Memories of Early Self-respect

I must be in class III or IV at that time. We were a gang of boys (the rival gang was of the girls) and I was suspected to be their ‘leader’. In those days, after every lunch we used to play some indigenous games like chhua-chhuant (chase) in the crowded playground. I was more sober than others and took part only occasionally. The Headmistress of our school used to sit at her chair overlooking us. She was dreaded by students due to her nature and her physique (she was the bulkiest woman we had ever seen). I remember that afternoon.

We had finished our lunch and I was just roaming around when I saw one guy running after the other. The guy who was trying to catch the other was a short and popular one. He was called Sushil Pandey (there was another guy who was called simply Sushil). I don’t know what came to my mind but I ran after Sushil Pandey who was already trying to catch the other guy. In the confusion, perhaps, he lost his balance and fell down. He rose quickly and resumed his run. But it was our bad luck that Madam had seen us. She called both of us and asked me why I had pushed Sushil Pandey on the ground. Now I had not done anything like that and hence tried to explain how Sushil was running after the other guy when I started after him and a fraction of second before I could touch him, he by himself fell down. Madam was not impressed with my detailed but interesting (and factual) explanation. Friends are friends and Sushil proved it in time of need. He told her that it was not my fault but he had fallen by himself. But Madam won’t even listen to him. She called me near to her and hit me with a duster (eraser), once each on both my palms, as a punishment.

Not many had watched me getting punished but it seemed as if I was branded guilty in front of the whole town. The burden was immense.

Despite a child’s nature to forget things, I think I realised two things after that event: (1) People can be insensitive. Though I didn’t know anything about sensitivity or absence of it at that time, I just couldn’t understand why Madam would completely discard what I was trying to explain and what Sushil too approved of. And (2) People may not care for your reputation. I don’t know if all children think that they enjoy some repute and have a personal stature, which can be harmed, but I definitely was one who did. I was hurt from the fact that despite I being one of the most disciplined students in the school and despite the fact that I never told lies or did tricks like pushing others, I was not believed.

The day passed like any other and I forgot the incident. But after some years I realised that I had not forgotten it. It may be because of the fact that it was one of the very few occasions when I was punished by teachers. But it may be more than that. It was mainly because I had felt ‘insulted’ as a child; I was not believed despite my truthfulness and that event remained in some corner of my mind. I don’t know if the event also shaped me as a person but consciously I would never be in the shoes of our Madam.

While dealing with children, some times we forget that they too have ‘self-respect’. A child’s world may be different from ours, but among their friends, they too enjoy a reputation. In games they try to emulate us, the grownups. If we want them to grow up as sensible persons, we too have to practice what we teach.

- Rahul

Visit to Baba Dham, Deoghar

There are few temples which are as passionately revered by devotees as is Baba Dham of Deoghar. Baba Dham means place of Baba Shankar (Shiva) and Deoghar means abode of gods. The temple is so important because Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, popularly known as Baba Dham and Baidyanath Dham is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. Every year in the Shravan month, devotees (called kavarias) throng to this temple from all over the region to offer water (jal) to the sacred Shivalingam.

I visited Baba Dham at Deoghar for the first time this year. We were visiting Baba Dham before Shravan month and hence the crowd was slightly less. We reached the town of Jasidih by train, which is on the Howrah–Patna–Delhi line. Deoghar is about 6 Kms from this place. We took an auto-rickshaw to reach there. After much search, we were able to find a hotel with a vacancy. Even though it was not the Shravan month, hotels were all booked due to some Satsang. We went to the temple in the morning, on foot. And it was an experience to remember.

The temple town of Deoghar is a small one with clean air and a pleasant environment. It has the beauty of a small town and also the facilities of every need. In the middle of the town, all lanes converge to reach the temple of Baba Bholenath (one name of Lord Shiva). In the main temple, the sacred Shivalingam is situated. To read about the legends behind this Shivalingam and the temple, you can see the Wiki article on Vaidyanath Temple. The origin belongs to Treta Yuga. The temple is thronging with devotees most of the time and it is very difficult to do darshan or to worship the Lord. There we found many Pandas who were sitting round the temples, with their names and mobile numbers written on the walls. Father tells that each family has a particular Panda ji assigned to it. We got to know that one Shree Dhwajadhari Panda has been the one for our family. Later on we got to know that he was no more and another of his children was carrying out his work. These Pandas also visit our families in our villages and maintain a good relationship. This is the tradition for generations. Then one boy was assigned to us as a guide. There are so many temples for almost each and every god including Ganga ji (the river goddess). The main temple where sacred Shivalingam was situated was too crowded for us. I thought it was a miracle that we came out without being hurt or falling down. And as if to confirm the miracle, I had by chance kept a mobile phone in my pocket, which remained intact. While going through the melee, I doubted if I would wish to come back again. In the centre of the temple, the sacred Shivalingam was there, to which we offered water and prayers. Later on, we visited many of the other temples inside the premises.

Another aspect of the experience is that you would see Pandas and priests in each and every corner of the temple-cluster asking for money as offering. For a moment, it doesn’t look nice. But on a second thought, it was the temple which was giving them the employment and I think there was no other way for them to get compensation. The main temple had only one door and the crowd was always in over capacity. In those conditions if there are some guys to manage everything, it seems they deserved a few coins from the devotees. Good thing was that they received whatever you gave and won’t ask again even if you didn’t offer anything. Another interesting scene was when some of those guys were hitting the unruly crowd with thin (non-harming) sticks, to bring them in order. To a large extent, it reminded me of Shiva’s army. Lord Shankar is also called Bhootnath. To expect order and discipline from his army is a misplaced expectation, perhaps. Also, the whole chaos and crowd reminded me of our world where we have to find inner peace in the midst of the outer bedlam. We have to find inner order despite outer disorder. We have to search for inner stability from within outer mayhem. And there, in midst of chaotic crowd, when money seemed far too apparent, there lied the sacred Shivalangam. Unaware of the chaos, yet aware of everything; unshaken by mayhem, yet touched by each moving heart. That is how we can take it. To me, the temple with all its crowd and chaos stands for victory of spiritualism over disturbing materialism. Otherwise, the ocean of devotees won’t be coming in streams to this temple town year after year.

There are markets selling hosts of items like bangles, toys, pictures, and sweets. Peda is the most favourite prasad which is bought by the devotees. Mixed with chuda (beaten rice) and ilichai-dana (a kind of sugar), it forms the typical prasad which people take back home to distribute among relatives, friends and neighbours.

We returned back with a resolve to come back soon. The experience was one to remember forever. Jai Baba Vaidyanath! Jai Shiv Shankar!

- Rahul

Some Websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaidyanath_Jyotirlinga,_Deogarh

http://www.babadham.org/

http://babadham.blogspot.com/

Visit to ISKCON Temple, Juhu

I had visited ISKCON temple first about four years ago. I was not so impressed with the experience and had written a critical review. Afterwards I visited the temple twice and was completely infatuated with the visits. There was not much crowd (though it depended on occasion and time), photography was banned (earlier people would stop in front of the deity and would shoot with digital and mobile-phone cameras, thereby stopping the queue), shops were peaceful (earlier ISKCON members would stop you and request you to buy a copy of Gita for Rs 100, or a jap-mala) and there were less sweets-shops (earlier the exit space near the temple looked like venue of a feast). Now the experience is very nice and different.

The temple is situated very near to the Juhu Beach. You can even walk the distance through a narrow lane, or can take an auto-rickshaw. The temple is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The snap with this article is taken by me. The whole environment is very peaceful and soothing. As we enter the temple, after the security check and depositing shoes at the stall and washing hands and feet, we enter the main hall. It is a big hall in front of the deity with the floor adorned with white marble. The deities of Radha Krishna, Sita Ram and of the founder of ISKCON are splendid. One can simply get lost in the beauty of Radha Krishna. I read that the present clothes of Radha are designed by one of the best fashion designers of India. There are murals on a wall, describing the avatars of Lord Vishnu and some teachings and life sketches. Devotees normally sit on the floor looking at the deities and listening to the live music. Many times there are foreigner-devotees who would play bhajans and songs in love of Krishna. It is a wonderful experience to be there and soak oneself in the devotion of Lord Krishna.

When we come out of the main temple, we pass through a number of shops selling religious books, copies of Bhagawat Gita, posters, paintings and many other gift items. I have found these posters as the most beautiful I have ever seen. My favourite is the picture of Radha Krishna deity of the same temple. Then there are shops which sell some ready food items and all sort of sweets. Coming out of the temple, we find a place where a member would be distributing prasad, which I have normally found as a tasty halwa.

The whole experience is so wonderful and refreshing that instead of going to any other place on a weekend, one should go visit this temple. Apart from Juhu beach, the legendary Prithvi Theatre is also very nearby, giving you more reasons to reach here frequently.

Hare Krishna temple
Hare Kirshna Land, Near Juhu Beach, Juhu Rd, Juhu
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049

http://www.iskconmumbai.com/

- Rahul

Picture: ISKCON Temple, Juhu, By Rahul

The Cow on a Morning Walk

Mother and I were on a morning walk. We noticed that a cow was on the same path behind us. It would be about 6.30 in the morning. Mother started walking fast to escape the cow, but the cow was quick to follow. The cow was a clean one; she was white and very beautiful. After some time, we saw the cow entering the main gate of a neighbour’s home. The cow had a child like enthusiasm as she went through the entrance. We learnt that every morning the landlady of that house used to feed that stray cow with bread (rotis). That was why the cow was coming to her house that morning too. I thought about the cow. Every morning she would wait for the time her owner would release her and then she would run for that lady’s house. It should be more than the food because since the cow wandered all through the day, she could find better food elsewhere. I thought that it should be the love and reception that made the cow come to the house every morning as a routine. Then I also recalled how the cows which would be taken long distances for grazing (by cowherds) would travel back to their homes every sunset, all on themselves. So cows have memory, cows have discipline and routine and cows understand love too. And the motherly aspect of cows is unparallel; a cow would clean her children with her tongue and gentle mother cows would turn ferocious to protect their babies. It pointed towards an alternative world of cows living on this earth, with their complete lifecycle. And then there are so many other animal species too.

On so many fronts, these cows are far better than us. On routine, punctuality, and discipline, they are better than us because of their nature. They are gentler and less violent than us. On character traits like loyalty, love, devotion, reliability, or perseverance, they score far better than we humans. I realise that there is more to this world than meets the eye…

- Rahul

Corporate Donations to Political Parties

Page 115 of Mahindra and Mahindra Annual Report 2009-2010 makes an interesting disclosure. It tells about the company’s donations to political parties; as under:

(a) Indian National Congress Rs 1 Crore
(b) Bhartiya Janata Party Rs 1 Crore
(c) Shiv Sena Rs 0.50 Crore
(d) Nationalist Congress Party Rs 0.50 Crore
(e) Bihar Pradesh Janata Dal (United) Rs 0.25 Crore

Corporate like Tata have a very transparent policy for political donations. They don't donate any sum exclusively to any one political party. They would donate the same amount to say top 2 or 4 parties. Such donations are not made under the table, or from black money. These donations are accounted for in the balance sheet. So here too, Mahindra has donated the same amount to both BJP and Congress. We also know that such practice is alive in many of the developed nations.

One reason why our politicians are corrupt is also that they need large sum of money to fight and run in elections. Such corporate funding is a very welcome system and we should all welcome and support it.

- Rahul

How They Exit

With growing consumer’s indifference along with increased consumer awareness, advertisements and PR attempts are becoming ineffective to create a positive image of a company or its products. In these times, companies are thinking about innovative effective ways to reach the same effects. One concept to which we should become aware is the opportunity lying in the exiting employees. Each employee resigning and exiting from the company is actually a potential brand ambassador for the company.

I can recall my experience with the first company I was working with after my graduation in engineering. Then I had no prior experience of leaving a job and hence I was anxious as to how they will take my decision. That morning when I presented my resignation letter to my immediate boss, he talked to me and then informed the superior bosses. Then I had a meeting with the Works Manager who requested me not to leave and then I had a long meeting and conversation with the Plant Manager. I was asked to review my decision in some days. When I held to my decision, my exit formalities started. I remember my last day in the company. I completed all clearance forms and then I went to the Finance and Accounts for the final settlement. To my surprise, they were very courteous. My documents were checked and they calculated and informed me about my settlement dues and balance. The whole process didn’t take much time and in fact they had given me a priority over other jobs, perhaps learning that it was my last day there in the company. I was so relieved with the entire process that I sent an email to the HR and Finance Heads, thanking them for the extremely courteous exit process.

I have always been appreciating towards the first company I worked with and this exit experience is one of those which are always in my mind. It is understandable that my appreciation for the company and their fair process goes far beyond to reach others each time I speak about it. I am sure that with word-of-mouth (WOM), the company would have benefited much all through the years.

Comparing it with another experience made me realise how not all companies are aware or awakened enough about this opportunity. Leaving a job is not an easy experience for an employee and in those nervous hours if the HR and Finance departments are a bit more empathetic, courteous, fair and quick, it creates a whole lot of difference.

We leave jobs but our experiences don’t leave us. Therefore companies should try to convert this loss (of engagement) into an opportunity. Each employee leaving the organisation is a potential Brand Ambassador. The sooner companies realise this, the more effective and permanent their PR endeavours would be.

- Rahul

Many Shades of Life

How noble intentions are abused because of selfish and self-fulfilling motives of others is reflected in this story (it’s fiction inspired from a real life incident):

There was a small village with a close community where everyone knew each other for generations. Rajanna was head of one of the village's richest family. Radaiya and Rasaiya were heads of two other families who were poor and depended on Rajanna for their survival. Both these families had a debt of around ten thousand rupees from Rajanna and had not been able to return it in time. Everyone in the village knew about their debts. Both these families had one son each who were now old enough to start earning. Both families sent these boys to the city, in order to earn and save some money to return the debt.

One year, Rajanna had a noble idea in his mind. He thought that he already had all the money he or his family could ever enjoy and hence he should waive the debt of his debtors. He decided to waive the debt of Radaiya that year. Radaiya was very happy hearing this and in his happiness he disclosed the good news to whole of the village. Everyone praised Rajanna's generosity and Radaiya expressed his humble gratefulness for this gesture of kindness. But with passage of time, people's empathy turned into ridicule. Now people ridiculed Radaiya and his sons for not being able to return the debt by themselves. The family tolerated everything with patience.

Next year, Rajanna decided to waive the debt of Rasaiya too and hence he informed him about his decision. Rasaiya was very happy knowing this and came back to his home to disclose this good news to all. Rasaiya's wife was a very clever lady. She saw it as an opportunity. She made her son return back from the city and once he was in the village, she called many of his neighbourhood and declared, "Look how responsible and successful my son is. In merely two years, my son has returned from the city with enough money to return the entire debt of Rajanna." Everyone was surprised at the news and started praising Rasaiya, his wife and his son.

No one knows how people would respond to news and events in a village. Positive news may receive caustic sarcasm and at times some hypothetic gossips may be invented to swing negative events too. This time, people started criticizing Rajanna for not waiving the debt of Rasaiya; as he had done with Radaiya. They said that because of their efforts Rasaiya deserved the waiver more than Radaiya.

After some time, the rumour reached the ears of Rajanna and his family too. They confirmed the news from multiple sources and once being sure, they noted that it was a disturbing thing that had happened. If it continued to become a trend, good people would be criticised and evil people and cheaters would get the respect in the society.

Rajanna, therefore, called a public meeting and disclosed what had actually happened. Rasaiya was asked to defend his case but he didn't open his mouth. And ashamed, he couldn't see Rajanna in the eye.

Many times, our noble intentions are abused by selfish designs of others. And because of that, many times people are discouraged to do such noble acts again. For example, what if you gave a fifty rupees note to a beggar, who in turn purchased a bottle of wine for himself? Will not you take a vow not to help a beggar like that again? Also, such evil people spread their cheatings by inspiring others to do the same. If their designs are not exposed, many others would also take similar paths towards meeting selfish ends.

If life and this world is a war between evil and goodness - Ravana and Ram – then it is Ravana who is at advantage from all counts...

- Rahul