys as domestic pets, the inportance that they give to sauna like mineral water bath, etc. 

I remember these two as they used be practised in Ethiopia when I was working there in 1982 and 1983. I heard that there are many mineral rich rivers in Ethiopia.

I remember how I and many of my Indian friends used to go to mineral water bath outlets in Addis Ababa on weekends to experience it.

Bheema Jayanthi

Today is an important day to Hindus. This day is celeberated as Bheema Jayanthi.

Dosaa and Injeraa: Unity in diversity

Yesterday afternoon, I had bumped into my favourite 'David Rocco's Dolce Africa' on TV; it was an episode covering his visit to Lalibela in Ethiopia. He explained about 'Injera', the most popular food item in the country.

This delicious food item is very similar to ''Dosaa', one of the most popular food items in India.

As far as I know, the only difference between the two is in the raw materials used; 'Teff', a local grain is used to make injera whereas rice flour and urad flour or wheat flour are used in dosa.

I fondly remember the Ethiopian delicacy which had kept me and several fellow country folks energetic, during my stay in Ethiopia nearly forty years ago.

Time has passed by, but not the flavours of dosa and injera.

Among the few countries in which I worked, I think that the best for coffee and noodles are Ethiopia and Cambodia respectively. As I have mentioned earlier, we can select from at least six versions of coffee and different versions of vegetarian noodles, ready to cook or ready made.

Global village and language similarities

We have heard the term 'Global village' many times. An interesting concept about diverse landscapes, people, cultures and traditions defined in a single term as 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam' meaning 'Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Family' tens and thousands of years ago by sages in ancient India.

In this context, I happened to read an interesting article a few days ago. Let me share that article.

Online shopping odds

I had ordered for a few essential grocery and house cleaning items through Amazon/Big Basket a week ago, but still havn't received the items.

Although online shopping is hassle free, the way in which the system works is appauling. If we order a few items and pay for them in advance (as against COD), some times we are informed that the item/s are out of stock and that the order is cancelled. Even when these are in stock, items are delivered at different times and not once. I find it very frustrating.

I placed order for a pack of mosquitoe repellant through Amazon one week ago, but hasn't received the item still. As usual I have paid the cost in advance. 

This is how Amazon works. Highly frustrating. 

There should be some regulation to fix such oddities.

Thanks giving

In the US, fourth Thursday of every November is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday was this day.

One main difference is that every day is the Thanksgiving Day in Indian Culture and tradions. 

Most importantly, Shree Mahaa Vishnu, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, Shree Hanumaan and Gurus including parents, are remembered when thanks giving.

Let me thank Shree Mahaa Vishnu, my friends and acqaintances as well as readers of this blog on the occassion.

Maargasheershaa month

Yesterday marked the beginning of the month of Margasheersha according to the Hindu Sanskrit Calender. Mrs Meera Raghu sheds light on this very auspicious month in her blog.

Our Guru's birthday

I belong to Uttaraadi Mutt of which revered Shree Satyathma Theertha Swaamijee is the chief guru. Recently his 50th birthday was celeberated as shown in this Utube video. He is one of the youngest saints to lead a Mutt. My brother told me that the Swaamijee holds a Ph D degree in English and another Ph D degree in Sanskrit. Swaamijee is so simple that he has never mentioned about it anywhere in the Uttaradi Mutt website. My humble pranaams to Shree Hari who resides in Swaamijee's heart.

Ekaadashi

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu calender. Devotees of Shree Mahaa Vishnu offer special worship of gratitude to Him on this day occuring twice every month. There are many religious TV Channels which continually telecast divine programs. One such is '1000 Naamangal 1000 Kathaikal', a Tamil term meaning '1000 Names and 1000 stories'. The program is presented by a young eminent speaker who explains the Names, their Devine Historic backgrounds and His qualities associated with each divine Name. These Names are very popular among Vaishnavite devotees and are listed in the revered 'Shree Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stotram'. 'Sahasra' is a Sanskrit term for 1000 but in this context, it means 'countless divine Names. Saints chose a thousand Names.

Shree Vishnu Sahasra Naamam is explained by this another young eminent speaker, in English, here.

Mammutty

This morning I happened to view Kairali Phoenx Awards 2022 program on Kairali TV. It was amazing to see Mammutty, one of my fabourite actors, looking far younger than most men of his age. Films such as 'Snehamulla Simham' (meaning 'Friendly lion') cannot be forgotten as is Kochi, where I had the pleasure of working, in the early '80s. 

Online shopping

Just like numerous customers of my age, I prefer online shopping for different reasons for it's advantages.

I had thought that one advantage is the discount that is offered by online vendors. But on careful observation, I realise that this is not always true and that we end up paying more than what the service deserves.

I discontinued the transaction as I didn't want to spend for the high cost of delivery.

Divine Discourse

In the midst of all kinds of pollution and falling temperature and increased moisture in Chennai for the past few days, TV has been a God given gift to many of us, as it enables to watch our favourite programmes. 

Religious channels such as Sanskar have been doing great service to humanity in telecasting divine discourses by saintly people such as Geethaa Mani Gnananand Maharaj Jee. This evening's program was part of 'Divya Geethaa Sathsang'.

Courts and criminal minded judges

Yesterday, there was a news report that the Supreme Court of India has ordered the release of six criminals involved in Rajiv Gandhi assasination in the '90s.

I guess that this would have brought shock to numerous Indians like me. The court verdict seems to give a hint that any one can murder any one and get away without getting punished for the crime.

All documents had proved how these six criminals planned the assassination. But still the two rascal judges at the Supreme Court had given a wrong verdict. This is one more example showing how some top level judges and police officers stoop down like stray dogs when biscuits are thrown at them. 

I think that our country needs a complete overhaul of Rules and Regulations that can fix corruption issues in Judiciary and Police departments and bring them to normalcy, to some extent as shown in 'Indian', Kamal Hassan's movie.

Eclipses

Today, the world will witness lunar eclipse, a cosmic dazzling display, one of te countless plays  by Shree Mahaa Vishnu.  During the eclipse, Hindu devotees offer special worship by meditating on Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Names and offer Tarpana. Shree Velukkudi Krishnan, a chartered accountant turned spiritual speaker explains the eclipses from religious perspective, in Tamil, in this video.

Lord Shree Krishna's Names

Maadhwaa devotess know that Lord Shree Krishna is worshipped in different forms. Traditionally, each month, a particular form of Shree Hari is worshipped. In that way, in this Kaarthika month, He is worshipped in His Daamodaraa form as explained by respected Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamijee in Kannada language in this video.

Following is an image of Daamodaraa:

Poet's birth centenary

Today is the birth centenary of Ala. Valliappa, one of the most popupular poets and writers for children.

When I was a school going kid, my father used to buy a lot of children's books in English and Tamil, and my mother used to explain the contents to me.

I fondly remember the writer's collection of poems published in two volumes; it was entitled 'Malarum Ullam', a Tamil term meaning 'Blossoming heart'. I remember the nicely printed contents with very child friendly font with the books bound using cloth. It had a dark blue colour covering.

I found the news about the writer's birth centenary from Google search, during my browsing. I tried to access info from Polimer News, a Tamil language TV news channel, but couldn't find any mention about it. I think that our news channels don't give due importance to writers etc. as much as they do to political rascals such  Perarivalan (who was involved in Rajiv Gandhi assassination); TV news watchers would know that he was given such a lot of importance as if he was a patriot who fought for our country's independence from the British.

Following is the image of Perarivalan rascal with his mother and his supporters soon after release from Vellore prison:

Following is an image of the writer:

As Mary Hopkin sang, "Once upon a time there was a tavern ...those were the days my friend ...".

Digital demons

In a few posts, I had mentioned my unpleasant experiences due to wrong handling of digital technology by banks, online shopping vendors etc.

This morning I heard from BBC World TV Channel news that Twitter will be charging a subscription fee from customers for blue tick verification. This is one of the first decisions taken by Twitter after Elon Musk took over as it's CEO.

Mobile phone consumers know that the manufacturers display details including the minimum distance that should be kept between the user and the device, in theor user manuals. For example, for Nokia X2, (which I had been using for a few years before switching on to smartphone) stipulated it as "one and a half centimeters". 

But my current smartphone, viz. Samsung Galaxy, doesn't have this information. For the past three days I have been communicating with Samsung india Customer Service via all their options, including a communication to it's CEO, but in vain. This is inspite of the fact that there is an auto generated response that they would get in touch "within 24 hours" every time I send my message via their website option, email or WhatsApp. 

I think that rascals use digital technology in a manner that is diametrically opposite to what it is aimed at. It is good that criminals such as Sashikala Natarajan involved in Jayalalitha murder, Apollo Hospital CEO Prathap Reddy involved in Jayalalitha murder case, Congress MP Sashi Tharoor involved in Sunanda murder case, ĎMK MP Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi etc. are not IT entrepreneurs.

There should be strict guidelines to ban such evil practices.

Shree Satchidananda Swamijee

I was trying to find some nice videos for the daughters of my niece Sushma and got this video by respected Shree Ganapathi Satchidaananda Swaamijee.

Holy Basil - Shree Krishna Wedding

Yesterday was a very auspicious day to Hindus in general and Vaishnavites in particular. It marks the anniversary of the devine wedding between Lord Shree Krishna, an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, and Thulasi Devi, an incarnation of Shre Mahaa Lakshmi.  Devotees worship the Indian Gooseberry form of Lord Shree Krishna and Holy Basil plant form of Shree Mahaa Lakshmi with utmost devotion on this day. They perform the Thulasi wedding with utmost devotion. A US based devotee has given details about Shree Thulasi Pooja, in Kannada language, in her blog. Divine wedding of Shree Mahaa Vishnu with Shree Thulasi Devi is conducted in all Vaishnavite places of worship,  as shown in this video.

Divine discourse

It is joy viewing and listening to devine discourses on Sanskar TV Channel by Shree Shyam Sunder Parasharji Maharaj.

Shree mahaa Vishnu's Names

Thanks to mobile based internet technology and the people involved, such as those at Google, it is just a click of a button in UTube, to access divine info. It's a great experience listening to divine discourses by learned pundits. Dushyant Sridhar is one such pundit. A young software engineer with a degree from one of the best Institutes of Technology, he left his lucrative career to speak on His Almighty to people in different languages, and thereby educate them. He explains Shree Vishnu Shasranaamam in English in this video.

Korean culture with Hindu origin

As I would have mentioned earlier, cna is one of my favourite channels. As I was browsing through the channels, I saw a  program entitled 'Gangnam's Insider's Picks'. Somehow, the term 'Gangnam' has prevented me from getting interested in the program so far. I had always thought that the program was about gangs and crimes. But when I closely observed this morning, I realised that it was far from what I had thought it to be.

Todays program featured a few Budhist shrines in Korea, including a few in a place known as Maitrey. I think that just like Bhudhism, this name has Hindu origin. In sanskrit, 'Maitreyaa' means friend.

Amazing and interesting.

(I tried to provide a link to the program. But the CNA website mentions "This program is restricted to your region". So, I amunable to give a link).

Baliprada

Today is the third day after Deepaavali (Festival of lights) and is celebrated as Baliprada. It is also known as Baliprathipath.

First British PM of Indian origin

It is a nice moment for Indians as one of their fellow country folks becomes British Prime Minister. Congratulations to Rishi Sunak.

Festival of lights

Today is an important and auspicious day for Hindus. This day is known as 'Deepaavali'. 

Lord Shree Krishna, who killed the demon Narakaasura with the help of Sathyabhaamaa (although He himself was capable of killing the demon himself, He enacted a Devine Drama here according to Sctiptures). It is on the request of Mother Earth, mother of the demon, to Shree Krishna, that this day is celebrated with festive spirit by all Hindus.

On this day, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, is offered special worship.

A learned Pundit explains the significance of Deepaavali in Kannada language, in this UTube video.

Foxlife Startrek

As some one who loves travelling I have always liked travel based documentaries on TV.

Thanks to Foxlife Channel, this evening's episode of Startrek, gave some pleasure. This episode was about 'Parikrama', an all Indian popmusic band begun in 1991. I tried to provide a link to the actual program, but couldn't. However thanks to UTube, I could access the band. 

This evening's programmes featured the North East of India. It reminded me of nearly four years of my stay in the region many years ago. I was teaching in a Government School in Bhutan. I remember my morning cup of authentic Darjeeling tea and radio programs such as the Tamil Language Service from Delhi, religious events from Nepal, etc.

The special aspect in such programmes is that they take you to people and places that are not usually presented in programmes of other channels.

Conflict in Tgray

Today's BBC News Report on the situation in Tigray seems to suggest that the residents of Shire are given significant protection by Ethiopian Federal Government.

Amidst the ongoing problem in the region with decades of history, a good news is the fact that Shire is a large town in Ethiopia today. In 1982 when I and Sebastian (Sebastian Perumcheril John) taught in Shire Secondary School, it was a small town in terms of population with a few grocery stores and a few restaurants. Although it's area was large, human movement was minimum, due to the the civil war involving Tigray Peoples Liberation Front and Ethiopian Government's Armed Forces. 

It is amazing to know that the small town has developed to become a large town as shown in this Utube video. 

(Axum is a town in the same Tigray region; this is the place where queen Sheeba mentioned in The Bible is believed to have come from and later married to King Solomon. I remember my visit to Axum during which time it was a small town though it was accessible from other places, unlike Shire. I and Sebastian went to meet our Indian friends who were teaching in a high school in Axum).

According to the BBC News Report, many of the present inhabitants of Shire came from different areas and got shelter in "schools" and "university campuses". When I was working in Shire, there was only one high school (Shire Secondary School) and there was no University Campus. It's good that the past 40 years have brought in tremendous development to Shire.

I hope that the conflict in the region ends and that Shire residents are back to normalcy.

Following is an image of a picture post card that I had used to communicate with my beloved parents during my stay in the town way back in 1982:

Following photograph shows me and Sebastian (from left to right) with a local colleague's daughter:

Changes and challenges

We are all aware that changes are inevitable whether it is the environment or within our own bodies. Some changes are good, for instance, in Technology, particularly in the post internet era.

Thanks to mobile based online shopping, just a few clicks on your smartphone makes your shopping hassle free. But unfortunately, as I have given a few examples from my own experience, digital comfort does bring in unexpected setbacks.

Day before yesterday, I placed online order for biscuits, wafers, chicolates and soft drinks (which have continued to be my favourite food items since boyhood) via Jiomart. As usual there delivery was fast and smart. One of the items that I ordered was Brittania's 'Biscafe'. This product is basically a biscuit with a small percentage of coffee. It does taste well with a mild coffee flavour.

Somehow I think that biscuits manufacrured by Brittania, Parle etc. today are not as tasty as those brought out in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Before these, there used be excellently tasty biscuits manufacured by J B Mangaa Raam. 

Thanks to manufactureres such as Haldirams who retain the taste and quality of their products for more than 50 years.

Swami Naaraayan Temple

Whenever possible, I derive some divine solace by viewing Swamy Naaraayan Temple's programmes such as 'Ghar Sabha' on Aashthaa TV channel, during or after my dinner. It is a fine mixture of Vaishnavite songs and Divine discourses delivered by Swami Nithyananda Swarup Das Jee

Another favourite program of mine is the divine discourse by Swami Krishnanandji Maharaj from Bhadrinath Dham, the sacred abode of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, in Haridwaar.

Nine Nights Fest

A few days ago, I had mentioned about the 'Nine Nights Fest'. I am sharing an article on this important Fest here.

Divine Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Vijaya Dashami, Budhdha Jayanthi and Madhwa Navami.

It was a great joy to view a devine discourse by Shree Devaachaarya Rajendradasjee Maharaj on Sanskar TV Channel. He was giving a discourse on 'Shreemad Vaalmiki Raamaayan'.

Birthdays of two leaders in the recent past

Today is the birth anniversaries of two great leaders that our country had. One was Mahaatma Gandhiji and the other was Lalbahadur Shastriji. 

Both were extraordinarily simple and straight forward.

Nine Devine Nights Fest

Last night marked the beginning of an auspicious nine nights period known as 'Nava raathri" in the Hindu Calender. According to Scriptures, Shree Paarvathi, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Shree Saraswathi forms and the Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi are worshipped by devotees.

Oasis in the desert

As you would have known from my blog posts, Aasthaa is one of the best TV channels that offers very divine prorammes. This channel is like an oasis in the desert.

Divine discourse

Thanks to Information and Communication Technology and Spiritual TV Channels, there is no shortage of good Hindu spiritual programmes on TV and other social media such as UTube (thanks to Sundar Pitchai and his team).

This evening it was spiritually satisfying to hear Shree Giridhar Gopalkrishna Shastriji's devine discourse on Gou Bhaagvath Pitru mangal kathaa on Sanskar TV. It was telecast from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, the home town of Surjit Singh Gill, one of my best friends when I was working in Southern Africa, nearly thirty years ago. I fondly remember Gill about whom I have probably mentioned in my previous posts.

Shree Narendra Modiji's birth anniversary

According to western calendar, yesterday was the birth anniversary of our beloved prime minister Shree Narendra Modiji. I join numerourous fellow Indians and others in wishing him a happy birthday.

(According to a web site, his marital life lasted a brief period of three months, somewhat like that of mine, that lasted nearly a year, from August 1982 to September 1983).

I think that our prime minister's wife too deserves praise for her exceptional perseverence.

Mahaalaya Paksha

11th to 25th of this month (September) is an auspicious day to Hindu people all over the world. This period is known as Mahaalaya Paksha and people perform rituals as a gesture of gratitude to their departed ancestors and to all those who helped them in one way or the other by offering worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu residing in them. They also worship the mother cow.

I and my brother performed the ritual on 14th.

Birth anniversaries of my beloved parents

Today and 13th of this month happen/ed to be the birth anniversaries of my late mother and late father, according to western calendar. I fondly remember them.

Onam Fest

People of Kerala (a Southern Indian State) celebrate today as Onam irrespective of their religion symbolising unity in diversity. My Onam Greetings to all my Malayaali friends and readers of my blog.

Shree Krishnaa's teachings

Shree Velukkudi Krishnan gives a divine discourse in English language on Shree Krishnaa's teachings in this video.

Vaamanaa Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was on this day that the Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Vaamanaa trillions of years ago. Shree Mahaabali was the grandson of Prahlaadaa, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Narasimha, a devine incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Teacher's day

Today is followed as Teachers' day in our country (India). Teachers are remembered for the pivotal roles that they play in shaping their children's development. 

Divine discourse

It is inexplainably joyful to listen to the first episode of Shreemad Bhaagavatham by Shree Satyaatma Theertha Swaamiji, leader of our community and chief saint of Uttaradi Mutt, in this Video.

Naarada Rishi's contribution to Shreemad Bhaagavatham

In this video, the Maadhwaa saint explains Shreemad Bhaagavatham and how the great sage Naarada contributed in Shree Veda Vyasaa's divine rendering of Shreemad Bhaagavatham.

Tigray conflict

Today's news report on Al jazeera TV Channel about escalation of violence in Tigray is unpleasant. I wish that the decades long violence ends so that Tigrai people can have relief. 

In my earlier posts I have mentioned the experience that I and my fellow Indian friend had during our few months of stay as school teachers in the region in early 1982. It is a pity that more than 40 years have passed by since then, without any good end, in spite of efforts by the Africa Union and International Agencies.

Vinaayak Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Vinaayak was created by The Almighty. Vinaayak is one among the many subdieties.

My father's death anniversary

Today is the death anniversary of my beloved father, according to our Hindu Maadhwaa calender. As usual, I and my brother performed the Shradhdhaa ritual in our dad's memory.

God's Fests

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Devine Boar to protect humanity, all good things and Scriptures from demons, trillions of years ago.

Yesterday was also a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Dhanvantri trillions of years ago and the Devine Serpent on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu rests in the Devine Sea of Milk, incarnated as Lord Balaraam, Lord Shree Krishnaa's elder brother in Dwaapara Yugam, nearly 5000 years ago. Shree Satyatma Theertha Swamiji the chief of our community explains yugaas in this Kannadaa language video. In his charismatic manner, the saint defines Shree Mahaa Vishnu as Chief Justice of the Universe. 

Shreemad Bhaagavat Kathaa

Today is Ekaadashi, a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender and is dear to Vaisnavite devotees. This evening as I am writing this post, it is Joy listening to Shree Ramakrishnaachaaryaji's Devine Discourse on Shreemad Bhaagavath Katha on Sanskar Channel.

Devine Discourse

Shree Vishwapriya Theertha Swaamiji mentioned the famous Kannada song "Adishidhale Yashode...Jagadhdhodhaaranaa" in his this evening's Devine Discourse. In this video, Swaamiji mentions the famous song"Adishidale Yashode...Jagadhdhodhaaranaa...". This was one of the most favourite songs of my mother; she used to say how some singers mispronounce the term by saying "Adishidhaleshode" instead of "Adishidhale Yashode". My beloved parents were fond of such songs. 

Shree Krishna Fest in NC, USA

Like in all Shree Krishnaa temples, devotees got the annual Joy of Dharshan and Pooja to Him at His Temple at North Carolina, USA. Thanks with courtesy and best regards to Mrs Meers Subbarao.

Divine Discourse in English

Shree Velukkudi Krishnan is a well known successful chartered accountant turned spiritual speaker from Chennai. He has travelled to many countries to spread Vaisnavite philosophy among commonfolk in simple terms. I have mentioned about him in my earlier posts.

Although he delivers his speeches mostly in Tamil, some times he uses English instead. He introduces Shreemad Bhaagavatham in this video. 

Shree Krishna Fest

There is a basic difference between Western and Hindu calenders. In the former, a day begins from midnight and lasts for 24 hours until the next midnight. In the latter, a day begins when the Sun rises and lasts up to Sun rise on the next day.

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Shree Krishnaa on our Mother Earth. 

Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji, Uttaradi Mutt's chief saint, explains the Glories of Shree Krishnaa in this video.

I give links to videos in Hindi, Sanskrit and other Indian languages for my friends who know these languages. If you don't know these languages, you may seek the help of someone who knows these lamguages.

Divine Discourse

Those who listen to Devine Discourses by saints would know that they learn vedic concepts in increasingly deeper levels although they know that the concepts can never be understood completely as Scriptures describe and explain Shree Hari, the The Almighty.

A few minutes back, as I was listening to this evening's episode of a magnetic Spiritual Discourse by respected Shree Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji, the chief Saint of Adamaru Mutt (one of the Maadhwaa Mutts founded by Shree Madhwaachaarya), I was amazed to know that we are living in the 28th Kaliyuga.

I join numerous maadhwaa people living in our Bhaarath varsh and abroad, in humbly offering my thanks to the respected saint. He was the disciple and sucessor of Shree Vibhudesha Theertha Swaamiji, who headed the Mutt until he handed over his responsibilities to Shree Vishwapriya Theertha Swaamiji. (I had the privilege of working in Shree Vibhudesha Theertha Swaamiji's team as Principal of Poorna Prajna High School in Yelahanka in Bengaluru, for a few months in 1997).

Following is an image of respected late Vibhudesha Theertha Swaamiji:

Saint Fest

A few days back, there was a three days long festival, an annual event, during which followers of Shree Raghvendra Swaami, a popular Madhwaa saint, offerd heir respects to him. The main event is held in Mantralayam (Andhra Pradesh) where the main Raaghavendra Swaami Mutt is located. This festival is held globally in all Raghavendra Swamy Mutts. 

Independence day

As citizen of a country with great heritage, I join numerous fellow citizens in celebrating our country's independence day. Bhaarath maathaa kee jai🙏

Hayagreevaa Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. This is celebrated as Hayagreeva Jayanthi.

Today is also followed as the day of Upaakarmaa. The riual is considered to recharge one's body, mind and soul spiritually.

Divine Info

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar for two aspects. Today is Ekaadashi. This day is also known as Hari vaasaram, meaning Shree Mahaa Vishnu 's day. 

Today is the beginning of a month long fasting known as Dhadi vrata, that is part of a four months long period of fasting known as Chaathur maasya vratham. 

Following is the image of respected Shree Satyatma Thirtha Swaamiji, the chief Guru of Uttaraadi Mutt, to which I belong:

Divine Mother Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. Hindu women offer humble special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, our Divine Mother and beloved wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu, These women offer their humble worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu followed by humble worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi. 

Shree Mahaa Lakshmi's glories as accorded to her by Shree Mahaa Vishnu is documented in Lakshmi Tantra. In this, She describes her qualities as well as those of her Husband Shree Mahaa Vishnu, the Almighty, to Indraa. A divine presentation of this Divine Granthaa can be heard in this video produced by Adamaar Mutt. A respected Aachaar from the Mutt explains Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi' Abode in this video.

If we imagine the Universe as a manufacturing and services Company, Shree Mahaa Vishnu is it's President and CEO and Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, it's Senior Vice President.

A glimpse into Bhutan

I am viewing an interesting program titled 'GOURMET goes Tribal on Foxlife as I am writing this post. Though it is a foody program (in which I am usually not interested), this episode was shot in Bhutan, a beautiful and peaceful country, where I worked for a few years many years back. The presenter, a young Columbian guy compared the tribal dishes cooked in Bhutan with those in his home country. The program is unique in that there are no commercials in between. 

Prathap Pothen

I don't view as many TV programs as I used to until a few days back thereby not knowing as to happenings around.

A few minutes back when I was browsing UTube, I came across a video about the premature death of one of my most favourite actors, Prathap Pothen.

I remember Prathap Pothen's acting in a Tamil movie entitled "Nanjathai killade" released in 1980s. Although the title is a bit embarrasing, my brother told me that it was a good movie. My brother had a Vijay Super scooter and we both went to the movie. It was the only Tamil language movie, as far as I had seen, that never had any obscenity even in romantic scenes. (I think that I had come from Cochin during vacation and my brother had come on a weekend from Trichur, where he was working, at that time). 

The performing industry in the Indian Silver Screen has lost a versatile actor and a good gentleman. 

His fans will remember him for several dignified roles that he played in movies, particularly in Malayalam and Tamil.

Divine Teacher Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. This day is celebrated as Shree Vedavyaasa Jayanthi. This day is also known as Guru Pournimaa.

Amidst a lot of chaos in the British Parliament after Mr Boris Johnson's infamous 'Party', the news that Mr Rishi Sunak is the top contender to the PM's post is a wellcome one.

Best wishes to him. 

Amazing Amazon

In my previous post, I had expressed my frustration encountered in online shopping. I could get my shopping done at Amzon's Online Shopping Platform easily. Thanks to Amazon technical staff.

Online shopping

Technology decelopment in mobile communication and online shopping has brought immense benefits to the average consumer, as most of us experience. But still there are bottlenecks.

I have been trying to place order for my regular use of Amul KoolCafe and Herbal Strategi's mosquitoe repellent. When I try using Netbanking, Google Pay etc., I don't find the name of the bank (in which I hold an account) listed in the options provided by the vendor/s. But even until two months back, I never had any problem in placing online order to buy mosquito repellent from Herbal Strategi. It is a new disadvantage from this vendor.

I think that vendors should try to fix such frustrating conditions.

Divine discourse

It was joy viewing Shree Chatur Narayanji's devine discourse on the esteeemed Shree Bhaagavath Katha on Ashthaa TV  Bhajan Chennel this evening.

Fake 'Face lift' and false sense of dignity

Growing number of people move in to reside in apartments in cities such as Chennai where I reside. Although living in apartments has a few benefits, there are a few bottlnecks too.

Recently the Apartments' Association raised the monthly maintenance to Rs 2650. Just two years back it was Rs 2400. One reason given for the rise is the cost of painting the windows/window shades and whitewashing the walls as shown in the image below. While the latter is understandable, the former isn't. I think that the latter spending is not essential though the apartments look lavish. I think that spending is not justified if it is for non-essential aspects. 

Divine discourse

Today is Ekaadashi and is considered to be a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi are offered special worship toay.

It was great joy to view Shree Morari Bapu's Divine discourse on Raam Kathaa, given from Bhadrinaath, one of the most revered abodes of Lord Mahaa Vishnu on our planet, as telecast by Aashthaa TV Channel today. Shree Morari Bapu explained the Devine wedding of Lord Shree Raam with Seethaa Devi. He also explained the weddings of Shree Raam's brothers with daughters of Janak Mahaa Rajaa and his brother.

Thirst of curiosity

In my post dated 18th, I had mentioned about the common belief that there are six people who like alike. This reminds of two interesting incidents.

When I was working in Southern Africa in the late '80s, I used to spend my weekends with friends. One such friend was a Sikh colleague with whom I used to go to a nearby Gurdwara. Once I happened to see a woman who resembled a woman by name K L Sujatha. Out of curiosity, I went near the woman and realised that she was not K L Sujatha.

In 1993, nearly a year after my return from Southern Africa, I was offered a job in a school in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. During my my first few days, I used to have visitors who simply wanted to see me  with no serious intention. When I asked about this to my PA, he told me that these people heard that the newly recruited principal looked like Mohan Gokhale (a popular Marathi film actor at that time) and hence they simply liked to quench their thirst of curiosity by having a look at me.

Digital discomfort

We all know as to how easy it is to travel by booking via Ola, Uber etc. Like numerous guys, I usually book Ola auto to travel inside the city. But some times it is very difficult to find an auto even after waiting for about half an hour or so. This happened when travelling to the venue of my niece's wedding and back to my residence. As I couldn't get an auto, I booked for an 'omni' (the next most economical mode) and the fares were nearly the same as auto. I think that omni is worth the money spent and it resolves the discomfort.

God and His gadgets

All of us are aware of the immense benefits of post internet technological development. Thanks to Google Apps such as G Pay and Online money transfer modes such Net Banking. Ofcourse there is also a wide range of online utility services such as travel booking and tours.

I think that these facilities are a God given gift to all people in general and senior citizens who live alone, in particular. 

For the past few days, my food caterers havn't been able to deliver my food items on a regular basis due to traffic conjestion caused by metro rail project that is going on in the area where I reside. But, despite this, thank God, food retail outlets such as Swiggy have been of immense help.

I think that though some of us may be living alone with none to provide regular food, there are options to remedy this situation, and we are never left to live alone. God is Great.

My niece's wedding

My niece (my brother's daughter) got married this morning. (She is married to a boy working as Sr Vice President in a privte Company). 

The photo shows the newly wed.

The photo shows my brother Ramesh and his wife.

The photo shows my brother and my niece Reshma (my sister's daughter).

The photo shows me (4th from left) with Mrs Sashidharan (a relative of my brother's wife), her son Vinu, my brother and my sister Jyothi, from left to right. This was taken last night during dinner. It was interesting when Vinu's mother told me that I resembled the famous Malayaam writer Mr O V Vijayan. It is said that when Lord Brahmaa creates human beings, he does it such that there are six human beings who look alike and born through different parents. 

This photo shows my niece Reshma, my sister Jyothi, my maternal uncle (who flew from Hyderabad to attend the wedding), my first cousin Murthi (my late maternal aunt's son) and me. 

These photoes were taken during reception, the night before the wedding day.

Divine Discourse

After many days, I had the previlege of viewing Shree Gopal Mani jee Maharaaj's discourse on the sacred cow on Aashthaa or Sanskaar TV Channel.

Ekaadashi

Being Ekaadashi, today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Shree Mahaa Vishnu   (and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi) are worshipped by devotees who also fast on this day.

Shree Raam Kathaa

As I am writing this post, Shree Moraribapu has been giving his Raam Kathaa discourse from Janakpur, Nepal, as telecast by Aashthaa TV Channel.

During the times of ancient India, all countries from present day Afghanistan (in the west of India) to Indonesia (in the South East) belonged to Bhaarath Varsh (as ancient India used to be known).

Shree Moraribapu uses 'Raam Charith Maanas' written by saint Thulasidaas for his discourses. 

Sometimes, during discourse, Shree Moraribapu gets so deep into Shree Raam's Grace, that viewers can see teardrops from his eyes. 

It's inexplainable Joy viewing such programs, thanks to technology.

Nuisance unlimited

Three months back, I had shared my worry stemming from a deliberate nuisance caused to me by the servant woman residing in the neighbouring apartment. She hasn't stopped it even after my telling her that I may lodge a police complaint. I communicated to my landlord (who owns the adjacent apartment too) and he had advised her too. My beloved brother who resides in the same complex also advised her. But her response to all these is denial of having kept the sound level too high. 

The Apartment complex in which I reside has apartments from 1BHK to 5 or 6 BHK. Except single bedroom (1BHK) apartments, all apartments have built in balconies where the residents' clothes are dried. 1BHK residents have their clothes dried in open spaces on both sides of corridors. I too get my clothes dried near the corridor. Six months back, the servant woman of the neighbouring apartment kept her foot mat (probably unwashed) near my clothes on my clothesline. On seeing this, I asked her to remove her foot mat from there. From that time onwards, this woman has been causing nuisance to me.

My apartment owner (a gentlemanly middle aged medical doctor working in the UK) assures me that he would support me in my police complaint, and asked me to proceed in this direction. But the problem is that even when police comes to find out and warn her, by the time they knock at the door, she is criminally so shrewd that she would switch the mobile off so that the police would leave without any evidence to take action.

Hence I have made up my mind to adapt myself to the situation. I think that God only can teach her a lesson.

Divine Discourse

It was great Joy viewing Bhaishree's discourse on the great Shreemad Bhaagavat Kathaa, on Sanskar TV Channel this afternoon. He explained the the works of saints such as Shree Madhwaachaaryaa and Shree Raamaanujaachaaryaa in their explanations of Divine Scriptures.

Shreemad Bhaagavath Kathaa

It was joy this morning to view Shree Ramakanth Vyasji's Divine discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa from Morainaa, Uttar Pradesh, as telecast on Sanskar TV. This is one of the several programmes organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan.

Divine Tortoise Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar.  This is on this day billions and billions of years ago, that Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Koorma. Today is also observed by worshipping Vedavyaasa, an incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. I have given a link to information on Shri Vedavyaasa in my previous post.

Shree Hari Fests

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This is the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Shree Narasimhaa and Shree Vedavyaasaa billions of years back on two different occasions. This day is observed as Narasimha Jayanthi and Vedavyaasa Jayanthi.

Digital dislocation

As a travel programs enthusiast, I derive some pleasure watching programs from BBC Earth TV Channel. This evening there was an interestesting program featuring Bangladesh in one of the episodes of 'Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey'. I think that BBC should change the program caption as Bangladesh is technically in South Asia and not in Far East.

Shree Raam Kathaa

It was joy viewing 9th day episode of Shree Morari Bapu's Divine Discourse on Raam Kathaa at Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Aashthaa Channel this morning. He was explaining Seetha Swayamvaram.

David Rocco's Dolce Africa

As I had mentioned in my previous posts, David Rocco's Dolce Africa is one of my favourite TV programmes. 

This evening I had the pleasure of viewing the charismatic guy's visit to Ethiopia. The program took me back to 1982 - 83, when I was teaching Physics in Ethiopian Government Schools. 

I remember my good acqaintances and friends such as Mr Harris Suganandam and his wife, Shri Jagannathan and his wife Bhanu, Mr Chacko etc.

I remember how I and my friends such as Sebastian and Neelakantan used to visit Ethiopian restaurants in Addis Ababa and Makele. I particularly remember Hotel Aroos (a two star one with lodging facility) in Addis Ababa and Abraha Castle in Mekelle, both serving very delicious Injera (a local pancake resembling the Southern Indian Dosa) made from some grain flour  with berebere (a local mix of spices) and makkiatho (strong coffee with a little milk).

I think that Addis Ababa is one of the best cities when it comes to Pizza and coffee as well, with a variety of Pizzaas and coffees to select from, and relish.

Ageing brings significant changes in most of us. One such change that is very visible is in our faces with growing number of wrinkles, change in eyebrows etc. But some people don't seem to have such changes beyond very low levels. Notable examples are Mammootty and Rosemary Church. These two look almost exactly as they were twenty years back.

This evening it was nice to view a program on our Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech to the Indian Community in Kopenhagen, Denmark via WION TV Channel.

Among many other things, he was mentioning as to how Indians work with dedication and bring lairel to their country wherever they are. 

Danish PM Ms Mette Frederiksen seemed to be visually excited by his speech and her desire for close ties with our country was very well reflected in her speech. 

As I was viewing the program, my memory took me to late '80s and early '90s when I was working in Southern Africa. I remember my charismatic colleagues such as Jensen (A Danish gentleman married to a Southern African woman and got permanently settled there).