Live SSpiritually - Checklist 1

I have been thinking what contributes to Live SSpiritually and vice-versa ! The opposite situation is 'flawed spirituality'!!

Daily Meditation is the most important aspect of living SSpiritually. Else we are not just 'living'.

If we are able to sit & meditate, we are at peace with ourselves and with the outside world.

If we are able to do it day after day, we have our priorities right. God comes first... and punctuality in 'sadhana' is the best example of getting our priorities in life right. ( An area I need to improve!)

If we are able to concentrate, we are on the spiritual path. Else, surely not... whatever the technique of meditation, if we are not able to concentrate, breathe rhythmically, sit for at least 20 minutes... we are yet to pick up the basics.

If we are able to meditate well, we are healthy. My fitness efforts are now directed, with prayers for grace, so that I can focus better on sadhana & meditation. Else, I find it difficult to focus. All the more reason to hit treadmill !

Lastly, once we go up the meditation curve, we will be able to retain that mental status for longer duration, through out the day, even while we are on our daily activities... That bestows peace !

Let us meditate !


PS : For previous posts on meditation, just 'google' meditation on this blog !

EAT RIGHT

Edited version!


I thought I should not pick up on specific brand, hence deleted the snap ! ( but the risk caused by junk food on health of self and environment remains :(


Picture deleted 

(Source -unknown)

Got this as one of the mail forwards...sharing one, out of over 20. I felt this very powerful message.

Had recently seen a friend 'Like' 1000th Pizza outlet in India, on Facebook ! I was shocked to note so many children and elders will be eating 'wrong' :(

I don't hate Pizza, my son loves it. But, what is important is to 'be aware'! We owe it to ourselves as we believe our physical body is the temple of God and it is our responsibility to take care... Let us be aware this is a critical part of parenting !

Let us EAT RIGHT....

What to do when the 'Guru drops dead'

Nice article...

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/04/what-to-do-when-the-guru-drops-dead/

Thanks for sharing thoughts....

We are lucky to be to have known Him & experienced His Divinity... His Grace.

No hard feelings for the so called rational critics... It is part of their journey.
( I have personally gone through same - having evolved from an ignorant, 'rational' youth/teenager myself!)
But as Sri Ramakrishna once said, 'the wonderful experience of journey is far more beautiful than the joy of reaching the destination' !

Personally, like millions of devotees, it is next leg of my spiritual journey - Swami to Sai

Hurry, Worry & Curry

We were with our doctor, last week end... for some nagging health problems.
If you analyse, the weather condition/limited physical movement/good quality of food products/etc ( overall 'lifestyle'), is the real cause  ! Even if we are conscious about these matters, there is always a difference in what we want to do & what we actually we do...

Looking around, I find so many people living with these irritants to their physical health... If so, how can you focus on meditation & sadhana ? Of course, over a period of time, one may get used to it. But still, I am obsessed with the thought physical health is a pre-requisite for mental wellness & spiritual activities...

Doctor quoted a phrase, which raised my good, old memories with Master. He said, 'Hurry, Worry & Curry' are the 3 main reasons for most of the health issues. So very true...

• we do not manage time well. whether it is simple punctuality or bigger stuff. Or sheer procrastination. we tend to 'hurry up' at the last minute... 
• we have so much to worry, as though by merely worrying the solution may manifest :) Also, problems at work/home/'back home', etc., for many add up. We often forget ultimately it is our response to the problem that matters, more than the problem itself!
• curry,  rich, spicy & tasty, is  still a weakness. The fact we get every Indian stuff here easily makes it more addictive. Of course, affordability too...
• If I can add, reduced physical movement and low on meditation perhaps add to the problem. 

With a little focus and minor tweaking, every thing is manageable. But, we postpone/avoid/just live with it...
Live SSpiritually... is what I suggest & will attempt myself !

Few TVC on Indian channels... View from Desert ( Middle East)

UMEED se saje zindagi....Zee Tv : so well done. Children acted so well, good visuals. I hardly tune in to that channel, except their Arabic movie channel - that amusing mismatch of visual & Arabic Dialogues!! Arab-Colleagues here, who restrict their Bollywood exposure to such channels, think we are quite primitive in our film-making... Some do watch DVD with sub-titles... They know Amitabh as the angry-young man of tester years. Of course they do not know we have a RAJNIKANTH !!


Watched the ad on Ten Cricket. If this series is boring without Sachin & Sehwag, their own ad is offensive...the only good part is the punch-line..."Life is Cricket'...


But the Danube ad is below average on quality & sad with an interruption after every over !!

Wednesday Movie

" We are resilient by force, not by choice ".......

" we get used to too easily...."

" we are majboor... Busy with family ..." but we forget the world around us...

WEDNESDAY.... A movie.

Beautiful movie. Brilliant performance by Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher. Also supporting cast like jimmy shergil, etc.

We blame police, govt, admn, establishment. But we don't take responsibility. We are responsible for the condition of world around us...

Family is important....says Nadal

Interesting article...

In today's world, where people in all walks of life go after materialistic pursuits, here is a true champion.

We get so bogged down with our day to day life (& mara-mari), we miss out on the small luxuries of life !

Basic, good old value system is more relevant today....

BE inspired !


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nadal-family-is-important-i-dont-like-to-be-alone-i-like-to-be-with-people-2305096.html

Fame Hungry Children in TRP Maze

Saw a report how 'fame-hungry children are driving the reality TV boom in India !!

• fame hungry children ?? - surely not children, their parents are fame hungry
• reality TV - if TV is bad, reality TV is sadly bad ! 

I remember the great actor, Kamal Hasan, once mentioning how he missed out on the joy of childhood, as he was an actor already! MJ is perhaps another example. Tiger Woods... ??

We should allow children to be what they are. Help them, facilitate their initiatives, allow them to dream & experiment, support them even if they fail.... A music teacher recently lamented how they are killing music through these programs. Children taste early success and most of them do not go  beyond that... No training or sadhakam.We may not get a Pt Jasraj or MS. S in future, courtesy Reality TV !!

This morning I read The Master's advise to mothers ( parents) : to mould character and give quality education (educare). 
Beyond that, we are depriving children of the joy of childhood.

Sadly, it is all TRP Game !!

* Fame-hungry children driving India's reality TV boom!!!

Donate Blood...Give>Get

Ran up to a friend with a small bandage on his hand... As guessed, he was returning from the hospital, after donating blood. Very cool...

Something that can be given away very easily, once in every 3 months. A very big opportunity to make a very BIG difference.  We will think of so many 'excuses'... One genuine reason could be we are not healthy enough to donate. Then all the more reason to get back to shape. If the body is the temple of God, we have no business to keep it unfit - physically. Also, mentally & spiritually.

Let us take care of our body so that it is fit enough to donate blood... Let us donate blood... You could save lives. Hence it is also known as 'liquid of love'.

Net-net let what we give be more than what we get... It adds up to Living SSpiritually

Luck by Chance ?

"..... Today is a day when everything goes your way but you may find that it is not because of your own efforts! Ride this wave of luck and good fortune and it will carry you through" - Source Personalised horoscope on igoogle 


I was surprised to read this... as though only today, it was going to be 'luck & good fortune'. 
I have lived the whole life on it. But I don't think it was luck or good fortune... or by chance/sheer coincidence/etc. 


I have always been very clear it was all DIVINE  GRACE !

$ 100 dollar hamburger and SSpiritual Living

$ 100 HAMBURGER :  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13764242

this caught my attention... not because I am an hamburger ( or any fast food) addict... But the sheer economic implication !

The discussion talks about over 1.5 billion cars in just China & India... over 200 billion for all chicken lovers... the impact on environment is going to be unthinkable.

On top of it the health cost due to 'fast food'

Time for the world population and also governments/leaders to take the responsibility... not to wait for a disaster to happen !

Time to adopt a lifestyle conforming to 'LIVE SSpiritually' ! 

A Book Review

Watched a beautiful interview of Charlie Rose with David Brooks... review of the book, THE SOCIAL ANIMAL


I am going to pick up Kindle edition, as and when it is available

Cricket @ Carribean

India's second rung registered a comfortable win... they beat WI in T20 too

Now people are going to blame BCCI for ensuring a turning track in West Indies !

It was good to see the great Viv Richards on Ten Cricket... He said, Sachin is Mr Cricket ! Of course he is 'King' of Cricket. Of course, he also said MSD is one of the cool captains... the way he handles pressure.

I agree, MSD's leadership style will be his biggest contribution to cricket and beyond. Inspiration for us in corporate sure. Must follow techniques for our politicians, across all categories. The way they have been handling the recent crisis after crisis, political leadership has been a disaster. We need mature, cool & composed, sincere, hardworking & assertive leadership.

PS : Danube ad on Ten Cricket id unbearable - Sad the viewers from subcontinent has to bear with such sub-standard TVC's. But, TVC of Ten cricket, on same channel is pathetic. 

Baba Ramdev, Political reaction

We are surely re-discovering our Gandhian values !


Anna Hazareji, Baba Ramdevji, BJP @ Rajghat, strike by MUL workers and even the great Pargat Singh threatening to go on hunger-strike !!


I hope more will not join - Raja/Kannimozhi @ Tihar or SRK/Dada at Eden Gardens or Vikram/Milind Soman at Greenathon !!!


Dharna by BJP at Rajghat !!


Indian politics hit to a new low... 


PS : Bapu must be turning in his grave !

Facebook founder only eats animals he kills

Saw a recent report, ‘facebook founder only eats animals he kills’ ! My first reaction was to his ‘killing’… when I read through, realized it is a move ahead, however small. 


I have been fortunate to give up non veg food, long back. The world can not afford a lifestyle based on a predominantly non-veg food habits. Killing animals and the logistics/cost impact of creating of the meat… the cost by way of impact on environment is mind-blogging. 


If you care for animals, nature, environment, physical health, spiritual growth, future of your children….. Cut down on non-vg food, embrace organic/local food, try to quit non veg & GO Vegan. 


Let us not kill L

Jago voter

At Mumbai airport...on SSpiritual journey

Next to me a Japanese, in serious conversation with a mumbaikar... Not cricket or economy, but on politics & recent elections. As always, Japanese are so well informed about local 'factors'. ( that is my personal exp in MIddle East too )

But I was shocked to hear mumbaikar saying, 'he does not vote'! He is fed up with inflation, petrol price hike, corruption, et al !

While a majority of us are very sad about the situation, we can not escape our responsibility - we need to cast our valuable votes.

May be next time we need someone like Sachin tendulkar & Anna Hazareji to appeal to voters, over & above Bollywood biggies

iPL @ Dharmashala

Wow!!
It is drizzling !
But, runs . . .torrential ...!
a young Marsh & veteran Gilchrist...Gilly seem to be peaking at right time.
Will law of averages catch up with Gayle? Or will he give yet another dream-start?

'POONJAB' seem to be on a very strong wicket, in spite of drizzle :)

PS: Dharmashala should have been spared of cheerleaders - opportunity to innovate !

Cricket Dreamz.......

I had a dream... ( not the Martin Luther King types !)  not one, several ! But remember one distinctly.
Do I say I slept well or had a disturbed sleep ? ( I felt jealous when Warren Buffet said, 'he sleeps like a baby' on NDTV !)
Surely not insomnia, but hope no 'apnea', a new disease I heard of recently... one of the diseases of this century !!!

Back to the dream : I was playing cricket.... on a hilly terrain! I was fielding and the ball went down the hill...I went after the ball... While going down the hill, I was thinking ( even in the dream!)... what a silly thing I am up to. Wasting time chasing ball down the hill, playing cricket, et al.
I woke up and was glad it was only a dream after all.

Surprisingly, today's mach was at Dharmashala, with a majestic Himalayan view !!

Wonder, was it my conscience pricking me in my sleep... I  did catch up with part of yesterday's match, as it had Mumbai Indians. ( I am still on a TV-viewing-dieting!)  And they lost miserably. Got strategy & tactics wrong, I felt, though I don't claim to be a cricketing strategist !!

Did not waste time today, watching the IPL.. Utilised time better, praying ! Trying to practise what I have been preaching... to Live SSpiritually !

Priorities in life

Prioritise…. Key to success and happiness... contentment.

Had a brief, interesting discussion with a colleague/friend… set me thinking.

What are the priorities in life:

He said, he was very clear abut himself...

1.       God
2.       Family
3.       Work/self

What are yours ?

Just thoughts...

Weather in March and most of April were very pleasant in Middle East, at least parts of ME. Unusually nice weather was a pleasant surprise for all, including locals. They were unanimous to 'blame it' on global warming, but were not complaining...  Some felt it was the result of the disaster in Japan and its impact on environment. We will never know the exact reason...

How many of us are willing to go the extra mile to be environment-friendly ?

I step out of home during day time to find the lights on, always ! Most of ME is virtually desert - where is need for lights during the day time ??

While the world is trying to get rid off the addiction to junk-foods, the outlets continue to offer an overwhelming variety of non-veg food. Even Mac does not serve McVeggie, in parts of ME !! Are these global brands being a bit irresponsible and environmentally unfriendly ??

This evening I stepped out to pick up plastic bottles. While all shops/malls, big or small, carry bottled water, good plastic bottle was not available with anyone. I even checked the medical shop to branded shoe shops to 'bakala' ! No one had it ! They do no feel the need to stock, as customers would rather use bottled water or other fiz drinks and dispose off empty bottles, to add to the pollution !!

The world need to rise to a more responsible living... be aware of and passionate about being environmentally-friendly...before it is too late...we owe it to our children and future generations!

Live SSpiritually...

PS : But summer has set in with a vengeance now...

Japan's disaster

It was such a sad experience to see the extend of devastation.

I wondered, what is the cause of it !? Kept enquiring... the only response I could get was, 'effect of Karma?' I still wonder...

If that is so, what about the karmic effect of all that is happening now ?! O Lord... Pls take care.

One thought stuck me...so many would have lost their lives, trying to save others.
Do you have anyone you would die for ? Sacrifice everything you have for sake of someone... ? (if situation arises or if opportunity knocks !)

Then I thought, overwhelmed with gratitude...YES, I would. I have Someone to die for... something to live for... The Divine Mission. How fortunate I am !

I asked Gods for all things in life... HE gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things... 

Bhagwan's health

I have been avoiding the press totally on the reports on Baba's health, due to their incorrect reporting, at times bordering deliberate smear campaign.
Glad to see ndtv providing a balanced status.
Millions of devotees, across the globe, deserves 'responsible reporting' from Prashanthi Nilayam ( Abode of Peace). We count of NDTV
Hope they will cover some of the mega service projects implemented by the trust

Confessions of a 'humble' customer

·         Chinese Restaurant turn authentic

Few of us colleagues decided to eat out, a quick business lunch. Being the only veggie, I was given the choice of restaurant and opted for one of my local fav., a Chinese rest.

As we walked in, the supervisor gave a ‘hearty welcome’

But I was shocked to find a fly floating in my veg ‘clear’ soup !

I had no choice but to return politely and quietly ( did not want to spoil the appetite of the group). He gave a replacement, assured it was fresh. I sat through more to give company to the group, than to enjoy my Chinese lunch!

May be he was trying to serve ‘authentic’ Chinese food, with insects  ? Do I blame it on my karma ? May be… But, I would never walk in to the restaurant again…

·         Sea View Vs City View

Travelled recently, on work. It is always beautiful to travel to the cities along the sea… To stand at the cornice and look at the sea, in its grandeur… to breathe… to be pushed gently by the sea breeze… so refreshing.

I opted for my fav hotel and got the agent to book a room with a sea-view  ( need to overcome these desires and addictions !!)

As I checked in at after midnight, I was allotted a city view… The hotel has conveniently missed out my specific request for sea view and as the availability ( they claimed) was a problem, the front desk almost took a stand, ‘take it or leave it’ ! ( quite professionally though… they are trained!)

I took it. I gently reminded the lapse next day, and was assured they would try to accommodate. But ‘were not successful in finding a room of my choice’ ! ( too demanding?)

Yet another case of a big brand ( one of my preferred, for a long time) not handled well by the front end….

·         The Complete Man

Before the reader concludes I am at my worst karma-level, let me confirm, ‘not at all’…      

For example the Indian store, where I do my week-end shopping for provisions, fruits & veggies ( not organic yet !), and of course ‘scrapped’ coconut for a week ! I go back to them, week after week, as they seem to know my (humble) expectations of customer service  (ego?) and also keep my copy of Gulf News with Friday mag (one of the best things about life in ME! Try it!)

Thanks to a ‘sale’ ( smartly put, ‘up to 50 %’) at Raymonds, did a small re-charge of our ( also son) wardrobe. Raymonds continue to inspire me for the quality of stuff, value for money ( perception) and also the customer service. This showroom in ME or the showroom at amchi Mumbai.. or any other. I continue to be devoted to the brand.  Thrifty that I am, I may be at the lowest rung of their loyalty program, but the brand is cool ! (Perhap a reflection of my long  journey to Be a ‘Complete Man’!)


Also, my experiences ( limited, though) with Amazon have been almost blissful,  from a customer-service perspective....

Random thoughts from Middle East – courtesy experiences shared by friends around…

Valentine… ! Deliberately posting this after the hype of the Valentine-Day! ( also Intl Women's Day)

 Husband was on-line… saw the Kipp’s poll. ‘How much would you spend on the Valentine gift?’

·         Though he wanted to click ‘NIL’, he had to go for the lowest option available, ‘AED 500’….

He just finished the poll, wife walked in.  He wanted to confirm – asked her, ‘what gift you want for Velntine?’  Pat came her reply, ‘Just be my valentine…always’!

That perhaps is the essence of an occasion such as Valentine… quite an import from the West… That integrity & sincerity in relationship is the real essence.  Couple start off knowing each other to coming together/parting ways…. All in the name of finding real love ! (People end up wasting lot of precious time in this process too !)

Spread Love, Pure & Sspiritual ( extra-S, deliberate !)

I felt like Gandhi, thrown out of train in the dead of night in a railway station

Fly Emirates is one of sponsors of the ICC World cup... what is the use if the front end can not guarantee basic service levels....!

Customer Service, lack of it @ Emirates, Dubai Airport

·          As I waited for boarding announcement on 28 Jan at 0100 hrs at Dubai’s terminal 3, I saw a report in Gulfnews: ‘Emirates to hit 50 mn customers’. Perhaps, 50mn minus 1, the solitary traveler being me! Any organization can spend millions on infrastructure, but if the guy at the front-end is not aligned with the core-values and does not manage customer, it is sheer waste of precious resources, in these tough times.

·          I remembered another news recently in Gulfnews about the quintessential Indian traveler ( was not very amused by it, as I felt I do not belong to that category, or always tried my best to be aware & manage same. Not because I am an upwardly mobile, snobbish executive, but I care for people around me…  (http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/globetrotting-indian-style-1.735063)

·          I was put through a horrifying experience at Dubai airport’s new Terminal 3 of Emirates on 27^th Jan, evening.

·          I was in Dubai on work, as invited by my business friends ( all entities being billion plus  dollar entities, including ourselves), and as such was a ‘guest’ there. Three days of hectic schedule, I was keen to get back.

·          I had a confirmed ticket to fly out of Dubai... I had reported well on time.

·          I was surprised to see a veritable serpentine queue at Emirates counter ( Gulfnews seemed to carry the photo of the same flashy counter-section in their article), but with many of the counters unmanned, it was just not enough from a customer service. When a customer raised this issue, he was rudely told ‘they will come at 5 PM’ !)

·          When my chance came, I was informed by the executive ‘there was some problem’ and ‘I should go to counter no 59 to pick up my boarding card’!

·          There was another gentleman ahead of me and another joined just behind me. Effectively, I was second/third among the unlucky passengers to face a dilemma.

·          I was told by another executive at the counter, Mr D, the flight is overbooked. He checked if I am ok to stay on and take another flight. I was politely emphatic, I had to go by the same flight. He started probing, ‘what was the emergency’. I said, ‘personal problems’, I just need to be back home. I was asked by him to wait for half an hour there, and they will try to help. I politely, moved aside.

·          Then, few more passengers reached the counter and objected vehemently when they were told the same. All refused to budge, insisting they will travel by the same flight only.

·          The lady supervisor, Ms N, who was at counter 58 was consistently impolite, bordering rudeness with all.

·          Then suddenly enters, Mr K, supervisor. His claim to excellence seemed to be his unique capability to speak Arabic and English, as indicated by himself. He explained that 16 seats booked, against 13 available. He wanted 3 volunteers.

·          Two local/arab youngsters were on the fence, along with two Europeans. Mr K persuaded the former. He just went on to check the names and faces of others and picked me as the 3^rd scapegoat!! I protested. Just because others were more vociferous, he could not pick me up. He would have  none of it. He was the judge & the jury. He unilaterally decided, subject to his whims & fancies!!

·          I tried to appeal to the lady supervisor. Her response was the rudest. The way she spoke to me and enacted, was most disgraceful for a member of brand-Emirates. I continued to be polite, as that is my value-system. Requested her politely, to help me so that I could catch the flight. She just brushed aside all my requests, continued her work to allot others, packed her bags and walked away. In my 20 years of professional experience and travels across several countries, I have never, ever been treated by a lady staff.

·          I went back to counter 59, with Mr K manning his little kingdom. He was furious and indirectly threatened me to shut up!

·          I had no choice but to accept the verdict. Mr K was magnanimous to issue a free return ticket, as ‘compensation’, which I will never use! He asked his trusted lieutenants to issue hotel accommodation voucher. I requested for hotel in the terminal. He pronounced his verdict again, ‘ you will have only Le Meridian’.

·          I had no choice to go like a school kid to the hotel, come back and take the flight back at 2 AM.

·          My plan to do some shopping at the world-famous Dubai Duty Free, that too during DSF, thus denied ! ( DDF & DSF definitely lost a customer, however small!) The small list my son wanted, still remains in my ‘To Do list’, on my IPhone.

·          Dubai does not deserve K/N/D. Or, Brand emirates!! As a student of Marketing, I always loved the way Emirates managed their branding. But now I have a different perspective of the brand.

·          Everyone makes mistakes, but there is a way to handle  errors. That is the test of professionalism and individual character, apart from Corporate Culture. Is this the value brand-Emirates stands for ?

·          Lying down at Le Meridien, I was in a contemplative mood – I was wrong to experiment Emirates, when I hold frequent flyer mileage with local airlines. I was perhaps wrong to pursue an advice of Head-Training in my first job ( 20 yrs ago), ‘to take different routes home. To try different paths… to experiment & experience….’. I was foolish to stick to the schedule planned, by forgoing my right to travel first class.

I felt like Gandhi, thrown out of train in the dead of night in a railway station in South Africa. ( I know, all comparisons end there!)

PS : I had sent the above complaint, with correct names, to Emirates on 29^th Jan. They sent an acknowledgement, they would look into it and revert… Then after a reminder, they replied saying they compensated as per policy by giving hotel acco & a seat in the next flight! No comments….

25 Small ways to a big life

Came across this article… sharing with my ‘followers’.


http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/25182511/25-small-ways-to-a-big-life-ch.html

The headline did usurp my attention – 25 small ways to a big life change. Small ways, big change and 25 of them ! ( perfectly fits my bargaining position generally, more for less ! Same with many others, who are a lot smarter than me !)

That the gyaan was courtesy Rujuta Diwekar, was a bonus. Her approach ( ‘eat more to lose weight’ ) is more interesting than her popularity, courtesy her celebrity customer ( Kareena).

Importance of appropriate quantity of water, need for daily ‘exercise like eating & bathing’, all alcohols are harmful,  were interesting & very useful.  Brown is not cool is a revelation. Importance of seasonal, local, fresh fruits very apt ( kiwi vs mango ) and also, in line with the need to go green/local ( and may be organic !).

Over the week-end, at a friends’ place, we discussed how western families usually stick to same schedule over week-ends. Long back I had discovered the beauty of early morning tranquility of week-ends too. Don’t vegetate on Sundays is just appropriate.

While many of us are not sure what oil is least harmful, coconut oil remains an important one, apart from the other ‘healthy’ option, like sunflower oils. But what I have heard from an ayurvedic perspective, ‘Ghee, the magic potion’ confirms. Fortunately, the weighing scales was part of my shopping list, for a long time. Now out of it, permanently!

If we still have excuses for a solid hobby, we are just being unfair to ourselves. We have to find the little things we find joyous, for ourselves…. Music, reading, blogging, gardening… The author recommends coriander in pots, at home ! Why not ?

I am still enjoying the my  freedom from ‘idiot box calories’, having decided to almost abstain from it over 3 weeks ago. More so, when the family willingly aligned with the shift and the household has less TV time… very healthy, surely. Dog loves the extra attention too… This happening at the peak of World Cup fever,  I must add ! Worth it, surely.  Try it, folks…

Indeed Yoga is beyong mere weight loss technique… Lastly, God-willing my next holidays will be to test the 24^th item, WISDOM OF HIMALAYAS.. And on the way, I will surely pick up the books by Rujuta Diwekar.

Just Live Sspiritually!

India's truck drivers

http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/24002343/Shortage-of-truck-drivers-may.html?h=A1



All the stake holders of CV Industry are to blame for this, including mfrers, transport operators and agencies of government. 


Truck drivers continue to remain among the lowest strata of our society, as perhaps anywhere else in the world. 


With 80 % freight movement still on CV, we need to take care of the drivers and other staff. Something beyond mere driving schools, but something more holistic!

Is India in danger of becoming a banana republic? How can we prevent this?

Is India in danger of becoming a banana republic? How can we prevent this? - Speak Up - DNA

We have seen few banana republics opting to 'move on' ! 

'Morality in Society' is perhaps at the lowest, when it comes to India. Indeed, corruption is one of the major reasons. But at a finer level, we are losing what we our core values are...

Mad consumerism*, placing money above education ( a big shift) for example... We need to re-discover ourselves... our values

While I am tempted to add the crisis is at India's political leadership... but again, we created the so called leaders! The buck stops with US, Indians !

* PS : incidentally, when I read the article on DNA, the ad appeared was of KFC !!

20 ideas to make money online - Yahoo! India Specials

To all E-addicts :)

sharing this link, if it interests you... dear reader.

BTW, blogging is right on top.

Of course, many of us are into blogging for the sheer love for it, not to make a few extra bucks...

But, personally, I would not say 'no' to any incremental cashflow, as I would divert that totally to a good cause, over and above I am what doing currently as my personal responsibility

20 ideas to make money online - Yahoo! India Specials

India's Black Money

why-india-sees-red-over-black-money : Kuldip Nayar

Acc to a Swiss bank report dated 2006, as much as $ 1.45 trillion Indian money is stashed away in Swiss banks... enough to 'eradicate poverty' ! But, the spineless political system will do nothing... Common man has to put pressure on the government to take this issue to its logical end. We need a proactive legal system to get the govt institutions to do their job, on this front. India's aam admi deserves it.

It is not enough if we 'sacrifice' one sunday and get on to the field.

Perhaps we need yet another Gandhi. Or pure, unadulterated  'Gandhigiri'. We can not allow few to hijack our economic agenda. It is also breaking our value system, by giving over-emphasis to 'being rich' 

Countdown to 1 1 11

Wow... what a year it has been... a perfect 10 !

Looking back, it could have been a lot better. But no complaints, at all.

Few thougthts...To start with PARENTING, one of my favourite topics.

When we were kids, everything was linked to 'studies' and of course marks. ( Our folks were exposed to 'nishkama karma' much later :) !) But the restriction was more to the amount of time for playing! Much later, kids were restricted to the amount of time on TV !
According to a recent report, parents have started linking to amount of time on internet ....

On the historical necessity of WikiLeaks - Arab News

A good write up on the wikileaks...by an academician & ME expert

On the historical necessity of WikiLeaks - Arab News

Stolen plates being used to dodge Saher’s eye - Arab News

Saher in KSA is one of the great things to happen on ME roads

Just sharing this news item...just to be careful of the risk, as the chances are very low

Stolen plates being used to dodge Saher’s eye - Arab News

Adult content TV program after 11 PM

Adult content should be shifted to late night.
The move by I & B is correct.
Such broad directive is better instead of micro-managing & corruption thereof.

I am on a short vacation, spiritual... At a leading restaurant, they are playing cricket !
Ads in between on Neo Sports are for condoms !!!
Sports channels like Neo also should be more responsible !

BAD 2011

Theme for 2011 is WATER !

For over a billion people, water is a 'luxury' :(

Water bodies across the world are being 'destroyed' by us. We just need to wake up to this big threat...

Eco Friendly Festival

One aspect of Ganesh Chaturthi stuck me...the mandals were playing filmi songs and organising programes, mostly filmi ! Not quite religious or spiritual, I felt.

Ganesh visarjan is a period when Mumbai's coastal line is most polluted. Another thing I fail to understand...Spirituality, if without in tune with  Nature, is just not spiritual !

Many people and organisations have taken the initiative to spread awareness...to drive home, among the literate masses of the magapolis. But majority are just 'too busy' to care ! ... at their ( our) own peril...

DNA's effort was great. Happened to catch a glimpse at Oberoi mall ( Goregaon)...As I & my son stepped out after a brief shopping, I took a snap and wrote a request to 'go green....'. I pray, we have the discrimination to protect our environment.

Ganesh Chaturti @ Mumbai

It was great to catch one big festival, during vacation...Missed Janmashtami, but Ganesh Chaturthi, in its full glory @ Mumbai. Mumbai & Pune are the two cities where we can see this festival celeberated in full splendor and grandeur. Of course, some credit goes to freedom leader, Tilak.

Mumbaikar knows how to celebrate...all the drums, dance and high-decibel levels. Torrential rains did not affect them at all.

Year after year, monsoon comes with varying intensity. This year was one of the best monsoons...With same regularity, our roads 'disappear among the potholes, with rain-water' ! This year, the patch work (repair!!!) was not done, before Ganesh festival. People were threatening to go to court, complaining the poor road conditions and how it will affect the logistics of Ganesha statues!!

Mumbaikar, who makes substantial contri to the national kitty, continue to be at the mercy of an admin, not bothered about the basic commuting comfort...

gulfnews : Organic farming only way to avoid debt

Very inspiring...!!

Must read for all who is concerned about debt-burden, condition of farmers in India ( even after 60 yrs of independence), organic farming, etc.

Pls share too

gulfnews : Organic farming only way to avoid debt

Mumbai

After continuous rains over last few days, got a sunny day ! Many a Mumbaikar celebrated an extended week-end by moving out with family. The traffic was bearable.

It has been almost continuously raining, day & night. While it is tough to move around during the day, even with an umbrella, not so during night. Rain drop falling on the window pane was not distracting at all. But I was disturbed when I thought of the plight of thousands of slum-dwellers in Mumbai. For them, at the end of a tough day, a rainy night could be tougher to manage. . . It is sad, we have so many of them struggling to meet both ends, while making valuable contribution to economy and quality of life of the rich and middle class segments of the society ! Affordable housing is so critical for this group, at the bottom of pyramid.

Traffic has been unbearable. The travelling time has gone up by three to four times, thanks to pathetic condition of roads, poor traffic sense/management  & infrastructure constraint to handle more vehicles! More malls and residential complexes are sprouting across the city, with total neglect on the need to provide sufficient & quality road-connectivity. All logic of urban planning thrown to winds...It is collective responsibility of common man and his leadership. Pls wake up...

Ganesha idol installed in our compound, with a grand procession & the group dispersed...


As I type the post, it just started drizzling...!

Avatar 3D

Watched the 3D version of this great film, in a theater @ Mumbai, with my son. 

Great experience, inspiring storyline, relevant message, superb execution.... Nothing great about 3D, as few times we 'ducked' to avoid getting hit by a flying stuff. It talks about our insensitive aggression & complex/attitude... we continue to mindlessly destroy our environment.

Must see... children will love it... If elders don't love it, bad luck for them - you are not a child at heart any more!

Cheeni Kum....Old Age

Watched the second half of 'Chini Kam' ! Yet again, like Bhagban, was spared of the first half.... But nice film, good performance by all lead actors. 
While I am 'old fashioned' in terms of value system ( traditional may be more appropriate!), Amitabh's verbal-attack on a fasting Paresh, was interesting...
He gives interesting facets of 'being old' ! Amitji is the best person to talk about it... At his age, he must be the role model for all, in his generation.
He says,Jealousy is a key factor... But then, it is so at all age-groups, child-hood to old age :)

Got an interesting PPT mail-forward , AGING MOMENTS :

• it is time for harvest . . . earlier it used to be believed, Law of Karma would catch up in subsequent births...But it is joked now, karma would catch up in this life itself! 
• so long as we continue to be 'AMAZED', we do not grow old
• we are never too old to LEARN.... 

Betting in Cricket

Sadly the monster is back with renewed vigor ! Just when Pakistan is struggling to recover from the nature's fury, this man-made fury. According to reports, the victims of the catastrophe is denied urgent help as the donors world over are not sure the help would reach the needy...Corruption ! ! ! These cricketers had donated one-day pay for the flood victims.
Reacting to the expose, one of the 'respectable' former cricketer from England mentioned, 'with the ICC moving from West to East, this was bound to happen'. BBC correspondent spoke about corruption in Indian sub-continent.
While the Pak cricketers are caught in this, others' role can not be ruled out, East or West !
Sadly, even in this century, corruption is getting increasingly institutionalized, more in Indian sub continent, but also world over.
You can always blame it on credit crunch or 'Kali Yuga'. But, ethics in personal & public life is hitting a new low... Tiger Woods is a sad example on 'personal' values. Common 'wealth' games related corruption allegation  in India...

A friend shared...his son, in his tweens, is just getting hooked on to cricket! But every now and then, watching any cricket telecast, he would ask,' dad, is this game fixed?' And my friend would invariably say, emphatically, 'Not at all' !!! (He can't do that any more.) Even before he picked up the nuances of the game, he is aware of match-fixing and highly suspicious, feels father !


And, Cricket used to be a gentleman's game....


PS : Peter_eigen_how_to_expose_the_corrupt check out 

More Movies

Decided to watch it, as I thought it will be something about cars ( 'Cadillac'). With a younger Robin Williams, I thought it could be at least watch-able ! Though he plays the role of a car salesman, nothing more...At the end of it, it was not about cars, salesman- funda, funny nor any where near ' Negotiator'!!! Waste of time...

Next attempt was Daddy Day Care..the 2003 film about two guys who lose jobs ( perhaps more relevant today, after 7 yrs!) and decide to start a day care for kids! Simple comedy, but watchable, thanks to Eddie Murphy and kids...A message for people losing jobs? Bloomberg reported skilled labour such as plumber/carpenter etc are in great demand, but people are reluctant to enter such fields...There is enough opportunity for the innovative lots...

Watched second part of hindi hit movie, 'BAGHBAN', starring superstars, Amitabh and Hema Malini. Would recommend only second part of the usual, long hindi movie, just to get into the plot. The veterans come up with brilliant performance, supported by dependable Paresh Rawail and Lillette Dubey, etc. Too much of
drama, but the theme is universally relevant. As life expectancy improves, the elders are not being taken care. It is universal duty or Dharma to take care of elders. Must watch... 

Mozhi-tamil movie

Almost a year ago, heard the songs from tamil movie, MOZHI. Liked the songs...would have heard them over, many times...while driving esp & singing along :) ...Katrin mozhi by both male & female and also other songs were very melodius, meaningful and hummable...When another friend, a trained carnatic musician and hence better informed about music, shared similar thought about the songs, I realized I was not alone in admiration. He in fact downloaded all songs sung by the male singer ! Vidyasagar just superb.

Another friend, who shares similar tastes when it comes to movies, confirmed the movie was very good. Watched the movie last evening...( official CD, not pirated !)

Lovely musical film...simple comedy, typical tamil movie comedy...Prakash Raj rocks, his laughter is contagious! Prithviraj, one of the top malayalam actors does justice to the role... Support actors such as the CA-secretary do a good job. The professor comes up with a great performance. Jyothica was brilliant... She got a dream role and she lives the role...

The world of the deaf/dumb, blind is so different from that of ours. We can't even visualise it.

We will appreciate the movie more if we have/know of people who have gone thru such experiences...I know of a couple...lady lost hearing much after their wedding. But the way husband takes care and the way they communicate...I admire the family. Now grand parents, God has since then showered His blessings profusely on the family...

DO watch it...with family. Official CD's are out now ! You will laugh, you will almost cry, you will sing...and, you will not feel guilty of wasting time !

Back from Vacation

Back form vacation....India just got a bit more 'Incredible', I feel !

Mumbai got torrential rains. That meant, I ventured out less. But, thanks to rain-Gods, all lakes were overflowing.

My heart goes out to all those affected by the floods in Pakistan. It is time, the world woke up to this and extend maximum possible help.

Talking of natural disasters, it was shocking to see the extend of devastation in Leh.

As natural disasters are becoming a regular affair, we become less sensitive...nature has its own way of 'reacting'! And, we still debate on climate change. I pray for our children, future generations...hope they will forgive us for the damage we do to 'their' environment, which we have just borrowed from them.

With no family yet here, internet 'immobile' at home, Indian cricket just not worth-following/hence not re-connected TV.... checked out TED ( thanks to IPhone, it works even without internet!)

From creativity, Shekhar Kapur led his 'TED' to 'Water'...how rich waste, as clean water gets increasingly scarce... check out
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/shekhar_kapur_we_are_the_stories_we_tell_ourselves.html

While the rich ( in Malabar hill, et al) will spend extra time washing himself, for the poor in slums water is a mirage...As a child, I dreamt of having a grand bath tub at home. Now, as I stay in some of best hotels, I don't use bath tub, as I want to minimise wastage. May be when I am in Kerala, would try out ponds...

I finished washing clothes, this eve. For records, I do not use the rinse option at all.  One of the ways I try to save water. Need to do more...

Friendship Day with a difference -Shekhar Sen's 'Kabeer'

Courtesy - www.shekharsen.com

I have been seeing the ads of Sri Shekhar Sen's musical, mono act plays. Never heard anyone in my friends' circle mentioning about same, unlike film-previews! Have been planning to go for the show, for a long time. But, last couple of vacations, could not get suitable schedule. As such, this time when I saw the ad on ToI, I went ahead to call & book tickets. On the friendship day, after catching up with two friends' families, we proceeded to ISKCON for the 8 pm show....Kabeer. A quick Darshan @ ISKCON and we entered the hall 10 minutes before time.

Sri Sen has selected three characters from recent history - Kabeer, Vivekananda and Tulsidas. They all have contributed immensely to Indian ethos and culture, by challenging the status quo and inspiring people to move ahead, SSSpiritually. They were true heroes..

Time management was perfect, starting at 8 sharp, exactly 10 minutes 'interval'!

The performance was truly mesmerizing. The simple stage/setting, superb light & sound effect and great performance by Sri Sen. Kabir had over 40 songs, and over 40 ragas. He would effortlessly switch from the role of a weeping mother, assertive young Kabir, kind wife, smart children and other roles, including the king ! The message was very thought provoking just as the life of Sant Kabeer.

The auditorium was packed. We were in the inspiring company of some professional artistes themselves.

The whole experience was truly SSSpiritual !

Would strongly recommend all my friends, esp those living in Mumbai, 'Must See' rating. One play is worth over 100 bollywood movies

Sri Sen's website :http://www.shekharsen.com/kabeer.htm

An interview: http://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/interviews/28_interview_shekhar_sen.asp

Friendship Day

Dearest Friend,

Blogging is a new hobby for me. Now I am at a milestone - to post my 300th post!

Sachin, when asked about his 300 runs milestone, he said,'it will come if it has to' ! I am not being so dispassionate about this achievement. I was fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a writer, thru my blog. God-willing, I will graduate to the level of an author of a book.

God has been very kind me, I have lived in so many different places. Every where I got a set of great friends. Indeed, life would have been incomplete without all those friends.

A big thanks to you for being there, in past, present and future too. May God bless you, hey friend. If God had given more people, more friends like you, this world would have been better place to live in...

Count your age with friends but not with years - Anonymous

Let us spread the Spirit of True Friendship

A Short Trip to Kuwait, Officially

clicked while driving past this popular
structure @ Kuwait -IPhone !

Made a short, official trip to Kuwait, early this month. I am not fond of travelling, really. But once I reach the destination, I love it, for the new experience.. Kuwait was no exception. Enjoyed the week-long stay!

Kuwait was hotter, and also humid, unlike my karmabhoomi. Humidity was attributed to Indian monsoon though :)
Loved the place for its sheer variety and limited-openness ( better vis-a-vis Dubai, which is 'too open'!) The sheer variety of cars on roads.... wow! Saw many driving my fav car, Porche Cayenne.
Kuwait can definitely boast of a high proportion of women drivers.
A friend made an interesting observation, 'most mallus drive Pajero'. Perhaps one of the mallu-super-stars (mammotty/mohanlal/suresh gopi) may be driving a Pajero, with folded dhoti/mundu ! :)

In spite of high temperature during the day, I went to the Udupi restaurant ( veggie only!), for lunch, not once but for three consecutive days!
A friend took me to the Japanese restaurant. Great location, but not a veggie's delight !

Hotel Marina seen from Marina Mall

Was unable to check out Asha's, supposed to be one of the best Indian restaurants, owned by Asha Bhonsle, at Marina Mall.
(Ashaji has joined the bandwagon demanding a Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar!! No comments !!)
Stayed at Hotel Marina, one of the best places I have stayed in recent past. Great location, fantastic sea-view, great people & service. I was pleasantly surprised when the GM, who was at the lobby, passed by to greet and exchange pleasantries. But, veg-option in menu was a disappointment and the chef did not bother to help either, when requested. But hope to come back with family...

The term, Success, always fascinated me. Like so many other things in our lives, 'Success' means different things to different people. One of the parameters of success I consider is the number of self-less friends we can count on. God has been very kind to me,  on this front too. Kuwait visit was memorable, thanks to some old friends and new friends through them...

Vacation 2010 @ Incredible India!

Middle East hit consistently 50 degrees plus. Friends confirm this is hottest summer, and we are just peaking! So, the timing of my vacation turned out to be almost perfect. 'Almost' because, it is raining cats & dogs in amchi Mumbai ! ( Hence the new blog design-template with monsoon-touch. Pls let me have your feedback)

A short pilgrimage to PSN. Back filled with peace and tranquility. Still counting my blessings....

Thanks to good monsoon all over, even the drought prone areas are green...Was part of the alumni-group to plant a few saplings...My usual lip-service to Green campaign ( I earn my bread from car finance!)
We need to do so much more to sustain the environment. We can not forget our environmental responsibility...Our children deserve a greener earth!

Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu, I pray fervently. . .

Vacation 2010 @ Incredible India!

Sachin hit a double! I am a die-hard fan of the cricketer and the person. We have mortals to look up to. . .
Loved the article on ToI, which indicated why Sachin is so successful, for so many years. (Chk out link : Sachin's 300 )

• Discipline  ( he went to bed on wed @ 830 pm, was up early, etc!)
• 300 runs..'will come, if it has to': that is practical SSSpirituality!
• He played like the debutant at other end, Suresh Raina - 'every day is a new day in the life of a great artist'!

Inspiring stuff!

PS : While batsmen from both sides happily accumulated runs, test cricket hit a new low....:( Test cricket needs better pitches. ICC needs to step in. Sharad Pawar can start from home...

The green food movement - Culture - livemint.com

This is one of the most inspiring articles I have come across recently, on this topic that has a direct impact on all of our lives...and also, on future generations...

The difference is, while many of us just restrict ourselves to convenient levels of 'Green'-activities, Oswal has gone ahead and taken the challenge to EXECUTE the thoughts....

Hats off to Oswal... we need hundreds of such initiatives to save our environment.

The green food movement - Culture - livemint.com

CHECK OUT THE LINKhttp://www.livemint.com/2010/06/28215806/The-green-food-movement.html

The green food movement

With a menu and decor that aims to control carbon footprint, a new fast food outlet in New York started by an Indian, is a vegetarian restaurant with an environment-friendly twist