Withering of one flower from the garden of classical music

This morning's news that Shree Zakir Hussein, highly charismatic and legendary musician passed away adds a sad note to the classical music industry. 

Recipient of several national and international awards including Grammy (that he won four times), he was known for his cross cultural music contributions and association with musicians across barriers. George Harrison  of The Beatles was one of them.

George Harrison was well known as a Shree Krishna devotee closely associated with ISKCON Movement. 

People of my generation will particularly miss him. (I am just 4 months younger than him).

Although Zakir is no more, melodious vibrations from his thablaas will keep ringing in the ears of his numerous fans globally.

May his soul rest in peace.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.

Daththa Jayanthi

Today is an important day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Daththa Jayanthi.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Hanumaanjee Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender.  Hanumadh Vratham is observed on this day.

More importantly, today is Friday. Friday is a very auspicious to worship Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Shree Mahaa Vishnu, with whom She is always present. 

Jai Shree Hanumaanjee🙏.

Bhaarathee Ramana Mukhyapraana anthargatha Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.

Shree Krishna arpanam asthu🙏.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Today is Ekaadashi. Today is Wednesday. Today is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Lord Shree Krishna gave His very revered and sacred Bhagavadh Geetha to Arjuna, nearly 5000 years ago. This day is celebrated as Geetha Jayanthi.

All the above three factors are related to Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Brian Adams in India

Rock musician Brian Adams is on a concert tour in our country. According to his official website, he will perform at Yelahanka, Bengaluru, on 24th. I wish he had visited the area when I was working in this beautiful suburb of Bangalore in 1997.

I remember one of his songs in reggae style. Let me share the song here.

Best wishes, Brian.

Memorable movie

Although I had never been a keen movie enthusiast, I do remember old movies which I liked. One of those is 'Choti si bath' in which Amol Palekar acts as hero.

It was pleasure viewing this movie on National DD TV Channel this afternoon. I like the movie for the beautiful hilly terrains (like the ones where I have worked), my favourite model of Premier Padmini car and my favourite game of table tennis, featured in it. More importantly I saw the movie in 1978 when I was much happier than now. I have mentioned the then circumstance in my post dated 24 July 2020.

Bheema Jayanthi

Today is a very important day in the Hindu Calender. This day is the birth anniversary of Bheemaa. 

He was the one who killed the evil Duryodhanaa during the Mahaabharath war.

He was born in Dwaapara Yugaa. In the Trethaa Yuga (that preceded Trethaa yuga), he was Lord Hanumaan, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam. In the present Kali Yugaa, he took birth as Shree Madhwaachaarya.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu residing in the heart of Bheema is offered special worship today. 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Swamy Naaraayan Temple

As I am typing this post, I experience divine Joy of viewing the golden jubilee celebration of Swamy Naaraayan Temple, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

According to a spokesperson saint of the temple, although our beloved Prime Minister could not participate in the function, he sent message via video communication. The saint spoke in Hindi as well as in English. Prime Minister's message was telecast in the function. 

Jai Shree Swamy Naaraayan🙏

Coin honoring Paul

The news that The British Mint has released a £5 coin circulated from today, honoring 'Sir Paul McCartney, legendary singer and song writer is a fitting recognition of Paul's contribution to soft rock music. 

His passion for a discrimination free world is very evident from songs such as 'Ebony and Ivory' that he and Stevie Wonder, legendary Afro-American singer, produced and performed.

Although, like most soft rock fans of my age, I liked most of the songs by Paul and The Beatles, a few of them keep ringing in my ears, like this one.

His numerous fans (amongst whom I remain to be one) will be remember him for years to come. Congrats, Paul😀.

Gross misgovernance

Although the weather condition is very good, power supply to our area got cut 5 minutes ago. As I mentioned in my previous posts, this is very frequent and common. 

When power is cut, somehow my Wi-Fi too doesn't work. However, thanks to my internet provider, I resort to mobile data to use the internet.

It seems that the MLA (Member of the Legilative Assembly) who represents our area in the Tamilnadu Govt. is not at all worried about this condition (as he/she may be using inverter in the house). Such rascals should be severely punished. Unfortunately law and order regulations are perfect on paper in our Public Administration Offices but not implemented properly.

Lord Shree Raam

As I am typing this post, it is great joy viewing the daily episode of 'Kakbhushandi Raamaayan' on National HD TV Channel. 

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Dosa making using sandwich maker

This morning I bumped into a very interesting information about how to prepare dosa using a sandwich maker. Let me share the information here. I love vegetarian cheese and tomato sandwiches for which I use my sandwich maker. Hereafter I'll try making my favourite dosas.

Maadhwaa saint

Let me share a brief Utube video forwarded by our Uttaradi Mutt on Shree Padmanabha Theerthaa, a disciple of Shree Madhwaachaarya, the first spiritual leader of our community of Maadhwaas.

Divine discourse

It was great joy in viewing Shree Raam Kathaa discourse by Shree Prembhushanji Maharaj on Aashthaa TV Channel tonight.

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Divine discourse

This evening, I derived immense joy by listening to a brief divine discourse by  Shree Bhupendra Pandya jee. He was explaining how the human soul gives energy to the human mind and the mind can sometimes attain energy to go against the soul. He gave his discourse as a guest of Shree Raam Kathaa discourse by Shree Chinmayanand Bapujee. It was nice viewing both speakers on the same stage.

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Online shopping oddity

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, online shopping is a boon to senior citizens like me although direct shopping is relatively advantageous.

I had an unpleasant experience when  shopping for the following three items a few days back:

Horlicks nutrition drink.

Horlicks Barfi.

Anti-skid floor mat.

The nutrition drink pack didn't contain the expiry date anywhere. Barfi had neither the aroma nor the taste of Horlicks. The floor mat didn't absorb any water and it's bottom surface was very smooth and skiddy.

I regret that I wasted my money on buying these three items.

I think that manufacturers of items such as these should be barred from using online platforms. Our Government should intervene to fix such issues.

All that glitters is not gold

According to media reports, Shree Chinmoy Brahmachari, Chief Monk at ISKCON Temple in Bangladesh, has been arrested. This is only part of the atrocious comitted by Muhammad Yunus led interim government of Bangladesh. I think that the news reflects double standards exibited by Mr Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize awardee. It shows that having won Nobel peace prize doesn't mean that the person is good. Every one knows that such prizes are awarded by considering nominations and that nominees collect information using different modes including corruption. Once, when DMK was the ruling party in Tamilnadu many years ago, World Bank (or International Monetary Fund) officials as representatives of the Donor Agency, released a Report citing how the money was misused by DMK. After a few months, the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi (present chief minister's father) invited the WB/IMFofficials for a grand luncheon. A few days after this WB/IMF released a Report that the money was well spent and reached the beneficiary communities without any problem. Members of my age (73) of Brahmin community in Tamilnadu know very well about the atrocities committed by DMK against them for no reason.    

I hope that our Government intervenes and takes steps to stop such atrocities against Hindus in our own country as well as abroad. It is universal ethic that any discrimination against any community is indecent.

Multiculturalism

We all know that when people leave their home countries to work abroad, they usually work hard and contribute to the host country as well to their native country.

Although Japan is very conservative in preserving it's culture and traditions, as it welcomes skilled work force from any country, it enjoys being very multicultural  (though not as well known as in Australia, Canada etc).

Ghanaians are well known as migrant workers in many countries. I have worked with teachers from Ghana in Ethiopia and Southern Africa. I nostalgically remember these people.

This evening Japan's National TV Channel telecast an interesting documentary featuring a Ghanaian taxi driver working in Japan. Let me share the documentary here. It is interesting to see taxi drivers from India and Cambodia as well in Japan.

I think that multicultural communities offer many benefits including mutual understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds. Until I worked with my colleagues from Ghana, I never knew that Ghanaians some times communicate in English instead of their own languages because their regional languages are very different. This happens in several countries including our  India.

Chinese exiles

For the past few days, CNA ABC TV Channels have been telecasting documentaries such as this one, that feature Chinese exiles and their contributions. 

Leaving aside political dimensions, these reflect the fact that Chinese have retained their cultural traditions wherever they go. This is very obvious from their China town's in different countries. 

When working in Cambodia, I have personally seen their passion to retain their culture and traditions.

Although on a smaller scale, our own Indians (particularly those from Gujarat) who migrated/exiled to other countries have built their own Little India in countries such as Britain, the US and South Africa. I remember a few community establishments in South Africa.

Such establishments have a great potential in letting our youngsters to appreciate our great culture and traditions.

God's Wedding

This evening, as I am typing this post, my somewhat troubled mind derives joy by viewing Seetha Raama Kalyaanam (the wedding ceremony of Lord Shree Raam with Shree Seethaa Devi) as conducted by priests and telecast on Bhakthi TV .  Let me share the Utube version of the ceremony.

Jai Shree Seethaa Raam🙏

World Children's Day

Today is World Children's Day. Amidst global terrorism, poverty, ecological imbalances due to human meddling with nature, growing crime rates, etc., abuse of children seems to be growing in many communities. Let us hope that all governments consider childcare and education as one of their main objectives.

Excellent women leaders

Today is the birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmi bai of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. 

I remember a few months that I spent in Lalitpur, near Jhansi, as Principal of a school named after Rani Lakshmi Bai.  I remember my nice colleagues such as Mrs Renu Bansal, Mrs Ametha Singh and Mr Selvaraj. I remember Ms/Mrs Geetha, the cook, who used to serve delicious Aloo paratha and other items with kindness to staff and students.

Today is also the birth anniversary of Mrs Indira Gandhi. She was one of our best Prime Ministers.

Hindu Fests

Today is an auspicious day is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. Devotees perform Vedavyaasa Poojaa on this day (although today is not His Birth Anniversary). Today is observed as Gowri Pournima and devotees worship Gowri. Let me share a Utube video that explains Gowri Paurnima in Telugu. 

Jai Gowri🙏.

Jai Lord Vedavyaasa🙏.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.

Donald Trump 2.0

News that Mr Donald Trump has nominated Tulsi Gabbard as Director, National Intelligence. She is known as a Lord Shree Krishna devotee. Let me share a speech that she delivered at an ISKCON Temple.

(Just before the past US Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, when Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy were nominated as candidates, I wished that one of them should win the election).

It seems that Mr Donald Trump is making excellent choices for his cabinet. Best wishes to him and his team.

Following photograph shows Tulasi Gabbard with two ISKCON devotees:

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.

Children's Day

Today is the birth anniversary of Shree Jawaharlal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India. 

His contributions included 'Discovery of India', a book. I remember an edition of the book that I received as 1st Prize holder in an Inter-school elocution competition in English when I was in middle school or high school.

Shree Jawaharlal Nehru was fond of children. Hence this day is celebrated as Children's Day in our country.

Donald Trump 2.0

It looks like Mr Donald Trump is introducing drastic and innovative changes in US Government System. One of these is the new Department of Government Efficiency. 

A few years ago, Bhutan Government introduced it's Gross Happiness Index. It seems to be a success.

Congratulations and best wishes to Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and DOGE.

I think that GHI and DOGE are unique in that no other country has tried such innovative approaches in recent world history.

 

Shree Krishna Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Uththaana Dwaadashi. Lord Shree Krishna is offered special worship; His marriage with Thulasi Devi is joyously celebrated on this day.Devotees celebrate Thulasi Vivaaham with utmost devotion to Shree Hari. 

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Today is the birth anniversary of Leonardo DiCaprio. He acted in several Hollywood movies. One of his most popular movies is 'Titanic' in which he acted as Jack Dawson, a poor immigrant paasenger with typical Yorkshire accent. This movie hit all time records in movie charts. Let me share the Titanic's title song 'My heart will go on' sung by legendary singer Celine Dion. (I nostalgically remember my having seen the movie in Mahesh Reddy's house in Chittoor, AP in 1998 on his invitation. I think that it was the day before I joined Camford English School as Principal; Mahesh was Correspondent of the school. Being the place of my birth, Chittoor has a special place in my heart).

Happy birthday, Leonardo.

Delhi Ganesh and Indra Soundarrajan

Heartfelt condolences to the families of Shree Delhi Ganesh and Shree Indra Soundarrajan who passed away recently. These two will be remembered by their movie and literature fans respectively for years to come.

Divine discourse

It was spiritually enlightening to view Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Raghavacharyaji Maharaj on Aashtha TV Channel this morning. He explained the difference between 'prem' and 'mogh' and why we should have prem and not mogh. He gave examples of Bhaarath Maharajaa (from whose name our country got it's name) and Jatabharath.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.

Fall of the Berlin wall

Today marks the anniversary of dismantling of the Berlin wall paving the way for United Germany. After several years of separation, people of Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and German Democratic Republic (East Germany) could travel in United Germany. Although people of former FRG were sceptical, the integration proved to be good for both sides very much like how it happened in Vietnam and Tanzania. Let me share a DW TV Channel's documentary on the fall of the Berlin wall here.

(In 1989, I was working in Southern Africa. It seemed to me that my colleagues such as Ulrich Lauren and Sabine Feeser, from FRG, were worried that the integration would negatively affect FRG. But, it didn't).

Shree Mahaa Vishnu

As I am typing this post, my heart and mind seem to be filled with joy, as I view a spiritual programme being held at Shree Swaami Naaraayan Temple at Vadtal Dhaam, Gujarat.

Guests include a swaamiji who represents Shree Chinna Jeeyar Swaamiji.

As the speeches are in Gujaraathi, I am not able to understand the contents fully. But speakers' mentioning of "Vadodara" gives an indication that the function had close association with Vadodara based Swaamy Naaraayan Temple; I fondly remember my visit to the temple when I was working in Vadodara.

The function displayed a nice amalgamation of Swamy Naaraayan Temple and Shree Raamaanujaachaaryaa traditions in worshipping Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.

Culinary discoveries

As a 73 years old single senior citizen, I used to rely on local Brahmin catering outlets for side dishes in my food. These caterers, Brahmin households, charge between Rs 100 to 120 for supplying four items: Sambar, curry, rasam and koottoo. They usually don't supply cooked rice. 

As four items are too much for me, I used to order for any two items daily. Recently, the caterers said that it is not profitable to them unless I ordered for full package of four items and said that they could not deliver just 2 items daily. 

Thanks to digital shopping scenario, I can place order for food via Swiggy, Zamato etc. But I don't use this option for two reasons: 1. I don't know whether the food is cooked by Brahmins. According to Scriptures, Brahmins have to eat only food items that are cooked by Brahmins; otherwise, it is a sin. Hence, I don't like eating some thing that is not cooked by Brahmins. 2. The delivery person keeps vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items in the same bag. This is uncomfortable for me.

Hence, I am myself cook rice as well as side dishes for the past few weeks. 

Usually I place order from Big Basket orAmazon. Recently I placed order for tomato puree. When I looked for the instructions to use it, I didn't find any thing clear. 

It was only this morning, when viewing a cookery documentary on EPIC TV Channel that I found how tomato puree can be used. Let me share the documentary . Thanks to Ranveer Brar and Sakshi Thanveer.

U S Election 2024 Trump 2.0

Congratulations to Mr Donald Trump on his having won the election. I think that he is a good friend of India. He has always reminded me of Mr Bob Williams, a Caucasian American and my Headmaster when I was teaching Physics in a Government Senior Secondary School in Southern Africa during the late 1980s.  There were nearly 60 teachers from different countries. My headmaster used to visit and observe teachers' teaching in their classes. As he never came to my classes, I asked him why he didn't come to observe my teaching. He replied that he had seen my classes several times as he was going on rounds in the corridors in front of classrooms and that my students seemed to be actively involved with interest. When I got a phonecall that my sister's baby son  (less than one year old) passed away, my headmaster came to my flat and expressed his condolences. He was a very simple gentleman. He used to tell me that he was taught by Indians during his University student years in the US.

Mr Donald Trump and Shree Narendra Modi

Divine discourse

This evening it was spiritually enriching to view Shreemad Bhaagavath Kathaa by Shree Sanjai Krishna Saleelji Maharaj in Kolkota, via Aashthaa TV Channel.  He explained how Shree Mahaa Vishnu gave mokshaa to Gajendraa, an elephant whose leg was tightly held and bitten by a crocodile. This incident is popularly known as Gajendra Moksham. 

The programme was sponsored by Naaraayan Sevaa Sansthaan.

Divine discourse

This evening it was joy to view spiritual talk by Shree Prembhushanji Maharaj in Hindu Spiritual Programme on Aashthaa TV Channel. Shree Morari Bapu's presence in the audience added more spiritual aroma to the function.

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Death of Quincy Jones

Recent death of legendary singer and producer Quincy Jones has made the American Music scene deficient.

Although I have not listened to any of his songs, like many soft rock enthusiasts in the 1960s to 1980s, I knew that he worked with many talented singers such as Stevie Wonder, and that he was instrumental in producing the 1985 hit song We are the world in which many legendary singers participated. Singers in the song included legendary musicians from different genres of western pop music of those times. The team included Kenny Rogers (Country and Western), Lionel Ritchie, West Indian singer Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon (softrock musician who was previously in 'Simon and Garfunkel' with  'Mrs Robinson' as title song in the movie 'The Graduate'), etc. Bob Geldoff gave shape to this project after visiting Ethiopia.

I nostalgically remember the song. Let Mr Quincy Jones' soul rest in peace.

Saint's Mukthi Day

Today is an important day as anniversary of the day on which Shree Satyapramodha Theertha Swaamiji, Guru of Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji, our community's chief Swaamiji, passed away. Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji has composed a song as tribute to his Guru. Let me share his song.

From left to right: Shree Satyapramodha Theertha Swaamiji and Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji 

Shree Krishna arpanam asthu🙏.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a spiritually very historic day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Bali Prathipat.

Festival of lights

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It is celeberated as Deepaavali (meaning Festival of lights). This is the day on which Lord Shree Krishna killed Narakaasuraa, a demon. Lord Shree Krishna, Lord Shree Raam, Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi are offered special worship today. Wick lamps are humbly submitted to Shree Mahaa Vishnu as a token of gratitude for all that He has given to us with humble request to Him to dispel the darkness in us and enlighten us, that just like a lamp dispels darkness.  A ritual of respect to Yama Dharma Raajaa, one of the numerous deities in Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Empire, is also performed on this day.

Yama Dharma Raajaa 

Shree Mahaa Vishnu and Shree Mahaa Lakshmi surrounded by Garuda, Seshaa, Brahmaa, Rudraa, Deva Rishi Naaradaa and other deities in Vaikuntaa

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Divine Discourse

It is good that Aastha TV Channel keeps introducing spiritual speakers. This evening it was joy viewing Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Sanjeev Mishra. He explained the popular Ajaamil Charithram. He also mentioned about the Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotion of Kabirdas.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

South Pacific

It is a well known fact that regions such as West Indies and Pacific Islands are sidelined by Media including TV Channels. Thankfully there are a few TV Channels that do cover these regions as well. One such is ABC Australia TV Channel. This channel telecast an interesting programme this evening. Let me share the programme. Samoa may not be as strong as American Samoa, but this island country is culturally more authentic than it's American counterpart.

CHOGM at Samoa reminds me of the late 1980s when it was once held in Nassau, The Bahamas. My maternal uncle (my mother's brother) was Branch Manager of the Offshore Branch of State Bank of India at that time. The then Prime Minister Shree Rajiv Gandhi and his wife visited the Branch and met with the Indian community , on a good will visit.

 

Ramon Magsaysay Awards

This evening there was an interesting news documentary on this year's Ramon Magsaysay Awards . One of the awardees is a Bhutanese medical doctor. As a school teacher who worked in Bhutan for a few years in the late 1980s, I found thedocumentary very interesting.

Electric cars

Although I stopped my car driving 20 years ago, I continue my interest in what is happening in the world of cars. 

All of us are witnessing an interest in electric vehicles among consumers as well as manufacturers. The latest news that the famous car manufacturer BMW is introducing two versions of it's mini EVs is interesting. I do hope that such cars will help enormously in these times of vehicular pollution.

Although EVs seem to be a very environmentally friendly, I think that their safety aspects due to over charging etc. cannot be ignored. According to news reports, there were a few incidents of  accidental burning of EVs during charging. 

Safety aspects should be thoroughly experimented and analysed with careful follow up before rolling EVs into mass production and distribution. 

Divine Discourse

According to Shaasthraas, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu can accept our worship or communication to him in any language.

Although I am not familiar in Gujaraathi language, I do derive immense joy by viewing divine discourses by respected Shree Nitya Swaroopa Daas Jee Maharaj, as telecast daily by Aashthaa Bhajan TV Channel. 

Jai Shree Swaami Naaraayan Jee🙏.

NASA

A few decades ago, climatic conditions in India were as defined in our Hindu Almanac. This included two months of rainy season followed by two months of winter, and so on.

Ever Indian knows that this pattern is changed and the culprit is the greed of human mind. We have meddled with God given Nature too much by destroying our forsets, vehicular and industrial carbon  dioxide emissions etc.

NASA's latest news report that it is sending a mission to Jupiter's moon's to explore possibility of human living conditions there indicates human desire to pollute Jupiter's moon as if human attempted pollution on Earth and meddling with God given Nature is not enough. What NASA does is ethically wrong.

Psychology

There was an interesting phone-in programme involving an expert in psychology on DD Karnatakka Karnataka TV Channel this morning. As I don't know how to read Kannada, I didn't know the expert's name. She was defining the term gratitude. Unfortunately many times we across people whom we have helped a lot but later these rascals behave with no gratitude at all.

Vijaya Dashami

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. It is celeberated as Vijaya Dashami. This day is also known as Dusseraa. This day is also known as Buddha Jayanthi; Shree Mahaa Vishnu manifested as Buddhaa on this day. This day is also celebrated as Madhwa Jayanthi.

I am well learned neither in Sanskrit nor in Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures. From whatever little I know, Dusseraa is known as Dash Haraa in Hindi. I think that it means the victory of good over evil marked by Lord Shree Raam's killing of ten headed Demon King Raavan. 

2024 Nobel Prize for Literature

This year's Nobel Prize for English Literature has been announced according to a News Report. The winner may be a popular writer but her book 'The Vegetarian' is just trash. 

When I read the contents of the award winning book, I find that vegetarianism is shown in very bad light, thereby insulting all vegetarians.  

It is as bad as when Arundathi Roy was given Booker Prize for her book 'God of Small Things' a few years ago.

Nobel Foundation has committed a large blunder backed by undue bias. 

Lumumba's Africa

As a professional who worked in Africa for a few years, I continue my interest in African development issues. In this respect, people of my age know the enormous contributions of Russia in economic development of several African nations. (I have literally witnessed a few when working as Physics Teacher in Government High Schools in Ethiopia). 

Russian Government founded Patrice Lumumba University in 1960 to offer tertiary level education to students from Africa and Asia. Many African leaders graduated from this university. The university offers a wide variety of courses in different areas, comparable to any first class university in the West.

This evening, it was pleasure to view a lecture by an African economist as telecast by Russia Today TV Channel. Prof Lumumba analyses the current socio economic situation of African countries quoting very Africa centred examples and solutions. He speaks with great passion for African culture and traditions. When looked at African perspective, it should be very inspiring to African youth today. Most importantly, he seems to motivate African youth into contributing to one Africa that includes all countries in the continent, with no visa restrictions and with one currency, like in the European Union.

I think that our Ministers and MPs should listen to his lectures so that they can learn how to motivate our youth in building our country as super power with great Hindu culture and traditions.

Ratan Tata's demise

Mr Ratan Tata's death has created a small hole, which is quite natural, in the Industrial Development scenario of our country. He was popularly known as an effective industrialist who contributed a lot to the economic development of our country but also made the lives of even common folk easier via his Tata Play, Big Basket, etc.

May his soul rest in peace.

Festivals in Addis Ababa

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, having worked in African countries, I have always been interested in documentary shows featuring Africans. This evening's episode of WION TV Channel's World of Africa included an interesting report on festivals in Addis Ababa. I nostlgically remember my stay in Addis in 1982 and 1983 as Phyics Teacher in their Government Schools.  Thanks, Eric Nyoka and WION.

World Teachers Day

Today is International Teachers Day Temple priests, farmers, teachers, and medical doctors are backbones of any developing country.

Best wishes to all teachers.

Marvelous Mysuru

It was pleasure viewing a documentary about Mysuru Palace on DD Karnataka TV Channel this evening. 

Being the second largest city in Karnataka, Mysuru is home of many auspicious and historic sites. One of these is Avadootha Daththa Peetam. 

The city was a great centre of learning Sanskrit. I fondly remember that my mother's maternal uncle known as 'Vaasu maamaa' was Principal of a Sanskrit College in Mysuru many decades ago.

It is said that Mysuru was the place of origin of Mysuru Pak, an internationally popular sweet snack.

Divine Nine Nights Fest

Today marks the beginning of Navaraathri Uthsava, the divine nine nights festival.

School Teacher's Role in Today's India

Any sensible Education Administration Professional in our country would know that teachers in our schools are under enormous undue pressure from school management, students and parents. A few days back, CNA TV telecast a detailed documentary outlining the undue pressure on school teachers in Korea. From my experience of more than 30 years in School Education at different levels in different countries, I think that many of the problems faced by Korean teachers are experienced by teachers in our country as well. As far as I have experienced, main culprits are School Administration Boards and parental community. These two have unrealistic expectations and put teachers under enormous, some times unbearable pressure. In our country we still don't have any support system to help teachers in difficulty. Of course there is a lot of lip service and occassional recognition of teachers' role on Teacher's Day etc. But this is certainly not adequate to protect our teachers' interests. 

Gandhi Jayanthi

Today is the birth anniversary of Gandhiji and Lal Bahadur Shastriji, two great political leaders of our country.

Awesome Addis Ababa

As a professional who worked in Africa for many years, I have always been interested in Africa based documentaries. This morning I had the pleasure of viewing one such documentary on Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. 

I taught Physics in Ethiopian Government Senior Secondary Schools in Endaselassie and later in Sheno, a small town near Addis Ababa, in 1982 and 1983. I remember my frequent visits to Addis Ababa during weekends.

I and my good friend Sebastian (Sebastian Perumcheril John) got our initial posting in Endaselassie a remote village in Tigrai region. It was a small village but land locked. There was a lot of separatist violence and gunshots were common. It was not safe to walk on streets even during day time. Although the local Police prevented crimes in the village, missile and gun shot attacks by Tigrai Liberation Front from outside the village  into any area in the village were very common. Hence I and Sebastian went to Addis Ababa and stayed in the city to try for transfer to the city or any neighbouring town. During that period, I stayed in Awraris Hotel, which was a 5 star hotel. It was a bit expensive, but very comfortable. I nostalgically remember my favourite vegetarian pizza and the varieties of coffee seved in the restaurant. I remember the UNESCO Library very near the Education Ministry, German Cultural Centre and The British Council Library, to which I was a regular visitor. I remember the first two books that I bought in one of the numerous well stocked book shops in the city. One of the two books contained all songs sung by The Beatles. The other book was a secondary school Physics textbook written by one Mr Murray. I could also buy audio cassette tapes in book shops. It was great fun to see films such as Amithab Bachan's 'Kaalaa Paththar', Arthur C Clarke's '2001: A Space Odyssey', etc.

I love Addis Ababa a lot. Let me take you on a virtual visit to this interesting city.

Life-long learning

Most of us have heard about life-long learning that means that we keep learning through out our lives. I realised the meaning of this some time back. We Indians know that Jaipur is known as 'Pink city'. This evening from a documentary on FRANCE 24 TV Channel, I learnt that Toulouse in France is also known as Pink City. Let me share the interesting documentary show here. 

Kris Kristofferson

According to a TV News Report , 88 years old Kris Kristofferson, an American  singer and actor, died at his home in Hawai.

I don't remember having listened to any of his songs. But people of my generation know that he was associated with popular singers such as Bob Dylan, Barbara Streisland and Johnny Cash. I used to enjoy listening to Country singer Johnny Cash, folk singer-cum-song writer Bob Dylan, etc. during my college days. (I once read that Bob Dylan was influenced by the American poet Dylan Thomas).

Although western soft rock, country and folk music sound similar superficially, music enthusiasts know that they do have obvious differences amongst them.

Kris will be remembered for his Country songs and films by his numerous fans.

International Translation Day

Today is celeberated as International Translation Day. On this day, I fondly remember Mrs Mini Krishnan, my friend and former colleague at Macmillan India Limited now known as Macmillan Education India Private Limited.  She is a simple lady with a great sense of humour. My best wishes to her.

Berlin Marathon

Two Ethiopian athletes have won Men's and Women's Titles in this year's Berlin Marathon. This is not surprising if we look at the history of global athletics. It has always been Africans, in particular Ethiopians and Kenyans, who have been at the top in athletic events. In my professional experience in African countries, I have seen the importance that the public, Government Systems and NGOs attach to popularise athletics and soccar among youth. It is an undeniable fact that these two are more economical than games such as cricket.

Many times I have seen African students practising athletics and soccar during school hours and during weekends. Even in remote African villages, locals gathered to witness their favourite sportspersons take part in these games during holidays.

Technology in our lives

In my previous post, I mentioned the anniversary of Google. It is an undeniable fact that we experience the benefits of technology in our daily lives.

(In my own life, I keep deriving the benefits of technology. When I was a high school student, I was considered to have very good handwriting. Somehow, it gradually became shabby. As I finished my first degree, I thought that typewriter was a better option than writing by hand, when writing letters to friends. I bought a portable typewriter and it did serve me very well. Later in the early '90s, like most people of my age, I began using desktop computer alongwith scanner and printer. In those days, most computers had Windows as the Operating System. I nostalgically remember Windows 3.1 that was easy to use. Rightly or wrongly, compared to Windows 11 that I use in current PC, a laptop, I think that Windows 3.1 was more attractive).

I think that people of my age at 73, are generally not as  interested in going for outings, eating out etc. as they would have been, when they were younger. I like to avoid walking on the streets partly due to my age and partly to avoid rowdy looks of men who smoke and stare at elderly people. Bicycling or self driving one's own car becomes hazardous even after 60 years of age. Thanks to Technology, we have call taxi facilities and mobile phones to assist.

After Google Pay came into being, most of us don't physically go to the bank to pay bills and for other transactions. We don't need to go out for shopping. I am glad that I can pay the monthly wage to my servant maid, rent to my landlord etc. using Google Pay. When calltaxis fail, we are forced to depend on autorikshaw drivers in the city. Although most of them charge exhorbitantly (about no Tamilnadu State Government has taken any step so far), it is good that the drivers can accept payment via Google Pay. 

Technology is beneficial if it is in good hands.    

Google anniversary

Today is Google's 26th anniversary. We all know the immense benefits of Google in our daily lives. Best wishes to Sundar Pichai and his team.