Japan TV Channel

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: 

Bhutanese and Cambodians seem to be proud of their traditions. Our youth should learn a lesson from this from our great ancient Hindu angle.

Tamilnadu Government

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.

Maadhwaa Saint

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:

Sarvam Krishna Mayam🙏

My friend Suresh

I have always had very few friends. One of them is Suresh, a very good gentleman. He comes from Iyer Brahmin parentage. He did his B Com Degree from Delhi University. His wife passed away a few years ago. He has a married son who is a chartered acountant. 

Suresh served as an Agent in Life Insurance Corporation of India. Yesterday he sent a nice message that he received an Award from LIC for his service. His parents and my parents were very good friends. I come from Maadhwaa Brahmin parentage.

Suresh

LIC Award that Suresh won

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏

Lumumba's Africa

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.

Lord Shree Jagannaath

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🙏

The Beatles

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.

My beloved brother was life member of ISKCON. He donated just a few months old TATA Nano car to ISKCON. He used to tell me that he knew about ISKCON because of me: During one of my visits to Chennai in the late 1980s, I had taken him to ISKCON Temple. In those days, it was a small shrine in a busy street in  TNagar (or West Mambalam). Now it is situated in a spacious area in suburban Chennai.

My beloved brother 

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

Good governance

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🙏

My niece's newborn baby son

Reshma, my beloved sister's younger daughter, gave birth to a baby boy this morning. Best wishes to the baby and his parents🙏🙏.

My beloved parents, sister and brother would have been immensely happy if they were alive today. My sister who passed away recently considered helping Reshma for good delivery as priority.

Following photo shows Reshma, her husband Satheesh, and Reshma's parents:

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

Krishnam Vande Jagad Gurum🙏.

Divine Discourse

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 fest

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

Divine Discourse

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🙏.

Divine Discourse

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.

Jai Shree Raam🙏.

Sibling significance

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🙏.

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. 

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.

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🙏

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🙏

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🙏

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🙏

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.

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🙏.

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🙏.