Tit for Tat

The Indian News channels have launched a media campaign to counter the "racist" attacks on Indians in Ausralia. When Harbhajan Singh -Andrew Symonds row sparked off the Australian media dubbed the Indian offie as a "racist". Not so long so, the Australians had forfeited their Davis cup tie (which was to be held in India)citing security reasons, even when Chennai was chosen as a venue. It seems they always treat India as a "Third World country". Likewise, incase of any bomb blast in the south asian region ,they were the ones to cancel their sports tour. They make all sorts of hue and cry.

It is time for India to show its resilence to the world considering the economic status it has acquired over the years. In Australia, Education being the third largest exporting "item" after coal and iron (we have to hit where it hurts more). The Indaians should utilize their diplomatic clout to "tame" their arrogance.Moreover,the Indian government should galvanise support in the south asian region to demostrate to those groups "white needn't be always right"(when shravan kumar was attacked those attackers said" white is right").

India should send out its own investigation team to probe into these racist attacks.

Where your leverage ends?

Presdent Obama asks Pakistan's all time allies China and Saudi Arabia to assist that country in fighing against mlitants. It is understandable that U.S. beyond a point cannot have any leverage on Pakistan . At ground level the sentiments against U.S. is huge. Moreover, there is a geographical limitations . Unserstanding its limitations, it is an astute step by the president Obama by asking allies of Pakistan to assist that nation.

Shanthi mantra

The tamil film "dasaavatharam" menyioned about this theory first time for the people of tamil nadu.The ten incarnations were based on this theory as mentioned by the film crew.As I told you earlier about the book "we are the weather makers" in that one the author had mentioned about this theory by saying "butterfly flutter in the amazon basin could cause cyclones in the caribbeans seas. Even our rishis have mentioned about this every activity in this world is inter related .

By the way, while completing the "havan" we care about our surroundings ( this mantras manifests" that we were the pioneers in caring about the environment")the following shanthi mantra elucidates it

"To bring peace, shanti is repeated three times at the end of the mantra. Why three times? Because there are three sources of disturbance to peace:
Coming from our own body and mind. For freedom from this source of disturbance we chant the first "shanti".
Coming from the earth, from anything elemental or material outside of ourselves. This includes the environment -- everything from the physical environment (such as the weather or climate) to the political environment. For freedom from this source of disturbance we again chant "shanti".
Coming from beyond the earth, such as from spiritual factors, including our own karma. For freedom from this source of disturbance we chant a final "shanti".

Shanti Mantras Chant
with Sree Aswath

differece between chalk and cheese

One can be doubly sure of one's enemy moments . What about those who masquerade as friends.That's why a famous spiritual guru once said " your friend can do what your enemy cannot do".( An enemy cannot push you to become a drunkard but a friend can do it ) Suppose you are in a possession of a small piece of land in the central part of the ciy. Some hoodlums would pose as friends and play on your weakness . If you do not have one they 'll try to induce one. They always aim for a pound of flesh . In other words, its time to introspect are they fit to be friends? .

One has to be very cautious about "reformed enemy" because one never know when he/she would strike back. Then it becomes prerogative on our part to spy on that personality(ies).

Implosion waiting to happen

When the power supply gets distrupted in our house.Our initial reaction would be to see the neighbhor's house whether his/her house has the power supply. A moment of joy would pervades our mind if he/she too has no power supply. Otherwise, we would curse our fate, spouse and above all, elcetricity board personnel.This is the least degree of jealousy. We want everybody to cry when we are crying and we laugh at other's agony.Jealousy is felt everywhere.



Be it sibling rivalary over the ancestaral property, workplace jealousy,or the neighbhor's jealousy. In my opinion, jealousy is nothing but Active Fatigue. Though the word may look paradoxical yes! when you are in an active situation yet, you'll face the fatigue because there is something which prevents you from doing the work tactfully. In such a case, you will feel jealousy.

The other day I was talking to a reiki practioner she said " your eye health is directly proportionate to your stomach condition". She went on saying"there are so many reasons attributed to Type II diabetes and one of the reasons is pancreas malfunction ". The feeling of jealous increases the chances of pancreas malfunction.

Feeling jealous could implode your character building process. Ultimately, one should accept the reality otherwise, there is no point in brooding over what had happened in the past. Ground yourself.

Hench "dog" in demand

The "act" of november has fructified in the March month. I mean the number of stray dogs in my street have risen. Its very pathetic to see the "bitch" mother dog to look after her puppies. Almost leading a "kati pathang" life because her MAN had left her a long ago.

It is unimaginable to lead a life without support from anyone. Last evening, an "intruder" came and "molested" her. Sensing the trouble to their mother, the puppies ganged up and called her " boyfriend"(presumably, she acquired the friendship after the puppies were born) to drive out the "intruder" from her territory.

I have seen it in human lives that we would call up some big shot to prove our power to drive out somebody(recalcitrant tenant, encroached urchin) but the way these puppies took charge of situation was really awesome.

The underline message: nobody is safe.

Mirror Technique

A group of Management experts were holding a meeting about customer relations. During the meeting they had deviated a little bit from the core subject . They were discussing about "give and take respect" policy. One speaker said "its all how you reciprocate to the situation. In case, the opponent was abrasive in his/her approach don't be submissive give out the same proportionate treatment to him/her. Because if you behave "obediently" the opponent would have a feeling as if you have no other option but to remain his/her stooge.In order to dispel that mindset, give an equal treatment. In other words, as they say in cricket parlance, play every ball on its merits.

Remember, this is a dog eats dog world no sympathy for anyone. In many a time, our frankness is taken as a sign of our weakness.

Its worse than expected

Global warming threatens the life existence of the world. Recently, I read a book " We are the weather makers" by Tom flannerey. In which he has elucidatred the causes of global warming. The mankind has ravaged the mother nature in the last 50 years. Particularly, the global warming has reached its feverish pitch in the last decade or so.

He has talked about the evolution , formation of ice age, forests, climate change and emission of greenhouse gas. Some "concrete" measure must be taken immediately otherwise, the living become a thing of the past on this planet.

The usage of fossil fuels adds up acceleration of global warming. Simultaneously, degradation of rain forests increases CO2 emission into the atmosphere. Melting of glaciers in the artic and antartic region will "swallow' up many archipelagos of the Indian ocean region. Already, the government of maldives "buying" land to resettle its citizens incase, if they become environmental refugees.

The need of the hour is to minimize the carbon emission into the atmosphere and trying to find a solution for the gaping hole in the ozone layer.we inherited this land from our parents we owe a responsibility to gift it to our future generation in the same mannerr.

Ashokha hall

This hall in Rastrapati Bhavan had hosted several swearing in ceremonies in the past. This time Dr. Manmohan Singh will be creating a history by becoming the Prime Minister of India for the second time in succession after completing a full term in office. The only other Prime Minister who held the office in succession was India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru(1952,1957 and 1962).

This hall had also hosted other functions like cabinet reshuffles and presenting gallantry awards. In 1999, Atal Behari Vajpayee chose open lawns of rastrapati Bhavan for swearing in ceremony, instead.

Time to take off

With the UPA setting to form the government. The political stability is assured. There is no common minimum programme as it was present in the earlier UPA stint. Hence, one can hope this government to come up with economic reforms without any impediment coming in its way.

Exactly, 18 years ago the economic reforms were started. For the next 15 years the reforms were not caried out fully fearing reprisal from the allies and the opposition . Moreover, the government at the centre, were not able to take bold actions because they relied on regional parties support. Only this time, the regional parties are ready to support the central government unconditionally.

This is India so one cannot expect things to happen quickly. But, the air is filled with optimism things do happen . Wait and watch.

It was silent so far......

We were all under the impression that the economic downturn didn't affect us in a major way. The companies didn't resort massive retrenchment drive because of the general elections. With that over, the companies are doing it overtly.

There is already an unwritten agreement to continue in the company ---no incentives,increments and 30% freeze on the remuneration. Let's hope that the ongoing meltdown comes to an end at the earliesr.

Indian Markets create history

Both BSE and NSE created history today. Within seconds of the market opening the trading was stopped because of hitting the upper circuit. The trading was halted for 2 hours. On resumption of trading at 11.55 a.m. the market had hit the another upper circuit there by halting the trading for the rest of the day.

The markets are optimitistic about the election outcome. Its time to expect economic reforms to speed up so that the buoyancy level can be maintained.However, IMF has predicted 4.5% growth for the current fiscal which is lower than the last fiscal of 5.1%.
Hold on. Could this be a blip?. Can we say that the market has reacted in a positive way to the Government-in-waiting.

Superb concept

Never take anyone for granted. Don't "tantalize" otherwise, you will become a victim. In other words, hunter gets hunted will be the scenario.

At last, the wait is over.......

This is the first time in 25 years that the incumbent government is getting re elected at the centre. Rajiv Gandhi won the 1984 elections decisively. For the last 20 years, India has been witnessing a fractured mandate in the general elections. Even this time too, no party has crossed 272 on its own. However, the pre-poll alliance has won the largest number of seats making its tally closer to half way mark.

This country sends out a clear signal that stability (in the region)is the core issue particularly, when its neighbhoring states are witnessing an implosion . Moreover, the country cannot afford to have a hung parliament. That would cause a huge drain to the country's exchequer in holding another general election, which by itself is a huge exercise. The political stability is the fundamental part of any economic growth. India has registerd a modest GDP in the current fiscal which is much higher the the developed world index. A stable government guarantees a stable economy.

JAI HO!

The Movie:Zulu

One of the greatest movie of the British movie makers. This is a real story . The battle broke out between the British and the Zulu warriors over the control of the Rorkes Drift . The movie started with the Zulu's victory celebration over the battle of Ishandlwana . Their next target was taking control of the Drift, Which had just stationed only 100 British soldiers. The Zulus were 4000 in numbers they approached the British garrison in their own style like chanting and dancing. On their initial onslaught, they submitted some of their members to the British bullets. Actually,this was their ploy to ascertain the British firepower.After that, they launched their attacks in all directions encircling the garrison .

Stanley Baker (John Chard) donned the main role of commanding the British platoon.This man remained steadfast in repulsing the Zulu's nocturnal onslaught.The operation at Rorkes Drift won the maximum number of victoria cross medals for single action.The total number of medals won in this mission were 11.The screenplay was written by John Prebble and the movie was directed by Cy Endfield.

The last attack mounted by Zulu remained the talk of the movie The next morning they chanted a song in praise of the bravery shown by the British .The song was equally echoed by the Britishers by the song"Men of Harlech". After this song, the Zulus withdrew from the scene. The opening and closing scenes were narrated by Richard Burton.

Catastrophy, Philantrophy lead to win a trophy

True altruists do not expect from anyone. But, sadly there are many who are waiting for some kind of disaster to strike humanity through which they gain publicity. Under the cloak of extending humanitarian aid their main aim is to get monetary aid and winning a "trophy" for their "samaritan" work. May god bless them.

The cook,the theif his wife and her lover

Yes ...Yes ...This movie has "adequate" steamy scenes . The backdrop of the movie is a star hotel in Paris. An underworld don runs an unwritten writ on the functioning of the hotel. He splurges on exquisite food items throwing parties at regular intervals . He is accompanied by his wife. His wife has an affair with the other visitor to the hotel who normally sits across the table. Their "encounters" normally takes place in the washroom (the funniest part was that they didn't know each other but, continued with their "acts) and hotel's kitchen. The cook and his team members played the "facilitators" roles.

Somehow, their affair reaches the don's ears.The infuriated don takes a revenge on the wife's paramour .

Didn't he utter........

Last night I was watching a programme on Vijay TV. The programme was about the last days of Mahatma's life. Mr.V.Kalyanaraman, personal secretarty to Mahatma Gandhi, was recalling the incidents surrounding the Mahatma's assasination. He said a group of hardcore hindus detested the way the mahatma was pampering Muslims after the partition. Mahatma insisted the then Indian Government to pay Rs.50 crores to the state of Pakistan.(Ironically, Pakistan is yet to pay its pre-partition debts to India Rs.300 crores to in 50 equated instalments with 3% interest).

It was widely believed that Mahama's last word was hey ram. But Mr. kalyanaraman refuted the theory. He was standing back when Mahatma's was shot by Naturam Ghodse.H e said" Gandhiji didn't utter anything as the bullets pierced his body".

It seems wherever the word RAM appears it generates a public controversy. HEY RAM!

Dying declaration.....

A middle aged man was hospitalised for a terminal illness. His was nearing his end. He had asked his friends and acquaintances to come to the hospital. His wife was standing beside him.On seeing his friends he had started shouting " I'm dying of AIDS". He repeated the statement and felt unconscious. His friends were confused about his behavior. After an enquiry , his friends came to know that this sick man didn't believe them and he was afraid of their predatory move of "taking over" his wife after his death. In order to safeguard his wife he had shouted that statement again and again.

Is it irreversible love?

A pampered child asked the following question to his mother" Mom, I know your quanrum of love for me is limitless. Suppose, If I were born next door would you shower me the same love. The mother remained speechless......

Hardship we welcome you

You will know your true friends when you are in distress. Disease strikes the man to make him alert. Our immune system is capable of defending itself against "foreign" bodies. However, if the situation deteriorates the body seeks external help to drive out the intruder. So next time , when you face any hardship don't just escape from the situation put up a brave front. A new energy will guide you through the hard times. Once you are out of chakraviyuh you will emerge stronger. Life is full of experiences take it with a smiling face. Don't forget the motto ARISE AWAKE!

Mother Day spl

Every human being is blessed with an angel in the form of his/her mother. She plays an important role in shaping up one's character. Whether you worship god or not that is immaterial. Do worship your parents. Our religion says"MATHA, PIDHA, GURU AND DEVO! To me, mother means pillar of strength and an iron lady. she is determined, focussed and known for never-say-die attitude.Above all, she is a very good friend of mine.

The Wheel turns full circle

The ongoing recession has affected evey part of the society. In billionaires case, their networth have been shaved off by stock markets tumbling . The worst hit of the society are the middle-class and poor people.

In the late 60's and early 70's India had imported rice from the US under PL480 scheme. That was the time India had not accomplished self reliant status in the food production. The Kennedy administration called it "food for peace" programme . This came as a boon for the third world countries. After this phase, this country had witnessed the Green revolution and the rest is history.

The current recession has pushed many middle-class households into poverty. The children are malnourished. As per recent reports, the number of malnourished children are increasing in the developed world. Because the first thing that would effect everybody in the recessionary period would be a cut down on health expenses.

What would one call this state of malnourishment. Both african and developed nations are experiencing the same problem. In the former case, the reason could be attributed to anarchy but, in the latter it could be the reason of financial anarchy.

That's why the historians would say "the wheel turns full circle".

In the battlefield......

It was not right to praise the adversaries in the battlefield that would demoralize the foot soliders . In Mahabharatha, the soliders of both camps were allowed to move freely in the nights. There were instances of soldiers attending parties of each other's camps.The next day, the very same soldiers fought vigorously showing no signs of mercy to each other. That was the code of conduct agreed by both Pandavas and Khavuravas.

By praising the adversaries you admit your inability simultaneously your praising would blunt your attacks. Never choose the battlefield for showering encomiums.

Sumangali Prarthanai

This festival has no reference in our vedic times. This came into practice by way of customs. Last Tuesday, we had organised this festival ( actually, this is a kind of commomration of Sumangalis of one's family at present , they are no more) This is done before any auspicious happenings . My mom had invited her peers(mainly my aunts) to this function.

I was entrusted with compliments department. The compliment list included sarees, "blouse-bits", bangles, bindi stickers(In olden days, kum kum packets and turmeric powder were distributed). A special chudhidaar set was ordered for kanya ponnu(a girl below the age of 10 and one who has not attented puberty).This kanya ponnu came from my neighbhourhood. While performing function, this little girl would be smeared with kum kum and turmeric powder on her hands and legs. All participants would prostrate before the little girl to seek her blessings.In short, she would be the centre of attraction or she would be treated as a manifestation of the presiding goddess.

Like always, I had forgotten to buy adequate number of blouse bits because of unexpected arrival of 2-3 members in addition to the invited members. As always, I entered into a quarrel with my cousin who really made a mountain over the mole hill and she kept harping that blouse bits were indispensable items of compliments. For which I retataliated that blouse bits came into vogue just 120 years ago in those days, women did not wear blouse (to accentuate my point, see oldies (tonsured)pattis never wore a blouse in her lifetime). Moreover, this function was not mentioned in any of our scriptures.For that matter, even applying bindi was not in practice so don't create any scene over blouse issue.

The "coalition" was so strong eventually I had to make a retreat.Who could win a battle when you are being attacked by a "pack" of women. At this juncture, my mom had no option but to side with her folks. That was the first time I was let down by her. To concede my "defeat" I had to rush to the nearby textile shop to buy additional blousebits.

Anthermukhi Part II

Set your target, make it as a mission and cherish it stick on! come what may . That's what is called tapas. When you get engrossed in a particular subject you are automatically withdrawn from other activities. Such is the committment one requires to attain enlightenment.

Thomas Alwa edision failed 999 times before he invented a bulb. But , when it was questioned he said I have found 999 ways how not to make a bulb. Failure is an integral part of any mission. One should remain non-chalant.

Eureka!When Greek Archimedes found out the discovery he ran out of the bathroom naked. He was so involved in his mission . As a result, he was not bothered whether he was dressed or not.

Anthermukhi or Inward looking

Our rishis were not just spiritual gurus. They were subjected scientists says Swami Chinmayananda. They concenrated on the upliftment of mankind. Their penance served the humanity. Even modern day scientists do penance but their penance gets ended when they disover or invent a machine or gadgets (they too serve humanity) When you sit for a penance you get focussed in a particular subject rest of the things were forgotten. That means all your energies were channelised towards your goal. This happens to everybody but only thing we don't realize it.

The more one looks inward he/she becomes insular to other things. The ultimate essence of our vedas : THE MAHAVAAKYA: AHAM BRAHMASMI (I am god)SO SIMPLE ISN'T IT but to reach that level the saadhak has to carry out stubborn saadhana no matter how difficult the chosen path was . Have a complete resolute mind. The rest will be taken care by the CREATOR.
OM TAT SAT!

Why all this fuss?

In 2002, the world had witnessed SARS in south east asia which resulted in several hundreds deaths not only in that region but across the world. So far, SARS is not eradicated it remains dormant. Thank god!. Then came avian flu which resulted in mass culling of birds and ofcourse, it had its human victims too. Now, the swine flu is "hog"ging the headlines. A kind of media propaganda makes the people to feel nervous about the disease.

The developing and underdeveloped world witnesses hundered of deaths in the form of malaria, dengue ferver, hepatitis -B cholera typhoid year after year but they do not "HOG" the media occasionally, they feature as a 'filler" in the developed world media as a warning notice to the travelers visiting the affected region.

fear or reverence?

In hindu mythology, we have reverence towards elephants because we see Lord Ganesha through it. In the same breadth, we detest swines (it is inappropriate to discuss when the whole world is afraid of a flu which is being declared as a pandemic). Lord Vishnu incarnated as a boar to safeguard the world from its extinction.

All these shows one thing clearly fear or reverence lies in the eyes of the beholder.

What an irony?

Last week, the US auto majors filed either bankcruptcy or trying to stave off bankcruptcy. On the other hand, the banks in India have "generously" come out with LOAN mela to woo its customers to "own" Nano. Some schemes are really attractive with lowest EMI's in the initial period. Not so long ago, in india, these banks were rigid in loan norms.

The stimulus package announced by the RBI made these banks to infuse capital to buttress the sagging economic growth from sliding further.

Favourites,Underdogs or Darkhorse which one u like?

The IPL season has reached its midway stage.The teams which were doing badly last edition have bounced back. The teams which were considered favourites not in the reckoning. Apply it in one's own life. When you were asked to perform under expectations you generally faltered. The same task when performed without any expectations from any quarters you excel How? the answer remains-------get focussed.

The game has taught us to remain either underdogs or darkhorses because in that position alone you could fire all cylinders . You remain least bothered about the results.Never bother about accolades or brickbats. Never yield to other's criticism you just stay focussed. The glory would folow you. Don't " purchase" praises which will not long last forever.

The Movie: Bloody Sunday

As the name suggests this incident took place on sunday. The British authorities in a town called Deree in Northern Ireland clamped a ban on public protests. Defying the order the civil rights activists took out a protest match against the British rule. The peace rally turned into a violent one, as a shoot out took palce in the rally. The result: 13 casualities died of bullet injury. This incident happened in 1972. This incident acted as a catalyst for IRA for the next 25 years and they unleashed terror across United Kingdom.

The movie was shot from dawn to dusk something similar to a real time documentary. Because the dialogue part was missing and moreover, hand held cameras were used to retain the "originality".James Nesbit played the leading role. When supporters to the march started pouring in they were inspired by Charles Tindley's song "We Shall overcome" to show that they were suppressed by the British rule. Paul Greeengrass had directed the movie.

2,4 ka 8

How to "trap" the "buyer"? In the immediate circle two minions should be deployed to sense the "mood" of the buyer (if the mood is not upbeat, then it is favorable to "push" our product) this can be ascertained by making phone calls every fortnightly by our minions deployed around him. By and large, our mission should not present that he is being watched by us.

Now, the second part of our strategy that is that these two minions should report directly to the 4 local administrators who in turn would report it to tamashawallahs sitting outside the country (actually, they use this data to further their chit-chatting among themselves)Eventually, this whole operation is not to push the sales but, to entertain themselves. In other words, they want to show themselves that they are one step ahead of locals. The primary aim of these tamashawallahs is to poject "he (they) got the whole world in his(their) hands" kind of stuff it is nothing but spot-bandha.