Corruption

Recently there was news about NEET Exam question paper leak. 

Professionals who have worked as Centre Superintendents of CBSE Exams know that CBSE follows strict security measures in it's exam system. Usually CBSE Exam Centre Superintendents are Principals of the schools alotted as Exam Centres. Students of these schools go to other Centres to write the exams, and vice versa. 

Question papers are kept in lockers of designated National Banks amidst tight security. On the day of each exam, Chief Superintendent goes to the Bank and collects the question papers with 100% security. This happens just before the exam begins. From this time onwards, the Principal and school staff who are assigned exam duties are neither allowed to go to other parts of the school building nor allowed to mingle with other school staff. 

After the exams are over, the answer scripts are sent to the Office of the Regional Deputy Director of CBSE amidst tight security. 

Only after the person who delivered the answer scripts returns to the school, the Chief Superintendent and his team are allowed to leave the area. I know these as a former Superintendent of CBSE Exams.

With such strict rules and regulations, I don't understand how question papers can leak, unless corrupt officials and workers are involved.

I think that the culprits should be given harsh punishment such that they would not even imagine comitting offence ever again.

Bhaarath South Africa Relationship

There was an interesting interview with Shree Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India on RT TV Channel this afternoon. Any person who has visited or lived on South Africa knows about Indian contribution to South Africa and how people of Indian origin live harmoniously with their fellow South Africans. 

Shree Anil Sooklal 

Let me share an interesting South African article on people of Indian origin in South Africa, here.

Divine Discourse

Today in his Raam Kathaa discourse on Aashthaa TV Channel, respected Shree Morari Bapujee mentioned how any man's life is ruined and he is reborn as an animal such as dog, if he listens to his wife's words and acts on them even if they are wrong. 

Many men including me and my beloved brother have experienced what Morari Bapujee mentioned. 

He emphasized the importance of mutual respect between husband and wife.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Sacred River

Yesterday was a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. It was celebrated as Bhaagheerathi Jayanthi. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I read that River Mekong, one of the longest river in South East Asia, derives it's name from 'Maa Gangaa' (meaning 'Mother Gangaa'). 

(When I was working in Cambodia, I have enjoyed the smooth flow of Mekong, with nice Desi sweets served by local Indian restaurants, on my dining table).

River Gangaa is one of the most sacred rivers in Bhaarath Varsh (India). 

As I was out of station yesterday, I couldn't add this post. Yesterday, during my travel, I saw cashew plants on both sides of the National Hughway. I have heard that people eat not only cashew nuts but also the fruits.

The plant isn't large in size. It's green and spread on the land as if it worships Mother Earth with utmost devotion. Although it us well respected nut for eating as well as an offering to Shree Mahaa Vishnu, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and other dieties, it is very humble.  

Let me share a photo of the plant that I shot from the calltaxi window as follows:

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shameless Judiciary

Yesterday I bumped in to Dhruvam, a Malayaalam language movie on Amrita TV Channel. As I have mentioned in a few of my previous posts, Malayaalam movies shot in 1980s and 90s were better than other language movies in general. 

The movie revolves around a financially and physically powerful criminal who escapes death sentence. Narasimha Mannadiar, a well respected feudal lord and member of formal royal family intervenes and kills the criminal by himself. But unfortunately he gets death sentence by the judiciary.

Mammooty (one of my most favourite actors) and Suresh Gopi play the roles of Narasimha Mannadiar and a police officer respectively, in this movie. 

Suresh Gopi is a BJP MP and Minister in our Central Government led by Shree Narendra Modi. 

This movie is an apt depiction of present day scenario with shameless judiciary and police departments with only a minority of honest and straight forward people.

Saatvikaa's success

A few days ago, Tamilnadu Standard 10 Public Exam results were announced. I feel proud that Saatvikaa, younger daughter of Sushma, my niece (my beloved sister's daughter) got 476 out of 500 marks and obtained 4th rank in her class. I congratulated her and her mother (for guiding her). Blessings to Saatvikaa for a bright future. I think that souls of my beloved parents, brother and sister would be glad to hear the news.

L to R: Saatvikaa, Saasvathi (my niece's elder daughter), Reshma (my sister's younger daughter), my beloved sister, Satheesh (Reshma's husband), D Murali (my sister's husband) and Sushma

Saasvathi is also a brilliant student. She is studying for B Sc Degree in Psychology in a reputed college.

The photo was taken a few days before my beloved sister passed away. 

Kishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Skewed State Administration

As I have mentioned in my previous posts, frequent power cuts are common in the area where I reside in Chennai.

Last night there was a power cut lasting for nearly 4 hours. No Electricity Board Engineer and workers fixed the problem in time, provided that they are paid undeservedly high salaries. 

It obviously means that in spite of a newly formed Government in Tamilnadu, there is no improvement in how the State is run.

I think that our political system needs drastic change such that only honest and efficient politicians come to power so that employees at all levels work honestly and responsibly with zero corruption and biases.

I don't know when rascal politicians, beurocrats and workers will be replaced by good ones. I wish that this happens at the earliest.

Divine Discourse

We all know that Raamaayanaa and Mahaa Bhaarathaa are two sacred Epics of our great country. 

As an ordinary human being, I know very little about our Scriptures. Like many men of my age at 74, I am trying to know more about our Ancient Scriptures from books as well as social media such as UTube.

This evening, from a divine discourse by Poojya Shree Sathyaathma Theertha, Chief Guroojee of our Mutt, I came to know that Mahaa Bhaarathaa contains detailed account of Lord Shree Raam in it's 'Vana Parva'. 

Lord Shree Raam lived in Threthaa Yugaa and Lord Shree Krishna lived much later in Dwaapara Yugaa.

L to R: Lord Lakshman, Hanumaanji, Lord Shree Raam, Shree Seethaa Devi 

Jai Shree Raam🙏

Lord Shree Krishna and Shree Rukmini Devi

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji 

Jai Shree Shubadhraa evam Shree Balabadhraa evam Shree Sudharshana sametha Shree Jagannaathaa🙏

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Naxalite movement and Cannes Film Festival

Today's news that 'Amma ariyan', the Malayalam movie of 1986 won standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival is a fitting tribute to the movie and the team that made the film. As I have mentioned in my previous posts Malayalam movies of the 1980s stood out from the rest and that Naxalite movement began with lofty objectives although it's modus operandi was/is not proper. It began to wipe out incorrigibly corrupt politicians, beurocrats and second fidling workers. 

Lord Shree Krishna stated in His Bhagavadh Geethaa that He would incarnate on Earth in every Yugaa to protect good people and destroy evil people.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Divine Discourse on Lord Shree Raam

It was joy to view Shree Chinmayanand Baapujee Maharaj's Devine discourse on Lord Shree Raam this evening on Aashthaa TV Channel. 

Baapujee explained Guru's importance to us. He mentioned that even Shree Raam and Shree Krishnaa respected their Gurus. There are numerous instances that show how even Shree Mahaa Vishnu sought guidance of Gurus during His Incarnations. For instance, when Bharathaa came to the Forest to search for his elder brother Lord Shree Raam and request Him to return to Ayodhyaa and lead the land as King, he went to Maharishi Bharadhwaaj Ashram, and sought his guidance. The Maharishi told him that he can find Lord Shree Raam, Seetha Devi and Lakshmana in the nearby Chithrakoot mountain.

Chinmayanand Bapujee explained that it is important to look at the goodness in people and ignore any bad things in them. My beloved mother used to emphasise this point and she followed it.

Baapujee narrated an interesting experience of his. He met a young Indian American who was on a visit to Vrindhaavan. The youth was displaying his disgust at the dirty lanes in the town. Baapuji called him and asked "Did you come to Vrindhaavan all the way from the US by spending a lot of money to look at the dirty lanes or to have Dharshan of Lord Shree Krishna?"

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Jai Shree Raam🙏

My beloved sister

This afternoon Reshma, my sister's younger daughter sent a photo to me. It was shot a few years ago during the wedding of my beloved brother's daughter. Let me share the photo as follows:

L to R: Myself, my beloved brother, my cousin, my maternal uncle and my beloved sister.

Hari Sarvoththamaa🙏

Vaayu jeevoththamaa🙏

Powercut pandemic

This afternoon there was a powercut lasting nearly 2 hours. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, this is some thing very frequent in our area in Chennai. 

Although the political scenario in Tamilnadu has undergone an unexpected change, it is too early to guess how the new coalition will govern the State.

According to a News Report, MLAs in all political parties including the ruling TVK have criminal charges on them. This is certainly discouraging.

I hope that Joseph Vijay and his team will manage the State better than those in Dravidian parties. 

As an educated middle class senior citizen, I wish that an honest political party with zero corruption comes to power at State and Central levels in our country.

Unless any Government functions such that even poor people are provided with basic human rights of food, clothes and shelter, and there is zero corruption in all Departments, particularly in Judiciary and Police, the Government is useless. It should be driven away permanently and replaced by other practically viable options.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fests

Today is a very auspicious to Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees. Today is Ekaadashi, very auspicious to worship Shree Mahaa Vishnu. Today being Wednesday, Shree Mahaa Vishnu is the Presiding Deity.

Today is the anniversary on which Shree Brahnanya Theertha attained the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Krishna.

Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏

Helping hand in an alien land

This afternoon, RT TV Channel telectast an interesting documentary that showed how Russia helped Mauritius that was emormously affected by a natural disaster neary 50 years ago.

As a person who has not been interested in local, national or international politics, I keep my unbiassed stand about Russia and Ukraine and I think that both countries need to be mutually friendly and support each other.

When I was working in Ethiopia as a Physics Teacher in a remote area in Tigrai Region in 1982-83, I and my fellow Indian colleague Sebastian Peruumcheril John from Kerala, used to be greeted by local children. Our colleagues used to tell that we were treated how these children's parents treated Russians who offered enormous help in socio-economic development of Ethiopia. I have seen how educated Ethiopians respected Marxist Leninist ideologies.

The documentary shows opinions of a few Mauritians of Indian ancestry.

Let me share the documentary here.

Travel Shows

Currently telecast Travel Program 'Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure' by BBC WORLD TV Channel is different and more meaningful than those telecast by others. Charismatic presenter Clive takes us to places and people instead of just the dining table. I wish that in future, BBC telecasts such programs that feature people and places and not just eating and food. Today's program was shot in Barbados.

Solar Energy

Yesterday there was a TV News item according to which our Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi encouraged farmers to reduce the use of fertilisers and opt for solar energy. Solar energy has been proven to be better than Nuclear Energy, Fossile Fuel etc. With harmful chemicals in fertilisers, his advice is obviously very meaningful. 

Last week I came to know that solar battery recycling in a town in Africa caused enormous pollution with consequent effect on the health of residents.

I think that innovative projects should be implemented with caution.

Evil Public Administration

A few minutes ago, as I was viewing a Malayaalam language movie of 1980s on TV, there was a tranformer blow out and power cut (which is a very frequent happening as I mentioned a few of my previous posts). 

As I mentioned previously, the rascal MLA of the area, politicians and incorrigibly evil employees in the Tamilnadu Electricity Board need to be dismissed from service and to be banned from service permanently.

Although there has been drastic changes in the State Political System in recent elections, unless problems such as frequent powercuts, unreasonable autofares etc. are fixed, it obviously means that whichever political parties will be involved in State Governance, they prove themselves to be inefficient. Consumer Organisations too need drastic changes with dismissal of current workers involved.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender in many aspects. Today being Friday, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi is today's Presiding Deity. Today is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Divine Turtle. This day is celeberated as Koorma Jayanthi. Today is also the day on which Vyaasa Pooja is performed. Today is known as Vyaasa Pournimaa.

Following is a photo of a rock art showing Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Koormaa incarnation at Angkor Wat, Siem Riep, Cambodia:

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. It is celebrated as Shree Narasimha Jayanthi, anniversay of the day on which Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Shree Narasimhaa billions of years ago during Trethaa Yugaa. Devotees offer special worship to Shree Narasimha and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Narasimhaa🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. It is the anniversary on which Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu appeared as Shree Vedavyaasa on our planet. On this day, devotees offer special worship to Shree Vedavyaasa manifestation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Jai Shree Vedavyaasa Roopena Shree  Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Sarva Ekaadashi or Mohini Ekaadashi. Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi on this day; they also observe fasting and get involved in Shree Mahaa Vishnu Bhakthi on this day as completely as possible. 

Lord Shree Krishna fondly carried by His earthly father King Vasudevaa

Lord Shree Krishna preaching Bhagavad Geethaa to Arjunaa 

At the background, Vishwa roopa manifestation of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu 

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Oasis in the desert

My beloved sister's 13th day ceremony was held today at our Uttaraadi Mutt. I had booked for trips from residence to the Mutt and back via Ola Auto. Fares were Rs 350 and Rs 300 respecticely.  I think that the fares were reasonable. 

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

Sacred River Gangaa Fest

Tomorrow is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. Devotees offer special worship to Gangaa, the sacred river. They perform Gangaa Poojaa on this day.

River Gangaa at Sunrise

Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏

Turning waste into utility products

We are all well aware of how plastic bottles and metal cans are wasted and cause harm to the ecosystem in different ways. Social media is flooded with documentaries showing how individuals and NGOs work in turning waste into useful products. DW TV Channel telecast on such programme in today's episode of Eco Africa. 

In our country there are individuals and NGOs involved in this, but the number is small. There should be more people and NGOs involved.

Our Gurujee's Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Maadhwaa community of Brahmins. This day is the 31st anniversary of the Vedhaantha Pattaabhisheka Festival of Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, Chief Pontiff of our Uttaradi Mutt to which I belong. Today is also an auspicious day related to Shree Ramachandra Theerthaa.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

Auto driver atrocity

I had to travel from my house to another part of Chennai this morning to participate in the 10th day cermony of my beloved sister's death. I tried to book my travel via droptaxi, Ola and Uber, but in vain. I was told that the chance of getting a vehicle was low today as today is the day on which Hindu weddings are held.

There were three autorickshw drivers at the nearby autorickshaw stand. Two of them said the venue of my sister's death ceremony was too far and refused. The third guy offered to take me. But he demanded a hefty Rs 700. As usual my bargaining with the auto guy didn't succeed, and I did have to shell out Rs 700.

When returning, my niece's daughter booked for my return trip using Ola or some other well known Operator. But foolishly I had arranged for a private autorikshaw driver nearby for my return trip earlier. As he refused to accept cancellation, I had no option to pay to him for my return trip. This rascal demanded Rs 500; still he was better than the morning's rascal. My niece's daughter's booking resulted in a payment of Rs 350 only for the trip.

Atrocities by autorickshaw drivers is common and well known in Chennai and Tamizh Naadu for the past 50 years or so. No State Government has ever addressed this issue. None of the election manifestoes of any party includes this issue.

I once complained to the State and Central Consumer Forums, but they didn't even care to reply. Same was the case when I wrote to State and Central Human Rights Commissions.

I heard that most autorickshaws are owned by politicians and police staff. These rascals need to die at the earliest, so that commuters and mother earth will be free from rascals.

I think that no political party is 100% genuine.

My beloved sister

10th day's ceremony related my beloved sister's demise was performed this morning. 

I find it diffifcult to bear the pain left by beloved sister.

My beloved sister

L to R: Satheesh (My niece Reshma's husband), Reshma, Saaswathi (Elder daughter of my elder niece Sushma), Sushma, Saatwikaa (Younger daughter of Sushma), Kamala Jyothi (My beloved sister) and D Murali (My sister's husband).

I wish that my sister's soul gets ready to reach the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Hari Sarvoththamaa Vaayu Jeevoththamaa🙏.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. It is celebrated as Akshaya Thrithiya.

Today is also auspicious as the anniversary of incarnation of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu as Lord Parashuraam.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.

Ageing and facial complexion

It is a well known medically proven fact that as we get older our facial complexion changes. In most cases, it is fast. But in a few cases, it is slow. For instance, Bill Clinton and his wife seem to be in the majority category. Mammutty, the Malayalam movie actor and Aparna Sen, West Bengal movie actress seem to be in the minority category. God's Will is far above our human expectations.

Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏.

My beloved mother's death anniversary

According to our Uttaraadi Mutt Almanac, today is the death anniversary of my beloved mother. As in every year, I got the Shraadha (Death anniversary ceremony) performed for her. 

Until year before last, I and my beloved brother used to perform it together.

A few priests at the ceremony venue inquired about my brother; I had to reply that he passed away last year, with a heavy heart. When I told them that my beloved sister also passed away, last week, they said that they felt very sad.

My beloved sister

My beloved brother 

L to R: My beloved mother and my beloved father

Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏.

Online shopping oddity

Yesterday I placed order for a mouthwash via Big Basket. The item was delivered. But I  was shocked to find that the plastic bottle containing the mouthwash neither had a seal with it nor inside it. It was as if some one had opened it earlier. Moreover, the liquid was only 4/5 th of the bottle. I regret that I wasted my money in buying this product. I tried to provide a link to the online advertisement but the product is removed from the list. However let me attach a photo of the product as shown below:

I wasted Rs 157.25 on this unreliable product. I am writing this post to let readers to be careful when doing online shopping. 

My beloved sister's demise

Today the 5th day's ceremony of my beloved sister's demise was performed. I wish that my beloved sister's soul is preparing on it's way to the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and meet the souls of my beloved parents and beloved brother to serve Him eternally.

My beloved sister

My beloved brother 

My beloved parents 

Jai Shree Mahaa Vishnu🙏.

Traditional New Year Day

In many states in Bharath (India), people celebrate today as their traditional New Year Day. For example, Puththaamdu in Tamizh Naadu, Vishu in Keralam, Baisakhi in Punjab, Bhoisakhee in West Bengal, Bihu in Assam etc.

I have sent New Year Day Greetings to my friends who celebrate today as their New Year Day. 

Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today being Ekaadashi, is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. On Ekaadashi days, the presiding deity is none other than Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu Himself.

Today is also an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa community of Brahmins.  It is the anniversary of the day on which in Sathyvijaya Nagaram, Shree Sathyavijaya Theertha attained the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Krishna.

(Sathyavijaya Nagaram was home to many Sanskrit scholars. One such was my mother's maternal uncle known as 'Vaasu Maamaa'.  He was Principal of a Sanskrit College in  Mysuru in those days).

On Ekaadashi days, I view only Hindu Spiritual Programs on TV or on Utube. This evening I had the joy of listening to 'Hari Kathaa Amrutha Saara' meaning 'Essence of Shree Hari's Stories' in Kaanaadaa language as explained by a scholar. In his discourse he explains how Sampaathi, a vulture, got it's wings burnt when approaching the Sun, and how it got them back when listening to Shree Raam's Story as told by a monkey who was in the large team set out to serve Lord Shree Raam to rescue Seetha Devi, His wife, from Sri Lankaa. One of the monkeys requested Sampaathi to fly over Sri Lanka and find out Seethaa Devi's location. Sampaathi immediately flew over the ocean and Sri Lanka, came back to the monkeys and told Seetha Devi's presence in the Ashoka Vanaa in Sri Lanka. I think that this information helped Hanumaanji, the greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam, in uniting Lord Shree Raam with Shree Seethaa Devi, His Wife and our Divine Mother. 

Sampaathi

Lord Shree Raam, Shree Seethaa Devi and Hanumaanji 

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

My beloved sister's demise

My beloved sister passed away yesterday. She was in hospital for a few days but the medical treatment was in vain. I am unable to bear the pain.

Following photos show her:

My sister is seated in the left. It was during her younger daughter's wedding in 2020.

My sister is seated 2nd from left. This was at a family function of my beloved brother three years ago.

Two months ago when I was hospitalized for two weeks, it was my sister who was with me round the clock at the hospital. I cannot forget the emotional support that she gave. It was she who recommended an efficient dental clinic near her home for getting my dentures fixed.

She was proud of Reshma, her younger daughter. Having had brilliant academic credential in her B Tech Degree followed by hardworking career in a multinational Publishing Company, she has travelled to many countries on work. My sister told me that recently her Company sanctioned an increase in salary such that her salary per month is Rs One lakh. 

My sister was proud of Sushma, her elder daughter too. Sushma is taking care of Saaswathi and Saatwickaa, two daughters. 

My sister never thought of leaving her matrimonial home for her parents' home even in non-conducive situations.

Following photoes were taken most recently:

My sister and Reshma

L to R: Reshma, my sister, and Satheesh, Reshma's husband

L to R: Saathwikaa, Saaswathi (Sushma's daughters), Reshma, Kamala Jyothi (my beloved sister), Satheesh (Reshma's husband), Murali (my brother-in-law) and Sushma.

L to R: My beloved sister and Sushma, her elder daughter. 

My sister's mortal remains were cremated this evening.

I wish that Shree Hari gives mental strength to her husband, daughters, grand-daughters and son-in-law to bear the loss.

My parents gave birth to three of us (children). Having lost my beloved parents and beloved siblings, I am overwhelmed by loneliness.

I wish that my beloved sister's soul will be on it's way to serve the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu🙏🙏.