It was nice to see the welcome accorded to our beloved Prime Minister when he arrived in Melbourne recently in today's episode of 'Our World' on ABC TV Channel. It was particularly nice to see him greeted by Brahmin Priests in their traditional attire.
Vasudeva Kutumbakam🙏
Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Sathyadheera Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.
Today is the birth anniversary of Ringo Starr of The Beatles, the legendary Softrock Band of 1960s.
During the 1960s, when The Beatles were globally popular, it used to be trendy among boys to have long hair in the heads. I was no exception as the following photo taken when I was about 30 years old:
According to the Western Calender, tomorrow is the birth anniversary of my beloved sister; she was born on 7 July 1954. With heavy heart I fondly remember her.
This afternoon during my lunch some thing interesting happened. I politely decline appalam that is served daily in the restaurant. Today there was a side dish known as 'Appalam Saambaar' (a Southern Indian gravy with appalam as one of the main Ingradients) in my lunch menu. It was delicious.
Before shifting to Senior Citizens Home, I used to cook food myself as much as possible; as a cholesterol conscious old man, although I did buy rice appalam, I stopped cooking it as it is usually fried in oil. I gave the appalam packet to my maid servant.
This afternoon's appalam saambaar reminded me of how my beloved mother used to cook it. I had forgotten it for years until an hour ago when I was served appalam saambaar at the restaurant.
Hats off to appalam saambaar.
I don't know about others' experiences. From my experience, I find that we are surrounded by bad people and good people.
In a previous post I have mentioned about the stirling qualities of my landlord of whom I was a tenant. I also mentioned the extraordinary kindness shown by my landlord and his wife when I got suddenly seriously ill (sudden drop in hemoglobin) a few months ago. I stayed in my beloved sister's house in Vellore and got my illness completely cured. In a previous post, I also mentioned her kindness and her daughter's kindness during my stay there.
Just like many senior citizens, I didn't like to be a burden to any one. Hence I shifted to a fee paying Senior Citizens Home recently. The Home staff is very cordial and customer friendly. In any event of emergency, the Home's Administration arranges for ambulance to take the tenant to the hospital.
This afternoon, a gentleman came to my table in the Home's restaurant after his lunch. He mentioned that I look highly qualified, intellectual and good, and said that he felt like conversing with me. (He said that he and his team mates were from Bengaluru and were on a visit to temples and that they liked to have their 100% saathwick lunch at the Home's restaurant on the way). I thanked the gentleman and said that I too felt the same way on seeing him. I told him that I don't know whether I really deserve his compliment.
My mother used to say "If we are good to others, they will be good to us".
Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Raghuvarya Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.
Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏
Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Sathyapoorna Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.
Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Vata Saavithree Pooja is performed on this day every year.
I think that our beloved PM Shree Narendra Modi's visit to Seychelles will strengthen the bilateral ties further.
Although Indian influence in the country's culture and traditions is not as strong as in Mauritius and Natal province in South Africa, it is significant, as mentioned by Shree Modi, according to a News Report.
I remember how I was recruited for a Physics teaching position in Seychelles Polytechnic by the then Foreign Assignment Section of the External Affairs Ministry, Government of India, in 1983. Unfortunately I couldn't accept the offer as I was working in Ethiopia and as the Contract couldn't be broken at that time.
Seychelles is a multicultural country known for it's beeches and multinational cuisine.
Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Shreepaadha Theerthaa, Shree Sathyabhinava Theerthaa and Shree Lakshmikaantha Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna in different periods of time.
Following is some information about Shree Sathyabhinava Theerthaa from our Uththaraadhi Mutt:
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏
Like in every year, yesterday (25 June) fans of 'The Beatles' celeberated Global Beatles Day as tribute to the legendary softrock band of the 1960s.
They will be remembered through their songs for years to come.
Three days ago, I wrote about 'Juneteenth' Fest in countries in Africa. Let me share a Utube video in which Prof P L O Lumumba speaks about slavery, here.
In this morning's episode, he presented facts of Medical Apartheid by American doctors on African patients; he explains how doctors used to perform surgeries on African patients without administering any anesthesia and thereby made them suffer. I tried to provide a link to the episode, but in vain.
In one of my previous posts, I explained Academic apartheid in South African Secondary School System.
Though all the above mentioned issues are part of African History, they are not some things that African people can easily forget.
In all our school science and University level Environmental Studies textbooks we find explanation about rain formation. The info is presented as if the discovery was made in recent decades by Western scientists.
If we look into our Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures, rain formation was explained thousands and thousands of years before western explanation by our own saints. Let me share a Utube video in which Shree Sathyaathma Theertha Swaamiji mentions in Kannada language how Shree Madhwaachaarya explains rain formation quoting our ancient Hindu Scriptures, here.
Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏
Tomorrow is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. This day is known as Dhwaadhashee in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. Lord Shree Hari is the Presiding Deity of this day. Tomorrow is also the anniversary of the day on which Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu incarnated as Lord Thrivikramaa.
Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Ekaadashi. Presiding Deity of Ekaadashi is Dharma (Righteousness). According to our Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures, Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, Lord Brahma, Lord Shree Hanumaanjee, Lord Rudraa and all Deities and Sub-deities perform their duties as directed by Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu, CEO of our whole Universe.
As I would have mentioned in my previous posts, I continue my interest in non-political news items in Africa and in countries in which I worked.
This evening, it was interesting to view a WION TV Channel report on how Ghanaians celebrated their Juneteenth last week.
I remember having viewed an interesting BBC WORLD documentary on this aspect in 2008 or 2009 when I was working in Cambodia. I remember the then US President Barrack Obama's visit to a port town in West Africa from where Africans were taken as slaves to the US. I think that the documentary featured Salaga, a port town in Ghana, from where Africans were shipped to the US and the West Indies.
Afro-American history is a proof of how Afro-Americans suffered in those years.
I remember having read novels such as 'Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain during my teens in 1960.
Tomorrow is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa calender. It is the anniversary on which Shree Vadhindra Theerthaa and Shree Vidhyakanta Theerthaa attained the Lotus Feet of Lord Shree Krishna.
Yesterday was an important day globally in general and in Bhaarath Varsh (India) in particular. The day was celebrated as International Yogaa Day.
Although Yoga is being populaised and practised globally as an excercise for well-being, it's implications are far deeper, from our Sanaathan Dhaarmic point of view. Let me share an interesting article on this aspect here.
Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏
Today is the birth anniversary of Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles. Best wishes for a happy birthday to him.
Recently Reshma, my beloved sister's younger daughter, delivered a baby son. Let me share his photo as follows:
Sushma (My elder niece) and the baby
I think that in our day to day worldly life, next to parents, siblings are a great source of emotional support.
Best wishes to the baby, his parents, Sushma, her daughters, and all close relatives🙏🙏.
Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏
NHK WORLD TV CHANNEL telecasts many documentaries featuring Japanese culture and traditions. One such is Core Kyoto. In this morning's episode "Seven Lucky Gods...", it featured a few shrines in the country. It is amazing that many Japanese shrines have aspects of Hinduism in them.
Although Budhdhism began after Gauthama Budhdhaa was born, it became very popular in India as well as South and South East Asian countries. Tibet, Bhutan and places such as Ladakh follow one type of the sect whereas Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Srilanka etc. follow the other, with some differences in their rituals.
Having worked in Bhutan and Cambodia, two Budhist countries, I have personally seen how the old Hindu tradition of meditation is followed strictly in households and schools in Bhutan as shown in the following image:
When I was working in Bhutan, all K-12 Schools were Boarding Schools. There used to be mandatory meditation by students for at least two hours daily.
Similarly, I have seen how the ancient Hindu tradition of receiving food by Hindu monks from households is still being followed in Cambodia as shown in the following image:
There has been drastic reduction in the powercut frequency in our area in Chennai. According to a News Report, the new State Administration has come up with draft policies and implementation to fix issues. The newly formed Government in Tamilnadu seems to have made a good gesture in waiving loans taken by farmers. Farmers are backbone of any community.
Let us hope that Shree Vijay and his team continue on their newly formed right track.
Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. This day is celeberated as anniversary on which Shree Satysandhatheerthaa reached the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.
Our revered Uttaradi Mutt has released info about Shree Satysandhatheerthaa as follows:
After many weeks, Russia Today TV Channel telecast an epidode of Lumumba's Africa this morning. Prof. Lumumba explained how the Organization of African Unity was founded. I remember my visit to OAU and it's library in Addis Ababa in 1982 when I was working in Ethiopia. It was a memorable experience.
I worked in a Chennai based NGO for a few years 1990s. I had to travel to Odisha every once in a month or so on work. I fondly remember Shree Shiv Prasad, my colleague at our Rayagada branch. My accommodation used to be provided in a hotel in the town.
Many times Shiv Prasad has dropped me from my residence to my workplace located in a village known as Penta. I remember my visit to a Vaishnavite temple located in between Penta and Rayagada.
Although I inherit spiritual aspects from my late beloved mother I regret that I didn't inherit these fully like most men of my age.
I regret that it didn't strike to me to visit Jagannaath Puri and have Dharshan of Lord Shree Jagannaath at His Temple in Odisha.
Jai Shree Shubadhraa evam Shree Balabadhraa sametha Shree Jagannaatha🙏
According to the official website of The Beatles, one of the most popular softrock bands of the 1960s and 70s, 25th of this month will be celebrated as Global Beatles Day, in fitting tribute to the band. Let me share the website's media report here.
George Harrison was devotee of Lord Shree Krishna. Let me share a Utube video of a new version of George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' here.
According to a media report, George had a close relationship with ISKCON.
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By God's Grace, there is no power cut in our area in Chennai since last night. Probably the Electricity Board has been functioning well. Thanks to politicians and EB employees for this. Best wishes to them.
Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏
In today's discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa, respected Devkinandan Thakurji mentioned that we are all decendents of Lord Brahmaa not descendents of monkeys. According to our Scriptures, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu created Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma created Manu and Satroopa, a male and female respectively. We are all decendents of this human husband and wife. Ashamedly, our school and college textbooks still mention the absurd Darwin's Theory as if it is authentic.
There are numerous misconceptions such as discovery of gravity by Isaac Newton, discovery that our planet Earth is spherical by Robert Cooke, and so on in our textbooks. I have mentioned these in a few of my earlier posts. I have also mentioned how irresponsible our textbook publishers and advisors have been.
Softrock music fans of my age know that ABBA, a Sweedish Music Band was very popular in 1980s.
I remember having seen Mama Mia, a 2008 Musical in which Ms Meryl Streep plays the lead role and sings ABBA's songs. It was shown in a restaurant in a cool evening in Phnom Penh. I and Hans Langendam, a Dutch colleague had gone to see the movie.
This evening, ABC AUSTRALIA TV CHANNEL telecast an interesting documentary on ABBA Fest in Trundle, Australia thereby bringing back memories of the Band.
Members of ABBA
It was soothing to my loneliness-laden mind to view Shree Devkinandan Thakurjee's discourse on Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa on Aashthaa TV Channel today.
He mentioned the importance of repaying gratitude to His Almighty Shree Mahaa Vishnu, Sages, ancestors, living things and fellow human beings.
I heard from a discourse by a learned Maadhwaa scholar, that if sages, ancestors including parents, and other fellow human beings lead us in a wrong direction, it is our utmost duty to let them know that they are doing some thing wrong, and correct them if possible or simply ignore their 'guidance'.
Shree Devkinandan Thakurjee also explained what freedom means and how it's meaning is misused today.
He is considered as a charismatic and effective spiritual speaker at a young age.
The above mentioned concept was explained by Shree Raajivlochan Dasa also in his daily Discourse on Aashthaa TV Channel on 2 June 2026. He explained that if a person with utmost Devotion offers every thing that he/she does, humbly to Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu, his gratitude is automatically repaid by God's Grace.
If I were married to the right woman, I would have probably had a son or daughter who would be to some extent like Devkinandan Thakurjee or Shree Rajivlochan Dasa. It didn't happen.
Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏.
Whenever possible, I view divine discourses by sages and scholars. Many of them use Shree Thulasi Das' Raam Charitha Maanas as reference. Shree Thulasi Das uses the term Rames" to mean Lord Shree Raam.
With heavy heart I remember Ramesh, my beloved brother, who passed away last year.
A few days ago, during a 1000 km return journey by calltaxi, I experienced double vision all along the journey. Every thing on the road and it's sides looked double.
I had an eye check at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital near my residence and got the dust formation in my eye lens (inside the eyes) removed by laser treatment. The doctor has prescribed eye drops for two weeks.
Previously I visited Aravind Eye Hospital near Chennai for my cararact. It was my beloved brother who took me there for pre op, ops and post ops. The hospital was nearly 50 km from my residence. My brother had taken trouble even when it was hot summer. He had been of enormous physical and emotional support to me. I fondly remember him.
Similarly, when I had sudden drop in serum hemoglobin and consequent unpleasant symptoms including loose motion, it was my landlord and his wife (both of whom are well qualified engineers) who were of immense physical and emotional support to me. My beloved sister advised me to go to Vellore, get my problem treated at a nearby Multispeciality Hospital, stay in their house, and return to my residence in Chennai after getting my illness cured completely. She also advised me to get my denture fixed at a nearby dental clinic.
During the two weeks of my hospitalization at Vellore, my sister stayed with me round the clock giving enormous physical and emotional support. I fondly remember her help.
Sushma, my niece, offered enormous physical support during my frequent visits to the dental clinic and back.
With heavy heart I am bearing the pain of having lost both my siblings within one and a half years time gap.
Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏.
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.
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.
I think that it will be disastrous if a wife listens to whatever her husband says, and functions accordingly, by believing him blindly.
He emphasized the importance of mutual respect between husband and wife.
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:
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🙏
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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🙏
