Hello sachin bashers, read this please...

There is a psychology theory about how we (humans) wish someone to reach heights and then take all opportunities to pull them down. There are many examples. Sachin's case is one of those. He did it today - 100, hundreds. That's 10,000 runs!

God - would you like to bowl to me?

I sincerely ask everyone of us to be introspective and reflect on our professional lives. Year on year from the day we start as freshers, we count and calculate the pay checks, bonus and crib about tax-man to see if we can gain maximum advantage. There is then this comparison with our friend's, family on these statistics. I am sure we all love numbers then - but have we ever calculated - these many lines of codes, or IT components or millions of manufacturing components or x number of lessons etc. depending on professional types, have we ever calculated on our personal deliveries? No!

It is true that if one gets a hefty bonus or a CxO title or a Director or VP title, there is a new car in the portico or a posh house in a Banjara hills/ECR  and the whole family talks about it, friends have to celebrate and that's all part of the life. The new house gets a cheeky reduced property tax and its fine... But the occasion has to be dandy! Have we ever wondered, what would we do and how would we behave, if we get just millions on ad-modelling in addition to the CxO professional title? No!

We may professionally have failures and I am sure everyone has one at least, where the promotion was overlooked or project was junked or the team (?) has let us down or our manager (media) has been constantly criticising for everything you do! Though the team didn't deliver in spite of your excellent delivery record with smaller projects (aka - minnows), the senior management is harsh on you for a couple of bigger project failures. Has anyone ever wondered that how in these situations, we pick ourselves move on to a different company or a project and repeat same mistakes without reflecting? No!

Scoring runs is not so easy! be it Bangladesh or Maldives, doing out there a 100 times is not a joke! I don't mind even if its selfish, still who is altruistic in profession? Everyone needs a pay raise and I have reviewed many appraisals where people claim successes to get a C to B and a B to A rating to get better bonuses and promotions. Have we ever thought about, hey that project was a team-work  (Bangladesh demonstrated this very well today with an all-round team work), I may be the PM, but its delivered by the team and it is a little odd to claim an A rating for a top bonus for a shared success? No!

I can go on, but you should get it by now...

Suggest to read some of the great headlines from international media (the guardians, the telegraphs etc.). This man has done something that mere mortals cannot even think of in our daily profession. He shows little ego, (has had no face-offs with any bowler till date) and keeps working like clockwork. Statistics is a way to measure things but not everything. What I have reflected here is something that brings awe to me. How could a man go on and on doing what he has done for so many years? It is discipline, practise, vision and instinct and especially in sports where the body gets a heavy beating, this man has achieved more than any CEOs could do. Actually he has blessed Bangladesh today, I am sure somewhere out there, a Bangladeshi kid would have said to himself, I want to do that someday. Yes, he has lit up so many dreams! The numbers give you a clue, but the under covers, this man has done something which no cricketer can even dream... Its not a 10,000 run feat... this is 100 x 100s!

You have ignited a fire and a generation of dreams! Hats-off to Sachin.

You cannot chase a dream alone!

'He gave us long days in the field' -  'He wanted the extra edge that would elevate his game to the next level' - ' dignity could have been his middle name' - “Grace under fire,” -  "He was the guy youngsters in the dressing room looked up to" - "The wolf who lived for the pack" -  "Essentially, he was more patient than us" -  "Your regular, everyday superstar" -  "a normalcy about him that is almost abnormal " - "he's not only a great cricketer, but a great man" - “Some succeed because they are destined to, but Rahul Dravid succeeded because he was DETERMINED to,”.

Farewell Rahul!

How a Fake 'Lord' underlines his ignorance on Gita...

In my school, there was a practise amongst the students to underline key points in a written exam and highlight their knowledge as well as focus the attention of teachers (who had to correct many papers). This was an easy way of getting good marks. Needless to say, I followed it without realising this rationale and sure wasn't scoring marks. My dad a man of few words and once asked me to bring my test papers and remarked, you have underlined and highlighted your ignorance! He did not elaborate, but I read my underlined sentence and got the rationale. Anyway, when I read this article about Lord Desai's questions to students reminded me of this incident.


Indian government recently intervened in the interesting case in Russia just to make sure they don't loose out on this to BJP again. Now its Lord Desai. How will our government intervene now? I often felt that there are a few Indians who disown their past before western society and assume that they are fully knowledgeable of India's past, mythology, philosophy and Hinduism etc. I have seen quite a few Indians when I lived in the US and now in UK who fall into such a category and I used to laugh it away as I am self-aware about my shallowness in such debates.


After reading this Q&A, I am disturbed that how could a well learned man like Desai ask such questions? In fact he questions Gandhi's closeness to Hitler and quotes "How could someone of Gandhiji's intellect make mistake on Hitler?"


I ask the "Fake Lord" Desai: "How could someone of Desai's intellect make the mistake on Gita". One doesn't need intellect, a mere common sense would do. Let me try narrating Gita in the context of Mahabharatha and see if common sense helps.

1. Pandavas (5 in number) and Kauravas (100 in number) are cousins, Kauravas very early in their childhood, take hatred  to Pandavas and consistently try to destabilise the five brothers.
2. The 5 had to go through all types of humiliations such as "their wife disrobed in front of the courtroom", "attempt to burn them down", "12 years of forest dwelling" and  "an year of complete exile" and so on.
3. Prior to the war, Pandavas follow the 4 step peace process that's supposed to be followed by Kings before entering into a war and that includes sending a messenger of peace. Krishna as the messenger asks a minimum of 5 villages. But Kauravas ridicule and pose that they wouldn't even give a land to the size of a tip of the needle.
4. Prior to War, Lord Krishna chooses to help both cousins as he himself is a relative to both cousins. He in-fact gives the choice and type of help that each could decide. Kaurava actually gets Krishna's full scale army, whereas Pandavas with full trust on Krishna, seeks only him as an Individual. Kauravas later realising this big disadvantage, takes a promise from Krishna that he wouldn't use any of his super-human powers or ultimate Weapons of Mass Destruction as well as not to help Pandavas more than two times in the event of an actual war. Krishna agrees to those requests too.

So Kauravas created as many disadvantages as possible and then enter into the War. The war rules were agreed and the warring armies assembled. In spite of following all the righteous steps, Pandavas were left with no choice but war but in the battlefield, Arjuna gets emotional and decides to give up everything as he doesn't want to war on his own family. But up hold a king's duty as well as right of law and not to set a bad precedent Lord Krishna presents his  sermon.In the contemporary world, where nations take to war for oil and wealth but on pretext of democracy, this was a war of righteousness and a war for the brothers who had faced a lifetime of follies and deceits by Kauravas. 


In such a context, Gita was played out. 


I am sure many people who have not read Mahabharatha would find Gita to support violence. But Gita was sermonised to Arjuna to uphold righteousness and in fact to choose to act to war on your own paternal and maternal uncles, brothers and even your teacher. To uphold personal virtues, Socrates said to have drank the hemlock and here its case to uphold the right of rule/law and Arjuna had to war on his own family.


Now Mr. Desai, may we learn Mahabharatha and get initiated into Gita in this new year through a well-learned guru who may bring enlightenment to all of us.


PS: As a beginner, I do not want to go into the philosophical debate of Gita, but let us start with a basic commoner view and then may be into the philosophy.


Om Shanthi!

Why caste does not matter?

Significance of Kaishika Ekadasi (today is this day)

By Sri U.Ve. Mahavidhwan Elayavilli Srinivasa Bhuvarahachariar Swami

M.A (Retd) Prof of Sanskrit, Alwar Thirunagari

In Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya every Ekadasi (the 11th day of bright & black fortnight) has a special name. Accordingly during the Krittika month, the Ekadasi during the bright fortnight is called Kaishika Ekadasi (today some use the term Koushika Ekadasi, which is wrong; Sage Vishwamitra has nothing to do with this Ekadasi). Kaishika is a raga in music. How is this raga related with this Ekadasi will become clear in the course of this article!

Sri Varaha Puranam has this episode in its body. Once upon a time the earth got submerged in water. Lord Sriman Narayana assumed the garb of a wild boar and without hesitation entered the muddy water and brought out the earth from the deluge. Sri Bhoomi Piratti, who is the presiding deity, was very much upset by this tragic event. She was consoled and comforted by Lord Sriman Narayana, keeping Her on His lap. At that time she was very much worried about Her children on the earth. Their sufferings gave Her great sorrow and she desired to know a means (Upaya) for their deliverance from the worldly bondage. The Lord narrated the episode that took place in the village Thirukkurungudi near Thirunelveli in South India and assured Her that the sole means of salvation is singing His glory (Gana Rupa Upayam).

The story is as follows: Once there lived a man at Thirukkurungudi. He was fondly called Nampaduvan" (We do not know his Original name). He was born in a Chandala family who were known for their merciless nature and activities. But quite contrary to his family behavior he was very pious and deeply devoted to Lord Sriman Narayana. He used to fast during every Ekadasi day. Getting up very early in the morning on the next day he used to go to the vicinity of the temple with his veena in his hands and remaining at a distance from the temple as per the prescription of the shastras he used to sing songs in praise of the Lord going around the temple.

Once during the month of Krittika on a bright fortnight Dwadasi i.e the 12th day, he went to the temple early in the morning as usual. On the way he was met by a Brahma Rakshasa who was very hungry and who therefore expressed his desire to eat him up. Nampaduvan was very happy to offer his body for the food of Brahma Rakshasa. That was because his suffering in this world would come to an end and he would reach the abode of the Lord. But he prayed to the Brahma Rakshasa to spare some time so that he may go to the temple and sing the songs and return. But the Rakshasa was not ready to grant his request, as he would never return having made this false excuse. But Nampaduvan made 18 oaths to the effect that he would certainly return.

1. If I do not return as per my promise let me get the sin of a man who is a liar.
   
2. Let me get the sin of a person who commits adultery, if I don't return.
   
3. While eating in the company of a person if a man differentiates in menu (i.e. serving inferior or less quantity of food to the guest), he gets a great sin (Papam). Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
4. If a man donates a piece of an earth to a Brahmin and takes it back after some time he will certainly accrue sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
5. If a man enjoys the company of a woman during her youthful age and subsequently rejects her when she becomes old he is sure to get sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
6. Having performed ablution rite (Tharpanam) on Amavasya day and then recourse (physical relationship) to his wife the same day, he will entertain great sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
7. Having dined delicious dishes in the house of a host and then if a person showers heaps of abuse on his host, he is sure to meet with great sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
8. A man makes a solemn promise that he would give away his young daughter in marriage to a youth but later on breaks his promise, which would entertain sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
9. A man is prohibited from eating without taking bath on Shashti (the sixth day of both fortnight), Ashtami (the eighth day), Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day) and Amavasya (the fifteenth day of bright fortnight). Let me get that sin, if I don't return.
   
10. A man promises to donate something to another man but he doesn't keep up his promise. Let me get the sin of breach of promise if I fail to come back.
    
11. If a person tries to allure the wife of a friend who has helped him in manifold ways, he is sure of reaching hell. I will get that sin, if I fail to return.
    
12. If a person, afflicted by lust, enjoys the company of his revered teacher's wife who is responsible for his salvation; and so also the company of the wife of a king who endows all worldly pleasure to him - he will be the worst sinner. I will suffer that sin by not keeping up my promise.
    
13. A man marries two girls without being impartial to both of them. If he evinces greater pleasure in the company of one rejecting the other, he is sure to accrue very great sin. Let me get that sin, if I don't keep up my promise.
    
14. If a man divorces his wife who is very chaste and has no one to care for her, he will become a sinner. Let me be equated to him for not returning.
    
15. If a man causes obstruction to the cattle that are afflicted very much by thirst to drink water, he will get a sin. Let me also get that sin by breaking your faith in me.
    
16. Killing a Brahmin, addiction to liquor, stealing gold, breaking a vow are considered to be heinous crimes. Severe punishments are prescribed for a sinner, who commits all these crimes. Let me suffer all these punishments in case I fail to get back to you.
    
17. If some people worship only other deities and not Sri Vasudeva who is easily accessible to His votaries and is Omnipresent, they will get a great sin. Let me get that sin, if I do not return.
    
18. Sriman Narayana is the supreme deity. He is the inner soul for all created beings, both sentient and insentient. He is worshipped by all karmas (i.e. by all holy rites prescribed by the Shastras). He is to be meditated by all who are desirous of liberation. He alone has the ability to grant salvation. He is to be reached by all the liberated souls. Having understood the supreme qualities of the Lord, if a man equates Him to all other angels who are bound by karma, He will be born in this world again and again. Let me get that sin by breach of this promise.
    

All these promises did not convince or satisfy the Brahma Rakshasa, but the 18th one totally convinced him about the certainty of Nampaduvan's return. We therefore have to understand that the last sin is the greatest sin of all sins. Hence it is to be meticulously avoided.

The Brahma Rakshas became pleased by all these promises and saluted Nampaduvan and bade him farewell so that he may fulfill his vow and come back to him.  

Accordingly Nampaduvan went to the neighborhood of the temple and sang the songs as usual. Afterwards the day dawned. Having completed the vow pertaining to Ekadasi (i.e. spending sleepless night) Nampaduvan surrendered to the Lord. With great speed, he returned to the Rakshas as his heart was filled up with pleasure owing to his desertion of his body, which was inimical to his attaining salvation. On his way a person met him. That man questioned him "Hello, where are you going with such speed?" Nampaduvan replied him in a sweet manner – "I am going to Brahma Rakshas. If I don't find him where I met him before, and departed having made several promises, I will go in search of him and offer my body as food for him."

That man desired to test his mind on hearing his steadfast resolve. He said "There stands a Rakshasa by birth. He is not righteous minded like Vibeeshana, but a worst criminal. You cannot escape from his cruel clutches, as he is a cannibal. Don't go to that strong devil." Though exhorted by that man, Nampaduvan refused to listen to him and was very adamant in keeping up his promise. That stranger, who obstructed him and advised him, was none other than Sri Varaha (the Lord Himself). Nampaduvan found Brahma Rakshas at the same place and offered his body as a carcass (meat) for him, but the Rakshas, remembering his previous birth did not accept it. He narrated his previous life history. He was a Brahmin by name Somasarma in his former birth. While performing a sacrifice, he committed all sorts of blunder, as he was niggardly. Moreover a fatal disease in the course of performing sacrifice afflicted him. The result was his birth as Brahma Rakshasa.

Having given a detailed account of his previous life the Rakshasa knelt before Nampaduvan to grant him the merit of all these songs that he sang in praise of the Lord for a long time but the songster refused sternly. Finally being moved by pity he granted him the merit (Punya) of one song, which he sang that day morning which was in the raga named "Kaishika". The Brahma Rakshas was relieved of his bond. Later he was born in a family of Vaishnava and at the end of the birth he reached Vaikunta.

This is the story narrated by Sri Varaha Perumal to Sri Bhoomi Devi. The whole episode as found in "Sri Varaha Puranam", is taken up by Sri Parasara Bhattar for an elaborate commentary in Tamil. Every year the whole episode with all Sanskrit shlokas and commentary of Sri Bhattar is read out in all the Vishnu temples especially at Thirukkurungudi where the event actually took place. This is enacted on the stage even today. Those who take part in the festival or who hear the episode will be rid of their sins. Hence I gave this story in an abridged version.

What do we understand from this episode? Somasarma though a Brahmin became a Rakshasa, but Nampaduvan though a Chandala was able to expiate him of all his sins. Hence caste is not a criterion for us to salute a person. His deep devotion to the Lord, knowledge of the Lord and a total renunciation of all worldly pleasures are very important criteria. The caste is physical. It does not belong to the soul. Hence Nampaduvan was elevated to the highest order. In case of such holy men of that high order, consideration of the caste is an offence. They are equal to Nithyasooris. Hence our Acharyas equate Nampaduvan with Vishwamitra, Sri Vishnuchitta and ThondarAdiPodi Azhwar, all of whom sang divine songs in order to wake up the Lord (Thiruppalliyezhuchchi). The Lord (Sri Varaha) also showered on him love and affection and called him Nampaduvan (My Singer). Let us therefore be very careful in not committing Bhaagavata Apachara. This is what we learn from Kaishika Puranam.

Mahathir is Mahawrong!

Sampling the comments for the article, I can very well see people will ignore what Mahathir said. But to emphasize, I wish our people/media reflect more on the positive aspects of Indian growth story and relax. I have often said to my friends that we (Union of India) are just 60 years old... Growth should be natural and democracy should evolve but not forced upon. 

India is like an elephant. An elephant's gestation period is 22 months (!) and goes on to leave for another 60 years. It has a gait similar to running but walks at a pace and can max to 45KM/H. Its proverbial to say "walk before you can run" yet its true! US of A took more than 250 years to where it is today.  I prefer not to emulate the US model of growth too. There should be an Indian way! Look how pathetic we have been in dealing with our North East states? I am ashamed that I did not know about Irom Sharmila until very recently. Look at the way we deal with Mullai Periyar dam? FDI in retail could be a shot in the arm, but in my view its not going to solve the fundamental infrastructure issues. There is no leadership or vision.

I digress, but the point is, let us grow in our own pace and let us ensure we grow together... 

On a different note, I see Venky at his best. I like the way he has constructed this article. Budding journos should learn from this article. Journalism changes too! especially in the web 2.0 media age, this apt for the modern day readers i.e. brings many issues (China Model, Malaysian issues, Indian context, devolved governance and more importantly disagreeing to Mahathir's idea)  through the article and attaches links to it, so a reader can get the crux quickly and browse the underlying articles in leisure. 

Wealth in the name of Padmanabha Dasa? to use or not to use?

One of my elderly family member felt that the wealth found in Kerala should be left alone. We are educated, emotionally intelligent, seen what happened to that wealth in Tamil Nadu. So if the atheist Kerala governors or the unpopular corrupt central government, took to this wealth - would they rob it or use it properly?

Two Views

Largely two groups of People on twitters, fb are the ones who make the view that it should be properly spent. But there are people on FB, Twitters say it should stay in temple are sayng it in name of faith. Both are emotional view. 

The first group seems the downtrodden poor and feel they should be helped.

The second group sees Bakthi or fears that corrupt government rob and feel that the wealth should stay put.

Both those views raise from different viewpoints and culminate in two opposite feelings.

What is my feeling?

I am on the fence. What ever is used daily for Pooja should still be used. However I also think that they could set some trusts and use the wealth to help people. My sister runs a non-profit charity - Chiraag. She strongly feels that this should be put to use. She interacts day in day out with downtrodden people through Chiraag. When she sees them suffer, the humanity emotion flows and makes her think what is the use of wealth if you can't help a person next door? 

I am a man with Bakthi at heart as well as the good heart to help the needy. I am sure India with its rich history and culture should show me light as well as to others. I sat there thinking and recounting history.

I hit on Shri Kurathazhwan "a clan head who turned into a Spirtual" story need to be recounted:

For full story - click here

"It was a turning point in the life of Kuresan. The same night husband and wife walked out of their homes with nothing but the clothes they wore. They set out for SriRangam by foot. Along the way, Kuresan and AndAlamma had to journey through jungle infested with wayside brigands. 

AndAlamma was mortally afraid of nocturnal robbers and made no secret of her fears to her husband. WHen he heard of his wife's anxieties Kuresan quickly replied,"AndAl, watching your agitation I suspect that your fears are founded in something you have not fully disclosed to me. I asked you to renounce all our belongings back in our village of Kura. Have you renounced everything? I mean really EVERYTHING?".  

When questioned so intensely by Kuresan, AndAlamma had no choice but to confess,"My Sire, I did renounce everything save for this little golden goblet which I secreted in the folds of my saree. I thought I would need it during the journey to serve you some beverage and relieve you of weariness".  

Kuresan looked at the golden goblet that his wife pulled out from her saree-folds and then mildly chided her,"My dear woman, when I wanted you to renounce everything I meant this little goblet too!".  

So saying Kuresan took the vessel from AndAlamma's hands and threw it away into the night and deep into the forest shrubbery. "There now!", he said turning to his wife, "There now, my dear wife, has been cast away the source of all your fears". Kuresan and AndAlamma were received into Srirangam with great joy and fanfare by SriRamanujAchArya."

The reason I recount the story, is the Travancore kings really were/are to become dasas, they should have thrown away the wealth, I mean don't care what happens if the wealth is thrown into gutter or robbed. However no offence to them, they wanted to govern but in the name of God. So let us accept that position.

However the key point of the story, if you have spiritual call and want to serve God, just do it and wealth should not matter. Reach God through whatever means, but hiding the wealth backyard doesn't make sense. 

So:

If the Travancore King renounced it because of Bakthi and wished to be a dasa, going by the above Kuresan story, the wealth should not matter to that so called Royal family.

இயற்றலும்  ஈட்டலும்  காத்தலும்  காத்த

வகுத்தலும்  வல்லது  அரசு.

A Good king's (Government) primary responsibility is to earn, protect, and govern the wealth. ages ago, for the fear of Dutch/British - the king may have hid it and that seems to be the only logical conclusion.

Today what do we do?

Our fear is that the government might just rob the wealth back door if its put to use. Just for that reason, we should not shy away from voicing the idea of how to use wealth. After reminiscing Shri Kurathazhwan story, I strongly feel that the wealth should not matter to the King and the current Kerala (not Central) government should take control. (no Trusts please)

However given the trust in governments and the size of wealth, people will strongly feel against this. So an idea may be to bring in transparency. Appoint a separate ministry and make the entire wealth, expenditure transparent. Preserve all historically worth items (not for sale or any type of investments - just for future generations to see). Take the coins, rice trinklet type of articles and preserve it. Initially for the first term of government take 1% of whole wealth and let people decide on top 10 spending plans, schools, hospitals, agriculture etc and spend just 1% of the wealth. Yes just try and spend 1%, if this works out, increase the spend by 2-3 times i.e. when the money is fully spent draw 2-3 times and govern how this is spent. 

To explain with an example: Oman Chandy's government has just formed, so they have an opportunity to spend 10 crores in their tenure of 5 years. Spending merely doesn't mean everything on expense account. a % of 10 crores should be invested and aim to get back some good portion by end of 5 years. The rest of the % should be spent on social cause with complete transparency. Appoint people (creation of jobs) to make this work. However if the government does not spend this 10 crore fully and for example 2 crores remain unspent, then the next government can only take 2-3 times of 8 Crores. Also the current government cannot withdraw more than 10 crores for the whole 5 years. if the government is dismissed or looses majority and goes back to poll, whatever is spent at the time of dismissal should be the starting point for next government. key to this is Transparency. In the internet world, this can be achieved. RTI can be applied. This is possible. Fellow people - believe on such a model, we can definitely up-lift our community. 

Please be reminded of Rajini's movie - Arunachalam Spending 1 crore in 30 days is not that easy.

I am also reminded of another historical incident - Chithra Pournami. Tamilian history portrays that the Pandiyas created this festival of Chithra Pournami in their Capital City - Madurai. They found that the economy was dwindling and a good way to increase the cash-flow was to create a spending occasion - So they initiated a festival for newly weds - they go to the Vaigai River in Madurai for enjoying a full-moon lit river side dinner. Strictly for the newly weds. It is still followed in Tamil Nadu. The economy prospered.

A wealth well invested and spent comes back to you multiplied.

Please keep in mind that if the wealth is 'properly' distributed, people become rich and contribute back to economy. People miss this very important point. A wealth invested and properly governed multiplies and comes back to government.

Share your thoughts, if this model has got a loop hole.

222 - 'V' day

After months, I am back into blogging. I decided to get into a mind-judo in May 2009 and its been two years exactly.  Some close friends and family members felt, I am wasting time and money to get into this mind-judo. They were actually testing my determination. In fact I had a strong, loud argument that I should not get into this mind-judo and I may be cheating myself.

On 29th May 2009,  I began my journey into MBA at Warwick. I am almost there with my dissertation just remaining. I am quite pleased for the way I have conducted myself and the way I have applied. I tripped many times and I did not even know sometimes... Such was my judo. It is still not over. However I can declare that after those splendid two years, I am ready for the final frontier.

Another 'second' in my life: there is another 'two' happening in my life and expecting him/her in mid-July.

The other two - recently I was 'promoted' to No.2 at my office and this was confirmed on May 2nd. Its another landmark in what went past.

To celebrate the three twos, I had been to 222. Ramesh a good friend of ours has been saying to us about this restaurant for years and today came the opportunity. An out and out veggie in London. Very nice and I had a sumptuous lunch at 222. Fantastic. Even my 3yr-boy loved it.  

Nila Nila Va Va - Moon on 19/03

 Is the moon nearer to earth or is it just my camera bringing to closer to earth? My first successful shot at the moon on 19/03. Image slightly touched up

Snow as of 18-Dec 11:20 AM

It's already a foot of snow...

Right Decision - Time will say: Times of India acknowledges it...

August last week, after 3 years of mulling on a decision to buy a LCD TV, We made the decision to buy a LCD TV. As usual, I started browsing the net to find an appropriate TV. I remember and often repeat the incident that happened when I began my 'second' life i.e. starting to live on my own after the first job in Satyam. I was enjoying the IT salary class in India and planned nice furnitures, TV, bike etc. I got a nice Honda Passion motor bike and that gave me a 'freedom' of driving! I decided to buy furnitures to decorate the empty house - Gyan Darshan. I actually was staying for no rent at my Sister's place in Chennai. I thought why not decorate the houses with nice furnitures, so when my sister returned to India, I could leave them as 'presents'.

Anyway, my friend Shiva known for his saving abilities stepped into decision making on buying new furnitures.We also had to visit my maternal uncles' place in Beasent Nagar for helping some problem in his PC. Discussion turned to my idea about buying new furniture. My uncle who has traveled a lot, stacked some good ideas and thoughts too. My Uncle and Shiva influenced me heavily to reconsider my decision and made me buy a used Diwan. I would have spent a minimum of 10,000 Rs, but ended up spending up 1,300 Rs on buying the nice Diwan and 100 Rs for transporting the set. Shiva saw the ad on Adayar Times and thats how we ended up buying.

It became an important learning that too right at the beginning of my career. So almost every other purchasing decision had this learning back in the mind. The same learning influenced me. In the case of LCD TV, my wife was not keen too. With the little boy and my MBA, we had little time to spend on entertainment. However as i was about to finish my papers by Nov and the little one became manageable, buying a TV and Sony's offer convinced us. The climax was yet to play.

We found a nice 40 inch LCD TV, 100Mhz, Wifi, TV Stand, Blue-ray player  etc. from Sony on the web. However when we visited the showroom, Sony offered us a full 3D TV pack for a bit more extra on our budget. We withdrew and went into mulling. We analysed many things and couple of points blocked us.

1. When guests visit, what do we do for extra pairs of 3D glasses? just one costs around £80 and we usually have a lot of guests.

2. What about health risks? - Its completely a new technology and there wasn't a lot of research on such technologies. Especially what happens to eyes and our brains that are fooled to imagine them as 3D images. Also with young lad around, we did not take the risks and settled for a nice regular TV.

In 3 months time, i have an answer. Check this out..."3D TV can make you really sick"

Right Decision - Time will say: Times of India acknowledges it...

August last week, after 3 years of mulling on a decision to buy a LCD TV, We made the decision to buy a LCD TV. As usual, I started browsing the net to find an appropriate TV. I remember and often repeat the incident that happened when I began my 'second' life i.e. starting to live on my own after the first job in Satyam. I was enjoying the IT salary class in India and planned nice furnitures, TV, bike etc. I got a nice Honda Passion motor bike and that gave me a 'freedom' of driving! I decided to buy furnitures to decorate the empty house - Gyan Darshan. I actually was staying for no rent at my Sister's place in Chennai. I thought why not decorate the houses with nice furnitures, so when my sister returned to India, I could leave them as 'presents'.

Anyway, my friend Shiva known for his saving abilities stepped into decision making on buying new furnitures.We also had to visit my maternal uncles' place for helping some problem in his PC. Discussion turned to my idea about buying new furniture. My uncle who has traveled a bit is also known for his saving skills. Both Shiva & my Uncle influenced me heavily and made me buy a used Diwan. I would have spent a minimum of 10,000 Rs, but ended up spending up 1,300 Rs on buying the nice Diwan and 100 Rs for transporting the set. Shiva saw the ad on Adayar Times and thats how we ended up buying.

It became an important learning that too right at the beginning of my career. So almost every other purchasing decision had this learning back in the mind. The same learning influenced me. In the case of LCD TV, my wife was not keen too. With the little boy and my MBA, we had little time to spend on entertainment. However as i was about to finish my papers by Nov and the little one became manageable, buying a TV and Sony's offer convinced us. The climax was yet to play.

We found a nice 40 inch LCD TV, 100Mhz, Wifi, TV Stand, Blue-ray player  etc. from Sony on the web. However when we visited the showroom, Sony offered us a full 3D TV pack for a bit more extra on our budget. We withdrew and went into mulling. We analysed many things and couple of points blocked us.
1. When guests visit, what do we do for extra pairs of 3D glasses? just one costs around £80
2. What about health risks?

In 3 months time, i have an answer. Check this out..."3D TV can make you really sick"

Regular Breaker Rahul

I grew up hearing stories about Rahul's dad Rajiv how he wanted to change India and how he is to lead the country into a super-power. However I also heard stories that how he is interested more in technology than in politics and as a matter of fact not interested at all in entering into politics. But the Congress Chamchas' had to have someone with blue-blood to keep their interests secure. So Rajiv was made and sadly missed. Today 'they' understand the nuance that with Power comes more Responsibility (as Spiderman says...). How to be in power and limelight, but shrug responsibilities.

One section of media has a regular section on security breaker Rahul Gandhi. I don't understand what he is doing up there. I am told he strengthens grass roots and he plays wisely. btw why do we always paint politics as a game of chess and a matter of high canniness?

I was quite annoyed about the recent security breaker in UP and a second-class sleeper travel with 10 commandos. I was searching in google for such news in the past two years and actually he has been consistently doing this for the last 2-3 years.

Exam question: If one aspires to be a 'leader' of the nation (he will not be a direct PM but a remote PM), is it actually sensible to belittle your security teams by giving them a run?

What is the purpose of this hide and seek?

What if you actually stumble upon a situation that the 10 commandos around you couldn't help?

Let me analyse it purely from a security perspective:
I am about to play naive and assume that Rahul's intention is to break away from hassles of security and VVIP, that he doesn't fear life - that's easy: Write to the government and break free! No more security, no more news and you go free, wherever you like...

or let us assume that Rahul understands the need for security, but would like to mingle with crowd and understand the grass-root issues: This could also be done by arranging for spot Q&A with very little time for chamchas to massage the news - that is ask the local cong leader on the spot to assemble pockets of people who could be checked by security and allowed to interact, so the 'leader' could understand local issues. - in my defense, he has actually done this a few times where he meets students in locked up auditorium (why a locked up session?) and in Mar 2010 with a very short notice, he arrived at a wedding where the minimum security was given.

Over to Alternate thoughts...
or let us assume Rahul is interested in media-management: Hence break free especially when kids are around or in second class sleeper trains where 10 commandos are with you to protect etc.

or let us assume Rahul is actually dumb and doesn't understand the challenges of security and breaks once in a while. - if this be the case, then can't help an argument.

I can think of a few worthless scenarios, anyway not for today.

In the grand scheme of politics, one can only assume its media-management. Unfortunately the power of media and information is too great, so the alternate scenarios of his stunts come out very well. I can think of only one proverb in tamil 'Puli varadu, Puli varadhu ngra kadai oru naal unmaiyya puli varapohuthu' - (one day the tiger might actually come and get its prey). On a serious note, if he seriously aspires for the future of Indian premiership, this is quite worrisome as these acts highlight his IQ & EQ and what might be in store, if he becomes one.

News in 2030:

• Rahul gives a miss to Cabinet meeting!
  
• Parliament Finds Rahul sitting with Backbenchers
• Today Rahul lands a suprise, dressed as a security guard and standing next to speaker!
• Rahul does it again, his ministers complain to Sonia-Ji...
• Young (just 60+) Rahul's journey to Parliament was a surprise...
• Rahul breaking protocol leaves UN fuming
• Chinese delegation searches Rahul as he travels by world's fastest train (slept under the seat and missed the stop)
  

His chamchas will continue to say, what a rebel he is... Unfortunately gone are those days! (Hopefully, or we will find similar headlines about India)

Jog, Run and Kashmir...

Last week I started getting back to good health. I am on my sixth day of running. I couldn't believe myself as i struggled to run just few hundred yards, indicating my stamina. Today after a bad sinus headache, I decided to lay down for a good sleep. I was cranky after that nap and dull, but i decided not be a broke!

I hit the roads again and today i ran well and i was quite comfortable and completed probably a mile. A shame for regular runners but not for me. I was proud of myself. I overcame my sluggishness and procrastinations! I have been through a tough year mentally and physically. First 3-4 months of 2010 was a lot of flu and then later guests, travel etc. On top, I had my office chores and MBA. A lot to take on. I feel 2010 is almost over; mainly because at office, the plans for next 2-3 have been in progress for a while and it feels 2011 already.

Things have started looking better! My friend just called me over the weekend to say, he might buy his family home near mine which is great news to us. October feels a lot chilly comparatively for this time of an English year and weather. My in-laws are here and its some family time too.

These days not many things bother me, but a few things still do. Especially what i read in the paper (especially political sections). Having said that, Ms. Roy's comments are certainly not welcome. I acknowledge freedom of speech, but everything depends on comments and circumstances. If you drink grape juice in a vineyard, with very little or no doubt, one would say that you are tasting a wine not a grape juice. Same here, if Ms. Roy had aired those comments a few days back or later, or even when there was a lot of chaos (a few weeks back), it would have been okay. Sharing the dias, Ms. Roy shared her thoughts with a separatist. In this circumstance I pronounce her irresponsible and attention-seeker, limelight-grabber etc. She goes on to say that many people in Kashmir say that, yes many in Pakistan say that; however a lot more in India think otherwise. It is not about the number of people. Pakistan, India + Kashmir, Bangladesh share some cultural roots. It is a delicate issue, if you are a responsible journalist, why not do things in-camera with an outcome in mind? Why grab limelight?

Gandhi (I mean Mahatma) just did not talk! He had an action plan and delivered it. I am so frustrated with her as i see this as her trend. She did a similar thing with the naxal problem. She spent a day with them, narrated a dramatic story to the media and poof! Disappeared into ether? What was your value add? what was your contribution? at a time, where media is just momentary in its news and value, I see her sharing the same 'momentary' basics. No strategy, no action, plain talk! If you intend to play just a journalist, then so be it, but if you aspire for Suu Kyi, then play big. Don't just talk and aspire to play big.

Reminds me of a proverb - "Empty vessels make more noise" !!

Donate to thohur, if you wish.

Friends, I take it from my stats that a lot of people across the world have accessed the blog not sure if this was for upakarma or just a general inquistive visit. May I kindly remind and request that vedas don't belong to anyone, however we have had the gift through some of the gurus in sama vedic lineage. Sri Maharabhushanam of thohur currently runs a padasala and may i suggest that if sama vedins have downloaded the scanned copies to donate a bit of their earning towards sama veda samrakshana?

PS: He has never requested me or anyone to put these posts or request for donation. But I am doing it, so the vedas can be protected. He runs this padasala with kanchi mutt's aid and any extra bit is always useful.

His address: Sri Maharabhushanam, JSV Patasala, Thohur 613102

Sama Veda Upakarma

Most of us know the vedas have been in existence through word of mouth and not created by man. But little does the current generation know about its golden past, meanings and many other things. Same do I. What I learnt is also by word of mouth - through swara or sruiti. Rig, Yajur and Atharva Vedis (Ones who practise those sects) celebrated Avani Avittam recently. However for sama-vedikas are to celebrate on Sep 10th (this year). Sama-veda is well known for its musical foundation, is said to be the base for Indian music too. This veda has three sects - Jaimini, Gowthama and Ranaiana. I am aware that all these three sects are dwindling.

Few years ago, when my father retired he took up the hard task of publishing the sama-vedic daily karmas such as sandhyvandanam etc. It took him an year or so to complete the book which includes the karmic duties of a brahmacharyam as well as grihastha based on Jaimini Sama. He has also included things like 'abivadhinam' (introduction). Abivadhinam is a sanskrit term equivalent to Introduction. When an indvidual meets an elder, it is a way of introduction that outlines his ghotra, his lineage and the vedic association prior to prostrating to the elder. This book is a very good handbook that also gives basics on 'Pariseshanam' 'Agnihotra', Historical references to Sama Vedikas etc. etc. At the moment we have a couple of copies left and there is no master-copy to reprint it.

This year I decided to scan the book and host the link. If people wish to download and use for their sama-upakarma, they could. Also if you are a sama-vedi, please write to me and I will be happy to be in touch with you. My intention is to bring a samelan of Sama-vedis to propogate the knowledge.

Step 1 is an introduction to upakarma and what it means.

Step 2 is the text for agni-krama. e.g. Samithdhanam for bramacharis or Owpasana for grihasthas

Step 3 is the text for Kamokarishin Japa, Maha-Sankalpam & finally yogyobhaveetham

Step 4 is the brhama-ygaya prayogam
btw (the zip files contain the pdfs which need to be rotated to read in a book mode)

Sanskrit equivalent for the year, month, day & star =
Vikruti-nama-Samvatsare (Vikruti named year)
Dhakishna-Ayne (When the earth is is on its southern sojourn)
Varusha-Rithu (Rainy Rithu)
Sraavana-Maase (Month)
Shukla-Paksha (Moon on Waxing State)
Thriuthiyam (Day - three)
Brihu-vasara (Friday)
Hastha Nakshthra (Star of Hastha)

(My friend partha has given london's location and I refer to his site for details)

So do why all this? Basically the tradition is that for six months from Avani to Thai months (Aug/Sep-Dec/Jan), one can learn vedas and then the next six months, it is said they should not learn BUT recite and memorise the ones that they have learnt. So when the next cycle starts, the vedas are to be begun again. However if someone does not do these kramas(duties), then to repent and re-initiate is through upakarma. Hence the importance of upakarma which is now referred as avani avittam. (If anyone wishes to have the full book, please write to me and I will photocopy and post it. - Appreciate if you can donate an amount to Thoohur pada sala in Trichy where Aacharyan Sri. Mahara Bhushnam teaches Sama Vedikas today.) I had been there a couple of years back and I got some videos. Will find and post them.

I intend to do properly this year and begin to learn vedas through CDs and online. People recommend to do through aacharyas and I am not gifted in the place where i live. However Vedas are set to be apourashya (not made by humans) and to be cognisicsed through sound. So I seek it through sound tracks online or through CD. I also intend to visit a near by temple and seek blessings from one of the priest to guide me. My intention is to make a start. Learning never ends, does it?

Quiet Zone - I found it.

After a few months of roller coaster rides, I am back to ground zero enjoying peace. When I say this, I am quite aware that in a week or so, I will have to climb again for another ride. But experience gives me the feeling, that I will start enjoying the rides and the scary part is over. Future rides are to give me scary moments, but I intend to apply them to come out successfully.

Pakistan floods, Disasters in Haiti, Wild fires in Russia, Chinese landslides, Recession, Shrinking Moon, do we have any good things going around?

It depends, I see we that have'nt started the world war-3 yet. Hey thats good news! Really is there something nice going around? I guess the ash clouds have gone, recession is not in the headlines anymore. Mr. Brown & Bush are names forgotten. Tony is giving 4mil back!!! Obama is setting up AfPak office. Infosys has been referred as chop-shop (I agree, but that should have been generalised to IT/BPO services companies and not single out infosys, also highlight US does trade with such chop-shops!). India chose to support Pak by offerring $5m (Do you know India off'd around $20M during the earthquakes?). So lots of nice things going on.

I started going back to my Kriya yoga setting aside my thoughts on Sri Sri, Nityananda et. all. Yoga is something that's been there for eons and one who shows light to you is a Guru and one art of living follower a young lady trusted me a complete stranger and guided me back into this yoga. So she could be a guru too. My search goes on. Incidentally another lady (not sure if she is young) from Srilanka has given me a few thoughts to think! I wrote to her and she responded very interestingly. So the search continues... the term 'search' reminds me of google. Would google seek the truth for me? Thats what Eric Schmidt intends to (refer his latest speech).

Another google thingy - I got a HTC desire a phone that I wished four years back. Though I had my requirements, HTC or Google never took them from me, but delivered one! With its help, I am back at my social networking. I spoke to quite a handful of my friends across the globe last week. It was all the way from India, Singapore, Australia, Europe and the US. (I don't have any friends in China or South America - worrying).

Anyway going back to the topic: Inspite of a 3 year old constantly needing my attention, (not to mention my dear wife too), I found a quiet zone, however the irony is this zone is filled with blood, pressure and a lot of knots - a zone you can find too. However I cannot reveal that! You got to find for yourself. Om Shanti!

‘It’ has morphed into ‘She’

New Year has been quite hectic for various reasons. Partly health and rest other stuff. MBA has been keeping me on the hooks too. But that was my desire, so can't blame it. What has been highlighted very clearly is investment on health. I have not done much in the last few years. When I came into UK, I was around 67Kg and now just above my BMI. I don't prefer new year resolutions, anyway this year without even wishing one, I lost a few kg coz' of Noro. Then the flu… I did want to do a bit of jogging and I am now planning to start it soon. My son is just blossoming and he takes a bit of time and fat as well. His naughtiness doesn't get on my nerves, but his whining does. He has been like that only in the last few weeks very simply coz' of his health (at least my wife says so, I think it's his new found habit, trust me not from my gene). I mentioned about my missus, bless her. She is driving it carefully and has been affected by the cold as well. We keep debating about the health if it's because of humidity or poor investment or laziness or too much 'eat-out' or is it because of her cooking style etc. etc. I think it is because of the investment in health.

With spring around the corner, I wish to spring back to good health and wealth (!). Yeah I bought a new car – Kuga. My first new car, first SUV, a first Ford (as if I had hundred diff cars before), a first diesel, a first six-geared (I once forgot to use the sixth gear for quite a few miles in the motorway) and a first 'Chill' colour. The colour of 'Chill' reminds of a conversation I had with my friend and his wife. It was a discussion on the colour 'mauve'. It was a funny discussion though… Both are strong opinionated and hence you can see how the discussion can go. But it was nice and finally we gave up that a colour 'mauve' did exist! So what's this 'Chill' colour? It's a mix of silver, gold and gazke. Gazke is a secret ingredient very similar to what my wife uses in cooking. So looks like Ford has added 'Gazke' to its SUV colours and has made it special. Anyway if you really wanted to see the colour in person, please go to a nearby showroom (don't come over to my place – coz' the car would have been old and you really cannot see the 'Chill'). We took the 'Gazke' added Kuga over to temple, garlanded it and welcomed it to our family. It has become 'She'. Now you know the title of the blog. My dear Honda Accord was given a warm send-off, however 'She' did not turn into 'it'. By the way, we do we feminise ships, cars, buildings, counties? I am not a female chauvinist. I don't know why? I will tell, I am a happily married man and I am still enjoying life (though I had to put of my sanyasi plans – not coz' of latest revelations on Sun TV). May be opposite poles attract each other and since the car attracts me, psychologically I am associating with an opposite polarity. I don't know if Freud has theories about this.

In the meanwhile Sachin hit a double in ODI, as like with many, I had a gut feeling that day. I preferred Dravid coz' personally I liked Rahul's style (No I am not talking about the Rahul who dines in huts and travels in Mumbai metros). He is not around in the media these days. May be he is swimming somewhere with fishes showing his human side to him. I tried showing my human side one day by dropping a coin to someone in Paris airport (what was I doing in Paris, that's for a different day), but no media channels cared for me. Anyway I teased our Tharoorji on twitter; he did not fall for it. He has got a clout in twitter but not sure if he will be a Rahul. Anyways enough of my thoughts…

PS: The insurance company and creditors recorded the 'Chill' Kuga as 'Silver' J

Who controls me?

Happy new year to all! Its been a nice start to the year with snow and all the nice stuff. But this means the work is going to pile up and replay later. Its just that goal post is slightly moved... Ah about the title of this post: I am being controlled for sometime now by someone... Normally i always drive things (note: I am not a control freak). There are always situations that you can't control but you have ways to manage and get along... Guess who's this someone who is trying to outsmart or in other words keeping me in toes? No not my wife or my manager or my neighbour or my parents (they relinquished it long back)... as i mention my parents, you would have guessed, its my 2 year 2 month old son! He is all pervasive and omnipresent! The one who keeps me fully on toes, I plan something, he keeps coming up with new challenges... I have run teams of different sizes and challenges... This guy is a one man transformation programme. One thing for sure, I am getting better every day and gives new meaning everyday... He is oozing energy and i am sipping it rather than tiring out... I understand his dynamics and learn to interact with a two year old, i should proudly say 'he controls me now' not in the actual sense of controlling me, but he is just shaping me up as well as getting chiseled! Life is a beauty...

Fall or Autumn - time for "Insight"

If you have noticed, my summer has passed like a whirlwind. Be it office, family or at my Uni, I have worked very hard and 'smart' to deliver. Riding many horses at the same time has been a challenge, but I am getting better by inches. Fall or Autumn is a season of insight to me. Why do people have many words for the same thing? How could I do better? I know my goal, but there are many paths... which one should I choose?

A few years ago, I asked my dad (who is a staunch believer in God) about polytheism and his view on it...Hinduism is a way of life or a religion of religions, so practising a way is such a challenge if your roots belong to it. His view was quite simple. Let us say you want to go to destination A and if it has 10 routes, travelling by route 1 for 5 miles and route 2 for 4 miles and route 3 for 3 miles won't take you to A. But all routes do take you to A. All roads lead to same destination. The message was 'You have to choose a way AND stick to it'. Very important is the AND clause. I have been riding many horses but not many paths, but I am now at the junction of many paths. The situation reminds me of Robert Frost's 'Road Not Taken'. I have to choose one! Languages do have different words for same thing, religions have many paths to same God. I choose simple words to describe complex things, so is simplicity the best option? A conjecture.

Family tree is getting rusty, the roots need my support or do i yearn for support from the roots? A Banyan tree symbolises my position. I am an 'aerial prop' trying to reach the roots and not yet there, but will be there one day. Is the prop supporting the tree or the prop wishing to take support from the root? Science says that these props become trunks and are indistinguishable. But thoughts question the logic "the props do they support the roots or take support by growing to the roots?"

Don't get me wrong, I am not melancholic, this is an insight into the path that should be taken. I am strong, sound and resolute to achieve! Readers have asked me on the absence of thoughts, actually they are never absent, just silent.

So what did i do the last fours months? Assignments for the Uni, family time, extended family time, moving houses. Ah! that reminds me that i am sitting in a developed world where it has taken 2 months for the telecom company to provision a broadband for me. I am not joking, in fact i should say it has taken me 3 months. I called TalkTalk on Aug 14th to mention i am moving houses (I moved on Sep 20th), they disconnected me on Sep 10th and i got my broadband on Nov 3rd. What a service! I called, tweaked, poked and finally gave up! you have to win some and loose some... I ordered a slow mobile broadband and ploughed through my way...Life now is a bliss with the super fast 4Mb broadband!!!

I imagine what if one day the internet goes down? (post for a different day)...

It's been four months

Last four months flew. May, June, July, August have gone like a wind. I watched the Indian general elections, some great cricket by England, return of Dravid, best of all was a five day trip to Scotland. In the last six years, I had reserved Scotland for a special occassion and i chose to spend it with my family. I enjoyed driving to core, the sceneries still stand in my mind. Mountains, lakes and pure nature, yes pure nature. We stayed in a wooden house, and just behind the house the rivers from the glen ebbs, sand gushes into the valleys. Such a sight and relaxation. One day we walked up on the Glen Navis and interestingly i tried some of stunts and got caught into a swamp and had to jump of the marsh by leaving the shoes and trekk up bare foot.

Big news is in the four months, i completed two of my courses in Global Energy MBA@WBS in first class but couldn't secure my honours which was a big disappointment. However with the commitments to family, busy work schedule and guests as well as a good summer, i focused and made hay! I also started getting up early to play Tennis daily in the morning. This brings my memories from Neyveli where i started my tennis but never excelled in it. I tried many sports in my schooling, but focused into Volleyball later and played some good games. I remember that our school rarely won matches in south zone tournaments, where we had won the first round but lost the next and turned back home. However we set trends and i still do in my own ways, in things that i do... I always cherished tennis but could never play to the level. This summer has opened up the avenue but long way to go.

In a fortnight we are moving home and new opportunities await.