Airbus-Tata Project a Major Leap in Make-in-India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, laid the foundation stone of a manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat for the production of C-295 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. 

The aircraft will be produced by a consortium of European aerospace major Airbus and the Tata Group. It is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The total cost of the project is Rs.21,935 crores.

India is one of the fastest-developing aviation sectors. India is soon set to enter the list of the top three nations in terms of air traffic and in the coming 10-15 years, India will require 2,000passenger and cargo aircraft.

The approval of the CCS for the procurement of fifty-six C-295 MW transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain for the IAF was accorded in Sep 2021.

The aircraft will strengthen the logistic capabilities of the IAF. It can carry either 71 passengers or 44 fully equipped paratroopers or 24 stretchers.

My take

Another feather in India's cap! A great boost for the fledgling Military-Industrial Complex of the country. Coming up of associated industries and enormous job opportunities are the resulting bonanzas.

Tailpiece.

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

Lekha had gone to the Mammiyur Siva kshetram and her return, picked up fish for Kittu and his family.

Latha had come by and left by about 5 in the evening.

The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment.

The book of Ichigo Ichie : The Japanese Way. The friendly face of Carpe Diem.

The Carpe Diem philosophy is commonly associated with excess, with spending money as if there were no tomorrow, but the call to live in the moment also points toward the most beautiful and essential things in life.

A philosopher once said humans are mortals who act as if they are going to live forever, but rather than making us live like gods, this opens the way to the enemies of the present.

* Prioritising the urgent (for other people) over the important (for us).

* Postponing what we most want to do again and again, as if we had unlimited time.

* Thinking that the conditions aren't right to do but that in the future they will be.

* Boycotting the present with feelings of resentment, sadness and worry that prevent us from enjoying it.

In the face of these ills, carpe diem, like Buddhism, reminds us of the impermanence of things. Nothing we love will last forever. Thus, every moment could be the last opportunity.

In this sense, ichigo ichie (translated : 'Once a meeting' and also 'in this moment, an opportunity') becomes the friendly face of carpe diem, since instead of emphasising the fact that one day we will die, it reminds us that today we can live.

My take

However much one tries, there would be moments in one's life which given another opportunity would be redone if it was possible! In other words, regrets are a part and parcel of one's life. So, living for the moment or living every moment is a wise way to go about doing things, to reduce heartburns for the future!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 6, the chores. Watched 'Rangoli' which was an SD Burman special; enjoyed every song in it.

Washing machinex of bed linen.

A quiet, lazy Sunday.

Bravo Zulu, BCCI!

In the Indian Navy 'BZ' (Bravo Zulu) is conveyed to anyone who does a fantastic job. In a similar fashion, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has taken a historic decision by announcing gender parity in cricketers' fee. And hence, BZ to the Board!

In a novel initiative that would usher in a new era in women's cricket, the BCCI announced there will be parity in fee for all international matches irrespective  of gender. Now on, the centrally-contracted women cricketers will get the same match fee as their male counterparts. This comes days after the announcement of hosting of the Women's Indian Premier League next year.

The decision sets the platform to grow and develop cricket, the Board feels.

According to the revised match fee structure, Indian women cricketers will get Rs.35 lakhs per Test Match, Rs.6 lakhs in an ODI and Rs.3 lakhs for T20I. (They were getting Rs.2.5 lakhs for Tests and Rs.1 lakh for ODIs and T20Is as match fee so far).

The world's richest body is not the first nation to bring in parity in fee structure as New Zealand Cricket already announced earlier this year.

My take

Definitely a great move! Roger Binny, take a bow for your first and important decision on taking over as chief of BCCI.

Tailpiece.

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

A quiet Saturday.

Some Quotes on Hinduism.

1. Michael Nostradamus (1503 - 1566)

"Hinduism will become the ruling religion of Europe. The famous metropolis of Europe is the Hindu capital".

2. Jonathan Keith (1749 - 1832)

"If not today, one day we will have to accept Hinduism because that is the true religion".

3. Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910)

"Hinduism and Hindus will one day rule this  world because it is a mixture of knowledge and wisdom".

4. Houston Smith (1921 - 2013)

"Hindutva is not more trusting than we have in ourselves. If we can turn our thoughts and hearts towards Hindutva, it will benefit us". 

5. Costa Loban (1841 - 1931)

"Hindus only talk about peace and reconciliation. I invite Christians to praise, change and believe in it".

6. Herbert Wells (1846 - 1946)

"How many generations are going to face atrocities and murders until Hinduism is well understood?

But the world will one day be inspired by Hindutva. Only on that day will the world become a place for humans to settle and live".

7. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)

"One day this world will accept Hinduism. Refusing to accept the true name of Hinduism will only make one accept its principles. Western nations will surely one day convert to Hinduism. The religion of the learned is equal to that of Hinduism".

8. Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

"He (?) does what the Jews cannot do. He did it with knowledge and energy. But only Hinduism has the power to lead to peace".

9. Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970)

"I read about Hinduism. I feel that this is the religion of mankind all over the world. Hinduism spread throughout Europe. Many scholars studying Hinduism will appear in Europe. One day the situation will develop where only Hindus will lead the world".

My take.

Hinduism doesn't need any of the 'certificates' mentioned above as it's been time tested. If they've felt it so, then Hinduism taking centre stage is just a matter of time.

Tailpiece.

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

Gireesh's rep, Sarin, had fetched up and got the TVs going with their defects removed.

'Happy Hours' with the AM, our neighbour.

Worth pondering over......

Every time a person of Indian origin becomes a Global CEO or PM of an country we either embark on self loathing or feel as though we now control the American corporate and the person will focus on Indian interests!

Fact is from Pepsi to Google to Microsoft to Twitter CEOs first KRA (Key Result Area) is their respective corporate interest and the ugly truth, they are of Indian origin only.....NOT INDIAN.

None has Indian citizenship. They surrendered it long back.

So grow up and feel proud of folks in India in India or who carries Indian Passport.

Indians love to take pride in CEOs of Indian Origin based in other countries.

But the same tribe is most hated by folks in India?

Ambani, Adani, Tata, Birla.......

They stayed in India and created Indian products, companies for Indian people, created huge shareholder wealth for the common man, revolutionized the digital space, renewable energy sector, O&G, food supply chain, clothing, telecommunication so cheap so that headless chickens can abuse them free of cost, defence backbone, shipping, etc, etc.

The fact is that we, Indians are just a bunch of emotional fools. Nothing else.

Ambani-Adani have generated more wealth and jobs for the nation than :-

* 20 Nadellas

* 200 Pichais and 

*1,000 Parags

multiplied by 10 times yet Ambani-Adani only get hate in India from......

We are a nation that worries about Brain Drain and Abuse the Wealth Creators in the nation......

It's not US and China anymore,

India is becoming the world's fastest-growing start up ecosystem with over 70 Unicorn (A start up company with valuation of more than 1 billion dollars) Startups, 40 in 2021!.....but people have problem with Adani becoming the richest person in India!

* Tata Group has 7,50,000 employees.

* L&T employs 3,38,000 people.

* Infosys has 2,60,000 employees.

* Mahindra has 2,60,000 employees.

* Reliance Industries has 2,36,000 people.

* Wipro has 2,10,000 employees.

* HCL has 1,67,000 employees.

* HDFC Bank has 1,20,000 employees.

* ICICI Bank has 97,000 employees.

* TVS group has 60,000 employees.

Just these 10 corporates together employ nearly 25 lakh Indians and give them very respectable salaries. These 25 lakh corporate jobs is more than half of the total Central Government  jobs (48.34 lakhs) It is also 5 times the total government jobs in a big state like Karnataka!

The government provides jobs to one crore plus people (1%) and private and organized sector provide 6-8% and the rest 92% are employed in unorganized sector.

Respect the Private sector. Adore millionaires and billionaires. Cheer for job creators. They are creating livelihood for millions of Indians!

Do not listen to the failed socialist politicians who ruined the economic potential of 3 generations in India. If you want a bright future generations, India needs 1,000s of new corporations which create 1,000s of high paying jobs!

Proud to be Indian, In and Out.

- What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready for Sajish, who had come by to give me a morning haircut by a half past 7. Was ready by a quarter past 10.

Went out about my work.

The maid was in the house, today, by 12.

A quiet evening!

Service before self, a soldier's call of duty.

He had fever but insisted on taking part in the cross-country competition. Being captain of his team, he didn't want to be away from his mates with whom he had toiled so hard for this day. Heconcealed his ailment; German measles as we learnt later and commenced the run albeit at a slow pace, walking intermittently.

After three quarters of the route, high body temperature, exhaustion and dehydration took their toll and he finally collapsed, slipping into coma never to wake up again. My course mate's funeral at the National Defence Academy the next day was the first funeral I had ever attended.

It was pouring outside as we sat next to a heat convector on that cold, wet evening. "I hope the weather clears up and we can fly tomorrow". He was bothered about the patrol stranded in the snow-clad mountains awaiting supplies. That next day was his first Diwali after marriage was of a lesser concern to him. The weather gods listened to him. The weather gods listened to him and he accomplished his mission. But fate wasn't that kind. On its return flight, his helicopter ran into cables, laid illegally across the valley unknown to him. A promising life was cut short, further darkening that night of amavas. It was the first fatal crash I witnessed in my flying career.

Ejection was the only recourse left when a snag developed in his jet. But there was a problem; he was over a densely and his flying horse could trample many on the ground if left to itself. By the time he took the decision to eject, it was a couple of seconds too late. Unconcerned about his own safety, he took a split second decision and steered clear of the inhabited  area. The crippled aircraft allowed him to earn a few Karmic points but demanded his life in return. Nothing remained of him when fire engulfed this responsible fighter pilot.

"Sir, evacuate him first, take me in the next sortie", he requested the pilots who had come to evacuate soldiers wounded in a gunfight with militants in a village nearby. Hit by a bullet in the thigh and bleeding profusely, he prevailed upon the captain to evacuate his radio operator before him. The helicopter returned within minutes but by then, loss of blood had made him unconscious. He was fortunate to reach the healing hands of army surgeons in time even though it took over a month for him to recover".

Mudgal's resolve to run, Gagandeep's rescue sortie, Chauhan's delay in ejection and Dagar's refusal for evacuation makes one wonder what drives such men to act the way they do. What motivates them to place their country and the men they command before their own ease, comfort and safety? Perhaps for this tribe, it is only Naam, Namak and Nishan that matter.

The nation can rest assured that their ilk will continue to perform its duties irrespective of whether their deeds are acknowledged, their perks and privileges are curtailed or their pensions slashed. It is not so easy to understand this clan.

- harrypal77@yahoo.co.in

Tailpiece.

Our day began at 4 as I lit the lamp in the puja room, recited my prayers, the chores but a sudden power interruption was a setback to our taking off at 6. We, finally, kicked off at 7, a halt at the Nagaraja temple at Randaloommoodu - Vamanan namboodiri was the pujari, topped up the Chevy at Kottarakkara, breakfast of idiyappams and kurma at the Adoor bypass, lunch at Kalamasserry and we reached Guruvayur by 4, in the evening. 

A quick visit to the bank, bought our fruit basket and grocery from the National Supermarket; sat with Jayan for a while as he'd undergone an angioplasty a few days back.

Reached The Quarterdeck by about a quarter to 5. Unpacking and opening of the house accomplished while Lekha gave food for Kittu and his family.

Hit the sack at our usual time of a half past 11.   

Should We Celebrate Rishi Sunak?

We celebrate only if he is fair to us and doesn't try to be more Brit than the white Brit.

Remember how some were all 'josh' about a certain Kamala Harris. Rishi Sunak is a good role model for every Indian citizen who has chosen to become a citizen of another country. And we are happy for him, we rejoice with him and are proud of him.

However.....each of us must think.....and not get carried away by emotion.

If Rishi Sunak can be fair in his dealings with us......without going all out to be more white than the whites in order to keep them on his side.....then we have no issues. We also must be mature enough to realise that though he is of Indian origin......he is a UK citizen and that his loyalty lies there.

So our support for him must always be selective......depending on how his decisions affect us as a nation and people......

For now.......all the best Rishi......you will need it!

- What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, lit up the lamp in the puja room, switched on the music, opened up the house and went about the chores. Was ready well in time.

Went to the UPS, Thalavoor on an invite from Mr Somanatha Sarma, the Headmaster. He'd bought the books that I'd wanted to gift the children who'd answered my queries and asked me questions during my lecture on the last Vaayana Dinam, in Jun this year. It was a nice interaction and I was also shown the books @ Rs.5,000/- that I'd gifted the school during my last visit.

Started winding up things at Raj Nivas to kick off for Guruvayur, early morning, as is our habit. 

Adieu Viswanathan sir.

Yet another colossus from the teaching staff of Sainik School, Kazhakkoottam, KK Viswanathan sir who'd joined school during the late 1960s, passed into the mist of time, this morning. He was admitted in the SUT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram a fortnight back, due to Covid and post-Covid problems. 

A much-loved master in school, he used to teach Hindi and Malayalam. He had a nice smile and very seldom was it replaced with a frown or scowl and he had a good handwriting - impressive with small, rounded letters (be it Hindi, English or Malayalam). I also remember him portraying a woman in a Malayalam play put up by our teaching staff sometimes in 1967 or '68.

I had the privilege of meeting up with him last, during the OBA day of 2015. I still remember his question that he asked me with that signature smile of his, "Why weren't you in my House?". I'd no answer to that and just grinned while he held my hand. (I was never in his House nor had he taught me any subject during my tenure at school!).

Adieu sir. You'd always been kind and full of love. My tears and prayers. May your near and dear ones have the strength to tide over these difficult times. And they don't make 'em teachers like you anymore!

     *       *       *

Diwali @ Raj Nivas After Quite A While

Lekha and I are at Raj Nivas, to celebrate Diwali after a long while......I think after Mom had passed into the mist of time. 

Njaarakkaattu Vijayan - who has had a kidney transplant - dropped by just to say hello. Damn sweet of him!

The day had begun as usual. Had got up at 6, lit up the lamp in the puja room, switched on the music and opened up the house. Lekha had organised the diyas for the evening and she'd made the 'payasam' for the evening.

The caretaker and his family arrived around a trifle past 6 - Syamala swept the courtyard - and the diyas were lit. The crackers and the sparklers were disposed off with Aniyan's 5 year-old son enjoying every bit of it. On completion, payasam was distributed.

A really nice evening, it was!

Tailpiece.

Wished Leela chittamma many happy returns.

Shall remember this Diwali for a long, long time.

I have been.

I have been to many places,

Where I never thought I'd go.

I have mixed with famous people,

Who I never thought I'd know.

I have learned amazing lessons,

From some men I thought the best,

And as proof I have some medals,

Proudly worn upon my chest.

I was trained to be a soldier,

And I'm proud I stood my ground.

If ever I was frightened,

I had brave comrades all around.

If I ever needed heroes,

They stood beside me, row on row,

And they gave me all the courage,

To go where heroes only go.

I am so proud I was a soldier,

And share respect with those I knew.

We looked after one another,

So we could pull our comrades through.

But now, though we are older,

We still share memories when we meet,

The argue like all brothers do,

With friends we're glad to greet.

- Clive Sanders

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, lit the lamp in the puja room, switched on the music and opened up the house.

An early morning call from my classmate, Savio @ Chicago. It set the trend for the day!

A quiet day but a bright and sunny one at that. 

Participated in the Military Literature Festival organised by the Lucknow Charter. It covered the wars of the 1960s. Interesting! Was sad to know about Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh being meek to General JN Chaudhary and how the IAF had lost out on being deployed during the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962. If it was deployed, the outcome of the war would have been different.

Aniyan bought the 'diyas' and crackers for celebrating Deepavali, tomorrow. 

Saw the movie, 12th Man, on television and it was good. 

Dhanteras.

It's the start of the 5 day 'festival of Diwali'.

Diwali is a five day festival and starts with Dhanteras. The five days of Diwali are :-

* Day One - Dhanteras (Day of fortune).

* Day Two - Naraka Chaturdasi (Day of knowledge).

* Day Three - Diwali (Day of light).

* Day Four - Annakut (The New Year).

* Day Five (Bhai Duj (Day of love between siblings).

The word Dhanteras is made of two words - 'Dhan' which means wealth and 'Teras' which means the 13th day. According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras falls on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin.

As we start the 5 day festival on an auspicious note, this is our wish for you this Diwali festive season :-

* Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes,

* Rainbows to follow the clouds,

* Laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag,

* Beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being,

* Faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt,

* Courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth,

* Compassion to feel the pain, empathy to share and care,

* Kindness to cause a smile, big heart to give generously

and Love to complete your life. 

The festival weekend is here, let's spread smiles all around. Become busy in seeing, encouraging and inspiring the best in others.

Giving good wishes to others acts like sunlight, filtering into the dark corners of their mind and lightening their burdens.

The more you develop the habit of noticing goodness, the more your own sense of wellbeing increases.

Do something today to brighten the life of another person.

In this festive time, smile and be the reason someone smiles! Do good, wish good for everyone and stay blessed forever.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 5' to 6, lit the lamp, switched on the music and opened up the house. We were ready by a half past 9, Kunjumon comes by on the dot and were off to the Maha Ganapati kshetram. After a good darshan, we did marketing of sundries and returned home by 12.

Heavy rains in the afternoon bringing about a power interruption.

A quiet evening.

The Himalayan Blunder of 1962.

Yesterday, 20 Oct, was the 60th anniversary of the start of the 1962 war of aggression by China against India. A period that all Indians and especially, the armed forces look back with great grief at a lost war brought about by an ignorant and egoistic government, pliant brass of the armed forces and a cunning enemy. The woefully kitted soldiers with inadequate weapons and ammunition were a sure recipe for the mammoth scale of defeat which was cushioned, to a considerable extent, by acts of spectacular valour and courage on the part of extraordinary men at the Sino-Indian border. My salutes, tears and prayers to each one of them on this occasion.

A month long disastrous conflict for which the political dispensation, headed by PM Nehru and defence minister VK Krishna Menon were directly responsible. Nehru, without appreciating the consequences, ordered an unprepared, poorly armed and ill equipped army to implement his weird 'forward policy', with absolutely no intelligence and wherewithal to back it up. His defence minister brushed aside all fears of a Chinese retaliation. What happened, thereafter, was a series of shameful events, with the government fumbling and panicking. The inept favourites of Nehru, placed at the top slots of the Army hierarchy, proved unworthy for the job. The IAF wasn't ordered into the war for bizarre reasons.

The government of India faltered fatally along with their chosen, inept army top brass.

The army fought desperately against all odds. Major Shaitan Singh PVC, Major DS Thapa PVC, Subedar Joginder Singh PVC, Rfn Jaswant Singh MVC and many others like them defended every inch of Mother India before making the supreme sacrifice. Units like 2 Rajput and 4 Rajput, under Lt Col Brahmanand Avasthy, perished fighting to the finish, inflicting huge casualties on the enemy.

The army suffered a severe loss of face for no fault of theirs. The nation also witnessed many in the undivided Communist Party of India taking a pro-China stand. A prominent communist leaderwas prevented from donating blood to soldiers.

At the end of it, Nehru should have resigned because he was largely responsible for the nation's and its army's humiliation. However, he did not quit.

The army learnt its lessons fast and five years later the Chinese were given a bloody nose, initially at Nathu La and later on, at Cho La.

Dedicated to the 1,383 killed, 1,047 wounded, 1,696 missing and 3,968 captured bravehearts of the army.

Tailpiece.

Had got up around 4 to ease my bladder and turned off to sleep only to get up at a quarter to 7. Lit the lamp at the puja room, opened up the house. The chores.

A quiet day and wet, since afternoon.

Crossing the Bar.

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of

the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems

asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the

boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of

farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of time

and

place the flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, lit the lamp in the puja room, opened up the house, switched on the music and went back to bed. After the morning cuppa', said my prayers and had breakfast before bath.

A fright, sunny day though the sky was overcast at sunset.

Finished my work on the laptop.

Got my program sorted out for the week. Spoke to Chandradeep who used to be the hair-stylist on board INS Sagardhwani.

A quiet day, otherwise.

At Raj Nivas after a while!

Got up at 5, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. Went about our chores but was able to kick off from The Quarterdeck at a trifle past 8. There was an orange alert that was prevalent in seven districts from Thiruvananthapuram, northward to Malappuram. I must, however, say that we didn't encounter rain any where enroute and it was bright and sunny all through. Perhaps, since it's the north east monsoon, it generally begins precipitating only during late afternoons/evenings.

Traffic was within limits and we'd a trouble free drive. Breakfast was at the Saravana Bhavan, near the Paliyekkara toll plaza, around 9 and lunch was at the KTDC's outlet at Alappuzha, around a quarter past 1.

Reached Pulamon Junction, Kottarakkara around 4 and we made it to our dish TV franchisee, got our connection recharged and then we hit the home run. Reached Raj Nivas by a half past 4. The house was opened up, the bed linen changed, sent Lekha to catch up on her siesta and had a quick round of the compound where the grass was clipped just a week back but the growth had picked up, thanks to the evening rains that are getting to be frequent.

Spoke to my parents and briefly outlined our program. Mom and dad are happy, I'm sure!

The dish TV had some problems with its remote control being non operational. Sent the caretaker's son, Aniyan with the faulty remote control and the set top box, as directed by the franchisee and the problems of the dish were sorted out and we could view our favourite channels through the evening.

The caretaker spent time with us as he gave a resume about the general happenings in our village and certain serials to be sorted out by me during our stay here. For some reason, both he and his son were happy when I'd told him that we would be here for a week, till Diwali. Mr Sarma, HM of the Thalavoor UPS has also invited me to an informal chat with his students, next week. Will gift books to six students who'd done well during my last interaction during the 'Vaayana Dinam' of 2022, last Jun.

Lekha's supper was light, nutritious and enjoyable.

It was a hectic day but damn comfortable!

Tailpiece.

Had traversed 260.1 km during the day but it was a relaxing drive!  

Rupee falling or Dollar strengthening? (2)

.......contd.

Reason for this, Petrol import covers 30-40% of our total import. In the last one year, due to Russia-Ukraine war, prices of oil and gas has sky rocketed. India's import bill is getting higher.

Oil is traded in USD.

Import high, export less means demand of USD is high, demand of INR is less.

So, despite such negative condition, INR is fighting bravely.

And performing well against other currencies.

Now, let me tell the reason why Dollar is sky rocketing.

Reason is US federal reserve rate that was 0 in Feb 2022 is now at 3.5%.

Now understand this. 

American banks need to maintain a fixed amount to US Fed bank and for that, on daily basis.

They keep taking loans from other banks at interest rates on that loan which is called Federal Interest Rate.

When Fed increase that interest rate then all investors of the world, take out money from their current investment and invest into US Fed bank because investment in Fed bank is considered the safest investment in difficult situation.

You can invest in fed bank only in USD, so you need USD and therefore the demand for USD invreases and prices of USD  goes high and it was exactly this that had happened in the last 6 months.

Why fed increased interest rate?

To control the inflation as interest goes high.

Interest rate of savings account, FD also increased, credit card, home loan interests go high.

People stop spending and start investing, circulation of money goes down in the market, demand goes down and prices come down.

Basic economics!

My take

This is what the strengthening of the Dollar has done, globally and the rupee is holding its fort well!

Tailpiece.

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

Kala and Unni fetched up from Kayamkulam for a darshan and then to clear the air with me.

The maid had turned up soon after the guests had left.

Shut down 'The Quarterdeck' systematically as we limbered up for tomorrow's journey to Raj Nivas. 

Rupee falling or Dollar strengthening? (1)

If someone has basic knowledge of economics, will know the answer to this question but in India, the standard of journalist and leaders is so low that they don't even know such basics. The following thread will answer - dollar flying or rupee falling.

There are around 200 countries in the world and each have their respective currencyand all currencies maintain exchange rate with the currency of other countries.

Exchange rate of currency depends upon supply and demand of that currency. 

Now the question - dollar is strengthening or rupee is weakening?

* Check USD INR performance of last 1 year.

   Oct 2021 : 1 USD = Rs.75

   Oct 2022 : 1 USD = Rs.82

It's due to good performance of USD or due to bad performance of INR?

To check this, we have to find :-

* How rupee is performing against the other major currencies of the world?

* How other currencies are performing against USD?

If rupee is falling against other currencies also then we can say rupee is falling.

If other currencies are also falling against USD then we can say dollar is strengthening.

British Pound, Euro and Japanese Yen are the major currencies of the world.

Let's check rupee vs pound

Oct 2021  :  1 GBP = Rs.104

Oct 2022  :  1 GBP = Rs.92

So, in the last one year rupee strengthened against GBP.  

Let's check rupee vs euro

Oct 2021   :  1 Euro = Rs.88

Oct 2022   :  1 Euro = Rs.82

S, rupee strengthened against Euro also.

Let's check rupee vs yen

Oct 2021  :  1 Yen = Re.0.65

Oct 2022  :  1 Yen = Re.0.55

So, rupee strengthened against Yen also.

In last 1 year, rupee has weakened against dollar but strengthened against all major currencies. It gives the indication that rupee is not falling.

Let's check the performance of these currencies against dollar.

For that we will check dollar index. Dollar Index measures relative performance of dollar against 6 major currencies of the world including GBP, Euro and Yen.

Oct 2021   :  USD value against 6 major currency = 93

Oct 2022   :  USD value against 6 major currency = 112

So, it proves that rupee is not falling, it's actually dollar that's strengthening. Rupee is fighting bravely against dollar and performing very well compared to the other currencies and India really deserves appreciation of it. 

.......to be contd.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 9. A quick breakfast of dosas, chutney and sambar. Went off at 10 to the bank to give instructions, took the first bus for Thrissur from the other side of the flyover-in-the-making and reached Puzhakkal by a quarter to 11 and my heart sank when I saw the road to the service station cut into two.

The paper work was done, had a cup of tea and Shibu drove me back on to the main road from where I'd taken off for Guruvayur. Went to Harisree for sundries, then to our regular fruit stall for the fruit basket, topped up our Chevy with fuel and checked tyre pressure.

A quiet evening.

India test fires SLBM successfully!

India fires ballistic missile from nuclear submarine in landmark test. Earlier test-firings were done from fixed underwater pontoons. Here are 10 facts about it.

1. The submarine-launched ballistic missile test proves the credibility of India's naval nuclear deterrent. Indian ballistic missile submarines may now be able to terget China and Pakistan from underwater locations when deployed.

2. The latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test proves that the home-made INS Arihant class submarines are operational in all respects.

3. "All operational and technological parameters of the weapon system have been validated", the Defence Ministry said in a statement after the test-firing.

4. The submarine-launched ballistic missile, or SLBM, was tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy, the Defence Ministry said.

5. The successful test launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is significant to prove crew competency and validate India's ballistic missile submarine program, a key element of India's nuclear deterrence capability.

6. "A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India's policy to have credible minimum deterrence that underpins its 'no first use' commitment", the Defence Ministry said.

7. India operates three home-made ballistic missile submarines and has developed two submarine-launched surface-to-surface missiles - the K-15 and the K-4. The latter has a range of 3,500 km which acts as a nuclear deterrent against China.

8. The program to build nuclear-powered submarines and fit them with submarine-launched ballistic missiles is, by far, the most complicated weapons development program India has ever engaged in. 

9. India is the 6th country in the world to have nuclear-powered submarines armed with ballistic missiles after the US, Russia, the UK, France and China.

10. INS Arihant is India's first home-made nuclear submarine. It was launched in Jul 2009, the anniversary of Vijay Diwas (Kargil War Victory Day) by former PM Dr Manmohan Singh's wife, Gursharan Kaur.

Tailpiece.

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

It's a quiet Sunday.

Saw Mona Lisa in Paris thanks to Ammu, who was visiting the place at that instant. Saw also the day's session of Indian Idol - a Sharmila Tagore special - which was splendid. Yesterday's was a Tanuja special, that was equally splendid. 

 

The Joy of Giving.

Once, a very poor man came to Buddha.

He asked : Why am I so poor?

Buddha answered : You are poor because you don't practice

generosity. 

You don't practice charity.

"But how can I practice charity if I

don't have anything to give?"

Asked the poor man.

Buddha replied, "You have five 

treasures that you can share with others.

1. You have your face. You can 

share your smiles with others. It's

free and awesome and has an

amazing impact on others.

2. You have your eyes. You can 

look at others with eyes full of love

and care. Genuinely you can 

impact millions. Make them feel

valued. Make them feel good..

3. You have your mouth. With this

mouth you can say nice things to

others. Talk good. Make them feel

valued. Spread joy and positivity.

4. You have a heart. With your

loving heart you can wish

happiness to others. Make others 

feel a bundle of emotions. Touch 

their lives.

5. Last treasure that you possess is

your body. 

With this body you can do many

good things to others. Help the

people who need. Help is not

money.

No person in this world has ever

been rewarded for what he has

received,

He is always Honoured for what he

has given.

Today, start the process of giving

Give a smile to a stranger,

Give a hug to a loved one,

Give some kindness to an

associate,

Give some gratitude to the 

Almighty,

Give some money to the needy,

Give some respect to your juniors,

Give some strength to your faith,

Give some power to your dreams,

No one has ever become poorer by

giving,

Give to receive,

give everyone your best to receive

the best.

Give, for the sheer joy of it,

A small caring gesture can light up

lives.

Do these simple acts of Charity

even randomly, Feel rich

abundantly and stay blessed forever.

Tailpiece.

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

Selvam came for pressing our clothes followed by Bijeesh, who got the parallel telephone line going.

The maid, too, had come for work at the right time.

A quiet evening with rain!

Achche din are here!

This is the story of the Classes XI and XII students of KV, Baramulla.

Of late Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being accused of not saying much in public, with some critics even calling him ''mauni baba'' but the people of Uri town, 18 km from Baramulla on the river Jhelum, are not complaining. They think Modi's actions speak louder than anything he can say. Prime Minister Modi's work resounds here as for the first time, a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Baramulla district have started classes for standards 11 and 12 students.

And it's PM Modi's unique style of governance that Power Minister Piyush Goel is raving about. On 04 Jul, around 1130 hrs, he landed at the helipad in Baramulla district of the Kashmir valley, where Modi was to arrive shortly to inaugurate the 240-Megawatt Uri-II hydro electric project. Meanwhile, the young and energetic Goel started talking to a few locals, among them women.

They complained to Goel that their children went to a hostel in Srinagar from class 7 or 8 onwards as the district didn't have any Kendriya Vidyalaya for standard XI and XII students. The mothers of Baramulla found it worrisome to send away their teenage kids to Srinagar, which is almost a three-hour drive. The local school, which only has up to standards X, is funded by a power PSU. On ;earning this, Goel immediately called up HRD Minister Smriti Irani on her mobile phone and proposed that his ministry will pick up the expenses if Irani can permit the addition of two more standards in the current Kendriya Vidyalaya in Baramulla. Smriti told him, "Give me five minutes", as the HRD secretary was in a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary in New Delhi just then. Within an hour or so, Smriti Irani called back Goel and said that her department will make all the arrangements and the school can start immediately once Modi gave the go-ahead.

Modi arrived at the helipad in Baramulla at 1530 hrs. Goel told him about the concerns of the mothers of the area and requested the PM, "If you approve, then we can start the school  for XI and XII standards". Modi asked his staff to make a few calls to new Delhi and talked to some senior officials about the standard operating procedures in such cases. He set the ball rolling and by 1615 hrs Modi himself announced in Uri that the local Kendriya Vidyalaya will start admitting students to classes XI and XII from this year on.

Goel could not believe that Modi would act so fast and that things would change for the children and the mothers of Baramulla so quickly. The admission process started a week after Modi left the town. On Friday, 01 Aug for the first time ever, classes XI and XII were conducted in Baramulla. So far 11 children have taken admission for the new academic year but once the school starts functioning, it is expected that many more students will return from Srinagar and other places where they are currently studying.

- Courtesy. The ToI

Tailpiece.

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

Washing machinex of the bedlinen.

A quiet evening.    

  

A strike like this can paralyse a country!

French oil industry is in crisis as strike continues. Striking French oil refinery employees voted on Wednesday to maintain blockades now in their third week, despite a government order for some of them to return to work in a bid to get fuel supplies flowing.

Workers Requisitioned

France's Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne asked prefects to launch the procedure "to requisition workers who are indispensable to the functioning of the Esso petrol depots.

Requisitions allow authorities to order some of the workers of the petrol depots hit by strikes to return to work. A similar measure was imposed in 2010 during strikes in French refineries.

According to such an order a small number of workers - fewer than 10 according to regulations - should return to work to ensure essential shipping services.

31 percent of stations across the country lacked at least one grade of fuel, a figure that stood at 44% in the greater Paris region. The industrial action to demand pay hikes has paralysed six out of the seven refineries in France, leading to shortages of petrol and diesel exacerbated by panic-buying from drivers.

Panic Buying

Panic buying by consumers worried that stations might run out of fuel altogether is increasing problems facing motorists, though authorities are urging consumers not to worry.

Government Dips Into Strategic Reserve

Government officials said they increased petrol imports and released some of the state's strategic stocks to help ease the shortages - amid concern that they could prompt protests across the country.

My take

Don't the striking workers have any sense of nationalism? They don't seem to realise that their country is on its knees and the cumulative effect could cripple its economy, which can turn out to be fatal for the the country 

Tailpiece.

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

The maid came earlier than usual and went about her job.

Ramesh, the gardener and his assistant, Vishnu had come a half past 2 and completed the jobs they'd begun yesterday.

A quiet evening.

Technology can impact business!

When I  heard that "UPI" is killing the candy business, I was taken aback....did I hear it right or it was something else. Further exploration, was an eye opener with hard to believe detail as to how a business was built on "chutta nahin hain" went downhill as UPI arrived.

In early 2010s almost all big Candy payers, including Mondelez, Mars, Nestle, Perfetti, Parle and ITC reported staggering growth and future prospects. But as UPI arrived, most of these brands have reported a steep decline in sales of toffee. Hershey's, one of the world's biggest chocolate and toffee maker said India is one of the worst hit markets in the post COVID era hitting their expansion plan.

So what really changed? Before UPI, shopkeepers would trade toffees for loose cash, a transaction that wasn't happening the other way round. These small amounts over days did wind up to becoming large sums of money, as accepted by many buyers in studies. With UPI, all of this stopped. People paid the exact amount that was due with no scope for change, ultimately eating up the daily toffee sales.

The pandemic added fuel to the fire. With most of the audience scared of the pandemic, everyone wanted to do contact less payments. This also created a sort of push towards digital payments and toffee went of the picture. No chocolate (toffee) company would have ever thought of finance products as their astheir competition. Toffees were cash substitutes and UPI replacedthis requirement and behaviour.

It is a big lesson for any business as one need to keep an eye on "What are the reasons people buy our product and what would change that behaviour? Do we find reasons which aren't really our direct competition but can potentially replace our product usage?"

A lesson on how technology can impact business.

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up at 3, the chores and we were ready well in time. We kicked off for Muhamma for Lekha's dental appointment at a half past 5. Breakfast was around a quarter to 8 at the Aryaa's restaurant at Edappalli. 

We reached Mallan's clinic around a trifle past 9. A pre-surgery conversation with the doctor made us understand the current impasse and proposed corrections. Work over, we set off for Panampilli Nagar to buy medicines and to have lunch at another Aryaa's outlet.

We commenced our return trip soon after and reached Guruvayur by a quarter past 4. Bought our fruit basket and finished a small job at the bank.

Settled down at home and Lekha needed nursing after the surgery that she'd undergone today.

The Divine Croc.

On Monday, desolate devotees flocked Ananthapura Anantha Padmanabha Swami temple at Kumbla, in Kasaragod to pay their last respects to their dearest Babiya, a mugger crocodile which ate only vegetarian food.

Babiya was found dead around 2200 hrs on Sunday in the lake in front of 'Arikkottil', the place where the 'nivedyam' is prepared.

For many decades, the presence of the crocodile, which eats only vegetarian food given by the devotees and temple officials, in the lake near the temple had attracted devotees from other parts of Kerala and Karnataka. Babiya could also be seen in the small pond on the northern side of the temple at times.

The legend is that a British soldier killed a crocodile in the temple pond in 1945. The night the crocodile was shot dead, Babiya appeared in the pond. Its mysterious appearance made the devotees believe Babiya had divine presence.

Normally, Babiya would eat only the 'nivedyam' from the temple. The temple is surrounded by a lake and Babiya was seen in this lake. It is said that whenever the chief priest closed the temple in the night, Babiya would come out of the lake and rest in front of the temple. When the chief priest came in the morning, it would go back to the water again. At times, it would also go to the pond near the temple.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Lekha had gone across to the ration stand to fetch the monthly dues and returned after about half an hour.

Our maid reported rather late that she has had a fall and would not be able to report for work. Washing machinex was resorted to, consequently.

A quiet evening, thereafter.

   

Iran's women-led protests.

Hackers supporting Iran' wave of women-led protests interrupted a state TV news broadcast with an image of gun-sight crosshairs and flames over an image of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Kamenei, in a footage widely shared on line on Sunday.

In other anti-regime messages, activists have spray-painted "Death to Khamenei" and "The Police are the Murderers of the People" on billboards in Teheran. "The blood of our youth is on your hands", read an on-screen message that flashed up briefly during the TV broadcast Saturday evening, as street protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, again rocked Teheran and other cities.

Pictures of Amini and three other women killed in the crackdown that has claimed at least 95 lives according to Iran Human Rights - a Norway-based group.

Iran has been torn by the biggest wave of social unrest in almost three years which has seen protesters including university students and even young schoolgirls chant, "Woman, Life, Freedom".

In Amini's hometown Saqez, Kurdistan, schoolgirls chanted and marched down a street swinging their hijab headscarves in the air.

In the face of the violence and online restrictions, protesters have adopted new tactics to spread their message of resistance in public places.

"Not afraid anymore. We will fight", read one large banner.

- The NIE

My take

Iran's leadership needs to be flexible and introduce the badly-needed reforms that the country needs. The anarchy, otherwise, can snowball!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Saw the matinee show of Mammooty's 'Roschach' at the Jayasree Cinema.

A quiet evening.

 

The philosophy of Vedanta.

Vedanta, the most prominent school of Hinduism is a philosophical system that is concerned with questions such as 'Who am I?', 'What is this Universe?', 'How am I related to the Universe?'

The roots of the Vedanta philosophy are in the Upanishads, which are the concluding portions of the Vedas. There are three main concepts in Vedanta. The first is the Brahman or Ishwara, which is the ultimate reality. The second is Atman or the individual souls. The third is the Prakriti or the physical world. When it comes to the relationship between the three, there are many views in Vedanta, each represented by a school of thought.

Advaita Vedanta says Brahman and Atman are one and the same. It believes that all souls across space and time are one entity. This is the most famous school of Vedanta. It rejects rituals and advocates renunciation. It is, to some extent, influenced by Budhism, which was popular at the time. The prominent teachers were Gaudapada (500 CE) and Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE).

Dvaita Vedanta says Brahman and Atman are always totally different from each other. This is the opposite of Advaita. The most important philosopher was Madhvacharya (1238-1317 CE).

Vishishta Advaita Vedanta says the Atman is different from the Brahman though connected to it as its root. The most famous philosopher was Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE), who stressed the importance of bhakti (devotion) to a personal god. In modern times, the Swaminarayan movement was started by Swaminarayan (1781-1830). This movement is known for its huge Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Besides these three basic schools, many other schools have arisen over time which follow similar but slightly differing versions of Vedanta. In the 19th century, a school called Neo-Vedanta arose. It was a reaction to the British rule and combined Vedantic thoughts with nationalism. This school maintains that the different schools of Vedanta are all differing interpretations of a single truth. Prominent thinkers of this school were Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo.

Several core beliefs are common across these schools. These include a belief in god as opposed to atheism, considering the Vedas as revealed knowledge and that time moves in cycles of creatio and destruction. Besides its influence in India, the philosophy of Vedanta has had a great influence on western thinkers and scientists.

Courtesy. Gaurav Yadav.   

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Sunday.

Participated in the Zoom meet on Military Literature Festival. The RIN mutiny in HMIS Talwar of 1946. Interesting!

And this guy wants to be the Prime Minister!

Rahul Gandhi doesn't want to grow. He has scant respect and regard for his elders and political opponents. His words and actions have demonstrated, time and again, that he is thoroughly immature and incapable of shouldering serious responsibilities. A person who has been in the forefront of his party has never been able to carry his party to victory and many-a-time, the party has suffered ignominous defeats at the hustings because of the hatred and venom that he and his colleagues spew on their opponents.

I often wonder as to who writes his scripts; it's definitely by a person who dislikes him and makes him a villain of the piece, always and every time. 

Now, let's see his latest tamasha. While addressing the press today, Rahul Gandhi at Mayasandra in Tumakuru, Karnataka - on the 31st day of his Bharat Jodo Yatra - said, "I think the RSS was helping the British and Savarkar was getting stipends from the British. BJP was nowhere in the freedom struggle. BJP cannot hide such facts, Congress and its leaders fought for freedom".

With a single proverbial stone, he has sought to kill three birds! Let's call out the frauds being perpetuated :-

    * The RSS was helping the British - a totally false statement.

    * Veer Savarkar was getting stipends from the British - balderdash!

    * BJP was nowhere in the scene; the Bharatiya Jana Sangh - which was a precursor of the present day BJP - was very much there.

Rahul Gandhi, allow me to give you a few important lessons, if you are aspiring to be PM and not because your mummy wants it. Let me tell you, your sister would have done a much better job.  

If you are aspiring to be someone big in this country, then follow these fundamental aspects of behaviour :-

   * When you speak, measure your words.

   * You just cannot afford to be parsimonious with the truth.

   * Have respect for your opponents; do not denigrate them even if they were to do so to you.

   * You need to grow up and stop being immature.

   * What you're doing now is 'Bharat thodo' and not 'Bharat jodo'.

Kindly make amends to your entire range of approach towards making an impact in the hearts of the people.

And for starters - I've been crying hoarse from day 1 - "What's your vision for this country? And don't give me the moth-eaten Congress party manifestoes, please! We're curious to know!"

Tailpiece.

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

Achieved quite a few things over the telephone.

The maid came for work, quite late, around lunch time.

Irresponsible action that cannot be condoned!

The Tamil blockbuster, 'Pathinaaru Vayathinile' was thoroughly enjoyed by me when I saw it during my teens. Later, felt very happy when he stole a quiet victory over Rishi Kapoor in the Hindi movie, 'Saagar' by his effortless acting. His 'Avvai Shanmughi' and 'Indian' were blockbusters and one was really 'fida' over his acting talent. 

Kamalahaasan has come a long way and is a superstar, who has an enormous fan following, especially in the Tamil film industry. 

Of late, he has been seen in quite a few movies but somehow, lacks spontaneity. Probably as an actor, he has realised it much before everyone of us and that's what bewilders me about his recent actions. Is it his way of remaining in the limelight, I wonder?

He was an ardent critic of the games politicians play and one thought he would be different from the average politician and would focus on the aspects of governance and tackle the scores of problems faced by the common man. However, what's being seen on the ground is that not only has he been crass in his political thinking but has also  been following the same mistakes of the hardcore politician, which he abhorred - at least that's what he used to say.

He has been consistently taking an anti-Hindu line and the latest delivery from his motor-mouth is that, and I quote, "There was no Hinduism during the reign of the Chola Dynasty! Hinduism was thrust into the Indian people by the British". This is his reaction to the latest magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan, that delves into the succession upheavals during the Chola period. Directed by Mani Rathnam, the film is a money grosser and people in the field claim that it has already crossed Rs.100 crore, in collections, within a short time!

Kamalahaasan's is a mischievous statement when the truth - as everyone is aware - is otherwise. So, I've many queries to ask of him, which are :-

Mr Kamalahaasan,

     * How have you become a historian overnight and that too, a lousy one at that? 

     * How are you making wrong statements and it's pathetic to see you blabbering the same stuff in a never ending series of press statements?

     * What's your ulterior motive by doing such crass things?

     * Have you forgotten your responsibilities, as a celebrity, to be mature and factual in your utterances?

     * Do you hope to come to power after such a lousy political slugfest?

     * And why are you making a fool of yourselves? Is this your way of remaining in the limelight? Then, it's a sad, bloody joke! 

Your irresponsible actions and utterings cannot be condoned!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle past 6, the chores and was ready by 10. 

To the town to drop my credit card cheque, effect a couple of transfers and buy Kittu's fish.

Trimmed the plants and the palms in the balcony.

 

Kerala's anti-drug campaign begins.

From debates to parades! People's representatives, organisations, associations, representatives and artistic talents to participate....

Thankfully, a concerted effort at long last. 

* Classroom debates involving students on Thursdays. Discussions on drugs to be organised in every school, college and classroom.

* An awareness program for parents to be organised under the leadership of PTA/MPTA/development committees in all educational institutions on Thursdays and Fridays. The meeting to be n

held on 01 Nov for the planning of the human chain.

* From 08 to 12 Oct, clubs, hostels and residential associations a debate and take a pledge on the issue of drugs. The presence of prominent people from various fields will be ensured. Video of the CM's speech to be shown in the programs.

* Training of teachers going on as per the module prepared by SCERT to create awareness among the students. One lakh teachers and excise-police officers being trained which has entered the final stage.

* On 09 Oct, all neighbourhood groups under the leadership of Kudumbasree in the state to organise an anti-drug assembly.

* The anti-drug campaign to be included in the social solidarity parade under the leadership of the SC/ST department. The program that began on 02 Oct will end on 14 Oct. Anti-drug campaign specially under the leadership of the promoters shall focus on SC/ST sanctuaries.

* On 14 Oct, an anti-drug rally to be organised at bus stands, markets, towns and railway stations under the leadership of traders and industrialists.

* 'Janajaagrata sadas' to be organised in all wards from 1600 to 1900 hrs on 16 Oct.

* Enforcement activities of excise and police to be intensified.

* Extensive programs to be organised among guest workers (migrant labour) and enforcement action strengthened. This campaign runs from 15 to 22 Oct.

* A special campaign to be organised in the coastal region with the cooperation of various organisations, fisheries department and coastal police from 16 to 24 Oct.

* At 1800 hrs on 24 Oct, anti-drug lamp will be lit in all homes and public places.

* Prior to this, a lamp-lighting ceremony to be held on 22 Oct under the leadership of MPs and MLAs. On 23 and 24 Oct, under the leadership of the Library Council, all libraries will light candles against alcoholism.

* A program to be organised in business establishments on 25 Oct under the leadership of traders.

* Cycle rallies under the leadership of NCC, NSS, SPC and voluntary organisations and mass gatherings in which celebrities will participate and sports competitions under the leadership of clubs to be organised.

* Under the leadership of Scouts and Guides, a cycle rally to be organised from 25 Oct to 01 Nov, starting from Kasaragod and ending in Thiruvananthapuram, passing through 78 educational districts. NSS units to conduct extensive quiz for college students.

* People's representatives and celebrities will participate at each centre. For the promotion of the project, a procession with extensive participation will be organised on 30, 31 Oct.

Tailpiece.

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

Wished Achu and Sanil many happy returns.

A quiet day otherwise.

The days thus far.

Today is one of the major Hindu festivals that marks the end of Navaratri. It is observed on the tenth day in the calendar month of Ashwin or Kartik. The day marks Lord Rama's victory over the evil king Ravana. The nine forms of goddesses, Durga, Shakti and Saraswati, remembered during the Dussehra.....

Day 1       Pratipada/Ghatasthapana

The first day is the day Shailaputri Devi. Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana - the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas.

Day 2       Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durgs with great powers and divine grace. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation - Moksha.

Day 3        Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta is worshipped for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a 'chandra' or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a 'ghanta' or bell. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons.

Day 4         Kushmanda

The meaning of the name 'Ku-shm-anda' is as follows; 'Ku' - a little, 'ushma' - warmth. 'anda' - the cosmic egg. So, she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often, she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc in her hands and she rides a lion. 

Day 5          Skandamata

Skanda Mata - the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander-in-chief in the war against the demons. She is accompanied by Lord Skanda in his infant form. Devi Skandamata is a symbol of the mother-son relationship. She is also called as Padmasani since She is often depicted seated on a lotus flower. She is also worshipped in the form of Parvati, Maheshwari or Mata Gauri. 

Day 6           Katyayani

The legend behind the name goes thus : Once upon a time there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. He underwent long austerities and penancein order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire, the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga. 

Day 7           Kalaratri

She has a dark complexion and a fearless posture. Her large red eyes, open red tongue and sabre in hand violently demolish devils and monsters. She is also glorified with the name 'Kali Maa'. Devi Kalaratri has three round eyes and scattered long black hair. She wears a bead that gleams like fire of electric power. Durga manifests herself and completely destroys dirt and demons from existence. She is revered with the name, Kalaratri because she represents herself as the death of Kaal and appears like a dark night for demons.

Day 8            Maha Gauri

Goddess Maha Gauri is eighth form of Devi Durga and one of the graceful goddesses among the navadurgas. Her beauty glows like the gleam of a white pearl. She denotes peace and endurance. she is represented with four arms seated on a Vrishabha (bull). Her upper left hand holds Trishul (Trident), lower right hand carries Damru (hand drum) and other two hands are in different Mudras (positions). She cleans dregs from the hearts of her worshippers.

Day 9              Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle.. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. She is the possessor of 26 different wishes (siddhis) which She grants her worshippers. The legend is that Lord Shiva got all those Siddhis by worshipping Ma Shakti.

Tailpiece.

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

A quiet day to begin with.

Leela chittamma, Saji, Salini and Lekshmi dropped by for dinner from Edappalli. A nice get together but they left by 10.

A businessman of a different genre.

Atlas Ramachandran's life is a 'riches-to-rags story'.

He had started his gold jewellery business in 1981 when he bought 2 kg of gold with whatever money he had in his hand. From then on, there was no looking back. Atlas Jewellery group's turnover during the year ending 2014 was $1 billion (Rs.7,912.82 crores).

He caught the public eye when he started appearing himself in the advertisements of his jewellery store chain delivering the tagline, "Janakodikalude viswastha sthaapanam" (the trusted establishment of crores of people).

His downfall in business, however, started in August 2015 and the banker-turned-businessman was arrested for the delay in the repayment of borrowings from banks. Two months later, he was sentenced to three years in prison by a Dubai court. The Atlas group had taken loans up to 550 million dirhams (approx Rs.1,000 crores) and thesentence came in a case of two dishonoured cheques issued by the company. What he'd to say about it was as follows :-

He had recalled in an interview as to how his former managers had duped him which led to his arrest and prison term. A whopping 3,000 plus kilograms of gold worth 740 million dirhams (Rs.1,583.77 crores) went missing from 44 jewellery shops in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries by the time he was released from prison, pushing him to penury.

Everyday he used to get dressed in his flashy kurta by 0830 hrs, as if going to his office and attend online meetings with his lawyers. He was eagerly awaiting to start afresh from the scratch.

Despite the UAE governmentlifting his travel ban, he wanted to be free from all legal hassles before returning home in Thrissur which, however, was not fulfilled.

Atlas Ramachandran (MM Ramachandran), 80, passed into the mist of time following a heart attack, in Dubai late on Sunday night. Since he was confirmed with Covid infection, there was no public viewing. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son. His death happened at a time when he was gearing up to restart the defunct Atlas Jewellery chain.

Adieu Mr Ramachandran. Salute to a gutsy businessman; my tears and prayers. May your near and dear ones have the strength to pass through these stressful times.

Courtesy. Adapted from an article in the NIE

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 9. Reported to the pulmonologist, Dr (Mrs) Sodhi for our medical review.

The maid had come by and left by 5, in the evening.

Live-streaming of Supreme Court's proceedings.

Live-streaming of judicial proceedings will increase people's faith and accountability to the institution. At the same time, the judges must be prepared for debate and criticism relating to their approach, observations, views, attitude, etc not only by the legal experts and academicians but also by novice, amateurish and biased viewers and critics. 

                                                                           - Govind Mathur, Former Chief Justice of Allahabad HC.

27 Sep marked the beginning towards this historic move as it enabled people from every nook and corner to view on their screens, the ongoing proceedings of the top court. Around eight lakh viewers were tuned into the first-ever live session to watch the live proceedings that were going on before the three constitutional benches. 

* The general public, on the first day, witnessed a bench headed by the CJI UU Lalit, reserving verdict on the pleas challenging the 10% reservation for the economic weaker sections (EWS) in admissions and jobs.

* The five-judge bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud allowed the ECI to go ahead with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's plea to be recognised as the "real Shiv Sena" and claim the party's symbol "bow and arrow.

* The bench headed by the third senior most SC Judge, Justice SK Kaul, hearing pleas on the validity of the All India Bar Exam.

Is this move a game changer?

Yes, if executed with absolute maturity and perfection, it would be a game changer says a legal expert.

- Adapted from the article by Shruti Kakkar in the NIE.

My take

Definitely a game changer and a step in the right direction. Will make the judiciary transparent and accountable.

Tailpiece.

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

Selvam comes by and the backlog of clothes were pressed.

Indore, the cleanest city for the 6th year in a row!

Cleanest Indian cities and states :-

Cities

* First         Indore

* Second     Surat

* Third        Navi Mumbai

States

* First         Madhya Pradesh

* Second     Chhattisgarh

* Third        Maharashtra

Swachh Abhiyaan emphasised by Prime Minister is yielding results. It willbe completely successful when one no more sees mounds of waste lying by the wayside and a proper waste disposal management system is firmly in place.

At an event organised by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, India's President Draupadi Murmu distributed the awards to the winners.

The pan-India Swachh Sarvekshan (Survey) is conducted across the country's mega cities since 2016. Indore has maintained the first position ever since. It has, therefore, become the most preferred destination for travellers.

How has Indore achieved it?

Indore has its own waste management system and the volume of garbage in the city is disposed off through well established door-to-door garbage collection system. The door-to-door service was started in Jan '16 as a pilot project in 2 out of its 84 wards, which later spread across all wards. After a year, it succeeded in achieving 100% door-to-door garbage collection with the wider participation of the citizens in keeping the city clean.

Bijnor was ranked the first among Ganga towns with fewer than 1 lakh population, followed by Kannauj and Garhmukteshwar.

No 1 rank held by Tripura among stats having fewer than 100 urban local bodies.

No 1 rank held by Panchgani among cities with less than 1 lakh population.

Tailpiece.

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

It was a quiet Sunday.

From Gandhinagar to Bombay.

The country's Vande Bharat Express train was rolled out by the Prime Minister yesterday. A game changer in the country's internal communications and connectivity. Let's look into the fact file of the Vande Bharat Express. Train no.20901 was flagged of from Gandhinagar.

Fact file

* 6 days a week

* 16 coaches

* Reaches 160 kmph in just 140 seconds

* Its commercial run began from today, 01 Oct

Indigenously Built Marvel

* Is indigenously designed semi-high speed self propelled train set

* Kavach technology - the indigenously developed train collision avoidance system is part of this train.

Flood Proof

The train has better flood proofing for under-slung electrical equipment that will withstand floods up to a height of 650 mm.

On Deck Services

* Coach Control Management system for monitoring air-conditioning, communication and feedback to control center/maintenance staff through GSM/GPRS.

* Passenger information and infotainment systems in every coach.

Aircraft-like Amenities

* Advanced safety features.

* Automatic entry and exit doors.

* Reclining facility and comfortable seats.

* Attendant call buttons

* Emergency talk-back units.

* Bio-toilets.

Fares

Executive chair car          Rs.2,505/-

Chair car                          Rs. 1,385/-

Timings

Departure Bombay Central                   0600 hrs.

Arrive Gandhinagar                              1230 hrs.

Departure Gandhinagar                         1405 hrs.

Arrive Bombay                                      2035 hrs.

Tailpiece.

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

The maid went about her work as usual.

Participated in the 588th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "The Global Relevance of Gandhian Economic Thoughts" by PJ Antony, Executive Editor, Jeevan TV. An absorbing interaction and I'd to wind up as Maman was not available due to a tardy connection.

A quiet Saturday.