indo-china ties

It is now time to take the Indo-China relationship to a higher level.The two Asian giants should evolve an united strategy for addressing issues like poverty,food security,terrorism,education and tourism.
India and China are ancient civilizations and must find common ground to strengthen the relationship.Both can gain by appreciating each others position on different issues and respecting each's point of view.
People to people relations are the key to a stable and healthy relationship.It may not be a bad idea to involve others with different perspectives but sharing the same objectives.
Collaboration in sports,music,dance,cinema and literature can also enrich the relationship.

facebook

FB has a flip side which people are unaware of.Increasing the number of 'friends' is to become vulnerable to confusion and depression since thoughts are as contagious as any virus!Parents have to be watchful that children do not develop anti-social tendencies.
It is extremely important to be selective and cautious while using FB. It is more beneficial to have few friends but meaningful relationships.As long as one is focused and sure about the destination,FB can be extremely useful.
Mass use of FB has made it cheap and obscene hence constant efforts have to be made to keep the spirit of the medium intact.
The tech wizards sitting in Menlo Park have to make sure that commercial considerations do not stifle creative freedom.

reinventing the mobile

The mobile technology is obsolete and inappropriate for meeting the present needs.It needs to be simplified and made suitable for a dynamic environment.
It is necessary to incorporate environments and health considerations along with the communication aspect.The present band width and frequencies in use are extremely dangerous and can cause brain and organ damage.Even the push button method and the numeral approach is regressive and fragmented.
If the phonetics aspect whereby spoken commands can be introduced into the mobile design,it could go a long way in reducing the stress and other health issues.A uniform style in design is also self-defeating and leads to mechanisation and unipolarity.Complex situations require imaginative and innovative solutions to prevent the murder of the creative spirit.

the chowkidar

After independence,Chowkidars were Gurkhas from Nepal who patrolled the streets of Delhi at night.They were a common feature in all the colonies of Delhi.Armed with a stick and whistle they would be guarding the streets of Delhi at night.The local residents paid them a fixed amount every month.At any time of the night,the sound of the stick and whistle could be heard.Till the seventies,thefts were few and far between due to the presence of the Chowkidar.

Today,despite a highly equipped police force,crime rates are soaring across India.

kite photography

'Throw your dreams into space like a kite,and you do not know what it will bring back,a new life,a new friend,a new love,a new country.'Anais Nin
Kite photography employs the use of kites to take pictures.An electronic camera is attached to a specially designed kite which is then sent into the sky.The photographer adjust the kite at the desired altitude and at the precise adjustment of light and image,clicks the camera!
The spirit of a place can be best captured with kite photography.

gauguin 1848-1903

Paul Gauguin,a contemporary of Vincent van gogh,was a painter belonging to the Impressionist school of Art.He was deeply inspired by the works of Giotto,Raphel and Ingress,artists of an earlier age.
Gauguin,an exceptionally talented artist,was thoroughly disillusioned with the prevailing European culture,and escaped to Tahiti,an island in the Pacific,where the local people lived an uncomplicated life and needs were few.The islanders were used to living bare-bodied and in simple hutments made of locally available materials.
Gauguin,a passionate person,lived a life of indulgence and sensual gratification but produced excellent paintings portraying the innocence and beauty of the people.

a repressed society

India,famous for the Taj,the Himalayas and its temples,is a highly repressed nation today!Due to centuries of foreign domination,Indians have lost their sense of dignity,self-belief and strength.The vast majority of Indians live a mechanical and dull life,relying on stimulants,consumerism and sex to relieve the monotony of existence.The spirit of openness,creativity,aesthetics and learning which distinguished the Indian civilizayion is slowly dying out!
Indian society desperately needs sources of strength from other cultures to re-invigorate it.Indians will have to show a greater sense of purpose and cooperation to be accepted as equals by the people of developed countries.Mere reliance on technology,foreign investment and advisors cannot sustain a culture without a determined effort on the part of the people.

pondicherry-a crime thriller

Pondicherry is a small town in S.India.It is a world famous tourist spot and attracts thousands of visitors from India and abroad.The culture of Pondicherry is a quaint mixture of Tamil,French and Bengali.Due to its moderate weather and laid back culture,people from many parts of the world are living here.Tourism is the main source of income and Poindicherry has many guest houses and eating places.
A small group of people of mixed descent have made crime their vocation.They have occupied some of the prime properties in Pondicherry by nefarious means.The Ashram is the centre of the criminal activities in Pondicherry.All kinds of sinister elements are residing in the Ashram and duping people by different means.Pondicherry has the dubious distinction of having the highest child suicide rate in India as a result of its primitive educational system.Being a tourist place,it is also a conduit for drugs and ses.Enormous amounts of funds are being provided for illegal activities.
To prevent Pondicherry from becoming like one of the pleasure spots like Bankok or Monte Carlo,the government of India should act firmly and decisively.

mill on the floss

"Mill on the floss' is a book written by the famous English author George Eliott.She has written about the insecurities and dilemmas faced by educated English girls at the beginning of the 19th century.
Maggie is an extremely independent and strong girl,devoted to her elder brother Tom and father Mr.Travers,a mill owner,is an honest and upright man who looses his mill due to the machinations of his lawyer friend and he runs large debts.As a consequence,Tom breaks his frienship with Philip,the lawyer's son who is deeply attached to Maggie.
Maggie is constantly caught between her fondness for Philip and her family loyalties.After Tom is able to recover the mill and repay the debts,Maggie is again able to resume her friendship with Philip.
The book is about the unending opposition faced by Maggie from her family and society to lead a life according to her own convictions!

power of the idea

Unity,equality,co-existence,justice and happiness are not mere words but ideas with enormous implications! It is extremely essential that these ideas become a part of our daily life.
In an inter-connected and inter-dependent world,it is impossible for any community to be secure and prosperous for long without cooperation and goodwill of others.It is imperetive for the youth to adopt an integral way of life,incorporating as many diverse ideas as possible.The Internet complimented by meetings with people of diverse origins can change things for the better.

By leading a disciplined,energetic,healthy and happy life will release positive energies into the world helping everyone.

the invertebretes

Invertebretes are creatures of the nether world without spine,emotions or feelings! All they care is to survive by sucking the life out of others.
The number of invertebretes has been sharply rising over time leading to poisoning,disease and destruction of everything healthy and good.They are all pervasive and change places,forms and colours quickly.
It is time to plan a strategy to exterminate the invertebretes before it is too late!

animation films

Hollywood is the largest centre of animation movies.It has the resources,the expertise and the genius to make mind-boggling movies.
Disney Studios has been the creator of excellent movies like TOM and Jerry,Lion King,Rapunzel and Ice-age.
Animation movies provide greater scope for imagination,creativity,special effects and healthy entertainment.Children are the intended audience for most movies.The story lines are sharper and the characters lively.

r k laxman-a legend

RK Laxman,brother of RK Narayan,a gifted author was a cartoonist par excelle'nce!He was also gifted and used his immense talents to spread cheer in a dreary society!
Indians are a humour-less people and need a kick in the pants from time to time.Laxman was the Beckham who kicked the pompous and the vain every morning.RIP brother!

serious matters

The severe winter in N.India caused hundreds of deaths by freezing in the outdoors. This is indeed a sorry reflection on the state of affairs.
Instead of so much hype on Indo-US ties,the media should highlight matters of public interest like adequate housing,food,clothing and medicines for the poor.
No one is intrested in 'm

an ki baat' of the PM unless it is backed by action!

nag panchami

Let all be blessed by the snake goddess, let everyone obtain peace
Let all live peacefully without any turbulence.

Nag panchami is celebrated in India and Nepal to highlight the importance of Cobras. The Cobra is a common variety of snake found in India and is considered a symbol of good fortune and power.The devotees of Lord Shiva also revere the Cobra.

On Nag panchami day,women put cups of milk outside the house for the Cobras and there are festivities in the villages.The snakes are friends of the farmers as they get rid of the rodents.There are also Snake Mitra(NGOs) who rescue trapped Cobras and release them in the forests.The wild Life Protection Act has made snake killing an offence liable with imprisonment.

The snake is also symbolic of the Kundalini Shakti lying torpid at the base of the spine which when awakened shows the path to divinity.

Legend has it that if a Cobra is killed,the she-cobra avenges the killing!

right associations

To achieve success in any endeavour,it is important to learn from others!A person who is ready to learn from competent people always benefits and in the process also succeeds in building strong relationships.
Being sincere,disciplined,upright,loyal and prposeful automatically elicits a response from like minded people elsewhere.
Sticking to one another through thick and thin builds character,endurance,strength and discipline

a logjam

A logjam is a situation where ithere is increasing awareness that the conventional approach is unable to cope with the ground reality.Sooner or later,people start searching for alternatives to avoid total collapse.
The present situation is definitely a 'logjam' in more ways than one.Strife,scarcities,disparities and insecurities have reached alarming levels.To ensure a smooth transition with minimum damage,it is important to realize that there is a need for a sense of urgency.
People who can read the undercurrents everywhere must try and make an attempt to make people aware of the need for change.There is a greater chance of success in communities with a tradition of openness,dialogue,tolerance,social responsibility and cohesion.

be strong

“This above all: to thine own self be true, 
And it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man.” 
― William Shakespeare, Hamlet


The present generation everywhere is physically and spiritually weaker than the preceeding generations.Increase in material comforts has bred a tendency to take the soft approach creating confusion and discord.
Without facing adversities and suffering for a cause ,there can be no progress! A strong sense of ethics is the backbone of any community.Unless a few public spirited individuals devote their lives for social uplift,the community will either perish or be swallowed by more aggressive communities.The Roman,Greek and Mesopotamian civilizations perished because of weakness of spirit and over-indulgence.

kheer

Ingredients:-
milk,vermicelli,raisins,almonds,sugar

Recipe:-
Boil the milk.Add sugar and vermicelli.Stir the mixture while heating.Add raisins and almonds.

dialogue

The importance of continuous dialogue can never be underestimated in relationships.The best of relationships can get damaged due to lack of dialogue.
Dialogue means talking to' one another and not 'at'each other as is the norm.Self-righteousness,indignation and intolerance are counter-productive while love,humour,generosity and frankness are enriching.Being a good listener is a pre-requisite of a dialogue.
To be meaningful,dialogue should be on the basis of shared concerns and a common purpose.Continuous efforts should be made to take the dialogue to a higher level.Involvement of people with similar views adds strength to relationships.Even if there is parting of ways, a complete rupture and ill will should be avoided.

65th Republic day

The Indian Constitution,drafted under the guidance of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar,declared India to be a sovereign,democratic,socialist Republic.Unfortunately India is still far from its awoved objectives and in fact worse off than it was at the time of Independence.
The command-control structure adopted to perpetuate dynasty rule is still intact.All aspects of the polity-economics,education,culture,law and order are still formulated and controlled by a tiny minority in government and business.The Supreme Court of India is the only institution which is performing its duty in the larger interest.
The worst casualty have been the people of India,the vast majority are still illiterate,poor and scratching a sub-human existence.Less than 20% of 1.2 billion people are living a life of comfort and luxury.The national psyche is still of servility and the spirit of independence is missing in the people.Instead of relying on our strengths,our elite still dream of a FDI oriented growth pattern.
If India is to become a modern state a,it must re-invent itself in the light of its unique cultural ethos! Jai Hind.

good cheer

Contrary to belief,spreading good will in a community is not a difficult task! A smile,a wave,concern for children and sharing things can bring smiles all round.
These days most people look stressed and confused and are unable to relate with people normally.It is extremely important to spend time with unknown people everyday to show concern and empathy.
Staying indoors or commuting in private vehicles increase alienation and differences in a community.
Anxiety levels and health issues can be reduced significantly by sharing with one another.

together

Without a universal realiza

tion about human unity,it will be extremely difficult to bring about change.People must shed their narrow identities and take a broader approach.
Environment,food security,unemployment,population,health,crime and education are global concerns and require a multi-dimensional approach.These issues are beyond governments and bureaucracies but require a people to people solution.Without the participation of a large number of individuals from all over the world,these serious issues cannot be resolved.
It is upto the youth of today to find out innovative means to bridge the differences between people.TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!

inspiration

Soldiers under enemy fire,millions struggling to stay alive and the deeds of those who struggled against impossible odds can be a great source of inspiration.
In moments of fatigue,by looking at ordinary people in the streets,one can get the strength to carry on.
Inspiration drives us to redouble our efforts and carry on regardless!

perseverance

'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration!'Einstein
To persevere is to stick to the chosen path despite all obstacles and opposition.Difficulties are a sign that the traveller is on the true path.With a little determination it is possible to change the difficulties into opportunities for progress.
There will be moments of helplessness and despair when one is tempted to give up and take an easier route like the others.It is at such times that the sincerity of the person is tested.If one perseveres the dark clouds will fade away and the smooth path will emerge!
Anyone who wants to challenge the status quo must have infinite patience and perseverance.Soon or later,others will also join the band wagon and the going will become easier.

the tiger

The Tiger is a symbol of courage,fearlessness,virility and royalty!
Jim Corbett,the British wild life lover,spent his entire life tracking tigers in India.He calle the tiger 'a large hearted gentleman with boundless courage!'
The tiger population which had been steadily declining has now shown a significant rise in India.There are several tiger sanctuaries in different parts of India where people can watch tigers in their natural environment.The Wild life department has also expressed willingness to export tiger cubs to othe countries.
The big cats are at the apex of the 'green' pyramid and their survival is crucial for preserving the bio-diversity of the world.

Hopefully there will be increased awareness to save the other endangered species like rhinos,leopards,bison and lions too!

beyond words

'a single word lets loose vast agencies' savitri
Words are one of the means of communication!In fact people can communicate better without words-eye contact,gestures or by sitting silently.A 'silent' person can control the elements effortlessly!
Lot of confusion and ill will can be avoided by speaking only appropriate words.Speech today has become crude,vulgar and mechanical thus defiling the atmosphere.Idiots masquerading as pundits speak for hours leaving the people bewildered and angry.
The most obvious feature of the present age is 'noise'-speech,TV,computers,automobiles,gadgets,mobiles and machinery! Is it surprising that anxiety disorders are on the rise?
The really happy people are those who have a purpose and are busy refining themselves!

the dilemma-a poem

the dawn is breaking

its early morn

the TV is blaring

mobile is beeping

a flight to catch

FB mantra

shrink session

baby made to order

to be human or robot

that is the question?

bird baths

toughness

'a healthy mind in a healthy body!'
There is enough empirical evidence to show that there has been a steadt deterioration in fitness standards of people world wide.The rapid growth of diseases like cancer,diabetes,hypertension,coronary disorders and depression are a matter of concern.Obesity has become the norm in children and adults.
The human body is capable of great achievements with proper care and discipline.Diet,adequate rest,exercise and work habits play an important role in the development of the personality.
All ancient cultures attached great importance to physical fitness,the proof of which can be found in the sculptures and works of art of that period.
The primary reason for deterioration in health is a faulty education syatem.Education is the basis of a strong and healthy body.To be meaningful education should be'human' and not mechanical.The teacher has to lead by example.It is her responsibility to bring out the best in the child.If she observes high standards of conduct the children will naturally follow her! Creativity,strong ethics,physical fitness  and learning are the building blocks of a good curriculum.
A diseased society can only spread violence,greed,ill

will and vulgarity!

the shakti worshippers

In recent times Ireland and Bengal are classic examples of people challenging impossible situations and succeeding!At the beginning of the 20th century no one could have imagined that the Irish and the Bengalis were capable of great deeds but what saved them was faith.They blindly trusted in the Goddess of power and within decades a whole society was transformed.
The Shakti worshippers need not be physically strong but must be receptive,intuitive and emotional to invoke the Goddess.Once Durga is roused then nothing can prevent the inevitable! The Shakti cult was prevalent in Eastern India and Ireland and produced extraordinary people like Margaret Noble,Annie Beasant,Aurobindo Ghosh,Ramakrishna and Vivekananda.

Today the Shakti cult is non-existent and must be revived for sake of humanity

a fairy tale

Once upon a time,Queen Victoria ruled over Denmark.She was a very noble and compassionate queen.She took keen interest in the well-being of her subjects.The people were very happy and adored their queen.
During her reign,there were no wars,terrorist attacks,crimes or epidemics.All able bodied people had jobs and all food products and other necessities were affordable and abundantly available.
Weddings and Christmas were occasions for all people to meet and there was dancing,music and feasts throughout the land.
The seasons were regular and the farmers were happy since the lands were fertile and all kinds of grains and fruits were cultivated.The rivers were full of a variety of fishes.The forests were home to deer,pigs,rabbits,zebras,monkeys,bears,tigers,elephants and many types of birds.
The people of Denmark were law abiding,hard working and honest.There was no poverty and everyone had a roof over their head.People from all over the world traveled to Denmark to admire and learn from its people.

Long live Queen Victoria!

a community

'we may have come on different ships,but we are in the same boat now.!'Martin Luther King Jr.

A community is a group of people with similar objectives,life styles and aspirations.Rapid improvements in communication networks have enabled people all over the world to stay connected.It is now possible for an individual to adopt a life style which suits her nature regardless of geographical constraints.Possibilities of international and inter cultural relationships have also increased.
A community is no longer limited by language,gender,race or nationality.Every person has the freedom to choose her 'family',companions and pattern of life to enable her to live a meaningful and happy life.

public relations

PR is an art requiring patience,tact,humility and honesty.Without good Public relations,an organisation cannot achieve its objectives. JRD Tata,an industrialist,believed that 'A leader must lead people with affection.!'
Good communication skills are a vital part of PR.Continuous interaction with people helps to build morale and a sense of purpose in the community.
Many social problems can be avoided if there is continuous interaction at all levels.A hierarchical approach should be avoided,instead emphasis should be on group discussions.Communities where people share their feelings and emotions have less conflicts than privacy oriented communities.
Relating to people normally makes us aware of our shortcomings and teaches to gradually overcome them.

storm in a tea cup

These days the media is full of imaginary fears about threat to freedom of expression.It is full of stories about journalists and writers facing persecution and intimidation.
Freedom of expression has to be tempered with a concern for feelings of fellow citizens.A self-righteous and a moralising attitude can mean 'big bucks' but does not foster amity and goodwill.

Every individual is entitled to his views and is bound to protest if attacked.Dialogue,public debate and education can create an inclusive atmosphere rather than criticism and ridicule.

pain

There is no such thing as 'life without tears'!
The human evolution is a story of overcoming pain,limitations and painful transformation.Pain is a device of nature which compels us to strive and grow.Pain is an inverted form of the joy of existence and has to be converted into ecstacy.
Man is naturally endowed with enormous reserves of strength,tenacity and endurance which come to the surface only if tested against obstacles and hurdles.

It is not a coincidence that handicapped persons are more strong willed than normal people.Helen Keller is a classic example of a blind and deaf girl transforming into a master of languages and a superb writer.It is also a fact that people in poor countries are better endowed with resillience,fortitude,courage and patience than people in affluent countries.
A person can never achieve anything significant without undergoing trauma and pain!

bhag milkha bhag-triumph of spirit

Milkha Singh was the first Indian athlete to have made it to the finals of any Olympics athletic event.Dogged by adversities throughout his career,Milkha reached the top by dint of sheer will power,tenacity,determination,patience and perseverance!
As a child,Milkha was uprooted from Pakistan and forced to seek shelter in India.Belonging to apoor family his childhood was a struggle for survival.With  no role model or sponsor,Milkha chose 'running' as a career.He joined the armed forces lome most lads his age and trained day and night to become a champion.

His was the lone Indian entry in any athletic event in the 1964 London Olympics.Competing against the fastest sprinters in the world,Milkha missed a medal by a whisker.
Despite enormous resources,India is still unable to produce an athlete of the calibre of Milkha Singh!

children-symbol of hope

'I am a child in the kingdom of God' Jesus of Nazareth

creative writing

Expressing your feelings by writing is a form of catharsis.Everyone suffers from sadness,despair and loneliness but writing helps to control the moods.Writing involves mind-eyes-hands coordination which is a therapy in itself.Good writing needs precision,clarity,sensitivity and understanding-qualities which help to lift the spirits.
Today a person is facing all types of uncertainties which can cause lot of trauma and pain.By putting down our feelings on paper provides strength to cope with our troubles.It also helps to put our difficulties in proper perspective by relating them to the general situation.
A good writer should be able to connect with people and learn from them.It gives insight and valuable clues about the ground reality.
The best writings are about people and their day to day struggles.Each person has a unique narrative and the writer should be able to portray it in a realistic manner.The need for companionship,livelihood,happiness and safety are the basic needs of every human being and are the common themes which every writer has to address.
Appreciation by others means a lot to the writer and encourages him to improve his skills.

music

Music has an extremely important role in shaping the attitude of people.Children who are exposed to music at a young age are less likely to have behavioural problems as adults.Listening to music has a soothing effect and reduces stress.
To become a musician or a singer requires long training under a master.To produce good music it is necessary to have patience,tenacity,will power,concentration and feeling.

Music can bring people closer and minimise differences.Thanks to the Internet,music is spreading to every corner of the globe.

the people

We have stopped viewing people as human beings with emotions and feelings and instead regard them in terms of colour,race,region,gender,religion or language.This creates artificial barriers and divisions which leads to strife and conflict.
Despite cultural or other differences most human beings have a deep rooted need for love and affection and do respond positively to warmth and caring.
The prevailing'use and throw' culture has destroyed human relationships by shifting the emphasis from'well being' to economic indicators.

Human unity can come about only if we behave as 'humans' and take interest in each other instead of suggesting schemes and making more factories.