Lord Shree Raam Fest

Today is a day of pride to us, Indians. Today our beloved Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi inaugurated Vaalmeekee International Airport and Ayodhyaa Dhaam in the divine city of Ayodhyaa. I think that it is a fitting dedication to Lord Shree Raam and Seethaa Devi, incarnations of Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi respectively. I think that it is a thankful dedication to Lord Shree Raam. 

I wish that Dwaarakaa, the birth place of Lord Shree Krishna also gets a similar Airport and Railway Station. I wish that this divine city gets a sea port as well as a thankful dedication to Lord Shree Krishna.

Shree Daththa Jayanthi

Today is celeberated as Shree Daththa Jayanthi by Hindus all over the world. It was on this day, tens and thousands of centuries ago, Shree Mahaa Vishnu was born in His manifestations of His own Mahaa Vishnu Self, Lord Brahma and Lord Rudra, on the request of Sage Athri and his wife Anasuyaa.

Let me share a ritual of worship to Shree Dhaththaathreyaa by Shree Ganapathi Sachithaananda Swaameeji as presented in this Utube video.

Jai Shree Lakshmee Naaraayanaa🙏.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It is celeberated as Vaikunta Ekaadashi and Geethaa Jayanthi. This is the day nearly 5000 years ago, on which Lord Shree Krishna gave His Bhagavath Geethaa to Arjuna to resolve his depression and dilemma.

Today is National Farmers' Day in our country. Let us be thankful to farmers and thereby, to Shree Hari.

This evening, it was joy viewing US based devotees including men, women and children performing 'Sampoorna Bhagavath Geethaa Paaraayanam' organised by respected Shree Sachithananda Swamiji on Hindu Dharmam TV Channel. 

Let me share a spiritually enriching presentation by Shri Gangadhara Shastry ji on Geetha Jayanthi n this Utube; it is in Telugu language.

Doctor with a difference

Any right minded educated Indian knows that today our landscape is infected by increasing number of corporate 'vulture' hospitals with the sole aim of achieving popularity and amassing wealth in every possible manner.

There are NGOs and individual doctors who do help the poor. It was pleasure knowing about one such doctor as telecast in this program.

Thanks to Dr Ravi Kannan and the NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel. 

I remember PREPARE, one such poor people friendly NGO, run by Dr Jacob Dharmaraj, an admirable Managemant Professional husband and Dr Daisy Dharmaraj, his Medical Doctor wife. I was a team member in PREPARE.

Ancestral worship: Japanese way

As a regular viewer and fan of NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel, I have derived pleasure in viewing their programs. This morning the channel telecast an interesting program on ancestral worship in a town in Japan. Let me share the program with you here.

Bhudhism

Having worked in Bhutan and Cambodia, in which Bhudhism is followed, I found an interesting program on Bhudhism monuments in India on travelxp HD TV Channel this evening.  Until a few days ago, I had been thinking that Bhudhism follows many concepts that are central to Hinduism. But interestingly, it doesn't. 

Bhudhism mentions about reincarnation,  theory of karma, etc. but it doesn't include the existence of God. This is a significant difference. 

I don't believe in any movement including Bhudhism, that doesn't recognise God's existence. 

Refugees

This evening, as I was browsing through my TV channels, I came across an irressitably interesting program on DW TV's 77 PERCENT. Thanks to participants such as Ms Adilike Hamilton (a Afro American from Sierra Leone, who visits her country of origin), Ms Edith Kimani and many others. I think that such programs give fresh insights and broadens our outlook about refugees.

Hong Kong: The Ever-Changing City

It was pleasure viewing BBC TV's Travel Show featuring Hong Kong, this evening. I tried to provide a link to the programme, but couldn't, as the episode is not available on BBC iPad app for use in India according to BBC's web page.

It was an interesting program. Until I saw this episode, I thought that Hong Kong was a melting pot of different cultures, mainly mainland Chinese (Mandarin), Cantonese and British. But this evening's program gave a fresh insight. It featured restaurants owned by people with popular Vietnamese names. I know how popular are Vietnamese food items in Cambodia.

Cultural integration at any place seems to be well reflected in food items available in that place whether it is Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Solar energy solutions

This refers to my yesterday's post on COP 18 Summit.

I don't think that the situation will improve unless governments take tough measures to prevent people or organisations from cutting trees, dumping industrial waste without burning it in places that are far away from residential areas and keeping or running vehicles with unsafe exhaust systems. Those who violate this need to be punished severely.

One last point that I wish to mention is that at least in countries where there is God sent abundant Sunshine, Governments and NGOs should strive to promote cost effective Solar energy systems that will help even poor people, like how they have done in countries such as South Africa. 

I vividly remember how the Government used to provide Solar powered residential accommodation to teachers when I was working in South Africa. We used to pay only for consumption of water and not for electricity.

I think that our Government at the Centre and States should come up with such Solar energy solutions instead of providing subsidised cooking gas cylinders etc. This will help poor people in more effective ways.

Virtual visit to Brindaavan

It was joyful experience viewing a divine programme on Brindaavan on Ashtha TV Channel's 'Dharohar' this evening.

COP 18 Summit

Yesterday, as we all know, the global COP 28 Summit came to an end with "historic package" as it's President remarked.

This is not the first time that a climate summit has taken place. If my memory serves me well, three was a large scale summit held in South America in the early 1990s with similar deliberations, action planes and manifestos. Unfortunately, none of it's action plans helped achieve the aims and objectives.

Ofcourse, in the most recent Dubai summit, even small countries in the South Pacific took part and their voices were heard. This is a significant difference.

Such summits will continue to be held in glamorous cities but the reality in most countries is that the situation only shifts from bad to worse day by day and year by year. Considering Chennai, where I am settled, Carbon emission from transport vehicle engines and industrial waste has not subsided at all. If you travel in Chennai, you can not miss seeing cars and motorbikes fumimg out a lot of smoke from their mismanaged exhaust systems. None seems to be worried about it, even the traffic cop who is supposed to book rascal drivers/owners of such vehicles. Yes, at times he catches the culprits but corruption ends the episode.

Chiang mai

This morning, I had the pleasure of viewing "Somewhere Street" on NHK WORLD JAPAN channel. The episode featured Chiang Mai, a city in Thailand. I liked the episode as people in Thailand share the same culture and traditions with their counterparts in Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. The episode reminded me of pleasant experiences that I had during my work in Cambodia in 2008 and 2009. 

World Heritage Week

Coming week is observed and celeberated as World Heritage Week.

National Milk Day

Today is observed as National Milk Day in India (rather 'Bhaarath varsh"), our country. 

Shree Krishna's Divine Wedding with Thulasi Devee

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Shree Mahaa Vishnu's devotees celeberate the wedding of Lord Shree Krishna with Thulasi Devee on this day. 

Purusha sooktham

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

I am sharing a spiritually enriching Utube video developed and presented by Shree Dushyant Sridhar, about whom I have described in my previous post/s. He explains the revered 'Purusha Sooktham' in English in this video.

Shree Satyapramoda Thirtha

Yesterday was an important day to Maadhwaa community of Brahmins (to which I belong); it is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Satyapramoda Tirtha is considered to have attained Lord Shree Hari's Lotus Feet.

Lord Vishnu and Kochi

It was nice viewing 'RAJA RASOI AUR ANYA KAHANITAAN' on Epic TV Channel this morning. The 'episode' featured Kochi, Kerala. It was joy viewing Shree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Tripunithura, on the outskirts of Kochi city. 

I fondly remember my visits to the temple and my visit to the temple with my beloved brother who had come on a work visit to the town.

The program featured Kochin royal family. It was amazing to see Shree Balagopal Verma himself from the family taking part in cooking a dish.

Festival of lights

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Deepaavali or Diwali (Festival of lights). According to the Hindu Calender, this day is known as Naraka Chathurdashi.

Devotees offer special worship to Lord Shree Krishna and Shree Mahaa Lakshmi on this day.

People offer Tarpanaa (ritualistic offering) to Lord Yamaa; they also offer tarpanaa to their ancestors.

Tom Jones

Tom Jones, one of my favourite singers during my college days, is about to perform in Singapore and a few other countries in February 2024 according to a news report. The news reminds me of songs such as 'Delilah'  by the singer.

Jai Jagannaath

It is nice that Tataplay has included Jai Jagannaath TV Channel in its channel availability. This channel telecasts live programs from the sacred abode of Lord Shree Jagannaath. 

Jai Jagannaath.

Japanese classical dance

Thanks to Tataplay for upgrading my set top box. 

I had the pleasure of watching my favourite 'Kabuki Cool' this morning.

Activity based Physical science Classroom

As a former contributor and current reader of 'Teacher Plus', I find a few very interesting articles. One such is published in this month's edition.

The author has brought out grassroots realities of online classroom interaction and how it is not as easy to develop as it is wrongly perceived to be.

In this context, I remember a UNESCO Report published in the 1980s; it contained evidence based research materials from several countries and proved that simple household appliances are adequate to teach many physical science concepts up to the middle school level. I have had experiences endorsing this view in my own career as science teacher and teacher trainer.

I have always thought that animations are in no way as effective as actual experiments and activities performed by children unless the experiments and activities are dangerous.

For instance, the simple middle school physical science concept that objects require oxygen in burning, can be demonstrated by simple activities such as this, done in my kitchen.

Fiddling with technology

As my LG Box TV set stopped working a few days back after nearly 15 years of service, I had to replace it with a Smart TV. But as my Tatasky set top box also needed replacement and upgradation to HD format, I remitted the required fee of Rs 2093 to Tatasky yesterday; I got a reply that the work would be done today in the time slotted selected by me. But even after nearly 6 hours having gone by, no technician has come to fix it. Inspite of immensely useful technology, improper time management and lack of customer friendliness seem to continue in service industries. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, technology in bad hands is bad.

It is really frustrating that consumers are taken for a ride unnecessarily. 

According to media reports, Mr Modi and his team mates are very proud of contributing to 'digitalising' our country. But they don't know grassroot realities faced by common folk like me. 

I think that the Government should intervene and contribute positively in such matters instead of giving sermons and big talks in regional, national and multinational forums on 'digitalised' India.

Now And Then by The Beatles

The Beatles has uploaded their latest song 'Now And Then' about which I mentioned in my yesterday's post in Utube. Let me share this nostalgic video.

Last song of The Beatles

Nearly half an hour back, 'Now And Then', the last song by the The Beatles got released. Although technically 'Let It Be' (which was released in 1970) was their last song, 'Now And Then' was only partly completed then, and fully completed only recently. 

The Beatles will be remembered as one of the best softrock bands by their numerous fans.

I remember how I liked the music and how I used to sing 'Let It Be' in 1970. I also remember how I used to have a hair style like those of The Beatles, falling in line with many youngsters of those days.

Following photo shows me with The Beatles like hair style, jeans pants and white cotton shirt on during 1984 or so alongwith my friends in front of the main entrance to Paro airport, Bhutan:

Indian political leaders

Today marks the death anniversary of Mrs Indira Gandhi and birth anniversary of Shri Vallabhai Patel. Both leaders did many sacrifices and served the country.

Bikaner and it's food history

I had the pleasure of viewing 'RAJA RASOI AUR ANYA KAHAANIYAAN' on Epic TV  Channel this evening. The program is presented by charismatic Prof. Pushpesh Pant, a food historian and author.

This evening's episode differed in two aspects from the usual. It featured 100% vegetarian food items and featured the Royal family  of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was amazing to see the simplicity of Mahima Kumari and Siddhi Kumari, the princesses when cooking food items using their own hands (though for the program's sake) and when they sat on a simple cot offered by local village folk and conversed with them. It was nice to see that both the princesses and the village people were comfortable with each other. The princesses travelled in an autorikshaw though they could have used any luxurious car. Their simplicity is admirable. Raajasthaani folk song added colour to the episode.

(I was called for an interview for the post of Principal, by Birla Public School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in 1993. Somehow I didn't attend the interview. If I had attended, I would have probably been selected and would have visited Jaipur, Bikaner and other places in Rajasthan. I think that I made a mistake in not having attended the interview).

Multicultural restaurant

It was interesting viewing 'Food Safari Australia' on Foxlife TV Channel this evrning. It featured multicultural restaurants in Australia. 

Although most of the contents put me off as they involve non-vegetarian food, a few such as the South African origin restaurant owned and run by people of South African origin including Indians, Zulus etc. are interesting. 

This evening's episode introduced 'Bunny Chow', basically a delicious Indian snack consisting of bread in which vegetables cum fruits are mixed in their liquid forms. 

I fondly remember the Indian restaurants not only in South Africa but also in neighbouring countries in Southern Africa. I particularly remember an Indian origin South African restaurant in Gaborone. It was owned and run by a Malayaalee guy from Kerala and his  South African Indian wife. I was a regular customer to his restaurant (the name of which I don't remember).

Bishen Singh Bedi's demise

Today's news that Bishen Singh Bedi has passed away comes as a shock provided the fact that he was a legendary bowler and was just 77.

I liked his cricket performance as I was considered to be a slow speed left arm spin bowler during my college days. (My left arm and left leg are always stronger than than my right ones due to my polio). 

His fans will remember him for the laurels that he brought for our country.

Divine discourse

This evening, it was immensely joyful to view a Divine discourse on 'Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa' by highly charismatic Shree Krishna Chandra Shastri Jee on Ashthaa TV Channel. Shree Shastri Jee was explaining the importance of mind control, devotion and humility.

Madhwa Jayanthi

Today is an auspicious day to Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees who follow Shree Madhwaachaarya's teachings, traditions and religious practices. Madhwaachaarya guides devotees to develop Gnaana (Knowledge about Shree Hari), Bhakthi (Devotion to Shree Hari) and Vairaaghyaa (Detachment).

It gives joy to me to share a Utube video containing an animated version of the life history of Shree Madhwaachaarya.

Food history

I had the pleasure of viewing 'RAJA RASOI AUR ANYA KAHAANIYAAN' on Epic TV Channel this evening. The program is presented by charismatic Prof. Pushpesh Pant, a food historian and author.

This evening's episode differed in two aspects from the usual. It featured 100% vegetarian food items and featured the Royal family  of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was amazing to see the simplicity of two princesses when cooking food items using their own hands (though for the program's sake) and when they sat on a simple cot offered by local village folk and conversed with them. It was nice to see that both the princesses and the village people were comfortable with each other. The princesses travelled in an autorikshaw though they could have used any luxurious car. Their simplicity is admirable. 

I think that this is what good governance is all about.

Vijaya Dashami

Today is the last day of the Navaraathri Festival. This day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. According to our Uttaraadi Mutt Almanac, today is Budhdha Jayanthi, birth anniversary of Budhdhaa, an incarnation of our Supreme Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu, who is the Founder President and CEO of the entire Universe and the 14 worlds, space and all things in them. Shree Mahaa Lakshmi serves Him as the Vice President and COO of the Enterprise. 

I fondly remember the dolls exhibition in our house, like in many Brahmin houses in those golden years. I have described about this in a few previous posts.

I also fondly remember 'Gangamma Jaathraa' held by local people as a form of worshipping Gangamma (meaning 'Mother Gangaa') in Greamspet, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, where my maternal grandparents were settled. 

Navaraathri Fest

As a part of Navaraathri Fest, today is an important day and is observed as Saraswathi Poojaa. On this day, devotees worship Sage Vedavyaasaa and his disciple Sages. They also worship divine mother Saraswathi, wife of Lord Brahmaa. 

(My landlord invited me to take lunch with his family today. He is a nice gentleman with a family of kind wife, a son and a daughter. He is a retired engineer and has worked in reputed Companies. One of the dishes served in the lunch was 'busy uppinikkaayi', a Kaanada language term meaning freshly made mango pickles. I remember my mother making this delicious side dish as my father liked it very much). Following is a Google image of bisi uppinikkaayi:

As in all Fests, devotees worship Shree Mahaa Vishnu (the God Supreme) and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, our Divine Parents.

Following is a Google image of our Divine Parents surrounded by Lord Brahmaa, Lord Rudraa, Garudaa, Seshaa and Deva Rishi Naaradaa, all of whom are His creations.

Lord Shree Krishnaa's Pandhokhar Dham

Whenever possible, I view a program from Pandhkhar Dhaam on Aashthaa TV Channel. I regret that it never struck to me to visit this divine place in Dhatheeya, MP, when I was serving in a school in Lalitpur, UP, for a few months in the early 90s, after returning from South Africa. Datheeya was just an hour or two by train from Lalitpur. 

The program reminds me of pleasant moments (though I did have very unpleasant moments) during my stay at Lalitpur. I fondly remember my good colleagues such as Mrs Renu Bansal, Mrs/Ms Ametha Singh, Selvaraj, Mrs Sangeetha Sharma etc.

Nine nights Fest

Today marks the beginning of Navaraathri, a festival known as 'Nine nights Festival'. This period is very auspicious and devotees worship Goddesses Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, Shree Paarvathi and Shree Saraswathi. Goddess Shree Durgaa, who also played numerous roles including assuring the evil minded king Kamsa (maternal uncle of Lord Shree Krishna) that Lord Shree Krishna will kill him and thereby destroy evil. In places such as West Bengal, this Fest is celebrated as Durgaa Poojaa.

A good colleague's death

This evening, Sreejith, a good young man and a former colleague sent a message that Ramesh Khanna, a brilliant 3 D animator and a soft spoken and well mannered guy in his early forties or so passed away last night. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

World Teachers' Day

Today is World Teachers' Day, a day of tribute to all dedicated teachers all over the world, and a day of thanks-giving to Shree Mahaa Vishnu, our Divine Guru and and President & Founder CEO of our Universe.

I fondly remember my beloved parents, good teachers who taught me during my school and college days, and dedixated colleagues in different countries (in which I worked).

Shree Mahaa Vishnu (Akshar Dham)

This evening I had the joy of viewing a religious program presented by Gujarat based Swami Naaraayan Temple. The program featured the Dheekshaa Ceremony

It was nice to see a portrait of Shree Madhwaachayaa in the temple complex.

It was amazing to infer the deep Bhakthi aspect of devotees in a land mass that is situated far away from Bhaarath, our home country.

Gandhi Jayanthi

Today being the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, is an important day to all patriotic Indians. Gandhian philosophy shaped many leaders such as Neslson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. Today is also the birth anniversary of Shree Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Dr M S Swaminathan

I think that our country has lost one of it's top agricultural scientists in Dr M S Swaminathan's demise. He served the world at large and our own country as an accomplished agricultural scientist.  

I remember my brief meeting with him when I was sent by PREPARE, a Chennai based NGO, to participate in a function organised by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, in mid 1990s, when a set of videos developed by Mrs Mina Swaminathan, Mr Swaminathan's wife and an eminent educationist, was launched. These videos contained evidence based case studies of issues related to the school bag burden of school kids.  These were telecast over Chennai National TV Channel. I was the first participant to arrive at the venue. As I sat in the Conference Hall, Dr Swaminathan and his wife came to the hall and greeted me. They also inquired about the welfare of Dr Jacob D Raj, Founder CEO of PREPARE, and his wife Dr Daisy Dharmaraj. This NGO served in Childcare and Education, Health and a few other areas of human development in Chennai, Telengana and Odisha. It provided opportunities to well qualified and dedicated professionals to work in a corruption free environment.

Following image shows me, Dr Daisy Dharmaraj, the chief guest and Dr Jacob D Raj, from left to right, at a function organised by PREPARE:

Shree Mahaa Vishnu

Today being Ekaadashi, is a very auspicious day to some Maadhwaa communities. Though Ekadashi was yesterday, according to the Almanac published by Uttaradi Mutt (to which I belong), in some areas such as Chennai (where I reside), Ekaadashi is observed today. As I have mentioned in my earlier posts, it is a very auspicious day, and Vaishnavite including Maadhwaa devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi. They also fast on this day. 

This evening I had the joy of listening to a divine discourse in this Utube video. It was of particular interest to me. The speaker Shree Satyavijayacharya hails from a village known as Satyavijaya Nagaram, near a town known as Arni near Vellore, in Tamilnadu. This village was large with a significant community of Brahmins many decades ago. My maternal grandmother hailed from this place. There was a Maadhwaa saint known as Satyavijaya Theertharu who is said to have attained Brindaavan in this place.

When I remember my maternal grandmother, I fondly remember her Krishna Bhakthi; she used to sing Krishna songs from the time she finished bathing until she began cooking or so. We used to visit her during some holidays. (My grandmother's brother known as 'Vaasu maama' among my mother and her siblings, was Principal of a Sanskrit College in Mysuru).

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Vaamana Jayanthi.

Ghazals in movies

This evening as I was browsing my TV Channels, I bumped across DD National Channel telecasting it's 'Chitrahaar' featuring songs from Hindi movies. There was a song from the popular movie 'Umraao John' that was released in 1980s (if I remember it well). 

The movie included very versatile actors such as Nazirudeen Shaw, ever beautiful Rekha etc. As far as I experienced, all songs in the movie were very melodious. The songs in the ghazal type of music from this movie were my favourites for many years.

I first listenined to this song in 1990 when viewing TV in the house of Mr Agarwal, a fellow teacher working in Southern Africa.

That was a time period when I was addicted to western soft rock followed by ghazals, like most youngsters.

Malayaalam movie

Until two or three decades ago, Malayaalam movies were good, with low profile romance and violence. But recent ones in general, are not so. 

This morning I bumped in one such movie 'Peruchazhi'. I was interested in the movie expecting to see how Malayaalees live in the US. The actors were versatile and popular, including Mohanlal and Mukesh.

But I was put off after a few minutes as somehow I thought that it was not worth viewing it.

(In this movie, Mohanlal gets into romantic relationship with a single woman who brings up a boy; she is half his age).

Divine Discourse

It was joy listening to Shree Satpal Ji Maharaj's Divine Discourse this evening, after many days, on Aashthaa TV Channel.  He is somewhat unique in giving scientific analogies in his discourses. 

Ganesh Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Ganesh Chathurthi. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha and Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa, who resides in the heart of Lord Ganeshaa.

Today is also an important day to me and my siblings. This day is the death anniversary of my beloved father. As in every year, I and my brother performed death anniversary ritual according to Maadhwaa Scriptures.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu:

Shree Ganesh:

My beloved parents:

Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Incarnations

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was on this day that Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Varaahaa and Lord Dhanvanthari.

Today is also the birth anniversary of Lord Balaraam, elder brother of Lord Shree Krishna.

Devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, Lord Varaahaa, Lord Dhanvanthari and Lord Balaraam. The Divine Snake that serves as bed of Shree Mahaa Vishnu in Vaikunta Lokaa manifested as Shree Lakshmanaa, younger brother of Lord Shree Raam and later as Lord Balaraam.

Skewed Governance

This afternoon I experienced a common problem that most of us come across: unwarranted telemarketing phone calls. This is a nuisance to people in general, and particularly so to senior citizens like me who like to be free from phone calls as much as possible. I used to block such calls, but found that this costs memory space in my phone.

Though BJP has been doing well in Governance, it has not been satisfactory. As I mentioned in a previous post, cost of living has drastically increased in the past few years. Any well qualified statistian or economist would agree that it deviates from the norm.

I think that the Government should change it's order of priorities and work for the welfare of common folk instead of basking in ancient glories of our country and in trying to race against financially rich countries in space research etc. and thereby wasting taxpayer's money.

I certainly don't think that exploring the moon's surface is of any benefit to common folk and the poor. Any good Government should basically work for the welfare of all citizens across barriers like how it was in Raam Raaj. Actions speak better than words.

Tribute to teachers

Teachers are respected in all communities the world over though the degree varies amongst them.

This morning I had the pleasure of viewing an interesting programme on my favourite CNA TV Channel. 

The programme reminded me of my years as teacher and how my students liked me.

I fondly remember my students' tributes to me as shown in the following images:

Singapore's new President

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam's swearing in as President of Singapore would bring in improvement in all areas of development in Singapore and it's relationship with other countries.

Observes know that the country already has a stable economy.

Mr Thurman's swearing in ceremony itself is a good example of multicultutural living in harmony and how, as the charismatic PM Lee put it, a person from a minority community can rise to the top most position in Singapore.

Ofcourse, former President  Mrs Halimah Yacob too was from a minority community, and served her country well.

Divine Discourse

As I am typing this post, I derive the joy of listening to Shreemad Bhagavath Katha by Shree Kirit Bhaijee Maharaaj on Sanskar TV Channel. 

Sree Krishnaa Fest

Yesterday was a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was the birth anniversary of Lord Shree Krishna, an Avataar of Shree Mahaa Vishnu. It was celeberated as Gokulaashtami. 

Devotees fast on that day, perform Pooja to Lord Shree Krishna, Devaki, Vasudeva etc. after moon rise. They offer Arghyam to Lord Shree Krishna and to the Moon.

They complete the pooja ritual by reciting the appropriate manthra and end their fasting after 7.38 pm IST tonight.

Teacher's Day

In our country (Bhaarath), today is celeberated as Teacher's Day

Channel News Asia

As I have mentioned many times, CNA continues to be one of my favourite TV Channels. Programs such as this are interesting as these feature aspects of culture and traditions of people such  as the charismatic Ms Rosemarie, and many others from different countries, whose ancestors came to settle down in Singapore many years ago. 

Vivek Ramaswamy

People in the US have been getting themselves prepared for their Presidential Election. 

As I was browsing through the Net, I came across a news item on Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the candidates. 

There are two reasons why I am particularly interested in his profile. He is very young (just 38 years old) and comes from a Brahmin parentage of Indian origin (Palakkaad in Kerala). 

He seems to have very progressive ideas with a significant socialistic tinge. (He has been very candid in his remarks about how the US Police/Judiciary handles Donald Trump's case. I too think that many allegations against him are politically motivated. His observation of Kamala Harris seems to be very true. I read somewhere that he is not in favour of controlling carbon-di-oxide emissions. I don't agree with him on this issue. I wish that he changes his attitude on this issue).

Presidential election in Singapore

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Indian origin has been elected as 9th President of Singapore with a large 70.4% votes in his favour according to a reliable news report. Congratulations to him. Previously there had been people such as Mr  Devan Nair and Mr Nathan, who headed Singapore.

Shree Raaghavendra Swamy Aaraadhanaa

Today is the 2nd day of 3 days of festivities that mark the Aaraadhanaa of Shree Raaghavendra Swaameejee. He was one of the most revered saints in the Maadhwaa Brahmin community.

Hayagreeva Fest

According to Hindu Calender, today is Hayagreeva Jayanthi. Devotees offer special worship to this Lord of Knowledge and Wisdom.

Elections and Indians

Presidential/Prime-ministerial elections are due to be held in near feature in countries such as Malaysia and USA. We have seen strong Indian representations in countries such as Fiji, Singapore, UK, Mauritius, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Surinam. Those who got elected seem to be doing their best for the countries in which they serve.

I wish people of Indian origin win the elections that are scheduled to be held in near future.

Onam Fest

Malayalees in Kerala and other parts of the world celebrate today as Onam. Best wishes to Malayalee readers of my blog and to all my Malayalee friends.

Our 'Space Research' and ground reality

Our Central Government has always been proud of it's achievements in a wide spectrum of human development areas such as health, education, digitalisation, economic empowerment and so on.

Recently the Government lauded the efforts of ISRO's Chandrayan 3 Mission. I strongly feel that such missions are not of any benefit to common folk.

Every even minded Indian knows the speed at which cost of living has been increasing. To give a specific example, a cylinder of domestic cooking gas (LPG) cost Rs 625 in 2017; it increased to Rs 850 in 2021. Just last month, when I ordered for a cylinder, it cost Rs 1118.50.

I sincerely think that instead of misusing taxpayer's money in needless space research, our Government should spend money in developing projects that would bring the cost of living down and enable common folk to live more comfortably. 

Shree Vara Lakshmi Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Hindu women  perform Shree Varalakshmi Pooja, and offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Her Husband  Shree Mahaa Vishnu, The Almighty.

Divine Program

As I write this post, I am overwhelmed by the joy of viewing a divine programme dedicated to Shree Thulasi Devi , a divine manifestation of Shree Mahaa Lakshmi wife of Shree Mahaa Vishnu , and organised by Shree Morari Bapu Maharaj on Aashthaa TV Channel .  This program known as 'Award samarpan samaroh' featured Awards presented to various personalities dedicated to Aadhyaathmic service. Recipients included Shree Raghavachryajee Maharaaj, Shree Sharanaanandjee Maharaaj, Raamaanujarya Swamy Shree Shreedharaachaaryajee Maharaaj etc.

Kalkee Jayanthi

Today is considered as Kalkee Jayanthi, anniversary of the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnates as Kalkee and destroys the world at the end of kaliyuga and thereby, Mahaa Yugaa. 

A Mahaa Yugaa consists of Krita Yugaa, Trethaa Yugaa, Dwaapara Yugaa and Kali Yugaa. 

We are now in the beginning of Kali Yugaa in the 28th Mahaa Yugaa. Mahaa Yugaa consists of 43,20,000 years.

Our country's Independence Day

Today is our country's 77th Independence Day. I join all patriotic fellow Indians in congratulating the Nation on this occassion.

Although there has been significant developments in Sanaathana Dharmaa awareness campaigns, digitalisation and finances sector in the country since independence, I think that no ruling political party at the centre or in Tamilnadu (where I reside) has worked dedicatedly to weed out corruption in areas such as Health, Education, Police and Judiciary, except for a brief period at the Central Government during Mrs Indira Gandhi's regime, and Tamilnadu Government during Dr M G R's regime.

I think that the Cenral Givernment and Tamilnadu Government should realise this problem and work out to fix it. 

Politicians are supposed to work for the welfare of all people instead of mere basking under ancient glory, filling their own pockets and misleading common folk.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu

In his Chathurmaasya Utube video, Shree Satyaatma Theertha Swaamiji mentions how the sound of the alphabet 'A' denotes Shree Mahaa Vishnu in Sanskrit, and how in every language including English, this alphabet is the beginning one.

As Swamiji mentions in his discourse, just like 'A' is the leading alphabet in all languages, Shree Mahaa Vishnu is the leading deity among all deities. He is the Almighty Founder President and CEO of the entire Universe.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu is Great.

Shree Raam Kathaa

Morari Bapuji is a charismatic spiritual speaker; he gives discourses on 'Shree Raam Kathaa" at different places in our country and abroad. 

In this morning's discourse '921st Raam Kathaa' telecast from Cambridge University in the UK via Aashtha TV Channel, he spoke about the University and related it to devine knowledge about Lord Shree Raam.

Although most of the audience should be brilliant people in different areas, they shared two common values: Humility and respect to Bapuji's words. 

Soccer on sundays

ABC's 'Pacific' is an interesting program as it features countries in the South Pacific. Although each episode is only 30 minutes long, it covers almost all countries in the region.

This morning's episode consisted of a news item showing how soccer is promoted in high schools in Fiji. Known as 'Football for Schools', it seems to be very popular. (There are a few other countries such as South Africa in which soccer is very popular. I remember my visits to the local football ground on weekends to view local teams play).

Region specific games such as African football and Bhutanese archery are a nice treat to eyes.

I think that it would be nice if our schools give priority to soccer when allocating budgets, for all the benefits of the game.

Shree Hari's Devine Name

This evening I was listening to a divine discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, Presiding saint of Uttaraadi Mutt (to which I belong). He was mentioning about the importance of chanting Shree Hari's Names even when engaged in works other than those of spiritual or religious nature.

I fondly remember my maternal grand mother who had the daily habit of  singing divine songs praising Shree Hari after taking her bath until she completed her cooking in the mornings. One of these songs which I vividly remember was "Krishnaa ena baarade?..." meaning "Why not chant Shree Krishnaa's name?...".

She was a nice lady who hailed from a village known as Sathya Vijaya Nagaram (named after Shree Sathya Vijaya Theertharu, a Maadhwaa saint). (One of her brothers by name Vasudeva Rao, was Principal of Sanskrit College in Mysuru, in those days). 

Good old days.

Singapore National Day

As one of the very few city states, Singapore celeberates it's 58th National Day today.

As we all know, it is the most economically and socially developed country in South East Asia. 

The harmonic relationship between it's three main ethnic communities, namely Chinese, Malay and Indian, has kept it as a vibrant country for the past 58 years since independence from British rule.

Dosa

As I am writing this post, I am viewing 'Culinary Escapes' on Foxlife TV Channel. It features San Francisco in the US. 

It was pleasure to view Sreejith Gopinathan, chief chef at Taj Campton Hotel in the city. He demonstrates a few Indian dishes. 

It reminds me of Gandhidoss (or was it Christu Gandhidoss or simply Gandhi? I don't remember). He was a Mauritian Indian culinary expert specialised in Dosa, a popular and common food item in southern states of India. I remember how I used to be a bit disappointed at the restaurant when told, "Sorry sir, no dosa service this time, as Gandhidoss has gone home on vacation".

Whether it is Gaborone, Durban, Vadodara or Phnom Penh, dosa seems to be a priced food item not only among us Indians but also others in our global village, rather global city.

San Francisco also reminds me of Sayee, my maternal uncle's son, who worked there. He is a US educated computer engineer.

Coming back to dosa made in restuarants, the best ones that I have ever had were made in a small Udipi restaurant owned by a Brahman gentleman in Tripunithura, a suburb of Ernakulam in Kerala. If I remember well, each dosa with delicious healthy side dish (sambar and coconut chutney) cost just one ruppee; it was in the early 1980s. Good old days!

Paul McCartney

This evening, when having my dinner, as I was viewing ABC TV Channel , I bumped into an unexpected interview by ABC's Sarah Ferguson with Paul McCartney of The Beatles in it's program '7.30'. 

It was great pleasure viewing one of my most favourite singers. When he mentioned the song "When I'm sixty four", I was reminded of the late 60s, during which time numerous teenagers like me used to sing this song and many others by the 'Fab Four'.

I tried to provide a link to the programme, but couldn't access any.

Soma paanakaha

In this evening's episode of 1000 Naamangal 1000 Kathaigal, Dr U Ve Venkatesh explained "Soma paanakaha", one of Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Names listed in Shree Vishnu Sahasra Naama Sthothram. He explained that the term "soma paanaka" means a juice obtained from the soma plant and that it is offered humbly in rituals to His Almighty Shreeman Naaraayana. Shree Mahaa Vishnu is addressed as "Soma paanakaha" as He accepts it from His devotees.

Mr Venkatesh cautioned viewers not to believe false rumours. (I remember having heard somewhere that the term means a somewhat alcoholic drink such as beer or whiskey). He gave an excellent advice to viewers not to be taken away by rumours spread by anti-brahmin rascals.

Lord Brahma's statue in Cambodia

I came to know that an awe inpiring 7 metres tall statue of Lord Brahma got installed in the main lounge of Siem Riep International Airport in Cambodia recently, as reported in The Phnom Penh Post.

While it is a tribute to one of the main deities functioning under the direction of The Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu, it would be nice if our Government of India takes steps to reinstall at least the main vigrahaa of Shree Mahaa Vishnu as the main God in the Angkor Wat Complex in Siem Riep. 

Vishnu devotees know that Shree Hari is Founder President and CEO of the entire Universe with Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, His wife, as it's Vice President.

Divine discourse

This afternoon, I had the joy of viewing Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa discourse by Shree Kriparam Ji Maharaj on Aashtha TV Channel. He is a new comer in the channel. His explanations are very meaningful.

After the above program ended, when I tuned in to Sanskar TV Channel, I could derive the joy of viewing the discourse by Shree Anirudh Aacharyaji Maharaj. He mentioned how the relationship between Lord Shree Krishna and Gopikaa ladies was completely spiritual and not romantic in any manner; he also mentioned that Lord Shree Krishna was just seven years old at that time. (Nearly ten years ago, I have also mentioned this in a previous post). 

I tried to give a link with information about Shree Anirudh Aacharyaji Maharaj in English, but couldn't find any. Hence the link with information in Hindi.