Berlin in United Germany

During lunch, as I was browsing the TV Channels, I came across an interesting program on DW TV. It was a documentary on Berlin.

Half of Berlin city belonged to West Germany (known as Federal Republic of Germany) and the other half, to East Germany (German Democratic Republic) with the two countries backed by the US and the then USSR respectively before the Berlin Wall was dismantled in the late '80s or early '90s. I remember how my colleagues from West Germany were doubtful about the benefits of unification of these two countries as a single country. When we look at history, we can find that both countries benefited from the unification and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.

I tried to provide a link to the program, but couldn't find any option in DW TV's website.

There are other examples such as Vietnam as well, with similar results.

I think that when countries unite, they are stronger.

Hanumad Jayanthi

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It is the birth anniversary of Hanumaanji, a great devotee of Lord Shree Raam. He is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva, who is considered to be a great devotee of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Hanumaanji manifested as Bheemaa in Dwaapara Yugaa and as Shree Madhwaachaarya in this Kali Yugaa. Madhwaachaarya is the leading sage of Maadhwaa community, to which I belong.

Today is celeberated as Hanumad Jayanthi.

Hanumaanji with Lord Shree Raam and Shree Seethaa Devi in his heart

Ecstatic Shree Madhwaachaarya with Shree Krishna Idol that he found in the ocean

Let me share a Utube video showing Cambodian depiction of the part of Raamaayana, in which Hanumaanji meets Shree Seethaa Devi.

Migrants and community service

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel brings out very good documentaries. One of these is 'Where We Call Home'.

This evening's episode of the program featured a migrant from Bangladesh who is settled in Japan for more than twenty years. Married to a Japanese woman, he and his wife serve the local community in Japan as well as his native village in Bangladesh. The episode also features a migrant from Morocco who helps the local community in Japan. Let me share the episode.

Chennai power cuts

It is a well known fact that frequent power cuts are normal in many parts of Chennai, including that in which I reside.

There has been a power cut for nearly two hours, as I am writing this post. I understand that the Tamilnadu Electricity Board office has been informed of this. But still, as usual, there is no appropriate action by Government officials. 

I think that politicians and officials who are insensitive to consumer (who is also a tax payer) needs, and are irresponsible should be brought to justice and dismissed from service for life (not mere suspension from duties). Unless this happens politician rascals and government official rascals will continue to behave in this disgraceful manner.

These evil people deserve handling.

 

Old traditions and customs

It was pleasure viewing a documentary on NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel's 'Zero Waste Life Special'. The program features a granny's attempts to preserve old traditions even today. Her attempt to educate her grandchilden on the use of mosquito nets made me remember my beloved mother's attempts, when we were children. We enjoyed sleeping inside the mosquito nets. Those were good old days. 

Divine discourse

It was great joy listening to Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa this evening on Sanskaar TV by Acharya Mridul Krishna Maharaj.

Shree Raam Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Shree Raama Navami by Hindu people all over the world.

Lord Shree Raam lived during Threthaa Yugaa that preceded Dwaapara Yugaa. Duration of Dwaapara Yugaa was 8 Lakhs and 64 thousand human years. It was during Dwaapara Yugaa that Lord Shree Krishna incarnated. Now we are in Kali Yugaa, that began nearly 5000 years after Dwaapara Yugaa ended. 

The Beatles memory

Recent news that the 1970 movie 'Let It Be' featuring The Beatles' last song is about to be released after 50 years, next month. It will be an occassion of pleasure to numerous fans of the Fab Four globally.

Lake Biwa and the wooden bench

As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, Japan's NHK World TV Channel is a good source of information on Japanese Culture and Traditions. This morning, it was pleasure to view an episode of  it's 'Document 72 hours' programme. It featured lake Biwa and a small wooden bench in front of it. As in all such programmes, it was amazing to see how the people who visit the lake not only cherish all the goodness that the lake offers but also pay their thanks to the small wooden bench placed under a tree in front of the lake. Let me share the episode.

Traditional New Year Day

Hindus in Kerala, Tamilnadu and some other states in India celeberate today as their traditional New Year Day. People in countries such as Cambodia and Laos also celeberate today as their New Year Day due to their Hindu ancestry.

Electrifying vintage cars

Although I stopped self-driving years ago, I retain my interest in cars of 1980s to 2000, probably like many people of my age (72 years).

This morning's episode of WION TV'S Tech It Out carried a news report on electrifying vintage cars. Seems to be a good idea.

Mathsya Jayanthi

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

Swagati Laxmi Dasgupta

Thanks to Tatasky and DD Madhya Pradesh; I had the pleasure of viewing a song by Ms Swagata Lakshmi Dasgupta in 'Geetaanjali' program on TV this afternoon. 

This song is a tribute to Gandhiji. The program showed Mrs Indira Gandhi as well. 

Gandhiji and Indira Gandhi  were assassinated by rascals. Indira Gandhi's assassin was acquitted by a rascal criminal lawyer named Ram Jethmalani. This Ram Jethmalani was appointed as Law Minister when Mr Vajpayee was Prime Minister in the BJP led Central Government at that time.

Traditional New Year Day

Some days in this week and the next are important to Hindus all over the world. They celeberate these days as traditional New Year Day depending upon their regional and traditional beliefs. For example,  people in Telengana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh celebrate today as Ugaadhi. People in Maharashtra celeberate it as Gudi Paadwaa. People in Kerala and Tamilnadu celeberate their New Year Day next week.

Divine discourse

I had the joy of listening to Dr Shyamsundar Parasharji's Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa on Ashthaa TV Channel this morning. He explained how the seven sounds 'Sa,...Ni' were formed from sounds of seven different animals and birds, as he explained the verses such as those related to Kunthi's prayer to Lord Shree Krishna to keep giving  sorrowful  experiences to her so that she can remember Him always. Such was her purest form of Krishna Bhakthi.

Guyana

This afternoon I had bumped in to charismatic Stephen Sakur's 'Hardtalk' on BBC News Channel.  Usually the programme consists of an interview. But this time, it was different. It was like viewing a travel show. 

It featured developmental issues in the country as well as an interview with Mr Mohammed Irfan Ali, the country's young President. 

Guyana has a very sizable population (40%) of Indian (Bhaarath) ancestry. 

Let me share the programme.

Christian Fest

Today and day after tomorrow are important days as Good Friday and Easter Sunday to Christians. My best wishes to my Christian friends here in India and abroad.

 

Saxophonist from India

As I was tuning in to my TV Channels, I bumped into an interesting interview with Shree Kadiri Manikanth, son of Shree Kadiri Gopalnath, celeberated saxophonist on DD Karnataka Channel.

Kadiri Manikanth 

Naxalite movement

Politics has never been an area of interest to me at any time in my life. Besides, I am neither a competent politician nor a competent political analyst.

From an ordinary citizen's point of view, I think that our judicial and police systems punish innocent people and leave criminals and evil people free, due to several pitfalls in our police and juciary. I am sure that many educated citizens of my age would agree with me.

When Naxalite movement was started several years back, it did, with good intentions of wiping out evil and corrupt politicians and beurocrats. But unfortunately bad people entered the movement and brought in terrorism etc.

This evening, when tuning my TV channels, I bumped into a Malayalam movie Shikaar on Amrita TV Channel. It is an apt example of what happens when Police (or Judiciary) doesn't function properly. 

Every even minded patriotic citizen of our country knows examples of Police and Judiciary mismanagement when looking at how evil rascals and criminals such as Sasikala (former close associate of Jayalalitha, former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu), Raja, Kanimozhi etc. of the DMK Party, Sashi Tharoor (Congress MP from Tirubabanthapuram), Vijay Mallya, 'Justice' Karnan etc. were initially proved to have comitted offences, but later acquitted with the interference of lawyer rascals who pleased their cases with the aim of acquiring wealth by illegal means by using the several loopholes in the Judiciary System. Kamal Hassan's 'Indian', a movie released in mid 1990s shows a few examples. 

Thus law and order seem to continually get blushed under the carpet in our country, still.

Birthday

Today is the birthday of two famous physicists Dr Stephen Hawking and Dr Albert Einstein. The former was an atheist; he had written many books on Theoretical Physics; he was a man of extraordinary courage to face his rare motor neuron disease until his last moments. Some of his works such as the book 'A brief history of time' is against what revered Hindu Scriptures have mentioned. Hence Stephen Hawkings' book is just his own imagination and hence rubbish.

The latter was a vegetarianism supporter like George Bernard Shaw; he lined Gandhian values and declined an offer by the US Government to head the country's Atomic Enery Commission (I remember his comment broadcast over VOA's Studio One in the late 1960s); Most importantly he was an admirer of Bhagavath Geethaa.

Cambodia centered TV Show

It was interesting to view a Cambodia centered TV Show on Travelxp HD this afternoon. It featured Siem Riep. I wish that the Channel telecasts a show on Phnom Penh (where I was based when I worked at the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports). Phnom Penh is an interesting city and is said to be one of the fastest developing cities in ASEAN. Let me share a UTube video featuring Cambodian Cultural Village in Siem Reap.

An oasis in the desert

We all experience overwhelming reports of violence, nasty political issues etc. in our TV Channels. 

There are very few programs with lofty aims of bringing in positive changes in different communities. Let me share one such program here.

Although our ecosystems and livelihoods cannot be expected to be constant due to application of ever changing Technology, these two could have been prevented from getting into decay to a large extent if we had used models propounded by our ancestors. 

I remember my experiences in villages and towns where I was brought up, in my boyhood. I vividly remember certain periods in the school time table alotted for weaving, carpentry etc. There used be artisans such as potters, weavers etc. all over the villages and towns.

If our Central and State Governments had considered implementing Gandhian values, Principles of Tabindranath Tagore etc. in school and University curricula, things would been far better than what it is today. 

Power politics in Chennai

Chennai residents know very well about frequent power cuts and the Government's lack of following up.

For the past one hour there has been power cut in the area where I reside. Thanks to my portable inverter; but how long will it work?

I am not sure whether this difficulty will be accepted if experienced by rascals in politics and governance.

I think that there should be drastic changes in our political system such that dishonest and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats are eradicated completely from the system. 

It is 10 pm. Electric supply has still not been restored. I wish that the evil employees in the Chennai Metro Electricity Board are forcibly subjected to this difficulty, and dismissed from Government Service permanently.

Cambodian Grandpa

I came across a very interesting news item about a 76 years old Cambodian gentleman who has been serving poor and needy children. He comes from Takeo province in the country. I remember my visits to the area on work, from Phnom Penh, where I was based. Let me share his story.

International Women's Day

Today is celeberated as International Women's Day. 

I think that we don't exist without women. 

Like most men in India, I had thought that men work more than women in common households. It was during my mother's last few years of life (2013 to 2017) when I had to take up household responsibilities, that I realised that it was far more difficult to carry out household tasks as a woman than to work in any office as a man. Women's place in any family is indispensable.

Shivaa Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calendar. This day is celeberated as Mahaa Shiva Raathri. Shiva means Lord Rudra, divine husband of Shree Paarvathi. 

In accordance with Shree Mahaa Vishnu's orders, Lord Rudra carries out his responsibilities in maintaing control of senses in all living things. He is a great devotee of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Singapore Government initiative

Singapore is well known for it's Governance Policies. Besides, the country's school education system has proven to be one of the best at a multinational level.

Singapore Government has announced it's latest initiative of getting involved in child minding. Hope that it's test trial is successful. 

If it is, the model can be adapted by all developing countries including ours.

Divine Discourse

Today is an auspicious day in the Vaishnawite Calender for two reasons; being Wednesday as well as Ekaadashi, today is very auspicious to worship Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

This evening it is spiritually enriching not only to hear 'Shreemad Bhaagavath Kathaa' by Pujya Shree Indresh Upaadhyaayji Maharaj on Sanskar TV Channel, but also to see Pujya Shree Anirudhaachaaryaji Maharaj and Bhaageshwar Dhaam ji Maharaj in the function.

Let me share screenshots from my TV as follows:

Indresh Upaadhyaayji Maharaj 

Seated from left to right:

Shree Anirudhaachaarya ji Maharaj and Shree Bhageshwar Dhaam ji Maharaj 

Seethaa Jayanthi

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celebrated as Seethaa Jayanthi. Seethaa Devi is the wife of Lord Shree Raam. Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and Shree Mahaa Lakshmi incarnated as Lord Shree Raam and Shree Seethaa Devi in Threthaa Yugaa, more than 10 lakhs years ago.

Let me share an animated video on Seethaa Devi's birth.

Lord Shree Raam with Shree Seethaa Devi 

___

World NGO Day

Today is World NGO Day. I remember PREPARE, a Chennai based NGO in which I served for a few years in 1990s.

Barbara Streisland

It is good news that the 81 years old veteran pop singer Barbara Streisand received SAGA Life time Achievement Award. I remember her melodious song 'Woman in Love' that hit both British and the US Popmusic charts for several weeks in 1980s. 

Madhwa Navami

Tomorrow is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender and is of importance to all people like me who belong to Maadhwaa Community of Brahmins. This day is annually celeberated as Madhwa Navami. An Organisation known has Ancient Wisdom of Bharath has produced a movie on Shri Madhwaachaaryaa. Let me share a trailer as forwarded to me by Uttaradi Mutt to which I and my ancestors belong.  My humble Pranaams to Shree Satyaatma Theertha Swaamiji, our Guruji.

World Radio Day

Today is observed as World Radio Day. I fondly remember my portable radio receiver that served me during my career based residences abroad for many years and back home in India.

Pancakes Day in Britain

The British celebrate today as Pancakes Day. All communities eat pancakes prepared on accordance with local traditions. Our country is no exception, with Southern Indian origin Idlies becoming very popular all over the country and abroad.

Divine discourse

It was spiritually enriching in viewing highly charismatic Prembhushanji Maharaj's Raam Kathaa this morning, after several weeks, on Aashtha TV Channel.  (I felt a bit sad that Maharaj's face reflected his ageing; however, it is natural and happens to all of us as ordained by Shree Mahaa Vishnu, who has given every thing to us to live in Dhaarmic manner).

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

As I type this post, I derive God given joy of viewing 'Geetha Bhakthi Mahotsav' organised by Shree Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj in Pune, Maharashtra. Today's chief guest is Shree Vijayendra Saraswathiji Maharaj.

A meeting place of saints and Shree Hari devotees, it includs BJP politicians and ministers who seem to follow the footsteps of our adorable Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modiji who has dedicated his life to serve  the country with no selfish desires.

Many years after our country got independence, it seems like a dawn of new Bhaarath with spiritual awakening, as it was during ancient times in our great country.  

Jai Shree Kamalaa Maadhawaa🙏.

(Shree Kamalaa Maadhav is a manifestation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu).

Oasis in the desert

It is nice that our National Channel is telecasting the  'Raamaaayan' Serial that was first telecast in 1987. The episodes are like oases in the media desert. 

These eposodes remind me of those days, when people used to enjoy viewing the show. I remember how South African TV used to include the program in their Sunday programs list targeted to Indian communities living in the country.

Divine discourse

It was joyful and spiritually highly enriching to listen to a divine discourse on Srimad Bhaagavath Kathaa by Shree Gaurav Krishna Goswamiji Maharaj on my favourite Sanskar TV Channel this evening. He described the unique and divine circumstances during Lord Krishna's birth. Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏.

Divine Discourse

It was a great treat to my eyes, ears and troubled mind this morning (after several weeks) to view a divine discourse on  Srimad Bhaagavath Katha by highly learned and highly charismatic Shree Devacharya Rajendradasji Maharaj on Sanskar TV Channel. 

Gandhiji remembrance day

Today is a historically important day in India. It is the death anniversary of Gandhiji.

Divine Discourse

As I write this post, I experience the joy of hearing Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa by Shree Pundrik Goswamiji's on Ashthaa TV Channel. Shree Goswamiji mentioned the significance of Aishwarya dimension of Shree Mahaa Vishnu as explained by Shree Madhwaachaarya . 

Shree Raam Mandir, Ayodhyaa

I think that today's inauguration of Shree Raam Mandir is an extremely spiritually joyful occassion. Let me share the function. 

It is nice to see a priest from Pejaawar Mutt (one of the Mutts founded by Shree Madhwaachaarya), Shree Govind Giriji, Dr Bhagavat, Chief of RSS, etc. in the function.

(I have written about Shree Govind Giriji in a previous post).

Every Indian should be proud of this auspicious occassion. Every member of the Maadhwaa community (of which I am a member) should be proud too.

I think that people in general and politicians in particular should learn a lesson from observing the humility of Shree Narendra Modi, our beloved Prime Minister, Shree Yogi Addithyanath, Chief Minister of UP, and other dignitaries present in the Divine Abode of Mandasmitha Raam (Lord Shree Raam with mild divine smile) in the Holi City of Ayodhyaa. 

Makara Sankraanthi Fest

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is observed as Makara Sankraanthi.

Lord Shree Raam's Ayodhyaa Fest

It is immense joy viewing DD National TV Channel's "Thaiyaar Ayodhyaa Dhaam Viraajenge Shree Raam" this evening. The programme takes the viewers to the divine city in which preparations are being done for the Lord Shree Raam Fest to be held on 24th of this month. 

Jai Shree Raam🙏.