INNER PEACE IS SIGNIFICANT FOR A PEACEFUL EXISTENCE
INNERPEACE DAWNS WHEN WE ACHIEVE SOMETHING UNIQUE
It is our common experience that nothing tangible is attained in isolation. We are also aware that we all are inter-connected. How long we can joyously accomplish a mission requiring multi-pronged handling or which need united efforts. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has given us some insights that all of us have to follow social norms with a singleness of purpose of ridding our society from this vicious infection. By fighting this pandemic together, we can be successful. United efforts will also afford us to draw out our inner potentials along with assistance of a variety of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled multitudes thereby providing us inner when our joint efforts bears fruits for us.
INNER PEACE IS NOT ACQUIRED BY MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
We can get mental peace not with material affluence but with inner peace. This inner peace dawns when we are contented what we earn with our sincere efforts. It is not attained when our mind is prisoner of our senses and mind. With wavering mind, we cannot attain true satisfaction in our life. For complete satisfaction, we have to have mind control. It should be kept in mind that a wavering mind can provide stability of mind and thus bestows us physical, mental and emotional health.
CREATIVE MINDSET GIVES INNER PEACE
OUR CREATIVE INSTINCT GIVES US GODLY
Our Creator has bestowed us creative instinct. Those who exploit this trait are hugely rewarded with inner peace and satisfaction while our creative talent is tangibly reflected. It is because since our creative talents springs from our inner self only. In Bible it has been mentioned: ‘He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers’.
LIVING NATURAL(NIYATI) GIVES INNER STRENGTH WHEREAS LIVING UNNATURALLY (ANIYATI) DISHEARTENS US
It is a proven fact that transacting our tasks assigned naturally and within the rules of natural justice then we shall not have any unfounded fear or we shall be facing anything which bedevils our path. Contrarily, when we act unnatural or become judgmental in our perception then we shall not be having confidence of our next step. In the former case, we would be moving ahead without any let or hindrance. Having done so, our journey would be a swansong for us since we shall not be having any fear. It is because since functioning by observing natural laws is the first sign of attainment of our goal. Here we shall be having immense measure of inner peace, joy and satiety.
ONENESS OF PURPOSE PROVIDES US INNER PEACE
The physical, mental health and emotional health are very significant in our life. This could be provided through the medium of focused meditation. The focused meditation can provide us inner peace, love and peace within us. This also enables us to face the challenges thrown at us from time to time in the stillness of our inner self.
SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION PROVIDES US INNER STILLNESS
Adopting spiritual orientation in our life provides us opportunity to perform our day to day duties sincerely, honestly and with focused attention. A Karmic deed performed by following spiritual way of life bestows us inner peace, joy and above all inner satiety since it is attained through self-realization/self-awareness. It should always be realized that spiritual way of living is not merely living religiously but also a living whose base is based on sincerity and honesty along with simplicity.
MEDITATION PROVIDES US INNER PEACE
It is important to mention that sincere meditation provides us opportunities to have peace of mind, love for others and on one’s own self along with stillness of inner self despite all the hurdles experience in our life. Meditation is also a medium to connect with our Absolute Source. It should also be realized that meditation and leading a spiritual lifestyle help us providing us ease and peace thereby we are able to obliterate the challenges of our life with oneness of purpose.
INNER PEACE & JOYOUS EXISTENCE
It is a considered fact that when we are at peace with our own self, we cannot give our optimum. In other words, peaceful mindset gives us opportunity to draw out our inner potentials. Use of huge reservoir of inner potencies, gives us appropriate time and positive energy to focus our attention for accomplishment of our job in hand. Whereas when we are in apprehension besides anxieties then we cannot concentrate on our jobs in hand thereby impacting our the job in hand.
Conclusively, it could be articulated that more the peace of mind, more the contentment, more the contentment in our life, more the confidence, more the confidence to face life’s challenges, more would be our determination, more the strength of mind then more the prospect of success of our mission accomplishment. All these traits put together could inculcate INNER PEACE. When inner peace becomes our way of life then the purpose of our life is accomplished ith the grace of God.
ON 26th JANUARY 2021 ON TUESDAY We shall be celebrating our 72nd Republic Day In the best spirit we hold dear With full delight and huge excitement.
Whilst India got its independence From the bondage – the most authoritarian one On 15th August 1947 with efforts incessant The sovereignty of ours is not easily attained Since for our self-government Countless people made their supreme sacrifices for its attainment Besides some suffered hugely in the dark dungeons.
When India got right of self-determination We were not having our own Constitution A drafting committee was constituted with consensus Which gave its first draft report on 4th November1947 Consisting men of impeccable integrity and track-record The National Assembly put their indelible stamp On the Constitution so meticulously prepared On 24th January, 1950 Which came into inception on 26 January 1950.
Merging with the spirit of the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day 26th January 1930, Which is considered as a historic day We doubtlessly proclaims clearly Representing the true spirit of independence Conferring power to its people to elect their own Government of choice And many more rights were conferred on its citizenry Including right to freely express their opinion Freedom to follow the faith of their choice
Along with their duties also Thus indirectly govern the country Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath As the first President of free India/Bharat Unfurled the National Flag at Irwin Stadium.
Military might of the land is showcased at Rajpath Here our Para-military forces also participte In their smartly dressed parade.
Gallantry awards are conferred on the bravest of braves For their exemplary acts of valor For defending their mother-land Some fortunate get the same on their own While others get these posthumous For their Supreme Sacrifice From the President of India Their Supreme Commander.
The cultural diversity of different regions Are showcased by different states And Union territories These are the other attractions A rainbow of diversity indeed!
The other States of the Union too are not left behind Indeed this is the real beauty of our Republic
My wish-list for the next Republics is listed below:-
RESPECTING THE SPIRIT OF CONSTITUION
Every Indian should Respect Constitution without any reservation. Not understanding the spirit of constitution and interpret the various provisions given in the construction as per their convenience, will not serve any purpose. We have got our independence after giving a lot of sacrifices, therefore, we have to protect its unity and sovereignty. For this, we have to keep a close watch on internal and external forces which are inimical to the growth and development of India.
A JAB OF COVID – 19 PANDEMIC FOR INFECTION FREE INDIA
We all are aware how Covid-19 pandemic has adversely imbalanced not only their lives but also their economic condition due to lockdown situation. For our peoplw to be healthy, it is important that the health and wellness of all countrymen is ensured. This could be done by having a jab of Covid-19 jab when our turn comes. It is a fact that Indian Vaccine has proven its efficacy and has not produced much adverse symptoms on those who had their jabs. There should not be any hesitation or politics in taking vaccine’s jabs since it has shown its efficacy without perceptible adverse symptoms.
India has also earned goodwill internationally by sending the Covid-19 Vaccine to other countries. Besides, ninety-two countries have approached India for Covid-10 vaccine which proves our credentials for Covid-19 vaccine hub. We should feel proud of our scientists who made it possible and earned a name and fame for India internationally.
DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS
As the situation develops on our borders in LAC and LOC, the situation is not conducive for contributing to peace. We have to keep a strict guard so that our country remains secure. Although we have had military level talks on several times (Ninth times), the last one was held on 24th January 2021 between India and China yet situation remains unpredictable. There is unprovoked firing from one of our neighboring country and now it is digging tunnels to send terrorists to India to disrupt peace and tranquility. Although, our Government is in the process of developing the needed infra on LAC yet more needs to be done for remain ever ready for any eventuality both on LAC and LOC.
FARMERS’ AGITATION SHOULD BE TACKLED TO THE SATISFACTION OF ALL CONCERNED
The several meetings between Govt and farmers unions (protesting for revocation of three farm laws passed by our Parliament in September) have not made any head way. Although Govt. has assured that they are willing to keep these laws on-hold for one and half years yet the farmers want nothing but repealing of the farm laws. It should be kept in mind that the agitation has been spearheaded by farmers from Punjab and Haryana. Almost all other farmers, especially those states which produce cash crops are happy with these laws.
It is hoped that all the contentious points are discussed threadbare (Point by point) and a consensus reached so that the further stalemate is prevented since prevention of free flow of traffic to Delhi indefinitely will adversely affect the life and economic activities in and around our capital. It has been estimated that there is a loss of Rs. 3500/- Crore per day to the country. Cumulatively, the economic loss is gigantic. All concerned should join hands in finding a solution to this pestering problem. It should be kept in mind that the state of affairs should not go out of hand consequently disrupting the law and order situation.
A CORRUPTION FREE SOCIETY
It is my fond hope that there should a dawn of corruption free society and those assigned the task of governance, in whatever capacity they are working should perform their job assigned/chosen with impeccable commitment and with sagacity while upholding the integrity of the country. There should also be zero tolerance to corruption and also corrupts get quick justice for their nefarious designs. No status or material possessions should come in the way of corruption free society. Here Lok Pal Bill/Lok Ayukta’s dictum should be the guiding dictate for dealing with corrupts who are eating into the vitals of our society.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
Unless until we give due respect to women as mother/sister/daughter/wife or friend, we cannot call ourselves as civilized society. It should be without consideration to nationality (I want my country respect women without consideration to any bias as we have seen in many instances. My wish is that my country respect all women without any discrimination whatsoever;
ECONOMIC SLIDEDOWN DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWNS
It has been observed that Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the economic condition globally and in that India too has been impacted severely. Although the overall death rate (1%) and cure rate (about 98%) are one of the best globally yet the adverse economic affects and rise of unemployment which the lockdown has produced is really perceptible and gigantic. It will take sometimes to bring back normalcy.
In the international arena, those societies which have got economic clout are held in high esteem and their say is always respected even in renowned world forums. This economic growth does not just come about without concerted efforts on the part of the Government and the general masses. I wish that the next Republic comes when the Government fulfills its vision and mission to upgrade our economy globally first by coming out of near recessionary condition and then stablising since all the parameters of growth are still there in Indian economy. Growth and development should be all inclusive one. All the sectors of economy i.e. industrial; agricultural; infra etc should grow side by side for an overall pump-priming effect on the people in general.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
We are proud of our Republic since 65% of the people are below 35 years of age. This work force/human resource should be exploited to the hilt and should not be left to be frittered away by a few corrupt individuals. For this to happen, it is a must that this huge segment of our society gets opportunity for better training/skill and help lift the country from the present stature to the stature of high growth. This is possible with growth in Research & Development for better results in all sphere especially technological development and Information Technological Sector which could go north-ward wherein merit and talent are given more credence.
SPIRITUAL UPWARD MRRCH
Over and above the above cited subjects, I am sanguine that our development cannot be so inclusive without our spiritual growth and development. Whatever course we adopt, of whatever religion we follow, we should try to seek God for our liberation besides performing our daily day to day routines.
INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
I wish to see my mother land to have all inclusive development without any bias whatsoever. Religion, caste, region or any other ulterior consideration should not come in the way of holistic development of the country.
IMPREGABLE SECURITY AGAINST HACKING
In order to get our day to day jobs done, we resort o excessive reliance on our computer system/network for getting our things done. It may be e-e-commerce, net-banking and all other sundry communication related functions. But there are unscrupulous elements with inimical design who are on the lookout for unauthorized access to the computer system or network for getting classified information illicitly. Not to speak of theft of restricted information, such people could cleanup or siphon off our cash by breaching banking security. Government should make strict laws for those nefarious elements so avoid recurrence. Impregnable Computer security for important sectors should also be ensured.
INNER PEACE COULD BE REALIZED ONLY WHEN WE ARE SELF-AWARE ABOUT OUR OWN SELF. To be self-aware, we have to delve deep into our own system and then explore our potentialities and weaker areas. Do appraise the video and comments. I love your comments and get sustenance from your comments. THANKS AND REGARDS.
Whence your perceptions go awry Doubt persists for every doubtless thing aplenty, Your mathematics goes Topsy-turvy, You add two plus two three, Your rationality takes the backseat, Your mind receptors get huge beating, In a fit of anger sugar tastes vinegar like, Vinegar itself loses its flavor, Your taste-buds turn insipid, When you lose everything dear to you, You smell rat in every deal, The bountiful fragrance gives, Repulsive odour in rage. Thy touch becomes even more repulsive, Meda’s touch in you impedes, Flawed emotions have a field day, Soft feelings for others Turn barbed and spiky. Hearing becomes frigid, Fascinating music loses its charm, You think it will do more harm, Factually, anger takes away the music of life, From our midst, whilst in anger. If they aspire to live a balanced life, Shun the anger that robs you From yourself indeed, And puts you in somebody else’s clothing.
ANGER UNDOES EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD
ANGER AND ITS ADVERSE IMPLICATIONS.
Anger in fact is a common negative emotion on which we experience on day to day basis. All of us must have gotten angry on one thing or other but realise about its adverse effects when it starts hurting our body and mind. It is also seen that anger is merely a transient human emotion. It is not a permanent malaise. Now we are angry but could be happy the other minute. Then it could be individualistic in nature. We may feel angry on a particular person or a group of people with regard to their negative thoughts and actions which we do not like. Its reason may be any but its negative emotions still persists.
What is the consequences of anger could be realised fully when we go through the example of the first consorot of Lord Shiva? Sati (the daughter of Daksha), as a child had the insatiable curisity for knowing about Lord Shiva. Her enquiries were assuated by Sage Narada due to which she became one of the best devotees of Shiva. When she grew up, Lord Brahma wanted her to be married to Lord Shiva. But her father Daksha did not like the idea of marrying her to him but ultimately had to relent. One day, a Yajna (Fire sacrifice) was held wherein all other dieties were invited except Lord Shiva and daughter Sati (Shakti). But she anyhow came to attend the grand Yajna (Fire sacrifice). On reaching Daksha’s place, she was humilated by King Daksha in a fit of anger. She could not tolerate the insulting remarks/taunts of Daksha for her doting husband thus in a fit of rage and frustration resorted to self-immolution in the Yajna pit. On learning this, Lord Shiva got hugely disappointed and sent Virbhadra who decapitated Daksha’s head besides causing death and destruction in the venue of Yajana. This proves that anger can wreck mayhem and destruction. Though, Lord Shiva forgave Daksha and restored his decapitated head with the head of a goat besides restoring his kingdom etc. You can well imagine the tangentially different traits of Lord Shiva and King Daksha (The son of Lord Brahma – the Creator). Daksha a person full of anger and distrust and Lord Shiva a picture of serenity with forgiving and forgiving traits. The above occurrence and experience serves a great lesson for us humans that in s fit of fury, we are not in our emotional best and tend to do something worst which has ruinous repercussions.
It is also a fact that we may get angry on small pretext and our anger subsides after our misgiving gets addressed but rage or fury is worst sort of outbursts of our emotions. These outbursts do not subside fast. It takes sometimes to go down. The huge outbursts of highest intensity could result in harming us physically and mentally. When in rage, we lose control of our senses, our understanding gets drubbing, our rationality takes backseat, etc. Worst of all, in excessive anger we may resort to be insulting, abusive, belligerent and finally turning violent thus hurting person concerned and others.
Even a small incident or episode could trigger anger and anger turning into huge rage thus losing control over our accepted insights. Thus our rage potential, in essence, could make or break our being. It could hugely impact our inner peace, composure and prosperity.
The over reactive response to our stimulus could go out of control if and when it is not alleviated within shortest timeframe. It should always be remembered that anger is individualistic in nature. A person could handle any situation and condition if he prevents himself from getting angry. Contrarily, a person who remains angry remains so for a considerably long period of time if he does not make an effort to control his temper on the spur.
Then the anger which remains smoldering in our being or the anger which is not expressed within shortest time causes physical and mental afflictions including stress related diseases.
We must have observed that those parents who remain bickering with each other on small alleged reason, their offspring too imbibe those traits. In other words, rage or anger could be genetic in nature. In other words, we can refine the behavior of our children, if parents themselves exhibit restraint when it is hugely required. It should also be kept in mind that suppressing angry response may also impact our inner being.
If anger remains in our system then it could result in build-up of anger in our system impacting us hugely. For example, if the pot of our anger gets filled to the brim without being emptied from time to time then it will burst one day. This condition will certainly have negative effect on the person concerned. It means, the more we tackle our response to an anger situation or express our anger meaningfully the more we remain balanced in our behavior pattern.
Adding to our anger without expressing the same will undo whatever positive trait we try to imbibe. Our effort should be to keep on emptying the anger from our system as and when required then we shall not have much effect on our body system. Care ought to be exercised that a pot remaining full for a considerable period of time may produce negative reactive feeling, resulting in bursting suddenly in an uncontrolled way impacting us mentally and physically. It is similar to a overflowing dam whose inflows and outflows are not checked when it is hugely needed. It will burst anytime due to huge pressure of water inside the dam thus causing untold deaths and destruction.
From the above it is evident that we should make conscious effort and keep an iron curtain guard as to when to empty ourselves off our anger through self-expression or reprocessing and put a lid on the pot of our anger so that there is no build-up or accumulation of anger. The pressures of add-on anger or rage will rip-open our thinking resulting in enormous adverse implication on us.
Now coming to the question as to how best to channel our positive energies in positive pursuits rather than to be taken in by any unpleasant events and losing ourselves in the bargain. This positive change has to spring from our life-force, it this has to be more enduring and lasting one. This aspect could be meaningfully done by imbibing positive traits, positive attitude, calmness despite provocation of any sort, nothing should come in our way which could breach our calm bearing etc. This should be done till such time we do not require any impregnable iron curtain to breach to stay cool despite pulls and pressures. This happens when we have inner-peace which could be possible when we adopt spiritually oriented life-style. With calmness inside our system, no adverse provocation or inapt frustrating moment can push us to go-off-the-handle.
Adverse affects of anger:-
We should never forget that the main reason of breaking of our families fabrics is anger, therefore, in anger we lose our mental moorings and self-awareness along with self-confidence. Losing mental balance results in cultivating good relationship.
When our own anger results in breach of relationship, then, a guilt-feeling comes in our mind which affects us physically and mentally. We consider ourselves responsible for any adverse consequence of not controlling our anger when it was hugely needed.
If we want to live a guilt-free feeling, it happens when we weather all storms and remaining calm and tackle anger on our own terms rather than somebody dictating terms and conditions.
When in anger, we are not able to put in our best at our workplace, thereby, losing respect amongst our colleagues and superiors besides it adversely impacts our further growth in our career progression.
It should never be forgotten that subjecting ourselves to anger or rage becomes a habit and a part of our behavior after we repeatedly go off the tangent then it is difficult to get rid of this bad habit since this extreme habit has made residency in our system.
We should never forget that for every bout of anger we give out to others freely never forgetting that we have to pay a heavy price for such indiscretion. The best course of action is to understand the ‘price paid’ and reason for it all and not to repeat. For this to happen, we have to learn how to forget and forgive the doer to stop the breakage of relationship and also the consequent price to be paid.
It should always be kept in mind that while in angry mood, we shall not be able to use either our brain or heart since anger kills our rational thoughts.
Staying cool and patient despite provocations at any situation and condition will open-up new vistas and we shall be able to be adaptive wherever we make any sincere effort.
It is our common experience that a person who lives a spiritually oriented existence adopts the traits of positivism despite any adverse situation since such a person has belief in himself/herself and belief on his/her Creator. Anger for such a person has no place.
Conclusively, we should always be aware that anything which makes us angry, avoidance or to keep-on-hold rather than being reactive is the way out. This act of ours will save us of many a future blushes
THOUGHTS ON MY BIRTHDAY TODAY THIS MOMENT MY LIFE IS MOST PRECIOUS
Every next moment demands from us all That we become enlightened souls With every passing moment Come out of our false dilemmas Till we reach to the still centre of our body By traversing within our being Since we’ve to change as time changes Leaving some imprints And some blemishes Which do not part ways Inevitably lasting ones Despite our best efforts To erase those indelible impressions Which have seeped into our super-consciousness These scars which time has given Get erased only when we leave for good This impermanent body and backdrop of our existence.
Experience teaches us that time is such a teacher That it flies away turning moments into seconds Seconds into minutes, minutes into hours Hours into years together & century And this process goes ceaselessly.
People who learn something good presently Gain knowledge and familiarity And when knowledge is used meaningfully It turns into pearls of wisdom ultimately.
Those of us who lose this moment in daydreaming Lose the most precious time Without gaining anything substantial That you can tell your own Repent for the lost chances.
This awareness actually dawns When we introspect and analyze our purpose of life The pluses and minuses of our lives This self-realization should dawn Within shortest span of time Otherwise it would be too late to mend.
Today on my birthday, I too realize About the lost chances Besides the frittered about opportunities deliberately Or unknowingly Based on suppressed evidence Or false dilemmas or reaching false conclusions Yet what I gained with the passage of time Too remains indelibly into my psyche & mind That, come what may Change is a must – a positive change so to speak Is to erase ignorance and imbibe knowledge-based lessons And that change dawns on us Only when we’re supra-mental awareness and God-consciousness Away from mental traps and delusions but based on eternal truths.
The lasting impressions totally bereft of false biases & false alarms In the realm of limitless; all pervading in Soul & Param-Atma Of self-awareness and God-consciousness which dawns Away from the bondage & attachments of senses and mind This happens whence i traverse journey suffusing with spiritualism With full awareness that I should not forget The significance and very purpose of life on this beautiful planet To seek connectivity with Omnipotent and Omniscient One Till I travel untrodden path of God & make it tried and tested one Till I realize the perpetual sway of Supreme God After removal of perpetual fears haunting me And realize self-existing God within me – totally fixed in Thee Till the last breathe of my existence After having understood the vast panorama of life With the idea death is real in the unrealistic of life Based on truth, I am merely a speck in the creation of our Creator And attain ultimate Moksha – liberation based on my Karma.
SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN OF MY EXISTENCE
My ultimate prayer to Thee my Almighty God Is to rid me off the any shred of ego If at all there in my being Also rid me off the Attachments With the fruits of my thoughts & actions I bestow me with supreme contentment Along with simplest lifestyle With what I have or do not have with Thy Grace Besides opportunities to get experiences From the pros and cons of my existence.
HAPPY FELICITATIONS ON LOHRI, MAKKAR SANKRANTI, PONGAL & BIHU FESTIVALS (ON 13TH , 14TH & 15TH JANUARY 2021)
SACRED FESTIVALS
We’re aware that all the festivals are linked either with change in seasons Or on certain National festivals well known Or linked with religious faiths, beliefs and have regional overtones
Lohri is a winter festivals of repute Falls in the month of (13th Jan) Paush Which brings about happiness on the faces of the populace.
This festival marks the end of winter season With beginning of longer with a little hotter days ahead soon For farmers, it is one of the happiest occasions.
The farmers start harvesting rabi crops The crops harvested in winter season. Rabi Crops include Wheat, Gram, Pea, Mustard, Linseed, Barley, Peas
Start of spring season is a Natural gift Adds additional spice to our festivities Besides bringing about smiles and festive moods on these occasions.
Customarily, on Lohri day a bonfire is elegantly lit Devotees congregate brimming with huge reverence in their heart around it And take rounds around the fire lit with absolute respect.
And with loving devotion offer, Jaggery (gur), sesame seeds (til) Sesame coated sugar candy and popcorns into leaping bonfire The fire lit too shows that it too is enjoying the sacred act more and more.
The skyward leaping fire flames purifies the atmosphere It also showcases that the fire too is enjoying all acts of hers In essence, there is hidden joy for devotees in this sacred bonfire.
Gathering partake the sacred parsadas offerings With satiety writ large in faces of devotees Offerings too is made to ‘panj tatavas’ five elements of mother nature Fire, wind, water, ether and earth. Deference
Going around the bonfire with great a reverence And singing traditional songs with dance with due deference makes a huge difference. And that too in tune with beating of drums!
Tradition has it that there was a very brave person of repute Named Dulla Bhatti, a muslim, from lineage of warrior race of the Rajputs In the reign of Mughal king Akbar He used to rescue poor girls from the clutches of robbers.
And then used to get them married to suitable boys of choice People sing Lohri songs with gusto in his praise To mark and commemorate and appreciate his good deeds. .
Thence other legend of the origin of Lohri From the wife of Saint Kabir named ‘Loi’ Who was herself a lady so pious.
MAKKAR SANKRANTI
Lohri has a sacred link with Makar Sakranti Being another winter fiesta so legendary Celebrated one day after Lohri It is celebrated on a day so fixed The 14th January – indeed very sacred.
It marks the beginning of solar maagha masa Makar Sankranti Day is beginning of start of harvest season And ushering in of pleasant Spring Season With pan India celebrations.
Makar Sankranti has its origin to the movement of the Earth Around the Sun and begins from (Sankranti) one zodiac sign Into another – Capricorn zodiac (Makar) sign Two movements are termed as Makar Sakranti.
This day marks the beginning of warmer days As the sacred months start from this day onwards Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor In western and northern India.
There is a mention of this day in Mahabharata As, it is the festival of Sun God Who gives us light and heat To all living beings without bias And bestows us divinity and wisdom Thus holding an eternal meaning.
For me, this day has a special significance indeed Since I saw the first dawn of the day in 1951, a day so sacred With the grace of my Supreme Lord
Ever since I have been graced with a life so contended
For which I am really thankful to my God, so very benevolent.
PONGAL
PONGAL FESTIVAL
Then there is festival called Pongal Which is dedicated to Sun God A huge source of energy indeed Which is life giving To living beings.
BIHU FESTIVAL
BIHU FESTIVAL OF ASSAM
One of the most significant festivals of Assam Which is associate with harvesting season.
Its exclusivity also stems from the fact that it marks the start of Assamese New Year Thus giving the entire community pride to celebrate this day with great yearning Pride and a lot of pleasure from community feat.
Bihu dance is performed by the young men and women With joyous abandon add-on with fast steps and hands with fast movement With red colour attire signifying vigour and accompaniment with apt music.
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Significantly, India is a home to multicultural, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious society. We can pride ourselves in having different festivals too with relevance to religion, caste, culture and traditions. These festivals are seasonal, traditional, custom based, religion based or for that matter any other sacred considerations. Here every caste, religion and region has contributed its mite for enriching the cultural traditions of our land with variation in the cultural mores. Let the reason of the festival may be any but the common thread of all of these is the zest and enthusiasm with which these fairs and festivals are celebrated.
We Indians enjoy all the religious festivals. It may be it Eid or Prakash Divas/Gurpurab or as a Muslim enjoy Diwali or all of them enjoy Christmas Day together. That is the beauty of India. I do not dispute that hotheads are there in any strata of life, those who do not know about their own religious festivals or of others. One thing which pleases us is the perceptible shine on the faces of every one of us while celebrating any festival! That is the beauty of it all, despite some differences notwithstanding.
LOHRI FESTIVAL
Lohri festival is celebrated in Northern Indian states. It is celebrated on 13th January – in the month of Pauch or Magha, one day before Makkar Sankranti. We term this festival as a community based one where Bhangra (dance by men folks) and Gidha (dance by women folks) to the beats of drums which brings vitality and jollity to this celebration. Youngsters, by and large, take pleasure in kite flying and enjoy the occasion.
On this festival, seasonal dry fruits peanuts, coconuts are mixed with jiggery (Gur) and sesame seeds (til) to make the eatables. Besides, milk cakes are specially made and distributed amongst relatives and friends.
Following are some of the reasons for the celebration of Lohri festival:-
SEASON RELATED
It marks the end of winter season and beginning of sowing of some crops such as Wheat, Gram, Pea, Mustard, Linseed, Barley, Peas and others. It infuses vitality and special enthusiasm in the lives of people – especially the farmers. The Lohri festival symbolizes prayer to the fire (Agni puja) in the evening. The people take parikarma (rounds) around the bonfire and shower offerings to fire as a mark of respect. Fire ritual or Agnihotra (Specially lit fire – Havan) is the process of purifying the environment and people also consign to the fire a mix of rice, peanuts, walnuts, almonds besides sesame seeds (til) and jaggery to the fire before distributing and taking the same themselves.
FIRE RITUAL
It is believed that the fire ritual has a special significance and possesses healing power besides it helps in happiness of all along with its benefits to the farming community. Special prayers to the God Almighty God are done in order to get the graces of benevolent God for peace and prosperity of all.. Newly wedded couples and newly born babies receive special attention on this festival. People give charity/alms to the needy on this occasion.
Different Legends behind the Lohri festival:-
The legend of Dulla Bhatti (Rai Abdullah Khan) is very popular. It is a legend of a Rajput warrior who saved a damsel in distress belonging to the Hindu family from the clutches of lustful and greedy robbers. The brave Rajput adopted her as his own daughter without let or hindrance and married her off to a young and suitable Hindu boy. He also gave her presents – nine mounds of sugar along with other gifts etc on her marriage. This shows that there was a community feeling during those days.
Then question arise, if during those feeling for each others was rampant then why not now!? To appreciate his gesture, the people sing the following song describing the event and also mentioning about the beauty of the girl who was saved.
While I was young, I along with my friends used to go to the houses in our neighbourhood and used to sing and get sweets made for this particular day. This song is sung by the youngsters even now on thispious occasion :-
Sunder mundriye ho! Tera kaun vicaharaa ho! Dullah bhatti walla ho! Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho! Ser shakkar payee ho! Kudi da laal pathaka ho! Kudi da saalu paatta ho! Salu kaun samete! Chache choori kutti! zamidara lutti! Zamindaar sudhaye! bade bhole aaye! Ek bhola reh gaya! Sipahee far ke lai gaya! ……………………
There is also a legend of Sant Kabir and his wife names Loi. He used to love his wife immensely. So much so intense was his passion for his wife that one day, he reached his home in the middle of dark night, travelling from a far off place. The door was closed from inside. His wife was sleeping on the first floor. Finding that there was no ladder, he took the help of a rope hanging from the first floor of his house. When his wife saw him, she was very surprised and asked him as to how he had entered the first storey. Thereupon, she along with Kabir saw that the help with which he had reached the first storey was with the help of a hanging python.
Sant Kabir’s wife got upset and in desperation uttered: The passion with which he was nursing for her, if he had the same fervour for the God, he could get anything from God as a reward?
Significantly, we know the life and the personage was Sant Kabir who was a mystical poet whose writings had a deep effect on Bhakti Movement and his verses find place in Sri Guru Granth Sahib too.
He was brought up in a Muslim family but was deeply influenced by his teacher Ramananda but he criticized both in his verses because of his close proximity with both and knew ins and outs of these religions. In his writings, he has emphatically mentioned that the God is only with those who follow righteous lifestyle and also one who follows a detached mode of life. His followers are known as Kabir Panthis.
It was due to the timely advise of his wife named Loi that Kabir had a huge transformation in his life and became a well known Sant who influenced millions with his writings. Lodi or Loi is also celebrated in his and his wife’s honour who was instrumental in molding him.
MAKKAR SANKRANTI (ON 14TH JANUARY)
SUN GOD
Makkar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Paus (January) Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun God enters the Northern Hemisphere. Hindus like Greeks worship Sun God – the giver of immense energy. Sun God is termed as the manifest God, having all the glorious divinity. It is worthwhile to mention here that mantra OM ADITYA AYE NOMON and many other mantras are recited in order to get the blessings of the Sun God.
The devout also chant Gyatri Mantra, taken from Rig Veda while making final offering to God. which is from Rig-Veda, as Makkar Sankranti is associated with cosmic event which affects the life of humans immensely.
Which means: We meditate and adore thee the Supreme Lord, the Creator of everything, who’s Divine Light illuminates all spheres of activity (physical, mental and spiritual). We pray that this Divine Light may light-up our intellect forever.
This festival is celebrated with immense gaiety and enthusiasm in all parts of India with different names at different places but the keenness remains the same. Devout get up early in the morning, take bath in holy rivers first take the blessings of their elders and then offer prayers in the temples. After having offered prayers, people give alms to the needy according to their capacity. In the afternoon people share a special Khichri (Hotchpotch – a mix of dall-urdh and channa dal).
PONGAL FESTIVAL
PONGAL FESTIVAL OF SOUTH INDIA
The Pongal festival is celebrated in South India (Especially in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and even in foreign lands such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore etc.). This festival is celebrated for four days (14th to 17th January). This is a harvest festival dedicated to the SUN GOD. The Sun is a huge source of energy which helps in growing the crops from sowing to the harvesting season. It also includes boiling of the rice of season sanctified to the Sun which is termed as Surya Mangalyam. Not only this, the natural energy in the form of solar energy is being utilized enormously presently.
MAGH BIHU
BIHU FESTIVAL OF ASSAM
Magh Bihu or Rongali Biihu Festival is celebrated in Assam in the month of January. This year, it is being celebrated on 15th January 2021. It is the prominent harvest festival by the farmers. On this occasion, tasty community feast is organized and all people enjoy this feast on this occasion. This festival is unique to Assamese people since Assamese New Year starts from this day. I offer my felicitations from the core of my heart to the entire Assamese community on this momentous occasion. Like any other festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, etc. Magh Bihu festival too is associated with agriculture; mainly harvesting.
The people enjoy feasts, play melodious music with dancing. Bihu dance is one of the most important part of Assamese culture. It is a group dance performed by the young men and women with brisk movement of hands and other body parts with beating of drums as enchanting music. The olour theme of the dancers is red which signifies joy and vitality.
There are also local traditional and cultural activities which are organized and conducted. The children wear flower garlands. In fact there are three Bihu festivals each of which have unique feature and significance but common feature in all these Bihu festivals is the participation and celebration by all the Assamese.
Happiness, sadness and blissful feeling are the result of synthesis or fusion of external and internal triggers and influences, which may or may not be under our control. Our happiness, essentially, is pleasantness of our subconscious mind. Our thoughts and actions including internal triggress play their respective parts in our happiness, sadness and bliss.
As I understand, there is a difference between happiness and bliss. Bliss is a state of being when one is detached from the sources of happiness & sorrow. In the blissful state one is neither happy nor sorrow. There is stillness and silence within. Therefore, happiness has a reason and it follows that one cannot be happy for no reason at all. Yes, on can be blissful for no reason at all.
HAPPINESS AND SADNESS ARE DUE TO STATE OF OUR MINDSET
Happiness and sadness are dependent on the state of our mind. I take happiness and sadness as the two sides of the same coin. We feel joyous when something good happens to us and when something adverse transpires, we feel sad. It is a natural phenomenon on day to day basis. But how you weather away sad moments and take into your stride without losing self belief and self confidence, by trying to wriggle out of problem due to which we have felt sad. It is either to fight the reason of sad moments or fright and sweep it under the carpet thus get momentary respite but this practice proves counterproductive when we have piles of sadness since we have not fought the reasons of our sadness. To say that we will not get sad when reasons are looming large in the vicinity is living in pipedream.
Then there are the persons who have learned to be balanced both in happiness and sadness. How you take your sad moment and deal with it counts. There are the people who take happiness or otherwise as ways of life and cannot escape till we live on this planet. You agree this aspect or not depends on your perception.
Those who are blissful can absorb anything and everything because of their inner strength. Such people weather all storm with inner belief and, of course, with the indomitable belief on God in tackling any contingency.
Ironically speaking, we’ve the choice whether we want to remain happy or sad. Succeeding paragraphs will prove that despite hardships, we can be happy, provided we have willpower to be so.
HEAVEN OR HELL IS OF OUR OWN MAKING
We can make our life happy or sad, heaven or hell according to our Karmic deeds. Good Karma gives us good results and bad Karma disappointment. There is a most relevant example on this score. While Lord Yama, the Lord of death, was taking the Atman (Spirit) of an old-man to the Lotus feet of God due to his exemplary Karma during his life on the earth, he expressed his desire to see both the hell and heaven to get first hand experience of both the worlds. The Lord of death agreed with good grace. First of all, he was conducted through the hell. People there were crying with pain and hunger. There was hue and cry and the surrounding was full of dirt and filth with foul smell emanating around. The old lady saw some delicacies and other eatables kept high above the ground – difficult to be procured easily. Thereafter, she was taken to another world of heaven. People there were doing their Karmic deeds properly; the complete area was neat and clean by the joint efforts of people themselves through shramdaan – voluntary contribution. They were also chanting the name of God and thanking Him for everything. He also saw a ladder made by the people themselves to take the eatables as per their requirements. In other words, peace and prosperity including opulence were writ large everywhere. The old person saw that the natives in Heaven followed the philosophy of Karma Yoga to the book therefore there was sufficiency of everything. After witnessing the two places, the old-man reached to the conclusion that Hell and Heaven are of our own making – we have to work for any of these. This is true of life on this earth too, heaven or hell could be created through our righteous Karma. It all depends on us which life we want to pursue. We have the freedom of choice; righteous Karma takes us to heavenly life but Koo-karma (Bad deeds) brings us hell on this beautiful earth too.
MAKING COMPARISON MAKES US UNHAPPY
We tend to compare our possessions, power and status with those of others then we feel hugely disappointed when one finds even a small amount of difference in any of these parameters. This sad moment seeps into our system and generates sad tidings in our life.
WITH TOGETGERNESS WE CAC SHARE HAPPINESS AND SADNESS
NO KARMA CONTRARY TO OUR NYATI (NATURE)
WHEN WE WORK UNNATURALLY (AANITI)
We have to have a paradigm shift in our thoughts and action from Unnatural (Aaniti) bent of mind (Aniti) to Natural (Niti) and anything done in sync with Nature brings us wellness thus save ourselves from perpetual sway from Kukarma so that we possess the capacity to break through from the gridlock of negativity and follow positive course of karma within the confines of Niti which is self-existing Truth.
WHEN UNWIELDLY DESIRES BIND US IMMEASURELY
It has been observed that we have countless desires which we want acquiring through any means whatsoever through our bad karma even then we are in for worrying time ahead. There would be smut around. That smut we have to cleanse. We’ve to cleanse our mind as we clean our surroundings. Our ignorance (Agyan) is the chief reason responsible for downfall. This ignorance could be removed by light of life which is generated by virtuous deeds, simple living with insignificance in unwieldy stature and strength, compassionate traits, right conduct, right attitude, performance of duty sincerely besides and most importantly spiritually orientation in our lives. By living spiritually, we transact everything rationally, reasonably thus our mind is cleansed off the dirt. This overall cleansing by the broom of inner cleanser and lock ourselves inwards helps us create a feeling of balance. This balance at all situation, good or bad, through Atamic Shringar for super-mental consciousness, produces inner peace and tranquility thus a feeling of joy at any given time and space. By so doing, we can live with the truth whatever is without is within too. In essence, we are the prisoners of our mind and senses, we are worst than dirt because our senses take us to the highs and lows of our emotions.
NO DIFFERENCE IN HAPPY OR SAD OCCASIONS
When there is no balance in our mind, then, sure enough, we become sad. Every bad incident affects us immeasurably, we get disturbed and lose of moorings, we cannot think what is right or wrong for us. While we are not rational in our thoughts then our emotions get perturbed so much so that we get swallowed by its virulence limitlessness.
FREEDOM FROM DESIRE OR DETACHED MENTAL SETUP
It has been observed that when we do not have control over our mind and its working, then, we tend to or when we become slave to our mind without its adverse consequences. By so doing, we become attached to the fruits of our thoughts and actions. When a person becomes prisoner of his senses and desires then we tend to become emotional wreck rather than becoming a true Karma Yogi and take ups and downs of our lives with equanimity and calmly.
SADNESS VISITS US WHEN WE DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE
The essence of life is to know the truth of life (Jeevan Satya). This truth of life is to know the purpose for which we are here on this beautiful earth.
Our purpose of life should be to spread smiles and love (which is basis for everything in life) on the faces of needy people, who due to their situations and conditions could not have what others could because of their Karma and environs in which they were placed. In addition, we’ve to thank God for what he has given us and seek Him above everything else in life.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. BIBLE
FREEDOM FROM FEAR MAKES US HAPPY
We should never forget that attachment to the fruits of action creates fear and with fear lurking inside and outside ourselves leads to a situation of uncertainty and skepticism. This confused mental conditioning leads us nowhere except disappointment and ultimately a failure staring large at the faces. Then freedom from anger too enables us to work in an environment of positivity which is conductive for onward journey.
Having freed ourselves from attachment, fear, and anger, becoming fully absorbed in me, and taking refuge in me, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of me, and thus they attained my divine love. Bhagwad Gita
HAPPINESS OR SADNESS ARE THE STATE OF MIND
FREEDOM FROM ANGER
Significantly, while in anger, all our creative and rational energy takes back-seat and we become emotional wreck under its spell. It should also be kept in mind that while we are in anger, we cannot concentrate on the mission in hand thereby meeting disappointment till we become serene and composed in our thoughts and action thereof. Whenever there is hope bereft of any anger or negative emotions, then, sure enough, we can be triumphant.
One is said to be a sage (Saint) in wisdom when one’s mind is neither perturbed by sorrow nor does one yearns for joy – when one is not the prisoner of his desires, senses, freedom from fear and all pervasive lack of enthusiasm in an endeavour we are transacting. In any situation (appropriate or inappropriate) choice is with us, either to be happy or adopt sadness. Either way, what we choose depends on our will and wish. Nobody else is responsible for our state of affairs.
Everything that is useful for us is acquired through hard work even after drawing out our inner potentials which will happen only if we are aware about own self. Try hard to remain happen despite hardship should be our motto. A rose flower which gives out sweet fragrance and changes our mood swings, its branches contain thorns too should never be forgotten.
From the above, it could be concluded that good and bad are intimated interrelated and coexist, if good time passes, bad time too will pass with time. In other words, nothing remains permanently. Perpetual fears, perpetual mood swings, perpetual negative emotions, nothing remain perpetually should never be forgotten. Verily, what remains perpetually is glory of God and bountiful graces which dawns when we have enduring trust, conviction and assurance. Everything else is secondary in the vast panorama of life.
We shall be spreading smiles so very enduring Amongst all those born with some challenges Physical and psychological afflictions These may be hereditary infirmity Persisting Intellectual disability The special child has to be trained and honed-up systematically By the trained teachers methodically and diligently With basket full of love and affection Imparting personal attention
We should provide these special children the special assistance Commensurate with their physical and mental needs To provide these hapless and helpless special ones the health protection To shore-up their physio-psycho health conditions By providing needful medical assistance Along with meeting his needs from time to time Thus enhance his motor skills as per his needs and environs The Speech Therapist trains him correct pronunciation.
Then on significant recovery Bestow the trained teacher gives him the right education, so necessary Besides training him in art or craft, so suited in each case So that challenged ones could stand on their legs Then lead a life of self-assurance and self-confidence With a paradigm shift from living on crutches of doles from others Rather than living a life of self-reliance In an eco-system of self-help realizing his self-worth To stand-up and face life squarely with confidence With self-esteem writ large on their faces Thence instead of living on charities Would like to contribute to spreading smiles To all those deserving ones’ so that they also contribute in spreading smiles.
Disabilities in the old-age Too is very disconcerting to say the least Factors may be due to socio-economic factor Or persistence in lack of attention in medical-care Coupled with susceptibility due to ‘fair, wear and tare’ Those who accept the challenges of the hapless challenged Are the chosen gifts of our Omnipotent and Omniscient God Smiling smile by us all should be our mission So that no challenged person gets ignored and is bestowed due attention.
IT SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND THAT EVERYDAY IS A SPECIAL DAY FOR TAKING CARE FOR THE SPECIAL CHILDREN AND OLD-AGED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
It is a sad commentary that a vast percentage of people with disabilities are not able to avail the school facilities and those who are admitted in t around the world especially in under developed and least developed countries. Due to non-availability of education, their quality of life is impacted. If such children get education, then they can get meaningful employment since there are countries such as India and others wherein there is reservation of seats for people with different levels of disabilities. Here there is not only the requirement of educational pursuits but also awareness of their rights.
Evidently, those who contribute for multiplying happiness and dividing smiles (Muskaan) especially amongst those who are physically and psychologically challenged are obviously performing Yeoman’s service to persons concerned particularly and to the community in general. Spreading happiness to physically and mentally sound people is easiest since it is known what it entails to make them happy but when question is related to physiologically and psychologically challenged group of individuals then it requires ocean of expertise to gauge the problem of the person, reserve of patience, tenacity to resolve problem, congenial environment, understanding the psyche of the persons concerned to make difference and then bestowing appropriate training as and when required, so that such individuals could also feel pride in living a normal individuals as you and me do without any stigma attached.
In essence, the best thing that any civilized society can do for children with special needs is to impart them appropriate education by the special trained teaching faculty. These teachers can help such children for their growth and development. If these children are tackled and handled with love and affection such children can do wonders. For example, in one of the renowned schools in Delhi, due to the best education, methodology and special handling many of the special children are presently studying with normal children and even excelling in educational pursuits. The need, therefore, is the publicity campaign for publicizing about the accessibility or availability of education for the disabled children.
The following are some of the bottlenecks which become handicap for the growth and development of the special children:-
PARENTS NEED TO HANDLE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WITH CARE
As the parents are the first ones who know the impairment(s) of their wards, therefore, they have to be careful for the requirements of their wards. The first and foremost is to seek the help of expert medical specialist for alleviating the situation. Timely help could make a world of difference.
NON-AVAILABILITY OF TRAINED TEACHERS
There is a requirement of trained teachers for imparting education for the special children since the individual needs of these children are different therefore they require different methodology, after psychologically understanding the need of different children for meaningful handling.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS
The special developmental needs of special children are to be taken care according to the needs of the individual child. Of all the things, the first thing which they require is sufficient of loving care, then psychological needs and subsequently physical needs according to the situation and condition. It should always be kept in mind that children with physical impairment require different handling, the children with psychological impairments need entirely divergently different handling. The elders in the family should take special care. With positive attitude and infusing positive attitude in the child are the need of hour.
TOYS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Most productive toys and needful equipment could help the special children to not only keep themselves occupied in some productive venture along with drawing out their inner potentials slowly but surely. In this pursuit, the trained teachers functions not merely as a teacher or Guru but also a trainer who imparts love along with necessary dose of good advice on daily basis. Toys and equipment could help the special child physically but also help sharpening the mind and thinking processes.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Then Speech Therapist helps the special children not merely to imbibe proper speech and voice modulation but also how best to use gestures along with motor movement. This will have a telling positive effect on the special children, I have personally been witness to the change in lives of special children in one of the Special Children Centres. But one thing which has to be kept in mind while imparting such children education is the inflexible curriculum with freedom of thought and action but, of course, under the supervision of a competent trainer.
TAKING PART IN SOCIAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS
While giving formal education by a trained teacher, it should the endeavour of a teacher not only to impart formal education through trial and error but also train the child in singing, dancing besides participating in debates for sharpening his/her intellect. I have also witness the chorus songs and dances. This provides a golden chance for the special children to perform with the normal children infusing confidence in the children.
TRAINING IN COMPUTERS AND PAPER CUTTING, TAILORING ETC
It should be endeavour of the teachers to teach special children computers, cooking, paper cutting, cutting and tailoring, along with making different articles out of the papers along with paining.
DISABILITIES IN OLD-AGE
It has been observed in old-age, old people are vulnerable to disabilities due to physiological and psychological factors. It is also due to ‘fair, wear and tear’. In old-age people develop disabilities owing to restrictive movements of body parts, persisting ailments due to less medical attention due to socio-economic and environment factors. These infirmities may include prevalace of high Blood Pressure, muscular pains, indigestion problem, deterioration in internal organs like liver, heart, lungs, digestive system etc. Then there is also persistence of memory loss. The factors responsible for these may be social, economic, cultural and environments. There are also the old people who are not taken care by their grown up children. This factor is a key to not providing the old-aged people proper care and protection which they require.
SPREADING SMILES (MUSKAAN): FUNCTION OF OPTIMISM IN SPREADING HAPPINESS
What transformational influence consistent supervision, grooming, and training can do was realized by us during a visit to Centre for Differently Abled and Gifted children located at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. This visit afforded us an opportunity of interacting with the Centre Head a person who contributes immensely along with the team of motivated trained teachers in changing the lives of those who are having various types of disabilities like autism spectrum disorder connected with neuro-development disorder – difficulty in communication and interaction, slow in learning processes or in other words persons with intellectual disabilities, problems related with seeing and hearing or other challenges of mind and body etc.
The elegance and finesse with which this Centre is running (with community-based contributions) speaks volumes. What a total involvement and commitment cannot do can be seen to be believed. Here visionary zeal and enthusiasm, empathy and graces of our Omnipotent and Omniscient comes into play. Spreading MUSKAAN or SMILE should be the purpose of our life to say the least. Our salute to their unwavering resolve, perseverance besides pushiness despite hurdles in tacking the challenges of those who are challenged. At Muskaan, compassionate souls are making the lives of challenged children purposeful and inspirational in a way an expert sculptor chisels the uneven granite into a wonderful piece of the statue which immortalizes his work leaving everybody to appreciate his workmanship. My prayer to God is that such Muskaan (Smile) spreading Centres multiply to divide the smiles amongst those who need the same, the most.
EXAMPLES OF CHALLENGED PERSONS WHO MADE A MARK IN THEIR LIVES
There are so many differently personalities who though challenged made an indelible mark and even changed the destinies besides becoming inspiration for others. These examples should be showcased on audio visual for motivation. There are several personalities but some are given below:-
1. Albert Einstein (Had learning disability in the early childhood).
2. Helen Keller (Born blind and mute).
3. Stephen Hawkin (Suffered motor neuron disease).
4. Sudha Chandaran – excelled in classical dancing.
5. Bharat Kumar – sportsperson.
There are really several examples who became torch-bearers for others and proved that with firm determination, persons with disabilities could make a mark, if they intend to.
COMPETITION IN PAINTING AND SINGING AND OTHER SKILLS
Competition in the form of painting, singing and other skills by the challenged persons should be organized so as to send a message that the persons with different challenges could make a mark if given chance to do so.
INNER THOUGHTS 
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