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.

I wish that her 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. 

Hidden facts in our Economic Development

We all hear that our country's economy is getting stronger and stronger, common folks' digital transactions are on the rise etc etc. But there are very important aspects that affect the common folk but are never brought out in the open in our country. One such is the interest amount given to investers by our Banks and Financial Institutions.  

While interested rates applicable to repayment in house loan, car loan etc are kept lower, investors who never take any loan and invest their hard earned money in Fixed Deposits, Mutual Funds etc are given only very low interest from 6 to 8 per cent. MF Institutions advertise 15% interest etc whereas it seems to be not a fact.

I think that BJP is better than other political parties. But still, it's priority list needs a drastic change and prompt action.

I think that our Government should look into this issue very seriously and help investors, especially retired senior citizens by fixing this anamoly and increase the interest rates.

BJP led Government has done better in improving the lives of poor and low income group people than Governments run by other parties. Like all other political parties it has worked very wrongly to improve the status of the wealthy including Business persons, politicians and second fiddling beurocrats. 

The party has certainly not made any good changes to people in the middle income category, particularly senior citizens. 

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🙏🙏.

Rascals in politics and their atrocities

As election date is nearing in Tamilnadu, political parties seem to have toned up their ugly propagandas and largely false manifestoes to dupe the public in Chennai.

For the past two three days, high level sounding substandard amplifier systems and voices of filthy party men and women disturb not only the ecosystem but also the low level sounds of people and traffic in many areas in the city.

It is a pity that there is no strict watchdog system to monitor this chaos (although a lot of rules and regulations are already there in government notifications on paper as well on social media).

Filthy political rascals should get lost into oblivion permanently. 

Companion cup of coffee

We all know that coffee and tea are most consumed beverages all over the world. There are people like me who drink coffee in the morning not only to refresh but also for smooth bowel movement. I drink just one cup of not more than 200 ml per day. I drink equal amount of tea with milk in the evening. I think that most Indians consume coffee and tea in this manner.

This morning CNA TV Channel telecast an interesting documentary on coffee a screenshot of which is as follows:

I remember Koffius brand of coffee when I was working in South Africa. There were high quality Chinese brands in Cambodia. My line manager made sure that I had an electric sater kettle, milk powder, sugar and instant coffee powder made available daily in my office. 

In Ethiopia, I used to buy local brands; they were excellent. When searching using Google Search I didn't find "Koffious". The brand would have been changed. I found other brands as follows:

Ethiopian coffee is one of the best with it's different varieties such as makkiatho, bunnaa wotet, cuppuchino etc. sold even in rural restaurants.

I clearly remember sipping a cup of makkiatho (strong coffee with milk) at a restaurant in Addis Ababa on a drizzling evening in January 1982 on my way back from the local British Council Library. The only sound heard in the restaurant was that of coffee glasses and spoons.

Let me sign off from this post by sharing a photo of Ethiopian Coffee ritual as follows:

National Siblings Day

Many countries celebrate today as National Siblings Day.

I am blessed with a brother and a sister. I fondly remember my beloved brother who passed away last year.

My beloved brother 

This morning Suresh, a friend of mine sent the following photo to me:

Suresh and his younger brother Ramesh

Suresh's parents and my parents were great friends. Suresh spent his career in Life Insurance Corporation of India and has won awards.

There are numerous examples of strong brotherhood and sisterhood in our ancient Hindu Scriptures. Well known ones are that between Lord Shree Raam and his brothers, that between Paandava brothers, and that between Lord Shree Krishna, Lord Shree Balaraam and Shubadhraa.

Lord Shree Raam with Shree Seethaa Devi, His wife, Hanumaanji and His three brothers

Paandava brothers 

Lord Shree Krishna with Lord Balaraam and Shubadhraa 

Brotherhood between Vibheeshan and demon King Raavan. Although they were siblings, Vibheeshan was a great devotee of Lord Shree Raam whereas Raavan had enmity with Lord Shree Raam. In spite of Vibeeshan's advice that what Raavan was doing was not good, Raavan didn't listen. 

Vibheeshan advising Raavan

Hence Raavan was killed by Lord Shree Raam, and Vibheeshan was placed as King of Sri Lanka by Lord Shree Raam.

Vibheeshan placed as King of Sri Lanka by Lord Shree Raam 

Sathyam Param Dheemahi🙏

Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏.

My niece's birthday

Tomorrow is the birth anniversary of Sushma, younger of the two daughters of my beloved sister. I have already conveyed my birthday greetings to Sushma.

Sushma is 4th from left, during the wedding of Reshma, her younger sister, a few years ago.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

DD Serial

As far as I know there are a few good programs telecast on DD Malayalam TV Channel. One such is Dheera, a serial depicting community realities. I happened to bump in today's episode. It was nice to seea well disciplined Sub collector of a District who likes to help the community. She self drives her car to the office and back. As we all know this is something unique in people holding high profile positions in the Government. It seems that the serial is educative and should be seen by the masses.

Screenshot from today's episode of Dheera

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

African Legacy

As a former expatriate Indian who worked abroad for many years, I have always been keeping in touch with development scenario in countries where I worked. Thus African countries are of interest to me. 

Russia Today TV Channel's episodes of African Legacy is one program that I don't usually miss. Episodes of this program are presented by descendants of legendary African leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Kenneth Kaunda, Oliver Tambo,  Sir Anerood Jugnath, F W de Klerk and Kwame Nkrumah. These episodes give an insight into issues from main stakeholders'  points of view.

Climatic change

Although summer season has already begun with hot spells during days, today the weather in Chennai is very cloudy with some rain in parts of the city. 

According to Hindu Almanac, it is time for summer. But we find erratic untimely weather conditions, some thing which was never there a few decades ago. Any sane person in our country would know that the culprit is ourselves. Being completely self centred with no respect to Nature, people cut trees, destroy forsets and build apartment complexes etc. in those areas. I have literally seen how merciless construction company owners extract underground water using massive machines. 

We are paying the price for disrespecting God's Order of not obeying laws of Nature.

Our politicians regularly include Nature conservation in their election manifestoes with due responsibility in fulfilling their promises. Voters seem insensitive to this issue and vote to the party which gives free pre-election gifts to them.

Our country needs a drastic change in the political system and governance. .

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Boat race

Water sports enthusiasts are delighted to watch or participate in boat races. Some famous boat races are Cambridge Oxford Boat Race in UK and Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzhaa, Keralam, India.

I remember viewing boat races in Cambodia when I worked in that country.

I remember the 1960s when Raman Subbarow (of Indian origin) used to be a regular participant in the Cambrdige Oxford Boat Race.

His Master's Voice: Gramophone Company

On the 25th of last month, I described a documentary show about Shibuya Railway Station near Tokyo; in the post I mentioned about 'His Master's Voice', a Gramophone Company. It was interesting to find HMV gramophone in a building in Old Delhi, as telecast in 'Wion Wings' TV Show about Old Delhi, this afternoon. Let me share the show here.

Maadhwa Saint

Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa community of Brahmins. It marks the beginning of three days festivities of Aaaraadhanaa of Shree Vaageesha Theertha.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

Shree Raam's Devotee

Yesterday was the birth anniversary of Lord Hanumaanjee, greatest devotee of Lord Shree Raam. In some parts of Bharath Varsh (India) and the world, it is celeberated today.

Ususlly I view a few Hindu religuous programs on TV daily. One such is a series of discourses on Lord Shree Raam given by Shree Rajiv Lochan Das. 

Shree Rajiv Lochan Das

He mentioned something which most people including me don't know. He said that on advice from Vasishta Maharishi, Guru of King Dasarathaa had Ashwamedha Yaag conducted by Rishya Shring Maharishi. Many people including me would know that this Maharishi conducted a Yagnaa on request from King Romapaadaa to recover the kingdom from famine.

I rember that I bought the folk three videotapes in the late 1980s, in an Indian shop in Durban, South Africa: 'Seargent Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band' by The Beatles, 'Rishya Shring', a Malayalam language movie about the Maharishi, and 'Londonil mandan maar' a Malayalam language comedy meaning 'Idiots in London'. I think that late Shree Nedumudi Venu , one of my favourite actors, played King Romapaadaa's role in the movie.

Late Shree Nedumudi Venu 

Sathyam param dheemahee🙏.

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Broccoli stem surprise

I think that vegetarians like me have no option except self cooking when living and working abroad. Although I never actually liked to cook, there was no option during my years of work abroad. I fondly remember how my portable radio receiver kept me engaged as I used to be busy in my kitchen. 

My kitchen when I was working in South Africa 

My favourite companion in my kitchen

Like most people I have experienced ups and downs in my cooking. Interestingly some times we learn different kinds of cooking which we never imagined, when watching cookery shows on TV. One such was NHKWorld TV Channel's Trails of Oishi. 

In this evening's episode, I was surprised to know that Broccoli's stem can also be cooked and that the stem contains more nutrients and vitamins than the flower. Japanese use the inner part of Broccoli stems for coooking. When fried in oil, they look like pumpkin slices. Probably they taste that way too. Let me share the show.