Old age and marital bond

This evening I had an opportunity to view a documentary entitled The waiting game on ABC AUSTRALIA TV CHANNEL. 

Although we live in communities with relatively multinational cultures and traditions, I think that many people have misconceptions about other cultures. One such is that in western countries marriages don't last as long as in Asian countries. I have myself seen old caucasian married couples staying together in their old age and helping each other. ABC documentary shows specific examples of this bond. I think that many of our own Indian married people who get into divorce due to lack of adjustment should learn lessons from such documentaries. 

Maadhwaa Saint

Today is a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. From week point of view, being Wednesday, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu is today's Presiding Deity. From month's point of view, today is Saothami. Ravi (Sun) is today's Presiding Deity. According to our revered Scriptures, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu of golden colour sits elegantly in the middle of the Sun on a Divine Chariot driven by a charioteer and seven horses. He is adorned with precious divine ornaments. Devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu on this day.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu on His Divine Chariot

Today is also auspicious as the anniversary of the day on which Shree Satyavrata Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.

In today's episode of Shree Raam Kathaa discourse by respected Morari Bapujee, the speaker who deilvered the introductory speech, mentioned the importance of husband and wife relationship and how they identify with each other in times of trouble.

The introductory speaker and his wife got blessed by Shree Mahaa Vishnu residing in the heart of Morari Bapujee.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. It is celebrated as Kalki Jayanthi. 

We are living in Kali Yugam that will last for 4, 32, 000 years. Kali Yugam began 2125 years after the completion of Dwaapara Yugam. Kali Yugam is the period when people will be increasingly involved in unrighteous ways. 

According to Shreemadh Bhaagavatham, when this unrighteousness reaches its maximum at the end of Kali Yugam, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu will incarnate as the son of Vishnu Sharma, a Brahmin, in a village known as Shambalam. He will be known as Shree Kalki. He will be seated with a sword on a white horse and destroy all unrighteous and evil people. 

Many divine scriptures have mentioned about Shree Kalki Avathaar of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu. Our respected Guru Shree Madhwaachaarya has also mentioned it in his 'Dhwaadhasha Sthrothram'.

Today is also an auspicious day as the day on which married ladies perform Mangala Gowri Vratham.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Autofares in Tamilnadu

My current residence is good enough for me. The only problem that I face is the inaccesibility of online stores such as Big Bazaar in our area. As far as I know, Amazon Store is the only one that caters to our area. Whenever residents need any immediately essential consumer items, they travel to Kumbakonam town by shelling out at least Rs 600 for a return trip. This is expensive. But I don't blame the auto guys as this is the norm in Tamilnadu for decades, with no action by any State Government to fix the issue provided the fact that in all other States, autofares are relatively low. 

One alternative seems to be to self drive an economically viable small car such as TATA NANO XE. But self driving at my age of 75 years is difficult and risky on our roads.

Our Tamilnadu State Governments have failed to address the autofare issue for decades. No political party has included this issue in it's pre-election manifesto. Strangely, although different communities have staged protests and demonstrations on different issues, none of them have included autofares in their agenda at any time.

I think that it is high time that our State Government looks at this issue and fix it at least now, after several years of neglect.

Hindu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Devotees perform Naaga Panchami on this day. 

I fondly remember my beloved mother performing this poojaa every year except during her last few years when she  became very weak.

My beloved parents 

Shree Mahaa Vishnu with His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayana🙏

Southern African Indian Cuisine

This evening there was an episode of 'Every bite takes you home' presentd by Indira Naidoo on ABC TV CHANNEL. 

The episode featured South African Indian Cuisine. Although the documentary was not interesting to me as it centered on non-veg food, it reminded me of the late 1980s and early 1990s when I was working in Southern Africa. I nostalgically remember my visits to my Brahmin friends such as Shree Dayanand Sharmaji, Shree Manjunath, Shree Balasubramaniam and Shree Ganapathi. I am thankful to them for not only enabling me eat delicious 100% vegetarian food items but also for good conversations. I am also thankful to Mrs Dr Ram Devineni, wife of the Chief Medical Officer at the District Govt Hospital, Mrs Meera Chandra, my colleague and Mrs Surjeet Singh Gill, wife of my colleague, for cooking delicious vegetarian Indian food and enabling single guys such as me and my colleague Sasikant Rai to enjoy eating them. I and my Indian friends used to get home cooked vegetarian snacks from a few Gujarathi families settled in the region. I thank them too. Those were golden days.

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏

Divine Discourse on Lord Shree Raam

I am typing this post a minute after electric power cut as I am viewing the inagural day's divine discourse 'Raam Katha Maanas Guru Prasad' by respected Morari Bapuji on Lord Shree Raam from Harvard University Campus in the US. The University is internationally acclaimed and has produced several Nobel laureates. I think that Bapuji delivers this discourse every year at this University. Although most men who are in the audience were in western attire, they seemed to show a lot of respect with silence to what Bapuji said. The University is recharged with Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Grace via Sanaathana Dharmaa Discourses.

It was a pleasure to see my favourite spiritual speakers such as Bhupendrabhai Pandyaji among the audience.

(As in Chennai, these power cuts remain to be frequent in my new residential area too. However essential requirements such as ceiling fans are fulfilled as each of our houses has an inverter. 

I'm grateful to Shree Mahaa Vishnu that power has returned now after a brief period of absence).

Jai Shree Seethaa Raam🙏

  

Role of technology in preserving traditions

We live in world that is changing due to changes in technology that affect individuals as well as communities.

In countries such as Bhaarath (India), communities strive to preserve old traditions by adapting improvements in technology. 

For instance, religiuos discourses used to be given by Gurus, and the teacher versus taught interaction used to be largely oral and written since ancient times until a few decades ago. 

Now these are replaced to a significant extent by computer and mobile based technologies, particularly after the Internet came into being. Today it is abnormal to find even spiritual programs without using computers and IT backed social media. It is an obvious fact that it is not easy to preserve our old tradions without embracing today's technology. 

Unless technology is in bad people's hands, it can be used amazingly effectively, as we see in Sanaathana Dharmaa Organisations today.

Maadhwaa Saint

Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Appavaru attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.

Today is a very important day to all citizens of Bhaarath (India), our beloved mother land. It was in 15 August 1947 that our great country got independence from British rule. Google doodle has aptly honored our Independence Day.

Lord Shree Krishna and Arjunaa

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum 🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

From 8 August to 26 September, Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, our respected Chief Pontiff of our Uttaradi Mutt will grace Dharvaad, Karnaatakaa, by his presence and perform Chaathurmaasya Vratham. I fondly remember my visit to Dhaarvaad on work when I was working in Macmillan India Limited. I remember Shree Sathyanaaraayana, journalist, who took me to a FMCG Fair in the town. I think that he also took me to a Shree Raam Temple in the town. I remember my visit to Shree Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Bellaary, a nearby town, and my visit to Shree Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Manthraalayam. 

Hari Sarvoththamaa

Vaayu jeevoththamaa🙏

Sanaathana Dharmaa Fests

Tomorrow is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. It is Wednesday; Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu, CEO of our entire Universe is the Presiding Deity of Wednesdays.

It is the last day of the Samskrith month Aashaada. Just like the last day of every month, this day is known as Amaavaasyaa and men perform ancestral worship on this day. This day is also known as Naagara Amaavaasyaa Day.

Ladies perform Dheepasthamba Gowri Vratham and Dhivasee Gowri Vratham on this day. 

Shree Sathyaadheesha Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna on this day.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Shree Rudraa Fest

Tomorrow is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. Shree Rudraa devotees observe this day as Pradhosham day and offer special worship to Shree Rudhraa and His wife Paarvathi Devi. 

L to R: Shree Karthikeyaa, Shree Rudhraa, Shree Paarvathi and Shree Ganesh

(Karthikeyaa and Ganesh are sons of Lord Rudhraa and Paarvathi)

Shree Rudraa is a great devotee of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu.

Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. This day is known as Kamika Ekaadashi Day. Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees observe fasting on this day and meditate on Shree Lakshmi Naaraayan.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Shree Raam Temple

A few days ago I had to visit our Maadhwaa Mutt at Kumbakonam to meet the Managing Priest to speak to him that I shifted my residence to the town recently and about how to conduct shraardha ceremony of my parents and brother in the Mutt. After my meeting, I had the joy of visiting the devine Shree Raamanaatha Swaami Temple in town. It was a highly spiritually enriching experience. I write this not because I like to announce my visits to the Mutt and the Temple; I write this to make Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu happy in my humble manner.

L to R: Lord Lakshman, Shree Hanumaanjee, Lord Shree Raam and His wife Shree Seethaa Devi 

Jai Shree Raam🙏

My new blog

Recently I have begun a new blog related to school education in local communities and the world at large. If interested, you are welcome to read and comment on my blogposts. Thanks.

Past Tuesday was the birth anniversary of Sreejith, a former colleague of mine. I have mentioned about this young gentleman in my previous post/s. My best wishes to him.

L to R: Arjun and Lord Shree Krishna

Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 

Guru pournimaa

Today is a very auspicious in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. This day is celeberated as Guru poornimaa.

Today is also auspicious as the anniversary of the day on which Shree Sathyasankalpa Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna.

Sage Shree Vedavyaas

L to R: Arjun (Disciple) and Lord Shree Krishna (Divine Master)

Krishnam Vande Jagadh Gurum🙏

Current climate in crisis

According to an authentic report and from our personal experiences, we find very hot climate currently. I am 74 years old. I have usually seen rainy season beginning in June itself. But this year, although 3 weeks have gone by after June ended, we have not had any significant rains.

According to our revered Sacred Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures, rainy season begins somewhere around this time every year. In sanskrit, the four months long rainy season is known as Chaathur maasya. This year, there is no trace of rain still.

Thus our climate stands unstable the cause of which is obvious human self centered atrocities such as carbon emission, deforestation etc. In spite of frequent multinational climate conferences, no significant steps seem to be taking place to fix the problem. 

It looks like we are forcing our climate to stand on a tightrope.

I think that our Governments are not taking practically possible steps on this issue.

Courtesy: CARTOONSTOCK

Divine Discourse

It was joy listening to respected Shree Chinmayaanandh Baapujee's divine discourse on Shreemadh Bhaagavath Kathaa on Aashthaa TV Channel this evening. 

He explained the meeting of our mother earth and Dharma (Righteousness) and their conversation as heard by King Pareekshith.

The trilateral conversation is respected to contain deeply significant aspects of spirituality such as human sin and it's causes, need for physical and mental control etc.

Chinmayanand Bapujee Maharaaj

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Divine Discourse

It was joy viewing Shree Raam Kathaa by respected Morari Bapujee this morning. He gave the discourse from Kericho, Kenya. Besides explaing about Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu's incarnation Lord Shree Raam's life history on our planet, he mentioned the importance of Guru in our aadhmic journey.

Guru Shishyaa

L to R: Lord Lakshman, Hanumaanjee, Lord Shree Raam and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Jai Shree Seethaa Raam🙏

Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is Ekaadashi. Dharmaa (Righteousness) is the presiding deity on this day and like all deities, it acts under Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Command. Devotees observe full or semi-fasting on this day as prescribed in our Scriptures.

According to our Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures, all deities reside in the cow; this is why cows are revered as 'Gho maathaa' in our country. 'Gho' and 'maathaa' mean 'cow' and 'mother' respectively.

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender. On this day, housewives perform Gho Padhma Vratham.

Deities residing in the cow

Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Sparrows scarcity

A few years back I read a well written article on disappearance of sparrows from our concrete jungles which we call 'cities'. Every resident in our cities know this odd reality and how human self centered desires causes this extinction.

Half an hour back I heard a delightful sound of a sparrow at one of the windows in my house. I tried to catch it in my camera without disturbing the tiny bird. Thank God, I succeeded in my attempt. Following is a photo of the sparrow:

It is well known that sparrows possess enormous skill in constructing good looking and effective nests as shown in the following photo:

There is a popular story about sparrows in Panchathanthraa, a children's story book. This story mentions a sparrow and the theory of karma as mentioned in our Sanaathana Dharmaa. Let me share the story here.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Four months' semi_fasting

Today is a very auspicious in the Sanaathana Dharmaa (Hindu) Calender. The day marks the beginning of Chaathur maasya vratham.

The Chaathur maasya vratham is explained in detail in this article.

Krishnam Vande Jagadh Gurum🙏

Down the memory lane

This afternoon as I was browsing through a few online magazines of my choice, I came across a very interesting article. It took me back to my school days. My parents encouraged us to read good books and magazines. 

My father used to bring children's books in English as well as in Tamil, two languages in which I was most proficient. (My mother tongue is Marathi but it is significantly different from Marathi that is spoken in Maharashtra. My maternal and paternal ancestors are believed to be descendants of Marathi people who accompanied King Sarfoji when they left Maharashtra and settled down in Thanjavur in Tamilnadu and other places in Southern India. What we speak in our homes is known 'Thanjavur Marathi'). I was regular reader of 'Kannan' , a monthly children's magazine in Tamil and 'Chandamaamaa', a children's magazine in English. Besides, I used to regularly read 'Yoing Folk's League' in The Illustrated Weekly of India, a popular weekly magazine of those years. Whenever we visited our maternal grandfather's house, I used to enjoy reading books in my grandfather's library (a room filled with nicely arranged books in racks). He had a wide variety of good books including ancient Indian classics, books by Bertrand Russel, Leo Tolstoy etc. 

My mother used to explain stories such as 'Ugly duckling' written by a British author and was part of our English language textbook. She also taught English Grammar using a graamar book written by Wren and Martin; this book was considered a gold standard in those years.

I remember how I was encouraged to draw pictures and paint them using water colour. I fondly remember my water colour box and the brushes that came with it.

Those were golden years. Thanks to Rajiv Eipe for enabling old guys like me at 70 plus to revisit their boyhood years.

Courtesy: Google Images

Courtesy: Google Images

Memories of Mahindra Jeep

Reshma (my sister's daughter) informed me that her husband bought a Mahindra 7 seater car recently. They had a 5 seater car.

This info took me back to the 1990s when I was working in a school and an NGO.

In the mid 1990s when I was working in PREPARE, a Chennai based NGO, I had to travel to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh frequently. Sometimes, I myself used to drive the NGO's Mahindra Jeep (as shown in the following photo) to visit villages covered in our Education Projects.

Similarly when working as Principal in Rani Lakshmi Bai Public School in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1997, I derived some pleasure in driving a Mahindra Jeep and taking my teaching staff to a nearby dam during a weekend. I think that I gave some rest to the Jeep's driver. My staff seemed to enjoy the visit to the dam and back. The CEO of the School told me that he would provide a Maruthi Suzuki for my personal use.

Amazing Amazon (Online Store)

On 18 July I mentioned about how an inappropriate  item was delivered to me by a misleading manufacturer/vendor via Amazon Online Store. I returned the item and sought a refund. Amazon Online Store processed my requested and the refund got done.

Thanks to the manufacturer/vendor and to Amazon.

Soorya Naaraayanaa Poojaa

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu Calender as the day on which Vaivasvatha Soorya Poojaa is performed.

Shree Soorya Naaraayanaa

Jai Shree Soorya Naaraayanaa🙏

Maadhwaa Saint

According to a WhatsApp notification  from our Uttaraadi Mutt, today is an auspicious day as the anniversary of the day on which Shree Sumathinidhi Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. I could not access any information on this saint from Google Search. Hence I am unable to provide any internet link about this saint.

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Maadhwaa Saint

Today is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender. It is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Varadhendhra Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. 

Jai Shree Krishnaa🙏

Amazing Amazon (Online Store)

A few days back, I ordered for a 3 legged walking stick for me. An acquaintance advised me to go in for a 4 legged one as it will be more sturdy. Hence I cancelled my order and placed a fresh order. Within a few hours after cancellation, Amazon Online Store credited the amount that I paid for the earlier order, into my account. Amazon Store is a boon.

Lord Shree Krishna Fest

Fifth Ratha Yaathraa of Lord Jagannaath (Lord Shree Krishna) is performed at ISKCON Attapur today. Different ISKCON Temples situated in many countries perform this sacred ritual on different days.

R to L: Lord Shree Krishna, Shree Shubhadhraa and Lord Shree Balabadhraa 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna 

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Raama Hare Raama 

Raama Raama Hare Hare🙏🙏

Good friends

In almost all Senior Citizens Homes, residents go to the dining hall to take their morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, evening coffee/tea and dinner. I had always preferred room service to this. Now I realise that dining hall is better as we have opportunities of meeting different kinds of people. When we meet good people, it reduces the lonliness level.

A few days ago, I mentioned about meeting a nice gentleman at the dining table. This afternoon during lunch time one fellow resident introduced her sister and niece who came to visit her. Her sister told me that the nice lady said that I am her best friend. I don't know whether I deserve her compliments. 

This morning, wife of the landlord, in whose house I was a tenant before moving to my current residence, phoned me and inquired about my health and how I am gettling settled in my new place. A few days ago her husband phoned me for the same reason. Both husband and wife are well qualified engineers and admirably good people. I phone my landlord sometimes inquiring about their health.

I remember my beloved mother's saying that if we are good to others, they will be good to us.

My beloved parents

Jai Shree Raam🙏

Lumumba's Africa

Being Friday, I could view 'Lumumba's Africa', my favourite programme on Russia Today TV Channel. In today's episode, Prof Lumumba explained how the French Government is still continuing to dominate African countries. 

(There are a few advantages like oases in deserts in colinisation. For example, I could attend French language classes at the Alliance Francais in Gaborone twice a week, wrire the qualifying exam for Certificate of Proficiency and obtain the Certificate without much difficulty. I and my friends could attend the classes in the evening after school. Gaborone was about an drive from my place of residence, thanks to the highway and my reliable Toyota Corolla 1.3L. I wish that such advantages continue and disadvantages sorted out).

TV Screenshot of today's episode

Hindu Fests

Today is a very auspicious in the Hindu Calender for the following reasons:

Today is Friday, the Presiding Deity of which is Shree Lakshmi Devi, our Devine Mother and wife of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu. 

Today marks the beginning of Dakshinaayana.

Today sacred river  Bhaageerathee from the Himaalayaas manifests in the sacred river Thungabhadhraa in Southern India. 

Today is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Shushilendra Theerthaa and  Shree Keshava Wodeyaru attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. 

L to R: Arjuna and Lord Shree Krishna 

Hari Sarvoththamaa Vaayu Jeevoththamaa🙏

Shree Raam and Shree Krishnaa Fests

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender for the following reasons:

In Uttaradi Mutt, the age old tradition of Shree Raama Rathothsavaa (Festival in which Lord Shree Raam is seated in a decorated Chariot and taken in procession for devotees to have a dharshan of Him) is performed by Shree Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, Chief Pontiff of our Uttaradi Mutt.

The sacred rituals related to Rath Yaathraa of Lord Jagannaath (Lord Shree Krishna), Lord Balabhadraa (Lord Balaram, elder brother of Lord Shree Krishna) and Shubhadhraa (sister of Lord Shree Krishna) is begun at Puri, Odishaa.

Priests adorning the wooden idols

 of 

Lord Balabhadraa, Shubadhraa and Lord Jagannaath

 at the Puri Temple

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

Story writer on loneliness

This evening NHK WORLD JAPAN TV Channel's 'Direct Talk' featured Yogisawa Satoshi, a brilliant Japanese author. He has written a few stories on loneliness. Although I was known as a voracious reader during my school and college years, I had not read any of his stories. 

After my college studies, I continued my reading habit until a few years after the beginning of the current millenium (year 2002 or so) according to the western calender. I remember my almost daily visits to the British Council Library; it was about 10 minutes walk from the South India Regional Office of Macmillan India Limited. I had to visit the library as part of my job as Education Officer in MIL. This was a time when Internet's influence was beginning to change book reading habits globally.

This evening's spisode of 'Direct Talk' was of significant interest to me after having lost my beloved parents as well as siblings. As I have mentioned in my earlier posts, I can identify with lonely people. 

By the way, although I have liked many songs by The Beatles, I identify with their Eleonor Rigby for the past few years more intesnsely than ever before. Paul McCartney wrote the song. Following is a photo of the lyrics of the song as written by Paul:

Courtesy: Sir Paul McCartney 

I liked many songs by The Beatles such that I used to sing them in social gatherings of relatives and friends, when travelling in buses (such that only I could hear them), in unofficial meetings of senior officers in the Cambodian Ministry of Education, etc. The Beatles were the best softrock band of their times.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Shree Krishnaa Temple

As I was browing my mobile Net, it was joyful to visit ISCKCON Temple at Vadodara, Gujaraath. I fondly remember my visit to the Temple when I was working as Content Development Manager in Edukite Learning, a K-12 Elearning Materials Development Company, in Vadodara. 

I also fondly remember my visit to Raaghavendra Swaami Mutt at Vadodara; I was told that it was founded by respected Satyatma Theertha Swaamiji, Chief Pontiff of Uttaradi Mutt to which I belong. 

Raaghavendra Swaami Mutt, Vadodara

I  thankfully remember Shree Amarnaathjee, the autorickshaw owner and driver who took me to these places.

Lord Balabhadraa, Shubadhraa and Lord Shree Krishna 

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Sabarmathi Aashram

As I was viewing a travel documentary on Gujarat on TravelXP TV Channel this afternoon, it was interesting to hear that the famous Sabarmathi Aashraam was founded by Mahaathmaa Gandheejee with his twenty disciples at his Phoenix Aashram. I have mentioned briefly about my visit to Phoenix Aashram in a few previous posts.

In the late 1980s or so when I was travelling to South Africa from Vellore, my hometown in India, after terminal holidays, when I disembarked at Johannesburg International Airport on route the domestic airport near the town where I resided, my unaccompanied luggage didn't arrive. I was given transit accommodation at a hotel inside the airport and was asked to wait until my luggage arrived and then take the domestic flight. 

As I was waiting for my luggage, I happened to meet a South African Indian gentleman by name Bakul Patel. He said that his house was just in Suburban Johannesburg; he said that he would be glad to take me to his house; he said that I can stay as long as I wished and that I can leave for my town after claiming my missed luggage. He was very kind. He was one among the many very wealthy South Africans of Gujaraathi origin. During my 3 days stay, he took me to his parent's house and siblings' houses. It was nice to know that they followed our culture and traditions remarkably. 

During my stay there, Bakul's father took me to the Phoenix Aashram. It was a very memorable visit.

Gandheejee.

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Mario Miranda

This evening, as I was browsing the online edition of Reader's Digest India, I came across an article on Mario Miranda. The article took me to my school and college days when I was a regular reader of 'The Illustrated Weekly of India', popular weekly magazine. The magazine used to contain 'Young Folks' League', a column for children contributed by 'Aunty Wendy'. Those were golden days.

Singer's demise

My dear friend Jos sent a message to me this morning attaching a video about Smt. S Janaki's demise yesterday. Her songs will be remembered by her numerous fans for years to come. 

Condolences to her family😥🙏.

Maadhwaa Saint

Tomorrow is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Tomorrow is Dhwaadhashee. Lord Shree Haree is the Presiding Deity of tomorrow.

Tomorrow is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender; it is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Vidhyaapathi Theerthaa attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. 

Lord Shree Krishna displaying His Vishwa Roopam 

to

Arjuna

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏