All you wanted to know about dogs.

Dog's personality not shaped by breed. They're well known stereotypes : Rottweilers and Pit bulls are aggressive while Labradors, golden retrievers are extra friendly. But can a dog's breed predict its behaviour? A new study questions such stereotypes.

A Complex Study

Because existing stereotypes are so powerful, the team designed their questionnaires to account for owners' bias. They established standard definitions for reporting traits such as :-

 

* Biddability (dog response to human direction).

* Dog-human sociability (how comfortable dogs are with people, including strangers)

* Toy-directed motor patterns (how interested they are in toys).

Breed Explained Just 9% Variations

Researchers found 11 locations on the dog genome associated with behaviour differences, including biddability, retrieving, pointing at a target and howling. Among these behaviours, breed did play some role - for example, beagles and bloodhounds tend to howl more, border collies are biddable and Shiba Inus are far less so.

However, There Were Always Exceptions to the Rule. For Example :-

* Though Labs had the lowest propensity for howling, 8% still did.

* While about 90% of greyhounds didn't bury their toys, 3% did frequently.

Overall, researchers found that breed explained just 9% of variation in behaviour, with age a better predictor of some traits, like toy play. Physical traits, however, were five times more likely to be predicted by breed than behaviour was.

2,155

The team sequenced the DNA of 2,155purebred and mixed-breed dogs to search for common genetic variations that could predict behaviour and combined this info with surveys from 18,385 pet owners.

The study found that while physical traits such as a greyhound's long legs or a Dalmatian's spots are clearly inherited, the breed is not a strong predictor of an individual dog's personality.

Implications For Legislation

The idea that breed alone is a poor predictor of behaviour runs counter to widespread assumptions that  have informed legislation in some countries. For example, the UK has banned pit bull terriers, as have many US cities.

Each Dog Has Its Own Personality

"There is a huge amount of behavioural variation in every breed and at the end of the day, every dog really is an individual" said study co-author and University of Massachusetts geneticist, Elinor Karlsson. She wanted to know to what extent are behavioural patterns inherited - and how much are dog  breeds associated with distinctive and predictable behaviours.

Sociability Is Highly Heritable 

One intriguing finding  was that dog sociability towards humans was "incredibly heritable in dogs", even though it wasn't breed-dependent. The team found a location in dog DNA that could explain 4% of the sociability differences between individuals - and that location corresponds to an area of the human genome responsible for long-term memory formation.

"What we found is that the defining criteria of a golden retriever are its physical characteristics - the shape of the ears, the colour and quality of its fur, its size - not whether it is friendly.

14,000 Years Ago

Dogs became humanity's best friend as the only animal domesticated before the advent of agriculture.

160 Years Ago

People began to selectively breed dogs to have certain consistent physical traits, like coat texture and colour and ear shape.

Courtesy. EXFILE, the NIE.

My take.

It's an amazing world - that of the dogs!

Tailpiece.

Got up around a 20' past 6, the chores and was ready by a 10' to 10.

The heat was a trifle less. Kittu's delightful capers kept us occupied.

Participated in the 566th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" by Shri PN Easwaran, Praanthakaarya vahak, State General Secretary, RSS Kerala. The interaction post-talk was nice. 

 

  

Purposeful deconstruction?

Purposeful deconstruction contaminated India's history. The argument that Freedom Struggles started with the famed First War of Independence is wrong. Before that there were fights like the Sannyasi Rebellion, Swadeshi Movement and Pazhassi Raja's fight.

Sanathana dharma channelised Freedom Struggle and the world is yet to know about several unsung heroes who participated in the fight.

The recorded history downplayed the great traditions of the country. 

Those who wrote about Freedom Struggle did not record the real struggle because some quarters succeeded in ensuring that the revolutionaries did not get their due share in the struggle. They wanted to propagate that Freedom was attained through non-violent agitation alone. Purposeful deconstruction contaminated India's history. The foreign texts on Freedom Struggle recorded only selected events.

The Freedom Struggle dates back to the origin of foreign invasion. The British tried to eliminate the identity of Bharath. Today, Hindutva is having a revival, the people of the country want to go to their roots. Hindutva is the inspiration for freedom.

India has begun reacting strongly to terror attacks which has been possible because of the will power of the political leadership. We, now say without hesitation, that China is an adversary and an enemy. Infrastructure improvement has taken place, extensively in the Indian side of the LAC and not very long back did we give China a bloody nose at Galwan. There is another force working within the country that of the conspirators, who need to be shamed and strict action taken, against them, for their anti-national activities.  

Courtesy. Excerpts from the proceedings of the Ananthapuri Hindu Mahasammelan 2022 at Thiruvananthapuram.

My take.

It's high time that we corrected the distortions in our history books. That's the least we can do for the coming generations so that they hold their heads high and be genuinely proud of being a part of this vibrant and wonderful country with high moral values and stupendous traditions! 

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and initiated the washing machinex of the bed linen. Wished my younger sister, Mini many happy returns as today's her birthday as per the Malayalam calendar.

Off to town to pick up our fruit basket and also buy grocery from Harisree, the supermarket. Anto was my sa'arthi.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening.

The tax wars.

The Prime Minister took the opposition chief ministers by surprise at a Covid-review meeting, yesterday, when he chided them for not reducing taxes to contain fuel prices triggering a volley of angry retorts from Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Telangana.

The Tax Component

* Central and state taxes form a major chunk of the fuel prices in our country.

* While Excise Duty is constant all over India, state taxes (Sales Tax and VAT) vary depending upon the rates levied by the state governments.  

* In November last year, the centre had slashed Excise Duty on both petrol and diesel to bring some relief to the end-use customers. It was reduced by Rs.5/- per litre on petrol and Rs.10/- per litre on diesel.

* However. opposition-ruled states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Telengana, Jharkhand and West Bengal decided to continue with the existing VAT rates.

The GST Payout

The states always used to crib that the central government owed them huge amounts in the form of the GST payout.

Joining issue with CMs complaining of pending GST compensation, he said that in all Rs. 2.78 lakh crores compensation was released to the states for 2020-'21 and that nothing was pending for FY 21. As for 2021-'22, Rs.7.35 lakh crores has been released under that head. Compensation of Rs.78,704 crores alone is pending for FY 22.

The Pricing Mechanism

The existing scheme was implemented on 16 Jul 2017 by which the prices are reviewed every morning at 6 AM (Earlier it used to change every fortnight).The dynamic pricing system - as it is called - was introduced :-

 (a) to ensure that the benefit of the smallest change in international oil prices could be put into effect by the dealers and

 (b) to prevent huge leaps at the end of the fortnight.

My take.

Let's watch as to how this tussle is resolved so that the common man is relieved of the burden of huge fuel costs.

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Called up Suseelakutty to offer our condolences on the loss of her mother (83). My trip to Alappuzha tomorrow has been postponed, instead will have to go to Kochi on 06 May to discuss district-wise organisational issues.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

High flying thieves!

Thieves fly in to Kochi, burgle houses and fly back to Delhi!

Thieves fly in and fly out after burglary these days, in perhaps a worrying trend that may have escaped the attention of the Kerala Police so far.

The police on Monday stopped a three-member gang which arrived in Kochi from New Delhi on a flight in 21 Apr and carried out six thefts in various houses in four days. With an airline company confirming that one of the accused flew in to Kochi on 09 Feb, police suspect there could be similar robberies in the past too.

In the latest case, the thefts took place in Kadavanthra, Elamakkara, Palarivattom all within the Ernakulam North police station limits from 21 Apr to Sunday. The three-member team – natives of New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – burgled two houses the day they landed, in proper business attire.

The arrested persons are Mintu Vishwas (47) of Rudrapur  district in Uttarakhand and currently living in JJ Colony, New Delhi, Harichandra (33) of Amroha district in UP and now residing at Samaypur, New Delhi and Chandrabhan (38) of Amrawati in UP. Police personnel from different stations were mobilized and special squads formed resulting in the arrest of the trio.

The police figured out the criminals’ travel pattern through the mobile tower location of the main accused. The following stolen goods were recovered from the trio :-

·         In total, 20 sovereigns of gold ornaments, Rs.70,000/-, $ 411, 2 wrist watches and four mobile phones.

·         A scooter.    

The gang broke into the houses during daytime. They zeroed in on houses locked from the outside and most of the affected were the office-goers. The police had got the breakthrough while checking the footage of a CCTV camera installed in one of the houses where the trio were spotted roaming near the house. They stayed in cheap lodges which they changed randomly.

Investigations revealed that the ‘team’ planned to return to New Delhi on Monday.

Courtesy. The NIE

My take.

The thieves have attained a high degree of sophistry.

 

Tailpiece. 

Got up at a half past 5, hearing Lekha’s sobs as she had acute pain on her left knee and the leg was rendered immobile. After providing infrared heat at the point of pain, applied a crepe bandage following a gentle massage. Consequently, she was able to carry out her morning chores and shift to the ground floor. Her doctor was contacted and he’d advised the administration of a single dose of a pain killer which saw the subsiding of the pain, around lunchtime.

Meanwhile, the BSNL guys had come by for the second stage of installation for the new optic fibre network. 

Sarin - now, don't get misled. He's a thoroughbred Mallu. Blames his parents for naming him so but he's a rather sweet fella - had come by around a half past 2 to set right the reception glitches of our DTH.                                                                                      

    

 

From the vaults of recent history!

Moving vignette of friendship.

In 1942, Rommel's Afrika Korps overran the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade at the Battle of Ghazala in North Africa. 17 Indian army officers were taken prisoners and eventually, interned in Aversa prisoner of war camp in Italy. They were of different faiths and even different ethnicities.

None knew at that time how glorious their careers would one day be.

Captured officers included :-

* Maj PP Kumaramangalam

* Capt AM Yahya Khan

* Capt AS Naravane

* Lt AS Tikka Khan and

* Lt Sahibzada Yakub Khan.

Kumaramangalam rose to be India's army chief (1966 - '69), Yahya Khan became Pakistan's army chief and then president (1966 - '71). Tikka Khan succeeded him as Pakistan's army chief (1972 - '76), Naravane rose to be a Major General and wrote about the Aversa PoW camp in his memoirs (A Soldier's Life in War and Peace) and Yakub Khan became Pakistan's foreign minister.

In his memoirs Naravane says Kumaramangalam, as the senior most, was appointed Camp Senior Officer. Yahya Khan was the Camp Adjutant. Tikka Khan was the Camp Quartermaster.

I've pieced together the story of what thereafter happened to four of these officers both from what I received and from Pakistan's Friday Times. It's a tale with a happy ending.

In the confusion that followed Italy's capitulation in Sep 1943, several of the officers including Kumaramangalam, Yahya Khan and Yaqub Khan escaped. The Friday Times says, "they moved between the coast and the spurs of the Apnnines, avoiding German patrols and frequently hiding in forests". Yaqub Khan spoke Italian and that enabled them to find shelter with friendly Italian peasant families.

At some point Yahya Khan separated from the others and after marching 400 km, made contact with an Indian battalion. He arrived with just one shoe! Kumaramangalam and Sahibzada continued to seek shelter with italian families for a few months longer. When they made their break for freedom Kumaramangalam was gifted a necklace as a good luck charm by one of the Italian mothers who had become fond of him. Alas, it didn't help.

A few days later, on a dark night, he slipped and fractured his ankle. The Friday Times says he pleaded with Yaqub Khan to leave him but the young Lieutenant refused. Not surprisingly, they were captured by the Germans and transferred to a camp called Stalag Luft III. Years later it became famous because it featured in 'The Great Escape'.

The Friday Times story written by Major General Syed Ali Hamid and published in Feb 2019, takes this enchanting tale of our four musketeers right to the point where they became famous, powerful and reached the top of their careers.

When Yahya Khan visited Delhi in 1966, as CinC designate of Pakistan, he was received at the airport by General Kumaramangalam, then the chief of the Indian army. When Sahibzada Yaqub Khan, as foreign minister of Pakistan, visited Italy, he made a point of meeting the family that had sheltered him and his fellow officers during the war.

Now, this is not a big story and you may well wonder why I wanted to share it with you?

Because it's a vignette of a time when Indians and Pakistanis, Hindus and Muslims, Pathans and Tamils were not just friends but brothers-in-arms.

Partition has sundered us, politicians regularly stoke the embers to keep the fire alight and, sadly, generations have grown up, not just in ignorance of each other but taught to dislike and hate. Yet there was a time when we were one, fought for the same army and were the closest of friends.

Sadly, that world is lost and gone forever.

My take.

For starters, Pakistan must give up its 'anti-India foreign policy', send its army back to the barracks and bring about a vibrant democracy, rooting out corruption and nepotism and get about being a stabilised, developing country. All the hatred and the lack of faith in each other will become a thing of the past and we would be able to enjoy more such vignettes!

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Went off to collect our Chevy from the service station. Returned by lunchtime.

A quiet afternoon.

A study on recovery from Covid.

Less than 1 in 4 fully well after Covid, says a study. Women were 33% less likely to fully recover than men and obese people half as likely.

A study done in the UK indicated that long Covid could become a very common condition. The study involved more than 2,300 people. An added information is that those who needed mechanical ventilation were 58% less likely to fully recover. 

The study looked at the health of people who were discharged from 39 British hospitals with coronavirus between Mar 2020 and Apr 2021, then assessed the recovery of 807 of them.

The assessment was done based on patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance and the functioning of organs taken after five months and one year after being discharged from the hospital.

* Total participants                          2,300

* Availability of sufficient data       1,636 patients

   - 319 people (20%) had very severe physical and mental health impairment

   - 493 people (30%) had severe impairment

   - 179 people (11%) had moderate impairment and 

   - 646 people had mild impairments

* 26% reported a full recovery after a time period of five months and that number rose slightly to 28.9% after a year, according to the study published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal.

* The most common long-Covid symptoms were fatigue, muscle pain, poor sleep, slowing down physically and breathlessness.

"Without effective treatments, long Covid could become a highly prevalent new long-term condition", says co-lead Christopher Brightling of the University of Leicester. However, a large-scale cohort study from Wuhan, China suggested a higher-rate of recovery compared to this study.

The authors of the present study, however, point out that the Wuhan cohort study included only a smaller proportion of patients who had severe illness.

Courtesy. The NIE 

My take

We can't decide that the ailment has receded completely especially after hearing the news that there's a sudden perking up in the number of new cases in many states, in India.

Tailpiece. 

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. A dash to the corner-side medical shop to buy antibiotics for Lekha.

Another of those quiet Mondays! Lekha is recovering slowly. The puffing up of the face persists and the doctor was informed about her present condition.

It's time to call out the facts!

In this country, for far too long, many truths have been suppressed and generally, people went about saying things to stay 'correct' in the society they lived in, whereas, it's the responsibility of every Indian - who loves his/her country - to speak out against the wrongs and uphold the truth. Period!

Jack Ma of China had said, "If you put bananas and lots of money in front of the monkey, the monkey will pick up the bananas and not the money because he doesn't know that money can buy a lot of bananas.

In the same way, if in reality today the people of India are asked to fulfill their personal interests and national security then they will choose their personal interests because they are not able to understand that if the nation is not safe, then achieving their personal interests becomes meaningless!

There are many contrasting trends going on these days.......

First. India is a poor country so bullet train is not needed......but India is rich enough to support millions of Rohingyas.

Second. 56 very expensive lawyers of the country on behalf of the mosque......but Subramaniam Swamy, alone, on behalf of the temple!

Third. There is opposition to the GST in the country......but ever seen any opposition to increase in population?

Fourth. The sad fact is that those with 2 kids pay taxes......but those with 10 children take subsidies!

One may dislike the above things but it's definitely worth pondering upon!

Another fact.

India was great.....was a mine of heroes.

Still it was a slave of the Mughals......why?

Because "A Hindu king stood away from another Hindu king due to personal rivalry and was adamant on supporting the Mughals".

The situation is the same even today. Narendra Modi is providing good governance and has given the rightful position and respect to India among the pantheon of nations around the world. Other world leaders look up to him for leadership! But, here, in India the entire opposition - without exception - wants him out

Have seen lots of Hindus opposing Modi....but tell me one Muslim who vehemently opposes Owaisi for his irresponsible, communal utterances.

Time to reflect! Let's make our country safe and great!! All of us, irrespective of caste, creed and religion are responsible to strive for achieving it.

Jai Hind!

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time, went through the chores and was ready by 10.

Have been observing Lekha's tremendous ability to bear pain after the positioning of the implants in her upper jaw. Her face has puffed up a bit. Hats off to her for her stoic countenance! 

A quiet Sunday!

Saw the Allu Arjun Telugu movie, "Pushpa" on television. Entertaining!

PS.

* They mocked Jan Dhan accounts

* They mocked digital transfers

* They mocked UPI

* They even said Modi did demonetisation to help Paytm

Today, India's real time payments are more than China, USA, UK put together. We have created dozens of unicorns in fintech. From a panipuri seller to a Louis Vuitton showroom, all use UPI.

And that leads to even poor people having banking and credit lines and financial inclusion.

This is how the fifth columnists work.

Let me ask you a few questions and I answer on your behalf. If you have a different answer, do please tell.

What is Modi's biggest achievement as a basic reform?

Ans. Digital India

No, the biggest achievement is Electricity reform. Getting 18 hrs minimum even in the remotest area which runs digital service.

How is electricity produced in India?

Ans. Hydro, Thermal, Nuclear.

Which fuel type of generation is maximum?

Ans. Thermal/Coal about 70% plus.

So what happens if a thermal plant shuts?

Ans. Massive power shortage.

What is the impact of power shortage?

Ans. Industries to rural areas, all suffer. Manufacture halts or slowed down.

What is the impact of this slow down?

Ans. GDP drops, inflation shoots up.

How can Thermal plants be shut?

Ans. Stop supply of coal.

How coal supply can be stopped?

Ans. Stop coal trains supplying coal or derail them, accidents.

That's the new toolkit, "Stop coal reaching thermal plants".

Got it?!

Courtesy. What'sApp.

My take.

Much of the print media has been cautioning us about a looming power shortage, over the last few days, though the Minister of Coal in the union cabinet has assured us that fears of such a situation are unfounded and deliberately made by certain sections to cause confusion.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Scooted, soon after breakfast to town to buy the mouthwash for Lekha - though couldn't get hold of Freshchlor and got chlorhexdine, instead and of course, bananas. The former hasn't fetched up in the local market, I gather. Dentists prefer the use of the former as it doesn't stain the dentures!

Pushpaakaran had fetched up by a half past 8, to do the biannual cleaning of The Quarterdeck.

Participated in the 565th version of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Moringa (Drumstick) - the international special food" by Dr Kamalasanan Pillai, Chairman, State Agri-Horti Society and Global Agri Expert from 1600 - 1730 hrs. The interaction post lecture was interesting. He, also, touched upon our 'biodiversity park' at Rameswaram that's gonna go on stream on 10 May.  

  

There are plenty of hypocrites among us!

Consider this : Last week, during the Hanuman jayanti, a procession was being taken around Delhi's Jahangirpuri by the Hindus when the local Muslims attacked the Shobha Yatra, with sticks, country made crackers, sticks, lathis and gunshots, causing a death and injuring many. Many of them are still languishing in hospitals, due to injuries.

Lawyers like Kapil Sibal and the others of his ilk had rushed to the Supreme Court to 'save' the Muslims living in the area - and mind you, many of them are Rohingyas, the refugees who've crossed over into this country and CPI(M) leader, Brinda Karat had reached the spot with the Supreme Court order, staying the demolition of illegal shanties and shops, set in motion by the Municipality, with the help of the JCBs.

Why are the Muslims - and that too those who aren't even citizens of this country - allowed to misbehave and ignite a riot, causing inconvenience to the common man nay, the local population? 

Quite a while back, Malayalam actor, Prithviraj - he's from my school but rather than feeling proud for him, I pity him - had, in his Facebook post, accused the government of initiating action to remove certain concrete structures built by the Lakshadweep Island dwellers, where illegal activities like smuggling etc were being carried out. He'd done this without adequately checking out on the activities undertaken by the Administrator and the government machinery, ending up with an egg on his face and has gone silent on his utterings on the issue! 

I must inform everybody, here, that I feel sorry to say that he's my school mate because he has broken the covenant of being above board in all his actions. You be a successful 'hero' (?) in the Malayalam movies but don't say things, without understanding the truth.

And now, one hears about the demolition of a 300-year-old-temple, shops and workplaces of the local Hindus in Alwar, Rajasthan, today. How come the very same communists and the Congress activists have lulled themselves to silence and they have nothing to utter against it despite their stupid presence at the sight of the provocative activity? It's pathetic!  

The same old secular forces who had made a helluva noise at Jahangirpuri are totally silent and their 'deafening silence' over the Alwar issue baffles me. Be selective in your choices but don't be wicked and avoid pointing out the truth.  

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 3, thanks to the alarm set on Lekha's cellphone, the chores and we'd kicked off at a 20' to 6. Kittu was given his feed by Lekha before our getaway! It was a nice, comfortable trip and we were familiarised with the short cut from Moonnupeedika to Pota. 

We reached Mallan's dental centre before a half past 9 and Lekha went in for the surgery around 10. The whole exercise of removing the teeth-stumps and substituting them with implants took up almost the entire forenoon. We left the clinic after lunch at the kitchen there, where the food was simple and tasty. 

The return was a straight drive through Kodungalloor but we reached The Quarterdeck well after sunset. And I'd missed out on buying the mouthwash! Quite irresponsible on my part and must get it tomorrow morning itself.

 

  

The 400th Parkash Purabh of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Today is the 401st birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru Tej Bahadur. The year long festivities kicked off with the PM's address at the Red Fort.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was born as Tyag Mal on 01 Apr 1621, in Amritsar, to the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanak ji. He had a sister older than him and four brothers. From a young age, he was trained in the martial arts. Tyag Mal learned Hindi, Gurmukhi. Sanskrit and the Indian religious philosophy from Bhai Gurdas, his grand uncle. As a When he was a child, he learnt archery and riding from Baba Budha. His father taught him swordsmanship. Thus he was skilled at archery and horsemanship. He was later renamed Tegh Bahadur by his father after he fought bravely in battles against the Mughal forces.

While at Bakala, Guru Tegh Bahadur took to deep meditation. He meditated at the place fot about 26 years 9 months 13 days. Only his mother and wife attended to him during this period of deep penance. Guru Tegh Bahadur showed the path of divinity to his disciples by teaching them to overcome greed, desire, ego and pain - "One who vanquishes his ego and beholds the Lord as the sole doer of all things, he attains 'Jiwan Mukti' (is liberated while living) - know this as the real truth, says Nanak Dev ji". 

He fought against forced conversions and other religious impositions before he was beheaded on the orders of the wily and wicked Aurangzeb, at Delhi. The sites of his execution and cremation were later turned into Sikh holy places namely Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurudwars Rakab Ganj Sahib. Nestled between a church and a Mosque stands Gurudwara Rakab Ganj sahib.

Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered as the warrior Guru, both in the spiritual and battlefield mould..The MIRI-PIRI doctrine. He relentlessly for religious freedom. Widely regarded as the saviour Guru, 'Hind Di Chaddar', Tegh Bahadur was a great scholar and poet who greatly contributed to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He built the city of anandpur Sahib and was responsible for saving a faction of Kashmiri Pandits, who were being persecuted by the Mughals. After his execution, a number of Sikh temples were built in his memory. It reminds us of righteousness and justice. The day of his execution is observed as Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day, on 24 November.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

The BSNL boys, Sefoor and Shafi finished the groundwork to convert our landline from the ordinary ground cabling to optic fibre. 

A quiet day, except that I sat on my spectacles by mistake, hurried to the Rani Menon's Opticals only to realise that the technician was not present.

Fixed up with Dr Sreekanth Mallan for Lekha's dental appointment tomorrow.

 

  

O, those awkward days!

Do you still remember those awkward days in schools during exams?

* When a bright student tells the invigilator that question 4 has a problem but you have already answered it......

* When a fellow student asks for a graph paper but you have finished and did not see anywhere where it was required......

* When the invigilator says jump question 6 we will rectify it later but it was the question you enjoyed most when answering......

* When you see people using rulers and you are wondering what is going on......

* When you hear your friends arguing after the exam whether the answer to question 5 was 35.5% or 36.5% and your answer was 1,800........

* The cream. When the other students asked for 4-5 additional sheets and you had two pages empty in the main answer sheet.......

See where you have reached in life in spite of those moments......Things are not permanent......Enjoy life!

Only for those who enjoyed their school life.......

Top 10 dialogues of teacher.

* If you are not interested then you may leave the class.

* This class is worse than a fish market.

* Are you here to waste your parents' money?

* Tell me when you all have finished talking.

* Why are you laughing? Come here and tell us we will also laugh.

* Do you think teachers are fools to teach you?

* Don't try to act over smart with me.

* Why do you come to school when you don't want to study?

* The previous batch was 100 times better than yours.

* If you want to talk then you may get out from the class.

And the best one. You, yes you.....I am talking to you only, don't look back.....

I'm sure that the last line made all of you remember and smile.

These were our school days.

The best part was that we used to have the most innocent face to show at that point.....

Tailpiece.

Got up around a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

Lekha had gone to the Ration Shop to buy our dues as per the ration card. One thing that has to be admitted is that the quality of the rations is good and pilferage is almost rooted out thanks to the biometric means of entering your ration card's particulars before issue.

Our well on the courtyard has been washed - an annual ritual!

Punjab's farmers are back!

Punjab's farmers are back at Adani silos to sell wheat to the FCI.

In Oct 2020, farmers had laid siege to the Adani Group-run silos in Punjab, bringing fresh procurement and transportation of the stored crop to a halt.

Months after lifting the year-long siege at the Adani Group-run silos in Moga, over protest against the Centre's now-repealed agricultural laws, local farmers are back at their doors instead of going to government procurement centres.

Reason. Farmers from nearby villages claim they save time and get hassle-free service at these silos constructed and operated by Adani Agro Logistics at Dagru village in Moga district.

Notably, the private firm has no control over the procurement process, as the silos have been rented by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) which purchases the crop from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the government as is being done by state agencies at mandis.

In Oct 2020, farmers had laid siege to the silos, bringing fresh procurement and transportation of the stored crop to a halt, soon after the Centre passed the three farm laws deregulating the system of government-run wholesale markets that the unions feared would leave them at the mercy of private players.

The protest was lifted after the laws were repealed in November last year. Now, farmers are again crowding the silos but to unload their crop. Balbir Singh, a farmer waiting in a queue of tractor-trolleys with his produce, says it takes at least 24-30 hours for lifting the crop at mandis but at the Adani silo they get free in less than 10 hours.

"We have to unload the wheat at mandis and use a winnowing fan to clean it before putting it into the gunny bags. Here, we directly unload our produce from trolleys", he says.

Another farmer, Jasvir Singh says the whole trolley is weighed at one time and they have to do nothing else. "We come here only for the hassle-free system; otherwise the price paid is the same. However, there are no other charges, including winnowing and cleaning labour, which costs around Rs.15 - 16/- per quintal", he says. The total savings come to around Rs.1,300 - 1,400/- per trolley.

Procurement sees threefold jump

The silos which got operational in 2007 with a capacity to store two-lakh tonnes of grain, were constructed after signing a 20-year contract with the FCI for providing storage and transportation infrastructure. Complete railhead exists within the silos premises and bulk transportation is made using specialised trains.

The FCI pays Rs.10 crores as rent to Adani Group for each procurement season to store agricultural produce. Other charges are paid separately when produce is moving through trains.

Initially, the silos started directly procuring the wheat from farmers without involving arhtiyas (commission agents). It saved the commission amount but hit the procurement process. In 2010, the FCI involved the arhtiyas and is procuring around 70,000 - 80,000 tonnes grain through them every rabi season.

Amandeep Singh Soni, cluster manager, Adani Agri Logistics, Moga, said : "The company has no role in deciding the volume of storage as well as pricing of grain, as it's only an infrastructure and service provider for the FCI, which controls the procurement and movement of food grains for the public distribution system (PDS). This year, 22,000 tonnes of grain has been stored in silos so far, compared to 7,000 tonnes during the same period in past years. Last year, there was no procurement due to the farmers' protest".

The company runs another silo at Faridkot district's Kotkapura with a capacity to store 25,000 tonnes of food grain. Faridkot district food and civil supplies controller, Jasjit Kaur, said no procurement has been started by the FCI at the Kotkapura silos so far.

Meanwhile, there is a mixed response from farmer unions over the procurement process at Adani Group's silos. Some groups are asking farmers to refrain while some support it.

Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, general secretary of BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), said that farmers are getting some small benefits by procurement through silos. Kirti Kisan Union vice president, Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala said farmers must oppose the private players as this will hurt them in future. "They will offer some relief to capture the market and when government mandi system collapses, they will have all the control", he alleged.

- Prateek Singh Mahal in Chandigarh News

My take

Just accentuates the Supreme Court appointed committee's - that reviewed the three farm laws - conclusion that over 86% of the farmers supported the laws! The year-long protest was the handiwork 

of trouble-makers-propped-up by foreign funds to bring about anarchy in this country, to show Modi in poor light. The brood of arhtiyas - thriving on commissions and making a fortune without doing any work - need to be extinct as they cannot be allowed to take advantage of the hapless farmer.

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Wished Suma kunjamma many happy returns on the occasion of her 70th birthday.

Suraj had taken me to town so that I could do the following :-

    * do bank work

    * book the 'Adhyaatmika' Hall for Indira kunjamma's 'Narayaneeyam' bhajan mandali on 09 Jul

    * buy grocery from Harisree Supermarket and

    * buy our fruit basket.

A quiet day otherwise!

A disturbing trend in Kerala.

If spending life in a mental health centre after recovering from the illness is a cruel ordeal then more than 10,000 persons suffer that in Kerala because of the inordinate delay in getting rehabilitated. They are forced to live like prisoners in closed and inhuman environments at the state's 125 psychosocial rehabilitation centres and three mental health centres approved by the Social Justice Department.

The department had launched the Prathyasa Project in 2019 to rehabilitate cured patients from other states but only 150  could be reunited with their families in the past two years.

A majority of the patients are stuck at rehab centres because families are not ready to take them back. The psychiatry wing of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital had implemented a model rehabilitation programme for the cured. Home care is offered to the rehabilitated and such homes can be replicated throughout the state with the help of the NGOs.

As of now, there's an extreme shortage of funds; the state government's funding is inadequate for the purpose.

Forensic ward

For the reasons cited above, the efforts to rehabilitate the recovered patients drag on. Three patients of the Forensic Ward of the Mental Medical Health Centre in Thiruvananthapuram are learnt to have completed 30 years! The Forensic ward is the worst in the MHC in terms of facilities. The people who get admitted to these wards request to be sent to prison as life there is better!

"They serve tea in a vessel as if the patients are animals as they don't want to open the cells during teatime", say a witness.

Courtesy. The NIE

My take

There, definitely, needs a big change in our attitude towards helping this hapless section of the society. The earlier, the better.   

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Carried out washing machinex of the bed linen.

It's quite hot, these days, during daytime as well as nighttime. 

The 10 Most Beautiful Villages of India (2).

........contd..

  6. Darchik in Ladakh

Nestled high in the Himalayas, Darchik is one of the villages in the Aryan valley of Ladakh. One can reach the villages of Aryan valley by driving to the west of Leh city towards the Leh-Srinagar highway.

The Aryan valley housing the villages of Dha, Hanu, Garkone and Darchik on both sides of the Indus River offers a pleasant experience with the lovely mountain fresh air and beautiful landscapes. It is also home to the unique Buddhist Dard tribes, whose members are known across the region as Brokpas who are portrayed as "the last pure specimens" of the Aryan race.

  7. Zuluk in Sikkim

A small hamlet located at a height of around 10,000 ft on the lower Himalayas, Zuluk is a fast emerging tourist location in East Sikkim. It offers a breath-taking view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including the Kanchenjunga.

Surrounded by wild forests, the small village has a population of around 700 people and has an Indian army base, which has been used as a transit camp to the Chinese border. A special Inner Line Permit is required to reach Zuluk. Sighting of several animals and birds like deer, Himalayan bear, the red panda, different types of pheasants, Himalayan monal and so on are common in this area.

During the summer months, the area and its surrounding hills are covered with thousands of blooming rhododendron adding a riot of colours to the beautiful landscape.

  8. Lamayuru in Ladakh

Home to one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Lamayuru is a small village situated at a distance of 127 km from Leh at a height of 3,510 metres. It is believed that Lamayuru was once a lake that then dried up. 

The village is popular for its 'lunar' landscape and hence is promoted as 'moonscape' for tourists due to its incredible yet odd geographical formations.

  9. Varanga in Karnataka

The picturesque and serene hilly village surrounded by lush greenery is set in the Udipi didtrict of Karnataka and is famous for housing historic Jain temples.

A few of the main attractions at Varanga are the 850-year-old Lake Temple (Kere Basadi) dedicated to the Jain Lord Shri Parashwanatha, 1200-year-old Neminatha temple dedicated to the Jain Lord Shri Neminatha and the 1000-year-old Chandranatha Basadi dedicated to the Jain Lord Chandraprabha.

The Lake temple set amidst a man-made lake can be accessed only by the means of a boat. With the backdrop of mighty western ghats, the temple at the centre of the lake and a ride on a tiny wooden boat make this place undoubtedly one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations in Karnataka.

10. Kuttanad in Kerala

Hailed as the 'Rice bowl of Kerala', Kuttanad is spread across the heart of the backwaters in Alappuzha district. Paddy being the major cultivation, this region is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.

Kuttanad offers a stunning visual treat with its water bodies, lush greenery, dazzling paddy fields and rustic villages. To imbibe the beauty of the region at its best, one could hire a houseboat on the backwaters that would offer a soothing experience while enjoying the amazing view of the countryside and village life.

.......concluded.

Courtesy. Anjali Krishnan in 'the better Academy' on 11 Apr 2022.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 20' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Suma kunjamma left for her morning darshan soon after breakfast.

She returned by 2. Yakkittiyak followed by siesta. Wished drivers, Anto and George a happy Easter though it was belated!

The evening chores. Suma kunjamma got her reservation confirmed by 1920 hrs. Dropped her at the Railway Station, showed her the berth - it was the lower berth - and returned. Suraj did the honours.

 

  

The 10 Most Beautiful Villages of India (1).

The true essence of India lies in its villages that are untouched by modernity and still hold their simplicity and rustic charm. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari there are several such hidden gems in the country that would make a perfect escape for anyone looking for a break from the bustling city life.

1. Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh

One of the best-kept secrets of Himachal Pradesh, Kalpa is situated in the Kinnaur district. The village set in the Sutlej river valley is known for its stunning scenery, apple orchards, beautiful monasteries, temples and the breath-taking view of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain.

2. Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh

Set in the Champa district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar has often been dubbed the mini Switzerland of India. The picturesque landscapes with the beautiful meadows, lush green deodhar forests and snow-clad mountains make Khajjiar a great destination for travellers looking for rejuvenation and peace.

The Khajjiar lake, the Kalatop wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag temple and the Kailash village are a few among the long list of tourist spots to be visited in Khajjiar. Also, it houses several picturesque villages like Ladi and Rota - noted for their apple orchards and the amazing view of Mount Kailash.

3. Mawlyonnong in Meghalaya

The cleanest village in Asia (as declared by Discover India magazine in 2003). Mawlynnong is located 90 km from Shillong city along the India-Bangladesh border. The village which is a tropical paradise with its lush greenery is also known as God's Own Garden.

It is also hailed for several green initiatives and is considered a model village of community-based eco-tourism initiatives. The village that showcases the diverse topography of Meghalaya is also known for its living root bridges.

4. Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh

Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is a beautiful valley and one of the oldest areas in the state. It is a hidden gem with picturesque beautiful meadows surrounded by mountains on both sides.

Tis remote valley is home to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its paddy cultivation and pisciculture. Also, the Ziro music festival hosted every year , is one of the most noted outdoor festivals in the country. The valley with beautiful lush green forests, terrace paddy fields and pine trees houses several small villages.

5. Kalap in Uttarakhand

This remote village is situated at an altitude of 7,800 ft, in the upper Garhwal region of the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Nestled among virgin pine and deodar forests, Kalap overlooks the gorge cut open by the roaring river Supin.

The village has terraced fields of wheat, millets, potatoes and beans and agriculture is the primary occupation followed by sheep and goat rearing. Home to the traditional Garhwali architecture, it offers a beautiful landscape and stunning views of the snow-capped Bandarpunch range. 

.........to be continued.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Latha had come for work in place of our maid, who'd gone to attend a wedding.

A comparatively quiet day.

Participated in the 564th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "Failure in Governance in our neighbourhood and the reasons for the breakdown" by A Jayashankar, Adv, Politico-socio observer from 1600 - 1700 hrs. The interaction, post presentation, was interesting. 

Recalling times of rich harvest.

Sights and Sounds

Vishukani and handing over the Vishukaineettam are the major highlights of Vishu. The kani prepared in front of the idol of Lord Krishna will have seasonal vegetables arranged before a burning traditional lamp. A looking glass is placed alongside the kani with the ubiquitous kani konna and a piece of gold jewellery featuring among the items. The kani is the clearest indication of Vishu's origin as a harvest festival. However, climate change due to global warming, which has impacted the change of seasons, is leading to early flowering of the Kani konna (the Labernum). Hence, procuring the daffodil yellow flower for preparing the Vishukani may require that little extra.

Though primarily a harvest festival, Vishu is one of those rare occasions that brings mirth in abundant measure to both children and grown-ups - for slightly different reasons, though. The festival is particularly a time to rejoice for kids on two counts - the Vishukaineettam given by elders and the fact that the festival coincides with the untramelled joy of the summer holidays. With adults, the mirth provided by Vishu gives a welcome break from the humdrum existence and blistering heat that makes life unbearable during peak summer in April - May. 

True to Kerala's famed tradition of major festivals being celebrated by people of all faiths, Vishu too sparks revelry across all sections of society irrespective of caste or religion. As is the case with majority of observances and merrymaking , there is a difference in the manner in which Vishu is celebrated in the southern parts of the state and the northern Malabar region. In northern Kerala, Vishu celebrations rival even those held during Onam. Crackers are burst and fireworks displays held to celebrate the festival. In southern Kerala, the festivities mainly include getting new clothes for the family, relishing the Vishu feast and having an evening outing.

There is a gastronomic side also to the popular festival. A sumptuous spread which will include an array of vegetable dishes and payasams is the highlight.

With the Covid threat now easing, just like it was during the pre-pandemic times this will be an occasion for homecoming and family gatherings.

Now, entire families will flock to movie houses to have great time in the rich ambience only film theatres can provide. They will be eager to make the most of the time lost due to the shutdown of the theatres in the wake of Covid. Besides bringing good business for cinemas, crowds thronging theatres can help put lives torn asunder by lockdowns and other curbs back on rails.

Nostalgia is another unmistakable aspect of these festivities. As yet another Vishu rolls in, it is time to reflect on the celebrations that have marked the occasion right from one's childhood and indeed on ways to make the festival far more universal.

Courtesy. The NIE 13 Apr

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 2 to light the lamps, activate the Vishukkani and guide Lekha and Suma kunjamma to the puja room. (Sighting of the Vishukkani was between a half past 2 and 4 at the Guruvayur temple). 

Had a leisurely breakfast around a half past 10 but not before handing over the Vishukaineettam to the newspaper boy, Ramakrishnan and Lekha in that order. Suma kunjamma had, in the meanwhile, gone to the temple.

Lunch was a feast - made by Lekha, as the maid was on a day off - followed by siesta. Kittu had come by for the morning and afternoon feed. His gash looked manageable.

Messages and calls from friends and relatives, all through the day. 

Setting up of the Vishukkani.

Got up at around 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Got things ready for the evening, bit by bit. Lekha managed the kitchen and played host to our new neighbours while giving crisp orders to the concerned people to fetch the requisite articles that go to form the 'kani' ultimately.

Suma kunjamma had gone across to the temple after getting her reservation done, for the train at Sunday night at 9, to return to Thiruvananthapuram.

Pushpakaran, along with Warriath chechi, came by to collect their share of the Labernum flowers from the tree at our courtyard. Chandran from Rajah House and our new neighbours were given a share of the flowers.  

Suma kunjamma had returned by a half past 7 from her temple visit. Meanwhile, Vishu kaineettam was handed over to Suma, the maid, Mithun (National Supermarket's delivery boy), Pushpaakaran (the farm hand), Rejith (the drycleaner's delivery boy) and Rahul (the Medicare's delivery boy). 

After dinner, around 10, Lekha and I had got down to set up the Vishukkani. Remembered my mother's active participation from 2014 - 2016, who directed us in setting up the entire thing! And I had the honour of bringing her down to see the 'kani' early next morning, negotiating the flight of stairs!

By the time we'd set up the Vishukkani this time, it was around a quarter to 11. The settings seem to be all right but I'd to collect some more of the Labernum flowers and a few small bunches of the 'Thulsi' leaves before giving it the final touch.

Today was the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam and Vishu, will be celebrated this year on the second day of the month, after the transit of the Sun through the First Point of Aries! And we have Suma kunjamma, as our guest, on the occasion!

Tailpiece.

It was a quiet day otherwise and the sky was overcast throughout, making it a rather dull day. Rains fell after I'd seen the news headlines of the day at 9.

Kittu had come by for the morning feed and he seemed to be bothered by the discomfort owing to the gash on his left neck. He didn't fetch up thereafter. God, do please take care of him!

Road Hypnosis.

Has anyone of you experienced this? I haven't, thus far and hope, would never.

* Road Hypnosis is a physical condition that most drivers are unaware of.

* Road Hypnosis starts 2.5 hours after getting on the road. The eyes of a driver under hypnosis are open but the brain does not record and analyze what the eye sees.

* Road Hypnosis is the number one cause of rear-end crashes to parked vehicle or truck in front of you.

* The driver with Road Hypnosis remembers nothing of the last 15 minutes until the moment of collision. He cannot analyze at what speed he is going or the speed of the car in front of him; usually the collision is above 140 km.

* In order to protect yourself from Road Hypnosis, it is necessary to stop, take a walk, drink tea or coffee every 2.5 hours.

* It is important to note and remember certain places and vehicles while driving.

* If you don't remember anything from the last 15 minutes, it means you are driving yourself and the passengers to death.

* Road Hypnosis happens more often at night and if the passengers are also sleeping, the situation is very severe.

* The driver should stop, rest, walk 5-6 minutes every 2.5 hours and keep his mind open.

* Accident is inevitable if the eyes are open but the mind is closed......

Be safe and drive safe.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter to 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 5. Anto, with his auto rickshaw was at the gate on the dot. Set off to the Railway Station to see off Mini by the 0550 hrs Guruvayur - Punalur Fast Passenger. Found her a good seat towards the centre of the train and the train took off at least 5' earlier than the scheduled time.

Returned with Anto and went about our usual Wednesday routine. The usual 'aarathi' of the house was conducted. The sky was overcast and therefore, it was a dull day!

The maid came in after lunch time and had finished her work by 6. Mithun, from the National Supermarket, had come by to deliver the grocery that Lekha had ordered. He and our maid were given the 'Vishu Kaineettam'.

Suma kunjamma had fetched up by a half past 7, from Thiruvananthapuram and she will be with us for the weekend. It was yakkittiyak and a boisterous dinner consequent to that. 

After giving a brief glimpse of himself in the morning, he never fetched up for food for the entire day. Wonder why?

How Sri Lanka was ruined!

Ugh! See what non patriotic leaders can do to their country.

The Sri Lankans voted for Rajapakshes knowing very well what they did in the past, including corruption, selling out national assets to China, dynastic politics et all. They still voted for them because the Rajapakshes promised things they could not refuse.

  1. Their GST, called VAT tax, on all products was reduced to 8%, thus making everything cheaper in one stroke. (It also killed the government revenue). People loved things getting cheaper.

  2. The minimum Income Tax threshold was changed from 5 lakhs per annum to 30 lakhs. Very few earned more than 30 lakhs! A very large part of the population became tax exempt. This was very popular among the salaried class.

  3. For those with income over 30 lakhs, the upper ceiling of maximum personal tax of 15% was created, so no one paid over 15% tax. For comparison, it is around 42% in India and between 40 to 60% in many developed countries.

  4. Corporate tax was promised to be reduced to 14%. Every corporate supported and funded the Rajapakshes.

  5. They abolished seven other taxes, including a 2% nation building tax paid by businesses.

  6. Zero tax for many industries like IT services and hotels that serve tourists etc.

  7. Various taxes imposed on religious institutions were promised to be scrapped. Sri Lanka's powerful Buddhist Monks campaigned during election times to vote for the Rajapakshes.

  8. Individuals and companies engaged in agriculture, fisheries and livestock farming were exempted from any taxes for the next five years.

  9. The daily minimum wages of tea workers were raised to Rs.1,000/- and instantly got all their votes.

10. Minimum salary for private company employees was fixed at Rs.12,500/- per month. Every low income family loved it.

11. Tax on retirement gratuity was reduced from 24% to 15%. All senior citizens loved it.

12. Pensions were awarded to state bank employees who were not eligible. Those employees loved it.

13. 15% VAT on apartments was scrapped. Young home buyers and construction industry loved it.

14. Fuel prices were kept artificially low. They bought Petrol from India and still sold it at prices lower than that in India. No tax revenue there, either.

15. In a hurry to make Sri Lanka a developed nation, they went on an infrastructure building spree financed financed by Chinese loans. Infrastructure that they could not use for productivity. Those projects became white elephants.

The Rajapakshes delivered on those promises promptly as soon as they got into office. They bankrupted the country in the process.

In trying to get so many things for free, the Sri Lankans actually ended up paying much higher prices. Now, Sri Lankan rupee trades for Rs.300/- per dollar. For an import-dependent country, this means everyone's savings got reduced by the same ratio. Their buying power decreased, their salary did not increase in proportion to the inflation. Thus everyone, actually, ended up with smaller incomes.

Besides monetary issues, it destroyed the country, has caused a lot of human suffering with 15 hour power cuts, lack of food, civil war and political instability.

My take.

Populism is fraught with danger; the political parties fighting the elections, using this as a tool, would be asking for trouble. Taxes - however detestable - are required to be collected from the people for developmental purposes.

And that's what worries me about our own Aam Admi Party, winning Delhi and the Punjab during the Assembly elections in that it is using up the assets built up over a period of time without ensuring the recharging of the treasury through rightful inputs!

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Mini had got up earlier as she went to the Guruvayur temple at 7, chauffeured by Hameed.

Had gone across for Dr Rani Menon's review of my eyes, post surgery. She has told me to carry out the massage of the eyelids and resort to hot water fomentation.   

 

Ramayana - a perspective!

Yesterday was Ramanavami. On the occasion, would like to share a perspective of life's learning from the Ramayana...

'Ra' means light.

'Ma' means within me, in my heart....

So, Rama means the Light Within Me....

Rama was born to Dasharath and Kousalya....

Dasharath means ''10 Chariots"....

The ten chariots symbolize the 5 sense organs (Gnanendriya) and 5 organs of action (Karmendriya)....

Kousalya means 'skill'.....

The skillful rider of the 10 chariots can give birth to Ram......

When the 10 chariots are used skillfully,

Radiance is born within.....

Rama was born in Ayodhya.....

Ayodhya means 'a place where no war can happen'.....

When there is no conflict in our mind, then the radiance can dawn.....

The Ramayana is not just a story which happened long ago......

It has a philosophical, spiritual significance and a deep truth in it......

It is said that the Ramayana is happening in our own body......

Our soul is Rama,

Our mind is Sita,

Our breath or life-force (Prana) is Hanuman,

Our awareness is Laxmana and

Our ego is Ravana......

When the mind (Sita) is stolen by the ego (Ravana) then the soul (Rama) gets restless......

Now the soul (Rama) cannot reach the mind (Sita) on its own......

It has to take the help of the breath - the prana (Hanuman)by being in awareness (Laxmana)......

With the help of the Prana (Hanuman) and Awareness (Laxmana), the Mind (Sita) got reunited with the Soul (Rama) and the Ego (Ravana) died/vanished......

In reality, Ramayana is an eternal phenomenon happening all the time.......

Courtesy. University of Hyderabad.

Tailpiece.

Lekha and Mini had got up at 5. They were ready by 7 and went off by a cab to the Kakkaad Ganapati kshetram, at Kunnamkulam. They returned by 9.

Soon after breakfast, I'd gone across to the Pookkodu panchayat to h/o my application of exemption of House Tax - an yearly ritual and collected the receipt.

The three of us went to the Kodungalloor temple to witness the culmination of Mini's puja, around a half past 4. Returned by a quarter past 10. It was raining all through the return passage!  

'Tour of Duty' concept for military service.

1. Dismantling of the pseudo-liberal intellectuals, ultra leftist ideology, often arrogant, hypocritical and corrupt.

2. Challenging the asymmetrical secularism.

3. Revival of pride in India's (forgotten/hidden?) heritage and culture.

May I pass on the 'PM's Vision' that is creating so much consternation in the corridors of service headquarters, as amongst the veterans, on matters pertaining to military.

Obviously, it was told to me confidentially, recently by a source very close to me, currently in the highest echelons of the GoI. You need not believe me but this is not a canard and I'm not a presstitute. I don't wish to name the source but kindly, don't shoot the messenger!

(a) The PM and his GoM, have strong views that the Indian youth needs to be taught 'discipline' and 'desh bhakt', love for the country above all else.

(b) He wants to generate more employment opportunities for the underprivileged youth.

(c) Bring about an egalitarian culture for parity and tolerance nationwide, without any prejudice against women, religion or politics.

(d) Create an economically strong India, with peace and amity, internally and externally.

With the above in mind, I am told that the GoM (GoI) has already set in motion all subordinate participants of the GoI, to set to work with synergy, no matter what individual perceptions are.

For the first three visions, the GoM have turned their focus mainly on to the military, para military and the department of defence production.

4. Induction of women combatants in military, (NDA, RIMC/RMSs, SSs) I am told was only the first step (albeit with a little nudge and help of the Chief Justice of India to neuter the 'naysayers').

5. Next, 'what is a coming', I was told it is coming with most urgency, "short service employment" for 3 - 6 years for youth as PBOR, in military and para military, with a proviso that such  

employment will be in 'hot zones' and not in 'khushi khushi' peace areas. The 'take away' that the PM hopes for, is not just inculcation of self-discipline and value system of the military by the youth but also vocational training with some technical content, which would help them find employment in the civic 'milieu' in India or abroad. 

It will also ameliorate the 'fighting strength' shortfalls that the armed forces have been lamenting for long. Now the regimental recruitment is from specific 'catchment areas'. This is likely to become 'pan India', with augmentation of regimental combat strength (overcome 40% wastage rate due to leave, sickness, refresher training/army courses etc).

6. The PM feels that none else other than the military can achieve this.

* Compulsory 'drafting', like in many western countries may follow if there is "halla bol" by the vitriolic junta

* Point no.4 and how he is going to do it, I don't know, none of my business, I didn't ask the wise man of GoI.

* In any case, it is perhaps not in the ambit of discussion, or charter, of this forum. But the 'take away' for youth discharged after short military service is likely to be a 'quota' type reservation, for absorption in civic milieu at appropriate levels. As an example, I was told that in a HRM survey conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, amongst 62 lakh MSMEs and 45 lakh Pvt, Ltd and Public enterprises, almost 98% responded that they would prefer to have disciplined labour force with military background.

Jai Hind!

God bless us all.

- Wing Commander Unni Kartha

My take

A step in the right direction and will work for the overall good of the country! Needs to be introduced at the earliest.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Mini had fetched up at a 20' past 12 from Kochi and was in time for lunch.

Lekha and Mini went for a 'darshan' to the Guruvayur temple. The crowds were aplenty and therefore, they didn't enter the sanctum sanctorum. 

How Vietnam tackled the US.

Vietnam defeated the US after a terrible war that lasted for 20 long years (1955 - 1975). After the victory, a journalist asked the president of Vietnam, "How was the victory achieved? How did Vietnam defeat a country like America?"

The President answered, "Actually, to defeat a country like America was impossible. Yet, a legendary Warrior King's story gave me the confidence and valour to make it happen. The war strategy was planned from this inspiration and we executed it. We won!"

"Who was that great King?"

With due respect, the President said, "none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who fought against the Mughals all alone! If Vietnam had a king like him we would have ruled the world"

A few years later, the President passed away. He had asked to carve the following words at his resting place. "Resting place of a humble soldier of Shivaji Maharaj".

After a few years, the EAM of Vietnam visited India. As per the scheduled programme, he was taken to the Red Fort and Raj Ghat but he asked where was the "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Samadhi Sthal?" The accompanying Indian official replied in astonishment that it was in Raigad, Maharashtra.

The minister came to Raigad and paid respects at Shivaji Maharaj's resting place. And then he took a handful of soil and deposited it with reverence into his bag. 

Watching this, the journalists asked why he did that. He said, "This is a soil of valour and victory where the great Shivaji Maharaj was born and grew up. I will mix this soil with Vietnam's as soon as I reach there. Let Vietnam have brave men like Shivaji Maharaj! 

Courtesy : What'sApp.

My take.

The foreigners respect our leaders with a lot of respect. Sadly, we Indians are parsimonious with our appreciation.

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Spoke to Gireesh, the dish TV man, transferred the amount to recharge our accounts.

Participated in the 563rd episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "National Highway and an Array of Connecting Road Network" by Mr Anil Kumar Pandala, Former MD, Trivandrum City Road Improvement Project & Green Field Stadium from 1600 - 1730 hrs. Maman had initiated it from Lucknow, where he's currently in and I'd generated the discussions, post presentation and also proposed the vote of thanks. It was an interesting interaction.

From 'the dust' to 'the all'.

When we become the Speck of Dust once again, we become 'The All'.

The dust once thought that if she

could ever fly 

she would never come back to

earth. 

So, she prayed and meditated and

chanted

and did all that was in her power

to make the Gods fulfill her desire.

And the Gods did listen.

The wind blew with such power

that it took the dust over the trees,

over the mountains, into the sky,

She travelled everywhere.

She felt she fulfilled her destiny.

The magic played on for some

time.

But now....she wanted to return

and rest.

Enough of this travel, enough of

this

sense of reaching somewhere.

Being this enlightened, self

awakened

dust particle, higher than the rest!

She wanted to be dust again.

She wanted to be.....just be.

And she cried from the deepest

core of her heart.

She cried till the Gods sent her 

back.

There back on earth, she rested 

like never before.

She realised she was always this.

Always perfectly herself but all that

journey

to the sky and beyond, was

perhaps

only to make her see so.

And how she smiled then.....looking

at the sky.

It was amazing.

All her knowledge had dropped.

All desires had dropped.

She was once again, a nothing.

But within that nothingness

there was this amazing Grace,

The Grace of Being.

And she settled. She finally settled

as she was.

No seeking, no searching.....Just

being, AS IS.

And then the winds smiled, the 

seeds dropped,

the sun shone, the rains showered

and flowers sprouted.

The dust had dissolved. 

She was no more.

She had become All.

 

Author unknown.

- Courtesy. What'sApp

Mismatch

Today, a friend had called up after what seemed to be a long time. In the course of our conversation, I'd asked him as to why he was hesitant to exchange 'morning greetings' and was flabbergasted to hear his reply and I quote, "See, we were taught and drilled in our school that we must wish everybody and exchange greetings. We were punished if we'd missed out on it. Now, I don't feel like wishing all and sundry simply because it takes me back to those days which made me do things rather mechanically.".

He has got a point because I realise now that I was boring him all this while by sending him morning What'sApp messages. 

I've taken him off my mailing list and from tomorrow he shall not receive any more of greetings!

Tailpiece.

Had got up around a trifle past 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Earlier, washing machinex was resorted to clear up the soiled clothes during the last trip. 

Took off then, to Auto Starke at Puzhakkal to hand over our Chevy for servicing. The air conditioner will be looked at.

It rained for about an hour and a half in the afternoon and consequently, the temperatures have come down.