How to increase literacy rate of a country with special emphasis on rural areas including girl child and minority communities?

Answer

 Best Answer:  We in India have more than 70% population living in rural areas. These people have to be educated about the need of education for their cohesion and adjustment with the educated people living in the urban and metropolitan cities in this highly surcharged atmosphere of competition. In order to teach more people, we have to reach more people; especially in rural areas. Although Government aided and  run educational schools and colleges are fulfilling the needs of the populace, yet, there is a urgent need to enhance the educational pursuit through people oriented programmes. The following are some of the aspects which are to be taken into account for spreading literacy amongst the people.

a/ Making the people aware about the need of education  through print and electronics medias. 

b/ Opening more schools and colleges in the less accessible areas. 

c/ Provide reading and other educational aids’ including books to the needy. 

d/ Providing uniforms to the needy. 

e/ Provision of scholarship to the needy. 

f/ Picking up the meritorious students for higher studies from the rural areas. 

g/ Give specialized type of education to the physically challenged children/children with special needs. 

h/ Periodically monitor the educational standard of the people areawise and devise measures for its improvement. 

i/ Provide grant-in-aid for needy for meeting needs arising out of educational pursuit. 

j/ Provide computers and other modern electronic aids for the schools. 

k/ Proper training and education for the teachers for making the educational pursuit a successful venture. 

l/ Make the people aware about teaching women folks with a view that if we teach a girl you teach a family as a whole.

m/ As far as possible make educational pursuit possible for adults also so that they could also assimilate in the society and get benefits that are accrued.

n/ Those amongst us who could not educate themselves due to some reason or the other, starting special classes for them so that they adjust with the society as a whole. NGOs should chip in for this.*

*Literacy rate of any country depends  on the facilities available in the forms of schools/educational institutions, needful infrastructure for these (study rooms, proper and clean toilet facilities – separate for boys and girls,  adequate number of trained teachers proportional to the students  so that individual necessary playing equipment/toys for specially needed children (for varieties of disabilities) with physiotherapist and specially trained teachers who could meet the needs of these gifted  children etc.

 

In rural India, there is a need of girls’ education because there is wide disparity in the literacy rate of boys and girls. It is well known fact that when we educate a girl, we educate the entire family as such because the child in the initial stage of growth and development, first lesson is imparted by the mother and if she is educated she can amply do so. Illiteracy of the females negatively impacts the entire family to which she goes after marriage. If she is literate and well educated besides cultured one; well versed in value system including traditional modes of behaviour then she can conveniently transfer/impart that value system to her children which doubtlessly will help afterwards in life when a child grows up and faces life. The sluggishness in females’ education could better be removed through the joint and sincere efforts of Government and parents. Efforts should also be made to convince the parents to send the girl child for necessary schooling.  An idea should be spread that both boys and girls need education for adjusting in the life. More so for girls for they have to assimilate themselves in different sort of environments after their marriage. Though in urban and metropolitan cities the literacy rate of girls has improved manifold yet in rural areas there are glitches like non-availability of more schools, teaching staff and other requisites like sanitation etc for girl students which need to be attended urgently.  More funds should be provisioned by the Government for infrastructural and other provisions in the rural areas.  If rural area with more population is awaken through literacy then the country as a whole will have inclusive progress.

Apart from giving fillip to education to girls, there is an urgent need of enhancing literacy rate amongst minorities along with attending to the caste related problems impacting their education. It has been experienced that children from these communities although enroll in the school in first standard but their dropout rate is too high because of factors like financial stringency due to poverty of parents, school available at far off places and available schools do not have trained and efficient staff including non-willingness on the parts of parents to send their children to school etc. Rather they would like their children, in many cases, to follow the parents’ traditional profession to meet the family financial needs. Actually absolute poverty too deters the pursuit of educational pursuits in the rural areas. Though Government is making efforts in educating the rural masses the need of education through publicity campaign and by opening new schools and bridging the gap yet still more needs to be done.

 

 

 

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HAPPY NAVRATRI FESTIVAL TO ALL. MAY THIS NAVRATRI FESTIVAL BRING ABOUT PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL OF US.

 

HAPPY NAVRATRI FESTIVAL TO ALL. MAY THIS NAVRATRI FESTIVAL BRING ABOUT PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL OF US.

NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals that the devout celebrate. It is not merely celebrated by observing some particular rituals but the devotees live a spiritually oriented life in all manifestations. The purpose is to follow the way of life which puts more stress on the subjective experience of sacred dimension. We undertake those karmic deeds during Navratri which transform some of the debit-karmic-deeds to credit-karmic-deeds which helps in personal growth and development individually and also collectively who celebrate it with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Moral and ethical values when followed sincerely could be imbibed as permanent habits to be followed in future too thus Navratri could prove to be a life-changer.

The word NAVRATRI is composed of two syllabuses; NAVwhich means NINE and RATRI mean NIGHTS. Meditation/prayers and fasting are observed by devout during these nine days. A lighter refreshment of milk made products besides fruits, if taken at all, to keep light and pure in body and mind thus helping an individual to keep the body and mind pure. This also provides the devotees’ freedom from adulteration and contamination both in body and mind besides purifying still more the eternal soul along with keeping it taint-free.

A lighter refreshment consisting of milk made product, fruits, and nuts, keeps the body light and the digestive system gets improved thus there is a spread of fragrance of Satoguna and alleviation of Tamoguna and Rajoguna traits. Freedom from contaminated thoughts purifies our mind. Thus observance of fast or vrat (also means resolve) continuously for nine days brings about the stability of our mind and helps in enhancement of our concentration. Besides these, we exercise maximum restraints in our thoughts and deeds and behave in a dignified manner by remaining within confines of decency. All these facilitate generation of the feeling of love and affection for others, enhances peace and tranquility, a feeling of compassion for others and above all a Godly feeling. 

The Navratri are the forerunners for Dushera festival wherein the effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran and Meghnath (Ravana’s son) are consigned to flames to showcase to the general public as a lesson that evil, in all its dimension comes to an end ultimately.

All these traits enhance the credibility of an individual devotee who observes the fasts and also offers sincere prayers during these nine days with utmost devotion. The fasts help us to purify our mind, provides lightness to our body provides us an opportunity to devotees for prayers to Goddess Durga Maa – an embodiment of SHAKTI or reservoir of energy.

Mention of Lordess Durga has been found in Vedas and Puranas. Durg was a ferocious demon and Durga, the invincible warrior who killed Durg with her immense prowess. She is the warrior Goddess since she fought evil and forces which spread death and destruction. She works for demolishing demonic forces who want to establish their writ and establish the reign of terror and mayhem amongst the society besides spreading prosperity and goodwill in general masses. She defeats mythical buffalo demon – Meheshasura who had obtained a boon of invincibility from Lord Maheshwara. She is Goddess Parvati, also termed as Durga Saptashati – the consort of Lord Shiva. With her prowess, she proved herself to be unbeatable with limitless mystical powers.

Besides observing fasts, devotees organize congregations in the form of fairs and also enact programs and cultural functions in the form of group dances and devotional songs in praise of Goddess Durga and beseech her blessings.and she being such a benevolent Mother comes to their succor.

Different states celebrate Navratri differently but the spirit of all the celebrations is similar in nature. For example, famous ‘garva dance’ is organized in the state of Gujarat and devotional songs and dance competitions are organized in West Bengal besides prayers in the specially erected and decorated pandals is a usual phone. People visit the famous temples of Vaishno Devi in Katra (in Jammu province) besides all the temples of Goddess Durga in its different forms/manifestations attract devotees in these nine days.

The main driving force of the Navratri is to purify our thoughts and deeds thereof. In these nine days devout observe strict fasts; remain chaste and desist from telling lies. Wish that people always behave like this all the days!

The first three days are celebrated on the name of Durga Mata – Goddess with immense power. For next three days she is worshipped as spiritual wealth – Mata Lakshmi.

Subsequently, for next three days, she is Goddess of wisdom – the Goddess Saraswati. It bestows spiritual enlightenment besides showering an individual with all-around success.

It is useful for our benefit to know the importance of each day.

1. First Day. On the first day, Mata Durga is termed as Shailputri – the daughter of Himalaya and the consort of Lord Shiva.
2. Second Day. Mata Durga on the second day is called as Brahmacharini which represents worship. She is the embodiment of huge reserve of power – Shakti.
3. Third Day. On the third day, the Goddess is venerated as Chandraghanta. She is the embodiment of power and beauty.
4. Fourth Day. On the fourth day, Maan Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda – the creator of the whole universe by the power of her laughter.
5. Fifth Day. Here on this day, Skandha – the main warrior of Gods’ army.
6. Sixth Day. On the sixth day, Mataji takes the form of Katyayani with three eyes and four hands – all powerful and with immense grace.
7. Seventh Day. On this day, Maan Durga takes the form of Kalratri – she is shown as black as dark night with four hands and makes the evil doers fearless.
8. Eighth Day. On the eighth day, the Mata Durga takes the form of Maha Gauri – with beauty besides having calmness and exhibits immense wisdom.
9. Ninth Day. On a ninth day, Maan Durga is worshipped as Siddidatri – with all the eight siddhis. In this form, she is worshiped by all.

Benefits of Navratri:-

• Strict observance of fasts keep our digestive system in order and helps maintain our body healthy.
• Fasts help in purifying our mind because we pray Goddess continuously for nine days/nights. It also enhances our focus on the subject we contemplate for completion.
• Purification of body and mind means spiritually directed conscious mind thus a shift from negativity to positivity
• Congregations in melas and group processions help the people to people contacts thus animosity, if any, gets obliterated and a feeling of fellow feeling and cooperation sprouts. Contact with each other enhances our outreach in the society.
• Group dances and spiritual song competitions enhance competitive spirits in the youth and also help them direct their latent energies to productive use.
• Devotees, in their zeal to show earnest desire to have total connectivity with Goddess Durgaji, offer singular devotion to Her during these auspicious days, reap the harvest of getting their problems solved and get ETERNAL PEACE  in their lives as a reward of this worship.

NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

Truly speaking, Nav means nine

Ratri stands for night

Navratri is the festival of repute

Wherein the devoted disciples

Of all shades celebrate this festival

Twice in a calendar year

First, it is in the March – April, as Chaitra Navratri

Thence October – November as the Shradha Navratri

This festival is related to  Durga Goddess

This ‘Shakti’  with her immense prowess

Overpowered  the ferocious 

Demons that maimed the hapless Sadhus

Even while performing their sacred Yajunas

And in the process defiled the sacredness of Yajna fires.

Goddess Durga in her red attires

Mounted on the lion so fierce

With all the weapons in her custody

Which could inflict havoc on the adversary

Legends abound about Navratri

Demon king Maheshasura worships Lord Shiva

The penance was so severest

That Lord Maheshwara had to grant him a boon of invincibility

That nobody, not even the Gods could kill him

Thence he starts killing innocents with impunity

Then he with forcefully

Conquered the Seven Lokas

Including the throne of Indra.

To eliminate demon Maheshasura

Then there was confabulation between the Trinity

Along with others God too in the company

To defeat and kill this demon turned killer and usurper 

Created Maa Shakti

The Mother with a boundless energy

Or Durga, the Warrior Goddess

The war between Maheshasur and Mother Divine

Which lasted for Nine Day

On day 9^th  she killed this evil demon

Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over wickedness

On day ninth which is termed as Mahanavami

Nine young girls are worshipped

Personifying Nine Forms of Durga Goddess

                                   These venerated young girls’ feet are washed

With fresh water and given clothes and food

Navratri too is linked with fertility of land
Folks observe the fitness of earth
By testing seeds germination in pots earthen
Folks also observe fasting rigidly
And keep them chaste
In words and in deeds indeed.

Another legend has makes it known
King Daksha the King of Himalayan Kingdom
Was blessed with a daughter
He named her Uma – a most beautiful one
She worshipped Lord Shiva immeasurably
So that He may accept her in marriage easily
Having pleased Lord Shiva
Thus marries Uma
Against the wishes of King Dhaksha
One day King Dhaksha held a grand Yagna
All Gods except Shiva were invited
Uma wanted to attend Yagna
With Lord Shiva’s reservation
And against His wishes even
King Daksha reprimanded her for coming uninvited
In rage, she jumps into Agni Kund (Fire-grate) and perished
And was termed as Sati
Madev as Virbadhara took King Daksha to task for this
On rebirth (as Parvati) she marries Lord Shiva again
She comes to Her parents to stay for Nine Days
And thus we celebrate these Nine Days as Navratri.
Legend also has it that Lord Rama
Worshipped Goddess Durga’s
Nine Forms for nine days
On day tenth He was able to kill powerful demon king Ravana
Thus day tenth is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra
First three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga
In the form of child; young girl and mature woman
The three varied stages of womanhood
Symbolizing victory of evil over falsehood
Next three days are dedicated to Goddess of Wealth & Prosperity
Her name is Goddess Lakshmi
She symbolizes wealth; peace and prosperity
Last three days are commemorated in the name of Goddess Saraswati
The Goddess of knowledge
In snowy white dress
Mounted on a white swan
Thus Navratri is termed as the sign
Of purity and well-being

Let this Nine Days wonder 

Be the game-changer 

And engenders peace and prosperity

And enough Wellness for all and sundry 

This is my the most sincere prayer to thee, my Mother Divine

 

WHAT WHEN SOMEBODY BELIES OUR CONFIDENCE?

 

 

WHAT WHEN SOMEBODY BELIES OUR CONFIDENCE?

BREACH OF CONFIDENCE/TRUST

It is important to note that breach of trust is personal or subjective in nature. Some may feel when their confidence is broken others may partly feel while many others may not feel its pinch at all.  Expectations from anybody to a limit are tolerable but when it goes on the tangent then we have to change ourselves and try not to take everything seriously which comes our way otherwise this may impact us physiologically and psychologically.

Great epic Mahabharata clearly gives us a wonderful insight into the fact as to how deception, deceit and belying of confidence of others could bring about deaths and destructions. The Pandavas, the sons of King Pandu, lost their every bit of possessions, jewelry, race horses, including everything which they possessed.

Shakuni had such a magical dices, by the playing of which every bit of wager went in his favor. After having won every bit of possessions, Shakuni promised to return back everything lost if they wagered their consort Draupadi. At this late stage, the Pandava brothers could not retrieve their steps as it was the custom of the Kshatriyas, they were constrained to continue till the end. All these acts were transacted by belying the confidence of Pandavas.

Having lost everything including their consort Duryodhana, the elder son of Kaurava King Dhritarashtra wanted to teach a lesson to Draupadi for insulting him once. He wanted her to be disrobed publically in front of elders of the family including Beeshma, Drona, and Kripa but Lord Krishna delivered her of this misfortunate but as a result had sown the seeds of war between the armies of Kauravas (who were known for their treachery and deception).

LOPSIDED VIEW OF OUR LIFE

There are the people who do not know the real purpose of their life on this planet. They placate their ego by amassing riches without realizing that this life of ours is an impermanent one thus they live in self-deceptive stance. In Bhagavad Gita it has amply been made clear by Lord Krishna as to what is impermanent and what is eternal. Those who know these realities attain knowledge of immense importance. Our body is destructible but the soul which dwells in this soul cannot be destroyed. Those who do not act on this reality live in the unreal and deceptive world. Harming others by design or to intent to harm others for personal gain is self-destructive.

NECESSITY OF HAVING CONFIDENCE

 

It is truthful that the affairs of any household, neighborhood, community or country cannot run smoothly without confidence or faith on others. We simply trust others that is why we feel confident to deal with others. Nothing could be transacted without mutual confidence and trust. Confidence in others is one of the important constituents of our dealings with others. It is a two-way traffic – based on quid pro quo. In other words, if we trust others, it is natural that others too will trust us.

It has been ordained in Bible: God seeks those that will stand in the gap and repair the breach between God and man as well as between men. These are men and women that continue to move forward no matter what. These are men and women that know how to rescue opportunities out of adversities. These are men and women that are committed to making each other whole. These are men and women that are like God.

We have the confidence on the driver of the bus we ride for a safe journey to our destination. If that driver breaches our trust and suddenly jumps out of the bus fearing loss of balance by the bus and let the passengers plunge into the deep gorge. He saves himself from death or otherwise but has surely breached the trust of the passengers and those people who witnessed that accident. Similar is the case with a drowning warship whose commander himself to drowns with everything that is in the ship including its crews.There are several examples where a warship, in active action, is hit and all its occupants took watery graves in the ocean. That is the saga of the true heroism.

BELIEF ON OUR TEACHER OR GURU

The Guru or teachers or preacher should have our confidence. One of the best known Gur Mantra is Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara. It is in the praise of Lord Brahma (Lord of Creation or procreation), Lord Vishnu (Lord responsible for evolution what has been created) and Lord Shiva (Lord responsible for destruction for further procreation). We trust our Guru, teachers or preachers simply because they mold our destinies by imparting knowledge thereby we take up various vocations or avocations or innovation apart from the inculcation of spiritual understanding. If the Guru or the teacher, to whom we send our children, breach our trust or confidence then what happens? When our expectations are belied, we feel let down. It goes to show that we should not blindly follow somebody until such time we know his/her background and conduct so that we may not have to be disappointed besides being painted when we find ourselves ditched. We should actually experience life by living ups and downs/vicissitudes of life. This way, we can be our own teacher.

PARENTS’ CONFIDENCE ON SCHOOLS THEY ARE SENDING THEIR WARDS

The life of seven years old named Praduman was cut short by a bus conductor in one of the schools in Gurugram recently. This is largely due to a breach of trust or confidence of enormous proportion which the parents had in the school as a whole. Nothing can assuage the emotional disturbance of the parents who had lost their loved one but it is the fitness of things if a thorough investigation by a reputed agency is done so that such grievous incidents do not recur and in each case guilty is held accountable and punished. A thorough audit of the security aspects of the school should also be conducted so as to avoid recurrence.

 Be that as it may, it is evident that we trust others simply because it is for our own benefit, but sometimes, we have not to seek or aspire for benefits in order to gain others’ confidence. If we have to suffer to win others trust, that is up to us after going through all imponderables under the prevailing circumstances.

In Holy Quran, the essence of life has been written: ‘and fulfill the promise, surely (every) promise shall be questioned about.’ O you who believe! Fulfill the obligations…..and the performers of their promise when they make a promise…

There are some conditions which are necessarily very important while we have faith on others. These conditions are:-

• Why we should trust some. There are cases where we are constrained to have confidence on others otherwise this world of ours cannot be run smoothly.
• Confidence on our Bhagwanji/Creator. It is well said that when nothing moves there is the mystic spirit which comes to our succor when every other person ditches us.
• Why we should not trust some. Experience is the guide when we trust others but still, they belie our trust. This is applicable in our relationships in the family, in the neighborhood and between members of a community or even between countries or in the workplace too. When a country believes one country and that country stabs us in the back by breaching our trust.
• Track record of the person concerned. It is paramount that we see the track record of the person concerned and then form an opinion whether to trust or otherwise. It is certainly not one-way trail.
• Trust impinging on our life. We have to trust others when it comes to our personal relationship such as we’ve to believe our offspring, our parents, our blood relations etc.
• Trust others whether one trusts us or not. There are times when we have to maintain our confidence even though others may or may not trust us. Others may give the lie to our confidence but we’ve to teach a lesson to the concerned person that truth always wins in the long run; deception does not.
• Expectations on others. It is paramount that we should not have much expectation from others since if these are belied then we feel very suspicious on the human psyche.
• The choice is on us whether we want to believe or trust others. It is also a truth that if we do not want to trust others, nobody can force us. But there is a caveat, we can hardly transact anything tangible by remaining detached from others?

Conclusively, it could be construed that when our faith or belief or confidence reposed on others is breached, it hurts us immensely physically and emotionally. Therefore, it is the fitness of things that we keep our mental balance despite provocations. This is a reality of life, we all have to experience and live with. If somebody trusts us, it is all right, if does not, it is also all right but we’ve to continue doing our right Karma with detachment. But if still somebody belies our trust then only way left is to leave everything in the hands of Creator who will certainly deliver us from everything negative.

 

ON OUR RELIGIOUS GODMEN /RELIGIOUS PREACHERS

ON OUR RELIGIOUS GODMEN / RELIGIOUS PREACHERS

MEANING OF RELIGION

The religion is famously called as the one which transforms the mind of its proponents; changes negative mindset into the positive one. It is one of the most revered institutions which serve its purpose when it becomes a medium or a vehicle of change in the thinking and mindset of the concerned individuals for the overall good of the humanity. Religion, in fact, is run on the basis of laid down norms and principles enshrined in various scriptures. Truth is the hallmark or cornerstone/foundation on which a religion stands. Different religions have different scriptures; which could be construed as different paths in order to reach a single SOURCE. This Source is omnipotent and omniscient which adores us without any discrimination. We’ve to seek Him sincerely and He is there for our assistance.

SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE

The scriptural knowledge contained in different Holy Books requires somebody knowledgeable person to spread the respective messages contained in these. This ‘knowledgeable’ person should spread the message in right earnest. His earnestness is revealed when he/she transforms the ill-informed or ignorant people into knowledgeable thus removing the rampant ‘darkness’ that prevails in them. How best he/she does this depends solely on his/her Initiative and method adopted including the sincerity in which one spreads the message. When this message is spread with a motive to garner riches for enhancing power and pelf then it is bad. Here the intention is to lubricate the ego which is enemy number one for spiritual march ahead. Such people neither are connected with God nor know the truth about God and His existence.

GURU FOR SPREAD OF SCRIPTURAL TRUTH       

The Guru originates from the Sanskrit which means a ‘teacher or a preacher’ but in real term, it is more significant than a teacher or a preacher. As per Bhagwad Gita, Guru is the one who eradicates ignorance or darkness from us. Guru or acts as spiritual teacher. The Guru Mantra whispered in our ear transforms us if we follow this Mantra sincerely.

Essentially, there are some reasonable posers which we should take into account while choosing an appropriate Guru Deva Ji. These question are; firstly, to whom to make a spiritual Guru secondly, when to make a spiritual Guru and thirdly how easily and sincerely we endeavour to pursue his discourses and sermons to the best of our ability and belief for our spiritual forward march. But for this, we’ve to be very cautious in our selection because if that spiritual Guru chosen gets embroiled in some illegal, immoral or unethical activities. We can easily imagine the predicament in which we may fall when we come to know that one to whom we believe not only belied our belief but also our Bhagwanji too. All this will surely, later on, disappoint us immeasurably after coming to know about the dark-side of our Guru. A Guru is venerable but not vulnerable to negative attributes.

A Guruji could be a living one or may be in his heavenly abode but his spiritual knowledge should still influence us not only spiritually but also become a guiding light in our day to day activities. Gurus should be like: Shri Paramhansa Ji whose various books on spiritualism including AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A GURU are the guiding lights for different people round the globe. These written works could guide us and influence our Karma. Guru Mantra given to us by our Guru as per own capacity and spiritual inclination can work wonders in our life

It is relevant to mention about my own Guru Ji, Late Shri Sarupananda of Nangli Sahib (UP) whispered a Guru Mantra in my ear which I recite in my prayers thus helping me in maintaining God’s connectivity and becomes a guiding light in whatever I transact. Although he is not with me in person yet he remain influencing me in variety of ways. That is the secret of a Guru or a Godman.

If and when that spiritual leader or a Guru is found to have indulged in morally flawed and ethically  wrong misdeeds / kukaramas then we can well image the state of our disappointment. For such a so called Guru, the phrase ‘A wolf in sheep’s clothing’ or  a wolf masquerading in sheep’s clothing stands good for such a person. Fact stands out that conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s conviction in two rape cases has proved that we should not be taken in by the outward platitudes and high sounding deceptive rhetoric’s. The decision of Hon’ble Court was eye-opener not only for the supporters consisting of unlettered populace of this misleading individual called GURMEET RAM RAHIM. He is not fit for calling himself as ‘Insan’ human even.

GREED BRINGS ABOUT OUR DOOM

It is observed that people in general give more credence to material possessions than any other consideration such as spiritual orientation etc which is in fact a curse. Thus we can infer that more desire for worldly possessions bring in its wake more desire for more possessions and this chain reaction for ‘more – still more’ remain unending consequently we are engulfed in the web of negativism of our own making. This highest stage of ignorance or lack of knowledge goes on unabated putting the concerned proponent into the quicksand of ‘no return’ situation. This is similar to the condition with the Godmen of today who aspire for riches and reach to the situation of ‘no return’ because it is too late when realization dawns on them. Such is the condition with some of our so called Godmen who have thrust into the allurement of external shine. They live for wealth, accumulate more and more of it by hoodwinking the gullible or easy to fool masses by resorting to any means whatsoever. Similar is the case with our Godmen such as Gurmit Ram Rahim etc.

Those who advice others to follow a disciplined life should first of all follow disciplined life themselves. Mere advising others and giving them spirit boosting talk will not serve any purpose. A spiritual preacher should understand fully what actually spiritualism stands for. Tall talk will neither be good for the followers nor the preacher himself/herself. I am giving some of so called spiritual preachers whose Kukarma came in the glare/domain of general public which not only has lowered them in the eyes of their followers but also their standing for good.

GURMEET RAM RAHIM

It is pertinent to mention that so called Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim controlled his empire with more than 1,000 acres of land at one place and even more in other places, vast expanse of campus, with multi-specialty hospital, luxury resort, schools, palatial abode with cave like structure, hospitality and hotel businesses, with MSG brand ayuvedic products and cosmetics, business in clothes, animal care products and a battery making factory etc. he should have been called a businessman rather than a Godman. This modern Godman should be termed as a business tycoon of highest repute if he wanted so. His adopted daughter and he had produced films which were being screened in his own cinema hall known as Mahi. To top it all, he had armed guards to defend his empire and to protect his ill-gotten wealth and also with an ulterior intention that nobody should know his ulterior activities.

A compassionate and humanitarian / philanthropic related work should not carry the tag of ‘commercial activities’. If we perform some humanitarian service, it should never ever be done after giving wide publicity or drumming about it. For charity or empathy, our left hand should not know what our right hand is doing. That is the well established norm for a good work done and if that work is done in order to garner profit, then that work loses its significance in the eyes of our Creator. Being compassionate is so good but to be compassionate with huge reservoir of humbleness gives us eternal satisfaction.

As a result of his conviction by the court for rapping two Sadhvis, he was awarded 20 years imprisonment for the heinous crime perpetrated by him. Gurmeet Ram Rahim started weeping in the court room. His crime was more monstrous since he belied the beliefs of lacks of his followers who believed him immensely. He did not leave his own female disciples and finger is also being pointed that he had affair with his adopted daughter. In fact a shameful act for a so called godman.

In the prison cell, the godman cries, why i had done this? This lamentation is just a façade. He did not take any food for two days after his imprisonment. He pretented that he was the patient of hypertension and other diseases. His rependence, at this stage, when all the sex cases against this godman have been proved beyond any stretch of doubt.

RADHEY MAA

It is not the men folks who fool the common people with their tricks to have spiritual knowhow but there are some women too in this. There is the case of Radhey Maa, a so called spiritual preacher but known for her controversial issues like harassing her devotees etc. Born in Gurdaspur (Punjab), she was drawn towards spirituality from her early childhood. She moved to Mumbai and hoodwinked the gullible masses but she kept her connection with Punjab and participate in religious congregations. She too has substantial followers. Subsequently a police case was filed against her for physical assaults and other cases attributed to her. Such is the state of our religious preachers. They could go to any limit for getting money and publicity.

ASARAM BAPU

I had the opportunity of attending his discourses four times. In each of his congregation, he had a special mantra to maintain connectivity with our Bhagwanji. His motivational anecdotes, words and phrases for his followers were obviously very impressive. Seemed as though he can do no harm to anyone. He mesmerized his audience with his oratory on spirituality. Never in our dreams, we could fathom that such a person with lacs of followers / devotees could do anything which is attributed to him.

He too have several acres of land attached with his various ashrams, running schools in the Ashrams, have factories to manufacture Ayurvedic products, a monthly bi-lingual magazine published besides a host of spiritual activities performed by his followers. But a complaint by the parents of a teenaged girl against Asaram for sexually assaulting her, opened a Pandora Box against him and his son named Narayan Sai. Both were imprisoned and case registered against father and son duo. All this goes to show ‘When wealth is lost nothing is lost, when health is lost , something is lost, but when character is lost, all is lost’.

SWAMI FROM THE SOUTH

Another so called Guru from South India too vanished in the thin air when he was convicted of sexual abuse in the USA. The Barsana Dham where he conducted his spiritual lectures was also famous for having all sorts of activities like yoga classes, concerts, discourses including interfaith ones besides doing humanitarian work of rendering help to refugees adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina.

A true preacher of a Dharma Guru should have the following traits:-

(a)    He should know fully what is spiritualism and relevant belief system.

(b)   He should not preach others something which he cannot follow himself.

(c)    He should command respect from not only his followers but also the general public.

(d)   Worldly possessions should not be his weakness.

(e)    He should preach others in a language which is understood by his audience.

(f)      He should rather be humble and compassionate to the core.

(g) Finally he should know the true import of Guru Dharma and influence which he could exercise on his devotees for their overall good.

 

 

 

 

 

ACCEPTANCE – ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN OUR LIFE

ACCEPTANCE – ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN OUR LIFE

 

Acceptance means an acknowledgment that something has been agreed upon. It may be taking responsibility for any conduct or behavior or attitude that we display. It may also be the ultimate agreement between parties that a particular course of action has to be pursued. Sometimes our expectations are belied, we feel disheartened when our course of action becomes all the more blurred.

Literally, acceptance means the action of putting an affirmative stamp on our thoughts and actions. It may mean ‘That which cannot be cured must be endured’ despite our best efforts. Truly speaking, the actual meaning of acceptance is not as simple as it seems to be. It hardly means an escape route in order to turn our face away from answerability. Acceptance may also mean harmony under protest when nothing works.

When our acceptance or agreement reached bilaterally are disproved, due to the enormity of problem at hand, we feel displeased to an extent that further course of action becomes blurred in confusion and hopelessness. It could be construed as the only course left open for us or it could be a short time pull back to understand the nitty gritty of the problem at hand. We are constrained for an acceptance, something which is handed over to us by somebody – it may be as a gift or a return gift.

ACCEPTANCE OF TRUTH ONLY ALTERNATIVE

There is no option but to accept the natural truth – the Natural Laws are independent of interpretations or understandings. These are real and we’ve no option but to give our acceptance, anywhere anytime. as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the earth revolves around the sun, everything that exists is part of nature and cannot be disputed. Mathematical calculations could be tested and attested anywhere anytime with the similar results.

In Granth Sahib Ji, it has been said: Acceptance that everybody is the manifestations of God, and everybody has His reflection within us and our life has been gifted by Him only and we should sing his virtues.

HOLY QURAN has very succinctly made known that nothing but righteousness is dear to Allah – not even most important or most valuable thing to an individual: ‘Not their flesh, nor their blood reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is your righteousness.’

HOLY BIBLE gives too much credence to righteousness than anything else. It is more than sacrifice that we give: O do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

ACCEPTANCE OF TRUTH. It is axiomatic that we have no alternative but to accept the Ultimate Truth. It has been right proclaimed by Lord Krishna in his interlude with Arjuna while stressing upon him that he has no option but to perform his duty as a fighter to actively take part in the battle with his own kit h and kin. : By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them.

ACCEPTANCE COULD BE COMPULSIVE

Acceptance when undertaken compulsively or with unfounded intention brings about unpredictable consequences in future. For example acceptance of a person to be God – connected or spiritually aware without reasonable proof or without checking the background of that person brings about misery in the long run. On 25^th August 2017, there is a disturbing case of Gurmit Ram Rahim who had several thousand followers has been convicted of rape charges.  What followed thereafter is really pathetic – violence and mayhem taken toll of precious lives!

WHEN REASON OR RATIONALITY FAILS, ACCEPTANCE IS THE ONLY COURSE

In essence, when reason or rationality fails to click, then, we are constrained to, perforce; take a course of action which is appropriate in the given condition or situation which may have emerged. There are two options; either we fight the adverse situation or there is another window of opportunity, condition ourselves for application of sagacity or wisdom gleaned from our past reservoir of experiences and also with the plentiful graces of our Bhagwanji. 

Alternatively,  when our experience and reason fail to meet the test of enormity of problem, it goes to prove that we are without the graces of God hence only way left for us is acceptance; doubtlessly, a solitary way left out for us. For instance, Vasudev and Devki had no alternative but to accept their fate when Kamsa imprisoned them with a promise that they will give their newborn babies to him so that they are killed by him till, of course, eighth issue who was none other than God’s (Lord Vishnu) incarnation.

WHEN ACCEPTANCE IS ONLY ALTERNATIVE

In order to reach to a firm decision of acceptance of our fait accompli, it is pragmatic that we welcome such acceptance with an open mind without compunction forgetting the pinpricks that we experienced during our tortuous journey of life.  During that journey of life, we may have gone through worse situations but when we have decided to accept a situation or condition, we should be steadfast because in this acceptance our self esteem is involved.

WHEN ACCEPTANCE IS THE MIDDLE COURSE

In this sort of a unforeseen event, our acceptance which is taking a middle path with our own freewill is the only option. In other words, acceptance is our compulsion because seemingly there is no indelible stamp of God affixed.

Following are some of the imponderables which need to be understood for understanding the meaning of acceptance in its entirety:-

(a) Acceptance of our fate or whatever is destined to us. One thing possibly that is in our hand is to sincerely work hard and then the God’s graces would be showered on us. But if we fail  to deliver despite our best efforts, then what? That is the moot point we have to ponder. Meaning something is missing that is why we have not been successful. In this case, therefore, acceptance is only a plausible way. Otherwise the negative result will keep haunting us.

(b) Bargaining for acceptance. Sometimes, we feel disheartened by  sudden change in scenario or situation or condition that we are left with no alternative but to bargain with our adversary for a way out. We agree or disagree, but many a times, we could face such predicaments.

(c) Risk in acceptance. Acceptance should be the last resort, when every other options just fail to tick. Hasty decision in accepting due to sudden change is situation could be risky sometimes, too. We should, therefore, be careful and wait for pros and cons and reach to a plausible decision based on situational changes and our defence mechanism. Let it be understood that nobody should dictate terms to us.

(d) Being grateful for anybody for coming to our assistance. When we are placed in a piquant situation and our well wisher may come to our rescue, then we have to accept our situation and express our gratefulness to the person concerned.

(e) Negative Orientation in Acceptance. There are people who accept bribe or gratification for getting particular job done. Lure of inducement can taint and tarnish our character should never be forgotten thus acceptance of bribe should be shunned.

(f) Accetance of Regrets. Accepting regrets or denial, apology for a thing done accidently. Morality or good manners or gentlemanly behavior expects us for acceptance of our mistake(s) which we must be committed knowingly or unknowingly.  

(d)   Acceptance of resignation. When somebody does not want to serve in an organization, or when a person at the position of power is not able to discharge his/her duties as per laid down norms then we can understand that that person is told to tender resignation either voluntarily or is forced to do so. 

(e)   Acceptance of witness by the court. Acceptance of a witness in the court of law could be considered as an important requirement to avoid miscarriage of justice.

(f)     Acceptance in a community or social acceptance. To adjust in the society we want to live, we have to follow some norms of behavior and conventions besides, of course, social customs and traditions which are dear to the community concerned. If we do not follow those norms we are not bestowed with the acceptance by that society or community.

(g)    Acceptance of a bride in the family. The fact of being accepted by a family depends partly by the efforts of a bride to assimilate the changed situations and conditions at new home.

(h)   Acceptance at our workplace. Our acceptance at the workplace in any organization is sequel to our traits of adaptability / adjustability and how best we understand  the rules that an organization has codified. Here acceptance of duties and responsibilities are  considered sacrosanct. .

A fond acceptance that we have come here for a purpose and that purpose is to know our strength and weaknesses, improve our weaknesses to the extent possible with God’s grace and those ones which cannot be done even after our sincerest efforts, then acceptance is the only way out. Accept it, since humans have weaknesses only our God is perfect in every way.

We can convert our passing happiness to enduring happiness by accepting that our Soul does not perish with the perishing of our body. This acceptance could help us live life purposefully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ganesha Chaturthi – The Birth Day Of Veghana-Harta (Obstacle-Averter) & Vegana-Karta (Obstacle-Creator For Evil Doers) – Celebrations from 25th August 2017 (Friday) to 5th September 2017 (Tuesday).

 

Ganesha Chaturthi – The Birth Day Of Veghana-Harta (Obstacle-Averter) & Vegana-Karta (Obstacle-Creator For Evil Doers) – Celebrations from 25^th August 2017 (Friday) to 5^th September 2017 (Tuesday).

Before delving on as to why we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, it is essential that we should know the circumstances and how life was infused in a lifeless creation by Lordess Parvati.

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which falls between 25th August 2017 (Friday) to 5th September 2017 (Tuesday). He is the most loved son of Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvati. The devotees’ firm belief is that on this day, he bestows his supreme blessings on us with his presence and showers his bounties (shuvta) on us as he is the Lord of prosperity, unlimited wisdom, and a trouble shooter to the core.

The Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated according to the Hindu Calendar month of Bhaadrapada starting with the Shukla Chaturthi – 4th day of the waxing moon period till 14th day of waxing of the moon. There is a celebration of ten days for which exhaustive preparations are made before hand. This includes; procuring of the lovely idol of Lord Ganesha, preparation of eatable, especially modaks for friends and relatives, some install Ganesha Idol on this day. This festival is celebrated in almost all the parts of India. Even in foreign countries like Canada, USA, UK etc where Indians are there, this festival is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm. It has special relevance in Maharashtra.

How the Birthday of Lord Ganesha came about?

Legend has it that Lordess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste which was applied on Her body before taking bath. She was impressed by her own creation which ignited her curiosity of breathing / infusing life into that creation. Low and behold, the creation of Maan Parvati came to life!

Subsequently, She told him to guard the entrance to the bathroom and ordered him not to allow anybody enter it while she took bath. All this transpired when Shiva had gone somewhere. When He returned back, Ganesha, standing guard, did not allow Him to enter. On asking who he was. Ganesha replied that he was Ganesha the son of Maa Parvati.

Lord Shiva sent His Ganas to teach the child first lesson in mannerism. As Ganesha was created by Shakti, he was very powerful besides being obedient to the core. Indira and his army of demigods too used their power to overpower Ganesha but in vain.

Now it was the turn of Narda with Saptarishis came for persuading the child for allowing Lord Shiva but it was also a futile exercise. All this infuriated Lord Shiva still further. Out of anger, He severed the head of Ganesha. When Maan Parvati came out after Her bath, she found the severed head from the body of her creation. This scene enraged her immensely. Observing her state, Lord Shiva promised to bring back to life their son. For this purpose, the demigods went in search of the person facing north. They could not find any humans. They could find only bring the elephant’s head which was fixed on the headless body. Ganesha came back to life instantly through the supernatural powers of Lord Shiva.

LORD GANESHA

 

Known as Ganapati or Vinayaka

One who is powerful deities of all

He is most easily identified

With elephant head

Ganesha is born out of the dirt

Rubbed out of the being of Adi Shakti

Goes to show that what comes out of

Even from dirt has boundless power

A Maya of all encompassing one

The one who is the first deities to be venerated.

 

When a new venture has to see the light of the day

He is also worshipped for getting power and pelf

For the whole family and for self

For getting good health and good days ahead.

 

Ganesha has two consorts

Named Ridhi and Sidhi

Ridhi is for prosperity that is required

Sidhi is for getting spiritual movement upward

Including increasing positive thoughts into actionable results.

 

Lord Ganesha is also worshipped

For bestowing protection

And for increasing the power of recreation

Whilst removing obstacles from one’s path

Because Lord Ganesha

Is considered as the patron

Of sagacity and intellect in abundance

My fond prayers to Thee O Lord Ganesha

Do bestow ease, peace & grace

For all humanity

So that all live in harmony.

 

WHY GANESH CHATURTHI IS CELEBRATED?

Previously, only Hindus used to participate in the festivities but presently there is a community participation in this festival. There is the enactment of concerts; discourses based on intellectual/spirituality related topics, skits, folk dances etc. Dahi Handi competition is another interesting and much awaited by the participants. Here prizes are also given. People of all castes, religions, and colour participate in these festivities and this becomes a fertile ground for national integration and engenders understanding between different communities. All these activities have the two-fold benefit. Firstly, it enhances unity in diversity and secondly, it ensures completive fervor between people.

As Lord Ganesh is the embodiment of good tidings, people start their new businesses on this auspicious day so as to have His blessings for the success.

From the above, it is evident that this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ensuring cohesion/unity between all the communities, encourage non-discriminatory ideas/ideals besides getting the opportunity to celebrate the auspicious occasion imbibing spiritual onward march and finally to get Lord Ganesh’s bounties of unlimited intelligence and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

 

ROLE OF GRACE IN OUR LIFE

ROLE OF GRACE IN OUR LIFE

The root word for grace is a Latin word gratia – meaning gratefulness or thankfulness. It also means possessing sophistication or elegance or kindness which has been bestowed by our God. The grace may be in our thoughts, actions, attitude, form, approach, natural ease and poise, grace in behaviour, etc. These positive traits change the very course of our life. The one who is lacking in grace is not welcomed anywhere but one who is having grace in his/her attitude/approach is sought after. Even for their invites, it is exclusively mentioned; ‘ you are requested to grace the occasion’.

Graceful dealings with others win us friends and well wishers. Individual conducting with grace and poise are bestowed with magnetism and consequently, they win friends and well wishers whereas lack of it brings about repulsion and enemies as a consequence.

GOD GRACES ALL HIS CREATIONS EQUALLY

 Mother Nature (Prakriti), the God’s own creation, does not discriminate while giving her priceless gifts of air, water and sun. Also, God’s love and affection besides all other graces for the benefits of all without discrimination are always there whether we merit it not. He is always there for showering us His graces including final liberations (Moksha). Here Souls and Super Souls are inter-related. For becoming a contender for all His graces,  one of the important factors is our sincerity in our prayers.

GOD’S GRACE PLAY PREDOMINANT ROLE INTO THE LIVES OF GREAT PERSONAGES

There are so many amongst us humans who rose from the ordinary backgrounds or although with different disabilities yet they stood out and showed to the world at large that they are second to none. This happened due to the bountiful graces of our Creator. They even changed the irrational religious thoughts and in many cases changed the destinies of hapless people with or without any infirmities. This is all due to the benevolent graces of our Source. I shall cite a few examples where God’s grace played seemingly a prime role.

The life of Adi Shankara from his birth during the reign of Vikramaditya (788 CE – 820 CE) was inclined towards spiritualism. When he was at the age of eight, he went to have a bath with his mother. During his bath in the river, he was caught by a crocodile. He called out his mother loud and asked her to permit him to have a life of sannyasin otherwise he would be killed by the crocodile to which his mother agreed. The crocodile leaves him and he gets a free life to follow his life of hermitage. He had his education at different places like Kashi, Badrinath. Omkareshwar near river Narmada. He studied Vedas, Puranas, Brahmasutra and many other Hindu scriptures. His teacher Govinda taught him Gaudapada. He established and founded monastic centres (Maths) in north, east, west and south India.

He lived for 32 years during which he was so much graced by the Almighty God that he travelled so much, not only within India but also South Asia with a view to propagate and spread Advaida Vedanta philosophy, wherein, he had debates and discussions/discourses with different sages and dharma gurus, wrote commentaries on so many scriptures. What a normal person cannot do in hundred years, he had done in just 32 years. This does not happen without the grace of God.

Shankara travelled across India and other parts of South Asia to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. He is reputed to have founded four maths (monasteries), which ultimately helped in the spread of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

God bestowed upon grace on personages like Mother Teresa – the apostle of love and mercy – her selfless and inspirational work provided succour to multitudes.

Going through the life of Helen Keller, it was obviously heart-rending. She lost her eyesight, hearing and speech at an early childhood due to a strange brain fever. Due to these handicaps, she was forced to remain aloof in a confused state with no communication with others with her state of health. But due to her inner strength and grace of Almighty God, she worked tirelessly and became one of the best international speakers of repute besides authored many books even in Brail which helped the blind and mute people. She became an inspiration and a pillar of strength for those with different infirmities. If it is not due to God’s grace then what!

GRACE OF GOD OR  GRACE IN OUR  ATTITUDE  BENEFITS US IMMENSELY

1. Grace in our approach. Our composure and mannerism while facing emergent and daunting contingency is tested. There are the ones who just cannot face sudden emergencies. In other words, they lack requisite grace and poise. They get stressed while facing a piquant situation. Therefore, the way we approach in solving the problem count. Thus grace in our attitude not only helps us in our workplace but also becomes a bulwark in fighting negative tendencies in our character. 
2. Grace in Conduct of Foreign Affairs of a Country. There are countries who possess grace and poise in pursuing their foreign policy outlook. They do not bully others with disrespect words and phrases while conveying their viewpoints.
3. The grace of God comes with sincere effort. It is not so easy to get God’s graces because to qualify for His graces, In other words, we’ve to possess all the positive traits – compassion, empathy/understanding, humane approach including our work culture, our relationship with others, etc. Having followed a way of life which is for the based on love and affection with our fellow human beings. It is also a fact that when we follow a spiritual oriented life; based on religious principles, following all the constructive characteristics, refinement in our thoughts and Karmic deeds so that we are self-aware. This could bring about a qualitative change in our day to life. Having achieved self-awareness and removing negativity, we naturally come under the shadow of our God.

It has rightly been enunciated in Holy Quran: He specially chooses for His mercy whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

4. The grace of self-improvement. I happen to meet a parent, who has two twin sons studying in the same class, school and having the same lifestyle besides same congenial environment at home. One son scored 9.8 CGPA in 10th CBSE Board examination while the other one could just get 6.2 CGPA. While saying so the father continued, the former is studious, hardworking, very inquisitive about what he does but the latter has to be reminded about his home work, does not understand the subject matter to be studied but crams his lessons.
5. The grace of Goddess Lakshmi for material possession. Goddess Laxmi is the Goddess of wealth. She lives in a home who is sincere in attitude. She graces those who put in sincere work and render selfless service, generous, compassionate to the humanity.
6. Total surrender and attainment of peace. It has rightly said in Bhagwad Gita that if we wholeheartedly surrender onto God, then by His grace, we shall get eternal peace not only in this birth but also will get liberation (Moksha).

In Holy Bible, it has been said that bounties of God include all the all the activities of God towards humans. It could be favoured which the humans merited or unmerited, forgiving and finally salvation. All the natural bounties are due to God’s graces.

Guru Nanak Devi Ji says: Knowledge of the ultimate Reality is not a matter for reason; it comes by revelation of the ultimate reality through Nadar (grace) and by mystical experience.

Conclusively, it could be said that it could be the grace of God or self-imbibed trait, play the predominant role in our life. Grace helps us in having peace and calmness in our lives. To be the candidate for God’s graces, we require having sincerity in our prayer beside having purity in our thoughts and actions. Grace thus pays in the long run. One who possesses this trait leaves a trail of the fragrance of benevolence and positive feel. God’s graces may remain in all of us so that there is an air of amity and brotherhood amongst all.

 

715T AUGUST – 71ST INDEPENDENCE DAY (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS TODAY)

715T AUGUST – 71ST INDEPENDENCE DAY (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS today) 

Keeping in view the sacrifices made by our forefathers, I pray to Almighty God that India may have inclusive growth and development., despite impediments. My wish-list for this 70th Independence Day and the coming ones is a mix of social harmony, economic, political expediency, probity, law & order besides facing the realities of our times including the specter of terrorism, extremism, violence etc.

• ATTACHMENT WITH THE COUNTRY. There may be some differences due to diverse cultural traditions, diverse religions, diverse caste and creed, colour, language etc but we should always have enduring love for our LAND – BHARAT. When different voices are heard, we get saddened. A RIGHT MESSAGE should go that despite differences, we are ONE. Nothing can divide us.

• DEMONETIZATION AND ITS AFTER-EFFECTS. Though demonetization of currency notes of R. 1000/- and Rs. 500/- have increased the tally of Income Tax Payees, it has also helped the Government in bringing to fore the hidden money kept in safe havens besides helping the Government to stop counterfeit or fake notes. With availability of cash in the banking stream, they can meet their requirements of loaning cash to the general public along with meeting the adverse conditions created by NPA of the Banks.
• THREAT LOOMING LARGE FROM FOREIGN SOILS. There are the countries which are threatening either their neighbours or are threatening using even nuclear weapons knowing well that nobody can win by using these weapons of mass destruction. India should do whatever it can so that peace prevails everywhere. Insensitive heightened rhetoric will not help only sagacious foreign policy moves can solve the pestering problems.
• HEALTH CARE OF THE GENERAL MASSES. What happened in Gorakhpur in UP recently is unfortunate and an eye-opener, we would like the authorities to introspect and help provide medicare to the citizenry in general so that there is no deaths. Mere politicizing this episode will not solve this health care problem. All out efforts by the medical community along with the administration is called for in this context.
• PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE. We choose our representatives so that they pass various legislations and exert for the upliftment of the society as a whole. Some modicum of wisdom has been shown by our parliamentarians which earlier on (in the previous Monsoon Session was missing.

THIS TIME IMPORTANT BILLS LIKE GST and many more are being passed after incisive dialogue and discussions. Every Indian felt satisfied, the way discussions on GST were held and all the parties showed unanimity or consensus for passage of this important bill. Then discussions with regard to ongoing Kashmir turmoil besides discussions on unfortunate incidents meted out to Dalits and weaker sections of the society; the maturity and wisdom of our representatives was really worth appreciation. We want our parliamentarians to show sagacity and legislate through discussions and dialogue on the matters impinging on the people’s wellbeing. This shows that despite differences based on party affiliations, we can rise above There may be differences and those are always there but these have to be discussed threadbare in proper forums and solutions provided. The Government too should take holistic view of the pestering problems at hand and reach consensus on the topics which are of importance for the country as a whole. That is the democracy we want and prosper in India.

• CHANGE IN THE MINDSET ON THE BASIS OF CASTE, CREED AND COLOUR. Previously the varnas or caste system wwas on the basis of professions the people followed. Now everybody is free to profess his/her profession therefore there should not be any need to give more credence to narrow parochialism Recent happenings (it may be in Gujarat, UP, Bihar or any other place) are the blot on the society as a whole wherein the Dalits are beaten up mercilessly either by cow protection vigilantes or cold shouldered even by the law enforcement agencies when approached by them for action. These incidences also echoed in the Parliament and all expressed their anguished on the sordid incidents. On the name of cow protection, some irresponsible and heartless instead of taking recourse to lawful action law unto themselves and hand out punishment in the full glare of the public. People in general are incensed by these incidents and the Centre and States should come forward and bestow protection to the Dalits and weaker sections of the society.
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  • I WANT MY INDIA TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF FELLOWMEN. The insensitivity and callousness that we show towards road accident victims is really pathetic. Our heart should feel pain when anybody is pained. The recent incident in which a tempo drive hit at 5.40 AM and till 6.10 AM nobody came to his succor and he was left to bleed. A man went there but to steal the mobile of the accident victim! It is not only the tempo driver, CCTV footage showed that several vehicles passed that way, a police van too passed that way but nobody cared for the accident victim. Such incidents and accidents are common butit should be our sincere endeavour to provide immediate medical care to the hapless person – in this the person concerned died leaving his dependent parents, wife and children to fend for themselves. Today, it is somebody else, tomorrow may be he/she is your near and dear one then what; if timely medicare is not provided to that person? May be it is the fear of police harassment that people do not come to the rescue of the victims. In that case law should be made to offer proper reward to the good Samaritan rather than harassment.
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  • HONORING THE NATIONAL HEROES. It should be our endeavour to respect the dependents of those who laid down their lives for freedom of our country. Not only freedom fighters but those who lay down their lives for protect of the hard earned freedom should also be respected. We remember our heroes only when some unsavoury incident of terrorist happens but soon thereafter we woefully forget their valour and supreme sacrifice. What the ongoing demolition drive by BBMP has brought home is really pathetic. A portion of the house of Lt Col Niranjan Kumar (killed during Pathankot terror attack) has also come under demolition list. Such is the apathy and heartless attitude shown to the dependents is really an eye opener. It is my wish that those who make supreme sacrifices should be respected.
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  • TRADITIONAL MODES OF BEHAVIOR/VALUES. It is a sad commentary that we are forgetting the traditional modes of behavior. The values which our forefathers attached to family and our cultural modes of behavior is being forgotten and in its place narrow regional considerations are being given credence knowing fully well that these are neither beneficial to anybody in the society. I would like my countrymen to imbibe traditional values for which my Bharat is acclaimed since ages with the dictum, respect others if you want to get respect. It is never a one sides affair.
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  • A COUNTRY WHICH RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRL CHILD. It is high time we respect our women folks. The Divine Trinity has his female counterpart; Saraswati (learning) – Lord Barmha, Lakshmi (wealth) – Lord Vishnu and Parvati (power) – Lord Shiva. All the rituals, especially auspicious ones, are incomplete without women being part of it all. Disrespecting women was construed as the disrespecting the God. All the relationships – mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc are essential for us all. In olden times these relations were considered very reverential. Without these, what is the status of father in relation to mother, wife in relation to husband, daughter in relation to son, sister in relation to brother etc.
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  A woman was supposed to be the manifestation of Goddess/Shakti and the male was supposed to be incomplete without the female (Shakti) with him. Lord Shiva is incomplete with His Shakti (Maan Parvati) that is why it is called SHIVSHAKTI.

  Even in Ramayana times women used to choose their suitors – Maan Sita chose Lord Rama after he broke the Dhanush of Lord Shiva in a sacred ceremony called soambar. Even in Mahabharta Dropati chose Arjuna in a soambar.

  In other words, those who want to subjugate women and refuse to give their proper place, they are hypocrites. A simple question: CAN THIS PROCREATION and raising of new GENERATION possible without women? Men and women are the equal partners and ought to be taken as such.

• SELF RESPECT. It is a fact that respect is earned by our day to day behavior and demeanor. We have to earn our respect. It is not given to us on the platter for nothing. If I want that others should respect me, it is essential that I respect others. One who knows how to maintain self respect knows the need of respecting others on the basis of quid pro quo. It is synonymous with: Charity begins from home. Even a small child will respond with respect if I treat that child well.
• SPECTER OF TERRORISM. World is facing the ugly face of terrorism emanating from some parts of the world. The terrorists are striking at will anywhere it wants causing mayhem and killing including violation of human rights. Now is the time when human rights of all the people without discrimination have to be protected. The scourge of terrorism and violence have to be tackled with iron hand. This is an international problems and should be tackled under the aegis of UNO otherwise the humanity as a whole will suffer without unreasonably.

RESPECT OF BHARAT MATA IN THE COMITY OF NATIONS. We are connected with other countries of the world. Anything that happens in one part of the world has its reverberations / repercussions in other parts of the world. It may be economical deceleration, political upheaval, extremists / terrorists strikes / activities, all these have their affects on all the countries.

• IF WE WANT TO PROGRESS, IT IS A MUST THAT WE ARE INTERNALLY STRONG. For this to happen, it is a must that we are economically stable, politically strong, militarily strong, whose opinion is taken with a pinch of salt diplomatically, helps the weaker countries with finance and sometimes militarily as done in case of African nations by India many a times.

• BLACK MONEY MENACE. It has been seen that in order to avoid paying taxes and to escape from queries of sources of black money, people are stashing their ill-gotten monies in the foreign banks in the process, bleeding the country. The money which ought to have been used in job creation, infrastructural creation/improvement, etc are being used by others! Government, in the light of directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, has constituted SIT to unearth black money. This is a welcome step. Lets see if it could show tangible results and bring back the black money which could be used in our country.

• CORRUPTION FREE SOCIETY. One of the impediments that is eating into the very vitals of our society is the hydra headed corruption. We are aware about the scamps and corrupt practices that were used in allotting coal blocks, use of middle man in defence purchases, and currently even the Judiciary has come under attack with some people tarnishing its image. God forbid, this is the wing of our society which should/is respected the most, if it falls prey to corruption then on whom our society will bank on! Wish that our country becomes corruption free one. This is a crying need of the hour as corruption is taking the wheels of progress backward.
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• UNQUESTIONABLE INTEGRITY. I would like all people with unquestionable integrity for upholding the unity and solidarity of India. This is the most essential asset for an individual. If it is in suspect then very existence of ours is in doubt and a life with doubt is fraught with impediments.
 
• RESPECT FOR EACH OTHERS FAITHS AND BELIEFS. India has diverse cultural modes. Its different religions, castes, creeds, belief systems, languages etc. If we respect each others’ modes of behavior, then there would be cohesion and brotherhood amongst our country men. When we are united, then no power can subjugate us. For this to happen in real sense of terms, it is important that we respect each other rights.
 
• EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Education of the masses is one of the important factor for overall health of the country. Care ought to be exercised that students are taught the skills along with the general education so that they ‘earn while they learn’. Skilled and semi-skilled training should be imparted according to the capacity and capability of the student. We are rich in Human Resource. We have to exploit this rich resource for our own benefit. This is also important for avoid brain drain which is presently happening. Our IITs and IIMs are churning out technocrats and management professionals of highest caliber. Their talents should never go waste. Let our Government come forward in absorbing these talents for garnering benefits for our country.

• Economically Strong Country. Now-a-days, economical clout in the comity of nation is very essential. For becoming economically strong, it is a important that all the sectors of the economy; may it be industrial or agricultural should contribute their mite for economic health of the economy. This can only happen when we have inclusive growth and development. Nothing happens in isolation.

• RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D).Due to one reason or the other, this has been experienced that our R&D is just in doldrums. For example, the different projects which are being pursued by DRDO are not fructifying on time or lacking necessary resources (manpower or other resources). For example, the project for producing indigenous fighter aircraft project is just not complete till date. Wish that our R&D matches with best in the world so that we do not be dependent on others for our defence needs or any other crucial needs.

• INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE. Due to one reason of the other, the industrial development of our country remains almost stagnant or is below par. This is due to lack or resources. A country whose markets are being exploited by foreigners remains industrial backward is really bad. People buy and use Chinese made goods at cheaper rates without any guarantee of their use. Can India not manufacture the same goods for their own people and exploit gigantic market – benefiting the industry and the people both. The profit earned by the owners of the industry could then be pumped for more production and increasing their capacities.

• AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IS ENSURED. Due to beggaries of monsoon, the agricultural production remains uncertain. The fear of scanty rain results in increase in prices of food item/vegetables etc creating food inflation. This is especially so in rainy season. The prices of vegetables is sky rocketing. The people do feel a pinch.
 
• If water management is properly done, then, the deficit created by scarcity of rain could be bridged.
• The Government’s project/ plan of connecting major river could do wonders in this regard.
Pollution to be tackled on the war footings.
• Infrastructure Development ought to be a continuous process.
• Imports / Export Policies oriented for improvement of imports and exports. More exports means more foreign currency for the country. More foreign currency could reduce the budge deficit which has become a number one headache for the country.
• Foreign Exchange Reserve to be replenished.
• Fiscal Policies revised as per the need of the hour so that the current rate / value of rupee does not fall as is being happening presently.
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• IT Sector to be given boost. India is potentially a soft power giant. But we have to exploit this resource to the hilt as is being done by other countries. We IT experts are proving their mettle in other countries. We are thus losing our human resources and also the benefits which our country ought to have garnered.

• It should never be forgotten that other countries too are improving in this sector. It is a must that this Sector should be given more incentive so that it improves further and earns much needed Foreign Exchange for the country.

• Spiritually Forward Nation. One of my fondest wish is that India may become progressive but with spiritualistic outlook, where people are awakened morally, culturally, aesthetically, progressive and more compassionate. Also keeping all along in that progress – leaving none.

• The above are some of our wish-list which every right thinking Indian would like to have for the overall development of the Bharat of our dream.

It is my fond wish that our next Independent Day should be more progressive in its outlook, self reliant, spiritually awakened and its youth positively oriented for steering the ahead from the choppy waters of deceleration. Also, there should be peace and tranquility between different communities. Discrimination on the basis narrow regionalism or caste, creed or language should cease and our dharma should be development for all – all inclusive.