2010-2011

2010 was the worst of the times; 2010 was the best of the times. This is how I will remember the year which is passing by. This year, I set to lose a lot – things that took years to come into shape. And then, bringing true the wisdom which asked to carry on with head up, the year also gave me back almost all it took away, with some ‘top-up’. That is how the year turned out to be one of the best of the times in my life…
 

I welcome 2011 with many goals and aspirations in my eyes. With a wish that it brings only happiness to all those I love and all those who love me.
 

Wishing 2011 to be a very prosperous and successful year to all!

New Airtel Brand Identity

One fine morning, I realized that Airtel had changed its logo. The new logo propped up everywhere in the city in a matter of a week. At first glance, I didn’t like it. On second thoughts I criticized Bharti for the extravaganza (consider the cost of changing the logos and hoardings all across the nation; and creating new ads for media). I wondered what the reason behind such a change was. I liked the previous logo – it was bright and made a strong impression. But now that the initial ‘shock’ is over, I see the matter from a different angle.

Airtel announced adopting a new brand identity on the occasion of touching 200 million subscriber base. Also, it made the launch to be part of strategically synergizing all its global operations under a single brand. Making it part of the same strategy Airtel changed the Zain brand name to Airtel for its $ 10.7 billion African acquisition of Zain Telecom. And that explains how the swirling “a” appears in the logo. Just search for Zain Logo on google or yahoo images and you would see its similarity with the new Airtel Logo. Similarity of logos would give the new brand identity an edge in places where Zain used to dominate the market.

Along with the logo, Airtel also launched a new Airtel Signature tune made by AR Rahman.

I found the new Airtel logo to be far trendier and it would also connect with the youth in a better way. Just compare the new Vs the old logo. The old one had a rectangular shape – it gave a strong but ‘closed’ impression which doesn’t go well with today’s ‘open’ times. The new logo is more curvy, has less dark color and it would go well in any occasion or getup. In contrast, the old one had more corporate and serious look. I am sure the new Airtel logo would connect with the youth with a far better effectiveness. (On this aspect, a lot of other brands like Vodafone and DoCoMo were doing better than Airtel)

Total expenditure of the launch and promotion of new brand identity all over the world would cost around Rs 300 Crores. But given the strategy and integration of Zain, I think the payback doesn’t need to be calculated. Overall, given the strategic vision behind the launch of new brand identity, I give full marks to Bharti Airtel. I am sure it will succeed.

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 12

Many of us must still be mystified with the episode in Raam’s life story where he is shown to be deserting his wife Seeta. It is shown that he did that in order to fulfil his duty as a king; after his subjects object to his acceptance of Seeta who lived in the captivity of a Rakshasa for a long period. So far, I myself have kept the opinion which justified it; given that Ram was people’s king and maintained highest level of morality without thinking twice before making personal sacrifices himself. But now that I read C. Rajgopalachari’s Ramayana which builds on original Valmiki Ramayana but also has parallel from Tulsi and Kamban; I think I should change my opinion. Here is what he writes in the Epilogue of Ramayana:

Did Seeta’s Exile really Happen?

“I have followed the story of the Price of Ayodhya as told by Vaalmeeki. There was a legend current among people, I think even before Vaalmeeki’s time, that after recovering Seeta, for fear of scandal, Raama sent her away to live in the forest.

This pathetic episode must have sprung from the sorrow-laden imagination of our women. It has taken shape as the Uttarkaanda of Raamaayana. Although there is beauty in the Uttarakanda, I must say my heart rebels against it. Vaalmeeki had disposed of this old legend through the fire ordeal in the battle-field. Even that ordeal does not seem to me as consistent with Raama’s character. It is painful to read it.

As the Prince returned from Mithila he met Parasuraama. I have heard it say that with that meeting Parasuraama’s avataar came to an end. Likewise, it should be held, I think, that Raama’s avataar came to an end with the slaying of Raavana. After that battle, Raama remained only as a King of Ikshvaaku race.

On this theory, Raama’s treatment of Seeta after the battle and in the Uttarkanda can be explained simply as the behaviour of a king in accordance with the customs of the times.

But, how can we comment on a work composed thousands of years ago and coming down to us in palm-leaf manuscripts subject to corruption? If, even after the fire ordeal in the Yuddhakanda, it is said in the Uttarkanda that Seeta was sent to the forest, we may take it that it mirrors the voiceless and endless suffering of our womenfolk. Sorrow and joy and both alike the play of God. God himself took with him his divine spouse, the embodiment of men and women, and enacted with her a great drama of joy and sorrow in the Raamayana.

Rain falling from the heavens flows into the rivers and flows down to join the sea. Again from the sea the water is sucked up by the sun and rises to the sky, whence it descends again as rain and flows down as rivers. Even so, feelings and values rise from the people and, touching the poet’s heart, are transformed into a poem which, in turn, enlightens and inspires the people. Thus in every land the poets and their people continuously reinforce each other. The tenderness and purity and the untold sufferings of women took shape as the Uttara Raamayana. Like an unflickering lamp, it throws light on the quality of their hearts. Whether the epics and songs of a nation spring from the faith and ideas of the common folk, or whether a nation’s faith and ideas are produced by its literature is a question which one is free to answer as one likes. Does a plant spring from the seed or does seed issue from the plant? Was the bird or the egg the first cause? Did clouds rise from the sea or was the sea filled by the waters from the sky? All such inquiries take us to the feet of God transcending speech and thought.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Epilogue; P475-476)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 11

It is very interesting to read a part where C.Rajgopalachari explains how we can find inspirations from the Ramayana in more ways than we do.

Interpretations of Ramayana

Those who regard the Raamayana as an allegory interpret Seeta as the individual soul and Raama as the Supreme Being. God seeks and pursues the human soul till He secures it. He is eager to save us; it is enough if we just do not obstruct or resist.

There are also other interpretations and applications of the Raamayana. Seeta, the female counterpart of the Supreme Being, is the embodiment of compassion and grace. Compassion is the Supreme Mother and she is enthroned in the heart of the Lord. When she casts her merciful glance on us, we reach the feet of God. Paarvati’s function in relation to Shiva and Lakshmi’s in relation to Hari are both identical, and are just the variations of the same creed of dependence on God’s grace. God as Father and God as Mother are not distinct. If the Lord were to be parted from compassion, our plight would be just that of Raavana who separated Seeta from Raama.

The quality of the Lord’s compassion can be understood from the experience of true human love.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Epilogue; P472-473)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 10

When Hanumaan went to Lanka to find Seeta ji, he saw her sitting below a tree. Then the dreadful Raavan comes and tries to convince Seeta to accept and marry him. Seeta answers him very confidently, asking him to return her to Raam and ask for his forgiveness. But when Raavan is gone, his servant Raakshasis who were filthy, disfigured and scary in looks threaten and coerce Seeta. Seeta, who showed no signs of terror from Raavana, now seems intimidated and starts to cry.

When the great war was over and Raavana was killed; Raam asked Hanumaan to go inside Ashok Vatika and tell Seeta what had happened. When Hanumaan still found the Raakshasis around Seeta, his reaction was natural. This is what followed:

How to Treat Sinners

Hanumaan looked at the Raakshasi women who had guarded Seeta and turning to Seeta said: “I wish to slay these cruel women who troubled you. Do give me leave!”

“No, my son,” she answered. “Who in the world is blameless? It is the part of noble souls to be compassionate towards all – sinners as well as good people.”

These words of Seeta are treasured like nectar by generations of pious men. The worst of sinners, clinging to the golden feet of the Mother, can gain forgiveness.

“These Raakshasis,” she continued, “but carried out their master’s orders. How are they to blame? Their king is dead and has paid for his crime. It is unjust to punish these Raakshasis now.”

All that Hanumaan could find to say in reverent admiration was that what she said was only what was worthy of Raama’s wife.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXXV; The End; P465-66)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 9

It is very interesting to see what Raama thought of Raavana.

When Raavana was killed, Vibheeshana started lamenting seeing his brother’s body fallen on the ground. Raama spoke:

“Raavana fought like a true warrior and fell fighting like a hero! Death has washed his sins. It calls for no mourning. Raavana has entered Heaven.”

Raama cleared all confusion from Vibheeshana’s mind and made him do the funeral rites for his departed brother.

Said Raama: “It is for you now, his brother, to do the rites. Death ends all enmity. I, his former foe, even I can rightly perform his obsequies. Your brother is my brother too, is he not?”

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXXIII; End of Raavana; P462-63)

If we go back in time, in the initial stage of the war, once Raama had left Raavana unhurt. Here is the episode:

Then Raama, riding on Hanumaan’s shoulders, gave battle to Raavana. The Raakshasa king was sorely wounded. His golden crown was broken. So was his chariot. Deprived of every weapon, he stood before Raama.

“You may go now,” said Raama. “You have fought well today. Go away and rest and come back tomorrow, refreshed and with weapons.” And Raavana retreated shamefacedly to the city.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXX; Raavana’s Defeat; P442)

What comes clear from these incidents apart from the many other virtues of Raama; is also the fact that Raam held high views of the good part of Raavana’s character. This is right; because none is all evil as none is all good. Therefore if Rama appreciated and respected Ravana as a warrior; he only elevates his own position in our minds and hearts…

- Rahul

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Lessons from Ramayana – Part 8

There is a very interesting episode where Ravana’s spies are captured and brought before Raam. How does he react?

Mercy, Confidence or Statesmanship?

The Rakshasa spies assumed the shape of Vaanaras and coming to Raama’s camp and mixing with the other Vaanaras looked all around. But Vibheeshana, discovering their disguise, caught hold of them and produced them before Raama. They pleaded that they were mere messengers sent by their king and prayed for release.

Raama said: “Show them our army. Let them have a good look around before they return. Give them free and full opportunity to see our strength. And Oh you Raakshasa messengers! When you go back to Raavana, tell him, “The strength on which you relied when you carried Seeta away is to be put now to the test. Your fortress, your city, and your army will be destroyed. Raama’s darts will pierce your body.’ Yes, convey this message to your king.”

The spies heard Raama’s words and agreed to convey them to their master. Then, impelled by force of habit, they said: “Victory to thee!” The Vaanara army took this to be a fine omen.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXVIII; Seeta’s joy; P427)

Is not it astounding! Why would someone allow enemy’s spies to see his own arrangement? I think Raama’s gesture speaks full of confidence. Loads of confidence in fact. But apart from confidence, I also see statesmanship. Such a confident gesture from Raama might have frightened Raavana and when conveyed with the strong message which Raama sent for him, it could have either resulted in Raavana changing his mind; or at least starting fearing Raama; both of which were in Raama’s favour. But at the same time, the incident also speaks of compassion and mercy.

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 7

We often wonder at the relation or distinction between God and Nature. Here is an important portion which comments on the same.

Nature and God

There is a principle expounded here. As Raama stood bow in hand, the ocean god bowed before him with clasped hands and said:

“Dear Raamachandra! Earth, air, ether, water, fire – these five elements must follow the eternal laws of their nature. Tempted by pleasure or reward or frightened of punishment, can I ever swerve from my nature? Can water harden and become stone? Or can I reduce my depths into a shallow pond for your easy crossing?”

Thus the ocean king protested with all politeness to Sri Raama.

Vaalmiki puts into the mouth of the ocean king a fundamental of our religious philosophy. He explains the primordial relationship between God and Nature. God’s law operates in and through nature. The laws of nature were created so that the universe may proceed by itself. So too the law of Karma. The five elements, all objects without life as well as all living creatures, must follow their own permanent laws.

According to the Hindu Shaastras, Nature itself, the sequence and chain of cause of effect, the properties of matter, and the law of Karma, all are ordained permanently by God.

Nature itself is a witness to God. He is not proved by a suspension of the laws of nature.

This is expounded clearly in the 9^th chapter of the Bhagawat Gita:

“Under my supervision Nature gives rise to all that exists – movable and immovable – and the universe evolves from this cause.”

This is put briefly by Vaalmeeki in the speech of the ocean king.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXVI; The Great Causeway; P418-419)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 6

Many world religions give too much importance to us ‘surrendering’ to God’s will. At one place in the Ramayana, Lord Ram also shows the same attitude. Though his gesture also shows his royal lineage and dharma of a king; we can think more on the lines to come up with our conclusions.

Surrender to the Lord

When Vibheeshana comes to join Raama’s side; not everyone is ready to accept him. The Vaanara king Sugriva shows a strong protest, as do many other warriors. But Raama thinks otherwise and among opinion on statesmanship, says this:

“But there is a stronger reason. When one comes to me for refuge, I cannot reject him. This is my dharma. It does not matter if as a result of this I suffer. Even at the cost of life I must do this duty of mine. Never can I deviate from it. Verily, I tell you, even if Raavana himself came to me for sanctuary, I would accept him without hesitation. How then can I reject his brother who has done me no wrong? Go and fetch Vibheeshana.”

In the Vaishnava tradition, this episode, in which Vibheeshana is taken by the Prince into his camp and innermost council, is held to be as important as the Bhagawat Gita episode in the Mahabharata.

It illustrates the doctrine that the Lord accepts all who in absolute surrender seek shelter at his feet, regardless of their merits or defects. Their sins are burnt out by the mere act of surrender.

This is a message of hope to erring humanity. It is the heart of the Vaishanava faith that there is hope for the worst of us if only we surrender ourselves to the Lord.

Those who look on Raama as an avatar of God find in this utterance the essence of scriptures. The solemn assurance which Krishna gives to Arjuna later in the Gita, that assurance the Prince of Ayodhya declares in the presence of Sugreeva and others in this Vibheeshana episode of the Raamayana.

This divine assurance is the life and light that a world filled with sin and darkness, needs.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; Ch LXV; The Doctrine of Surrender and Grace; P413-414)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 5

How our desires bring so many misfortunes to us; can be evident from one episode of Ramayana.

Contentment as Bliss

When Maareech in the form of a stag went near Seeta and caught her attention, Seeta called Raama and Lakshamana and showed the stag to them. Lakshamana saw the wonderful mesmerising stag and said, “This is no ordinary animal. This is a trick of the Raakshasas.”

But Seeta said: “Do catch this deer for me. We shall bring it up as a pet in the aashrama. This is the most beautiful creature I have so far seen in the forest. Look! Do look at it: What colour! What playfulness!”

She begged Raama, “Soon we shall have to return to the city. Should we not take some thing from the forest to Ayodhya? How beautiful it will be, this exquisite creature moving in the inner apartments of our palace? Bharata would be so pleased. I should love to give it to him. Do, my beloved, catch it for me. Somehow catch it for me.”

Seeta saw that Lakshamana did not seem to like her importunity. This only made her more determined to persuade Raama to get it for her. If a strong desire creeps into our heart and some one stands in the way of it, we are angry with him no matter how dear he may be to us.

This unfortunate truth about the way that desire works in the human mind is explained clearly by the Lord in Gita. It was demonstrated by what happened in Seeta’s heart now.

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; The Golden Stag; P226)

What more remains to be said here, than witnessing the role played by ‘desire’?

Raama thinks about her asking and thought that if the stag was really a Rakshasa trying deceit then that would be a better reason to kill it. So he goes after the golden stag; to bring it living or dead.

Here, Seeta represents our heart which desires for beautiful things. Lakshamana stands for our mind which understands rightfulness. Raama here represents our reasoning which decides with ego playing a role in it. Doesn’t this incident repeat itself in our present day life, even now? Don’t we face situations where even though knowing something might turn out to be wrong; we give in to demands by our kids or spouses or friends; and get ourselves into trouble? This is why, it is said, “Santosham paramam sukham” (Contentment is the highest bliss)

- Rahul

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 4

Many of us know the incidents from Ramayana depending of the stories we heard from others. Instead of leaving things for chance and error, I think it would be interesting to read the sequence of events and read the exact words which are used in Ramayana.

Conflict of Duties and Our Choices

To take revenge of Soorpanakha’s insult, great warrior Rakshasas Khar and Dooshan along with a huge army went to destroy Ram-Lakshaman. Ram single-handedly destroyed all of them and even killed Khar and Dooshan. Akampan, one of the few Rakshasa who survived the slaughter at Panchavati, fled to Lanka and informed Ravan of what had happened. Ravan thought to go fight Ram himself. But then Akampan explained the great power of Ram, and said the following:

“No one can fight with Raama and conquer him. When I say ‘No one,’ I mean ‘No one’. Not even you can do it. Because you have promised me protection, I dare thus to tell you the plain truth. There is only one way of killing him. His wife is with him. The whole earth holds not her equal in beauty. If you contrive to carry her off, separation from her will kill Raama; so great is his love for her. Consider how you can do this. Do not think of battle with him.”

When he heard of Seeta’s beauty, the Raakshasa’s desire was kindled. He began to think that the defeat of Khara and his hosts was indeed a fortunate event that brought him an opportunity for gaining one more beautiful queen and wife. He welcomed Akampana’s advice and said, “Tomorrow morning I shall go. I think your plan is good.”

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; The path of Ruin; P213)

Ravana goes to Maareecha and asks him to convert into a beautiful golden stag in order to help him abduct Seeta. Mareecha also asks Raavana not to go on his evil plan. After a long elaboration, Mareecha says this:

“If you are angry with Raama fight him face to face and meet your death like a hero. Do not follow a fraudulent path and drag me into it. Go back and be happy with your numerous wives. Do not invite Yama to your land and race!”

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; The Golden Stag; P223)

But Ravana, an embodiment of desire and pride, says this:

“What more is he (Raama) than a man driven out of his own country, a fool who has allowed himself to be cheated by a woman and has been deprived of his rights? The proper treatment for such a fellow is to disgrace him by carrying off his wife. This is a matter determined and concluded.”

(C. Rajgopalachari; Ramayana; The Golden Stag; P223)

When Maareech still doesn’t agree, Raavana then threatens to kill Maareech if he didn’t agree to the abduction plan. Maareech, knowing his end was certain, thoughts that it was better to be killed by the hands of Raama whom he considered an embodiment of dharma; than by Raavana. And he sets out to carry out Raavana’s evil plan.

I make following observations from this episode:

If Raama was an embodiment of dharma; Raavana seems to have ‘become’ embodiment of evil (adharma). And he seems to have been losing all his virtues, one by one.

When Akampana explains to Raavana the prowess of Raama, Raavana believes him. He shows no confidence on his own power; no courage; as he agrees to the abduction as a way to take revenge with Raama, rather than choosing a 'manly' fight.

Raavana has surely become a victim of his lust. Maareech noticed that and even addressed it when he asked Raavana to remain content with his already 'numerous' wives. But Raavana doesn't listen. Lust is deaf.

When Raavana is unyielding; Maareech agrees to obey his plan and get killed by Raama. His action may seem curious but I think in a way he is doing his 'duty' to obey his king (Raavana) no matter how evil his demands were; and secondly he chooses his death by Raama's hands - which perhaps would ultimately bring him salvation. But Maareech, even though he has knowledge and wisdom, fails to do what Vibheeshana did – to choose one’s destiny rather than falling to it. I think if he chose not to obey Raavana and ultimately got killed by his hands; history would remember him in a different manner. (But then ‘duty’ is a very different dimension. This is why during Mahabharata war, even though supporting Pandavas by heart and knowing the divinity of Krishna, Bheeshma, Drona and many others chose to do their ‘duty’ to the throne. ‘Duty’ was dharma and they didn’t want to fail it and bring disgrace to them by turning back towards it.)

- Rahul

Chronicles of Narnia

Recently released ‘Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader’ is a movie which I would not have visited on my own. But my wife loved it and hence we had to watch it. I expected the movie to be made up of some fairy tales and imaginative explorations. But a part of it made me stop, sit and think.

In the movie, a group of friends were attempting for victory against difficulties. Just before the group was to make its final attempt, the instruction they got was something like this: “In order to make victory over external enemies; you will first have to defeat enemies inside you. All your internal fears and wrong feelings would come to haunt you and unless you win over them, you won’t be able to reach your destination.” And it happened exactly like that. This episode has such a profound meaning!!!

Victory over our internal enemies like fear, envy, hatred, disrespect, dishonesty, treachery, procrastination, or unjust desires is in fact more important than defeating external enemies. I think our victory over external enemies is temporary, while only victory over inner enemies is true victory. But again, such a victory won’t be permanent in the sense that wrong temptations keep haunting us as long as we exist. This is why success is a journey and not an aim…

Thank you Narnia…

- Rahul

Shoe Shine Boy

We were shopping in the Karol Baug market in Delhi, and stopped to have momos which are my wife’s favorite. Suddenly a boy came up to me and asked me to get my shoe polished. “Kara lo na saab”, (Please get it polished, Sir) he kept on insisting for a shoe-polish. “Only Rs 5”, he won’t leave me. We didn’t have time and the place was too crowded, so I couldn’t help. I took out some coins from my pocket and gave those to him, saying, “Rakh lo” (Keep it). He started to have my shoe, but I interrupted saying I didn’t want to get my shoes polished but he could keep the money. He thanked me gratefully and left.

After some time, I heard a familiar voice. It was him, the shoeshine boy. “Madam, get your shoes polished”, he was trying to convince another customer. “Achcha, fir 2 rupaye de dijiye na” (Ok, then please help me with 2 rupees…) I was struck!

Just because I gave him some rupees without any work, he found the trick to earn money in begging! I am sure my gesture made him see it that way, because he had not ‘readily’ accepted my coins.

I guess that is what a lot of charity works do – they make beggars out of the poor.

- Rahul

Train Journey

In my recent train journey, I noticed an interesting behavior. There was a couple with a little daughter travelling in our compartment. After some hours the gentleman became restless: he started complaining that the AC was not running effectively. I felt the AC was running but the temperature setting should be high – perhaps 26. In Delhi’s cold if one gets to remain in 26 degrees, I don’t see any problem at all. But he went out, had debates with the caretakers and returned back, still frowning. I saw it as a pattern, rather than a single behavior. I feel after remaining confined in a train for hours, people tend to get bored. And they express their frustration in these ways: either they would pick up their children, or will start discussing politics and criticize one and everything, or as this gentleman did: they would find faults in the nearest and simplest things like AC and vent their anger at these. This is connected to why so many passengers discuss issues with Railways while travelling in a train – they need some common topics to discuss and Railways is a kind of leveler. You can start discussing about Railway’s service quality to an NRI, even if you are an illiterate layman.

At eleven in the night, I noticed some curious voices. In the darkness, no sound was audible other than children’s. One small girl was singing near my seat, one was talking to her mother, another boy somewhere was crying, and some other was telling a story. Children lit up the monotonous journey. There were two young girls near my berth. When some other kid started crying in the neighboring cell, the two started talking to each other. The girl on the upper-berth said, “Ye Pink Wala baby hai na?” The girl on the lower-berth replied, “Nahi, Ye Red wala Baby hai.” “Pink” protested the baby on top. “Red” contested the baby on lower berth. It continued for some time.

I have seen some people getting irritated enough to keep on criticizing the Railways, or the government, or anything and everything. In such cases, I tell myself, “How Railways would behave is not in our control. But how we would react, is definitely in our control.” The same holds true for those who get irritated at kids making noise too. I would rather choose to focus on my book and ignore a lot of things, than throwing around my bad swollen mood. To make a journey “happy” is entirely in our hand.

- Rahul

View from the Top

Our flight was about to land in some time. Now land started to get visible from the window. I saw Mumbai. It seemed so tiny. As the plane got nearer to the land, now roads and buildings became visible. Nearer; and people could also be seen.

Our earth is only a small planet rotating around one star in this giant universe. On this earth, a city like Mumbai is only like a dot. In that dot, a house or a building is such a miniscule structure. And in that building, one flat or apartment is of such a trivial existence. And for that ‘small’ building; and that one from among millions of cars; and that 1/thousand of a dot of land, we race to become ‘inhuman’ to earn ‘enough’ money!

Life should be more than this race into oblivion.

- Rahul

Memories from Hyderabad

For the past few months, I stayed in Hyderabad. Though I lived in the outskirts, I did see places of worth visiting in the city and got a feel of the city. I found the city very friendly, peaceful and calm. There is no language problem for the Hindi speaking, as most of the locals spoke it too. Food is also not a problem.

love visiting historical places, so for one day I caught the city tour bus to see all such places. And then I visited some of the places separately. Husain Sagar Lake was wonderful, with its boat rides and Buddha’s status in the middle. Birla Mandir (Shri Venkatesh Mandir) made up of white marble on the top of a black hill is simply amazing. There is something special in it – one can only feel calmer and peaceful in its surrounding. From atom the veranda of the temple, one can see a major part of Hyderabad and Secunderabad – and it is a wonderful experience to spend time there. As a disappointment, I found Charminar an average structure – it is nothing when compared to India Gate or Gateway of India. But it is very picture-perfect as we see it on the posters. Saw Nizam’s museum, which is again not worth the hype. But the Salarganj Museum is amazing – I have not seen a grander museum than this. Perhaps no one can finish seeing whole of it. Then I simply loved the Golkunda Fort. I wished to go there again, as it takes quite some time to roam around and see it properly. We visited the Zoo also; there is a toy train which takes people around. And then there is another place of delight, called Sudhakar’s Car Museum. It is a museum of wonderful designer cars – some of the vehicles have won the designer entries in the famous Book of World Records.

Due to this stay, locations like the Hussain sagar Lake, Neckless Road, Paradise restaurant, Mehandipatanam, Lingampally, Gachibowli, Miyapur’s Talkie Town, Indira Nagar, ISB, Shamshabad (I found the International Airport as the best one in India), and Cyber City were added into my memory. I would love to visit the Golkunda Fort again for a whole day and Birla Mandir again and again whenever I visit Hyderabad.

- Rahul

Anuradha Koirala Wins

It is like a personal dream come true. I had written about Anuradha Koirala and asked you to vote for her.

Now I hear that she has won the 2010 CNN Hero of the Year Award!

Anuradha Koirala wins 2010 CNN Hero of the Year Award
Anuradha Koirala of Maiti Nepal received a CNN Hero award for her work in “protecting the powerless” and advancing the cause of human and equal rights at an awards ceremony at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Koirala and her group, Maiti Nepal, have worked to rescue more than 12,000 Nepalese girls and women from human trafficking and sexual exploitation, according to CNN.

http://www.indiatribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4503:anuradha-koirala-wins-2010-cnn-hero-of-the-year-award&catid=121:general-news&Itemid=410

I had got to know about her when I read about other contestants in the list. Learning about her and her NGO, I wished to help her win. I sent emails to hundreds of colleagues, posted many blog posts and also in public forums and social networking sites, asking everyone to vote for her. My sister also got into my campaign and we wanted particularly Indians to vote for her, even though there was another Indian listed in the contestants. Most of the Nepali girls, who are sent all across the world as part of human trafficking, are made to pass through India. What a shame for Indians. And I am sure that in this internet based contest where most people vote for their own nationalities, Anuradha would never have won without the support of Indians.

The news of Anuradha’s victory delights me to extent I can’t express. And more important than her is her initiative – to free this earth from female trafficking. Let us support anyone who has courage to fight that; in whatever means we can.

- Rahul

Anuradha Koirala Wins

It is like a personal dream come true. I had written about Anuradha Koirala and asked you to vote for her.

Now I hear that she has won the 2010 CNN Hero of the Year Award!

Anuradha Koirala wins 2010 CNN Hero of the Year Award

Anuradha Koirala of Maiti Nepal received a CNN Hero award for her work in “protecting the powerless” and advancing the cause of human and equal rights at an awards ceremony at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Koirala and her group, Maiti Nepal, have worked to rescue more than 12,000 Nepalese girls and women from human trafficking and sexual exploitation, according to CNN.

http://www.indiatribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4503:anuradha-koirala-wins-2010-cnn-hero-of-the-year-award&catid=121:general-news&Itemid=410

I had got to know about her when I read about other contestants in the list. Learning about her and her NGO, I wished to help her win. I sent emails to hundreds of colleagues, posted many blog posts and also in public forums and social networking sites, asking everyone to vote for her. My sister also got into my campaign and we wanted particularly Indians to vote for her, even though there was another Indian listed in the contestants. Most of the Nepali girls, who are sent all across the world as part of human trafficking, are made to pass through India. What a shame for Indians. And I am sure that in this internet based contest where most people vote for their own nationalities, Anuradha would never have won without the support of Indians.

The news of Anuradha’s victory delights me to extent I can’t express. And more important than her is her initiative – to free this earth from female trafficking. Let us support anyone who has courage to fight that; in whatever means we can.

- Rahul

Book Review: Vivek Chudamani

‘Vivek Chudamani’

By Adi Shankaracharya

Hindi Translator: Munilal

Gita Press, Gorakhpur

ISBN 81-293-0324-8; Pp 158; Rs 12
 

“Vivek Chudamani” Adi Shankaracharya ki un rachnaon me se ek hai jo aaj bhi hamare beech vartaman hain. Adi Shankara jaise mahaan darshnik ke rachna ki samiksha karna mere liye sambhav nahi hai. Is lie mai bas unke kuchh shlokon ke Hindi anuvaad ko yahan prastut kar raha hun jo is pustak me sankalit hain.
 

(Dhanyavaad Gita Press ka jisne is mahaan rachna ko sarva sulabh kiya hai)
 

“Ghade ke nast ho jane par jaise ghatakash mahakash ho jata hai, waise hi upadhi ka lay ho jane par bhaav-vetta swayam hi brahma hi ho jata hai.” (566)
 

“Vriksha ke patte, phool, aur phalon ke samaan naash to jeeva ke deh, indriyan, praan aur buddhi adi ka hi hota hai. Sadanand swaroop swayam atma ka naash kabhi nahi hota; wah to vriksha ke samaan nitya nishchal hai.” (561)
 

“Brahma-vetta purush atyant saghan atmanand ras ke paan se matwala ho kar sakshi roop se sthit hua indriyon ko na to vishyon me lagata hai aur na hi unhe vishyon se hatata hai. Wah apne karmo ke fal ki or to dekhta bhi nahi hai.” (553)
 

“Jo samast mayik bhedon se rahit, antartmroop aur sakshaat prateeti ka avishay tatha atyant sachchidanand swaroop adwait brahm hai, vahi mai hoon.” (515)

“Mai kriya rahit, vikaar rahit, kala rahit aur nirakaar hun tatha nirvikalp, nitya, niralamb aur advitiya hun.” (516)

Big Bird

There was a giant tree in that part of forest. But on that big tree only two birds lived – one big and the other small. The big bird tried to talk to the smaller one but it didn’t feel friendly. Perhaps the small bird was scared of the big bird. The big bird felt lonely. But in that part of the forest it didn’t find any other company to keep. Every morning, it woke up and saw the small bird get up and go chirping around. Every evening, the big bird waited for the small bird to come back. The two didn’t talk. The small bird looked happy with life – perhaps it talked to the butterflies and squirrels and hence didn’t feel loneliness. Perhaps it was too young to ponder over life and lived in the moment, and hence the happiness. Whatever be the reason, the small bird became a kind of habit in the life of old bird. Time started flowing little peacefully…

One day, the small bird returned back home tired and sad. The big bird noticed it but didn’t dare to say anything. Next morning, the small bird woke up sad and worried. The same pattern went on for a few days and the big bird couldn’t control itself from interfering. It went to the small bird and asked what the matter was. The small bird told it that it wanted to fly high and long distances but didn’t have the strength and stamina. It felt life was too small and helpless. Big bird boasted its morale and promised to train it to fly high and long distances…

Training took a few weeks. Now the big bird got a purpose of life which made it look forward to the next day in excitement. Life seemed to have gotten back on track, until one day the small bird announced in its sweetest voice, “I am going away from this place to a far away land where my friend squirrel lives!!!” The big bird tried hard to persuade it not to go to an unsafe new place, but small bird won’t relent.

Had the big bird not taught art of flying to the small bird, it would have no option but to stay back to its old place. Now the big bird felt sad and it often cried – now it was all alone. But the big bird was not sorry about teaching the art of flying to the small bird. It thought, “Had I not taught it how to fly higher, it would have lived an unhappy life. And because of its unhappiness, I would also have become unhappy. Presently at least the small bird is happy.”

“It doesn’t matter if I am not…”