Adieu Sir Sean Connery!

Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family has said.

The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, Agent 007, being the first to bring the role to the big screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers viz. * Dr No (1962) * From Russia with Love (1963) * Goldfinger (1964) * Thunderball (1965) * You Only Live Twice (1967) * Diamonds are Forever (1971) * Never Say Never Again (1983).

Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said. His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in 'The Untouchables'. Sir Sean's other films included 'The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade and The Rock.

His son said his father "had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him" when he died overnight in Nassau. Much of the Bond film 'Thunderball' had been filmed there.

Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, said Sir Sean was "one of the true greats of cinema". "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more", he said. "He defined an era and a style. TH\he wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.

In reference to Sir Sean's love of the game, he added : "Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course".

Sir Sean, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, had his first major film appearance in the 1957 British gangster film 'No Road Back'. He was largely regarded as being the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, often being named as such in polls.

Connery made the character of James Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit. Many critics didn't like it and some of the reviews were scathing. But the public did not agree.

The action scenes, sex and exotic locations were a winning formula.

In truth, his Bond is now a museum piece; the portrayal of women impossibly dated. The action scenes are still thrilling but the sex too often bordered on the non-consensual.

Thankfully, it has been a while since 007 slapped a woman on the backside and forced a kiss. But Connery's performance was of its time, enjoyed by millions of both sexes and gave the silver screen a 20th Century icon.

He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.

His unforgettable words, "the name's Bond......James Bond".

Adieu Sir Sean Connery. You shall always be my James Bond and I must hasten to add that I don't mean to disrespect the subsequent actors who had donned that role! My tears and salute to an icon!! May the family have the strength to tide over these stressful times!!!

Source : Adapted. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Wished Malu and Rajeesh a happy wedding anniversary. 

Participated in the Aazhchakkoottam from 1600-1700 hrs on 'Women and Covid' by Dr Amar Fetil. It was nice.    

Who are you?

 A story on 'Self Awareness'.

During one of his travels, Kalidasa felt very thirsty and looked around for water. He saw a lady drawing water from a well. He went up to her and asked her for water. She agreed to give him water but asked him, "Who are you? Introduce yourself".

Now, Kalidasa thought that an ordinary village woman was not worthy of knowing who Kalidasa was. So he said, "I am a traveller". But the lady replied, "In this world there are only two travellers - the Sun and the Moon. Both rise and set everyday and keep travelling perpetually".

Then Kalidasa said, "Alright then, I am a guest". The lady promptly replied, "In this world there are only two guests - Youth and Wealth - both are temporary and hence can only be called as guests".

Intrigued Kalidasa said, "I am a tolerant person (sahansheel vyakti)". Now the lady replied, "In this world only two truly know the meaning of tolerance - Bhoomi (Earth) and Tree. How much ever you stamp the earth or throw stones at the tree (for the fruits) both continue to nurture us".

Now, Kalidasa was completely perplexed. He said, "Fine. I am a stubborn person (hatavaadi)". The lady smiled and said, "There are only two truly stubborn personalities - our nails and our hair. We keep cutting them non-stop but they continue to grow".

Kalidas had been patient so far but now in anger he said, "I am a fool". Now the lady gave a wide smile and said, " There are only two kinds of fools in this world - a King who rules without having any capability or knowledge and a Minister who is a sycophant to such a King and lavishes praises on such a useless king".

Kalidas realised that he had been outsmarted. He fell at the feet of the lady and when he touched her feet and then got up, whom did he see?

Mata Saraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Wisdom.

She said, "Kalidasa, you are wise. But only if you know yourself do you become a Manushya (human being). 

A person without any awareness of self has not reached the pinnacle of being a human.

More than teaching children how to earn money and become rich, parents should teach them to become aware of themselves and become better human beings (Manushya).

Intelligence is good but Wisdom achieves better results.

    *         *          *

In jest!

John Wayne.......his 5 rules to life....

* Money cannot buy happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle * Forgive your enemy but remember the b******'s name * Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they're in trouble again * Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them * Alcohol does not solve any problems but then again, neither does milk.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Power interruption from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs but the saving grace was that it was announced through a What'sApp message, in the morning. .

Attended a webinar "Green Technology Packages to Invigorate Farmer's Economy" by Dr Kamalasanan Pillai, Principal Scientist - International Azolla Programme from 1600 - 1700 hrs.    

Just for fun!

These are some of my foolish doubts.

* Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard when he lives in the jungle without the razor?

* Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?

* Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they they know there is not enough?

* Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?

* What is the speed of darkness?

* Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up every two hours?

* If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?

* Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem longer?

* Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? Did you ever stop and wonder.........

* Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

* Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

* Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time but don't point to their rear when they ask where the rest room is?

* If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

* If corn oil is made of corn and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?

* If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

* Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

* Did you ever notice that when you blow on to a dog's face, he gets mad at you but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out of the window?

* Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

    *              *                *

What an answer?

Dr S Radhakrishnan while speaking....one of his students raised a question. "Sir, what's the difference between a Station Master and a School Master?"

All were very eagerly waiting for his answer because they thought it was an irrelevant question to him but he coolly replied.......

"The Station Master, "Minds the Train" and a School Master, "Trains the Mind".

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The monthly grocery was ordered by Lekha on the department store, nearby and the delivery boy brought the stuff an hour later.

    

Keep me in your prayers!

The actual meaning.

Since we always say, "Keep me in your prayers" to each other, I thought of sharing a small story about the actual meaning of these five words. Just go on and read it and I am sure you will start thinking the way I do after reading this story. 

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert-like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. He boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?" "My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them", the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything".

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings".

"Tell me", the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered".

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone but also those of others praying for us. 

My prayer for you today is that all your prayers are answered. Be blessed.

"What you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself".

Keep me in your prayers!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Earlier, the Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house was undertaken. Subin came around a half past 7 and cleaned up the overhead fresh water tank.

Spoke to Leela chittamma, dad's youngest sister-in-law, who resides in Kochi. And wasn't she thrilled?

Infantry day.

You never chose infantry, rather infantry is when destiny chose 'you' over the rest.

Infantry is :-

* When a cold and shivering jawan gets you a cup of hot tea on a patrol break at 13,000 ft.

* When your sixth sense tells you there is something wrong with a guy at 50 meters.

* When you meet with an accident and the first thing you check is the serviceability of your legs.

* When you speak the language of your boys.

* When you sit from dusk to dawn in an ambush on Valentine's Day, you know infantry is giving you the red rose.

* When you are a master at pump stove, lanterns, solar lights, bukharis and travelling in trains without reservations.

* When you know more about cramps and cold injuries than your average doctor.

* When a girl in the pub is indicated by clock-ray method.

* When only your Sahayak can dig out the thing you want from your rucksack.

* When your pain submits to your will.

* When you find it funny when your relative says he's going on a holiday to a hill station.

* When your Arm ie. infantry, is a matter of discussion during marriage proposals.

* When you do not believe in ghosts but do believe in Peer Baba and other high altitude babas.

* When you know the real meaning of camouflage, in field, in parties, in unit routine and in your own house.

* When you can live, anywhere, with anybody, on anything that nature can offer.

* When you know this LMG will be resited by everybody up the ladder, till it comes back to where you had sited it initially.

* When somebody asks, "Do you play Golf?" and you look at the brass on your shoulder and say "Not yet!"

* When you are the biggest consumer of foot powder, DMP oil, water sterilization kit, ORS packets and Meals Ready to Eat in the Army.

* When you gave it all that you have got and some more.

* When you are the only one to get trained in bayonet fighting. And expect it to happen.

* When your girl friend thinks you are Rambo, Commando, Gladiator and Braveheart, all rolled into one. Your Commanding Officer, however, thinks you are none.

* When you get lost in a multiplex with signboards but are at ease in a jungle with a compass.

* When you can die for what you have lived.

And a slice of history.

It's 73 years to the dot. On 26 Oct 1947, His Highness Hari Singh, the monarch of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession and the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, on IS Duties around Gurgaon, was asked to report to Palam by 4 AM for airlift to Srinagar. Lt Col DR Rai and the soldiers of 1 Sikh were ready for the first troop airlift of independent India. The troops, with subsequent reinforcements, gave a good account of themselves and gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani forces. And 27 Oct, since then, has been celebrated as the Infantry Day!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 6. It was a quiet Tuesday.

A true life story!

This is a real life story from Tinsukia district, Assam.......

One fine day, a vegetable seller, Soberan, was coming home, pushing his vegetable cart. He heard a baby crying from the bushes. He went near the bush and saw an innocent child lying on the heap of garbage, crying.

Soberan looked around, waited for a while and when no one appeared, lifted her in his lap. It was an infant girl. He brought her home. He was 30 yrs old at that time and was not even married. Soberan was very happy after finding the girl. He decided to raise her and not marry! He named the girl, Jyoti....!!

He thought he should work hard day and night and did not let her feel the lack of anything. He sent her to school and did everything he could, to fulfill her needs. Even if he had to remain hungry, he never let his daughter fall short of anything. 

Years passed by.......and Jyoti graduated in Computer Science in 2013. She started preparing for competitive exams.

In 2014, Jyoti performed brilliantly in the examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission and was appointed the Assistant Income Tax Commissioner! Soberan was wet with tears after seeing his daughter fulfilling all her dreams!!

At present, Jyoti is taking good care of her father and is fulfilling all his wishes. Even though she insists on his relaxing at least now, her father still runs the vegetable vendor trade.

Let's hear what Soberan has to say, "I did not pick up a girl from a garbage heap, instead, I got a diamond from a coal mine, which filled my life with divine light".   

    *          *           *

A beautiful message from the Bhagwad Gita....

* Stay away from anger.......it hurts.....only you!

* If you are right then there is no need to get angry......

* And if you are wrong then you you don't have any right to get angry.

* Patience with family is love.....

* Patience with others is respect.

* Patience with self is confidence and patience with God is faith.

* Never think hard about the past, it brings tears......

*Don't think more about the future, it brings fear.....

* Live this moment with a smile, it brings cheer.

* Every test in our life makes us bitter or better........

* Every problem comes to make us or break us!

* The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious.

* Beautiful things are not always good but good things are always beautiful......

* Do you know why God created gaps between fingers? So that someone, who is special to you, comes and fills those gaps, by holding your hand forever.

* "Happiness" keeps you.....sweet but being sweet brings happiness.

Tailpiece.

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

We went through the 'vidya aarambh' with Lekha reading a few lines from the Lakshmi sahasranaama sthothram and writing her daily prayers on the book she usually does. Lekha had, earlier, made a nice 'paayasam' for the occasion. 

A quiet day otherwise!

The pride of being in the defence forces!

I put my cabin-baggage in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight to New Delhi. "I'm glad that I've a good book to read. Perhaps, I will get a short nap", I thought.

Just before take off, a few soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. "Where are you guys headed?" I asked the young soldier seated next to me. "Agra. We'll be there for two weeks for special training and then we will be deployed for operations".

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that lunch packs will be made available on payment. It would be some time before we reached Delhi. So, I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. 

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that costs a lot of money! Probably wouldn't be worth it. I'll wait till we get to Delhi", his buddy replied. I looked around at the other soldiers. No one was buying lunch.

That's when I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant enough money to cover for sufficient number of lunch packs to cover all the soldiers and told her, "Take a lunch pack each to all those soldiers". She grabbed my arm and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me and said, "My younger brother was a soldier in Kargil, it's almost like you're doing it for him".

Picking up the lunch packs, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were sitting. She stopped at my seat and asked, "What do you like best - vegetarian or chicken?" "Chicken", I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of the plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from the First Class and said, "This is yours".

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. An old man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this!" He handed me a Rs.500/- currency note.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Captain of the flight coming down the aisle, looking at the seat numbers as he walked. I hoped he wasn't looking for me but noticed he was looking at the seat numbers on the side of the plane where I was sitting. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, "I want to shake your hand".

Quickly unfastening my seat-belt, I stood up and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was an Air Force pilot a long time back. Once someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot". I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later, I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A kid  who looked about 18 years of age, was sitting about six rows in front of me, reached out his hand wanting to shake mine. I felt him stick a currency note in my palm.

Another currency note it was!

Upon entering the Terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip ahead. I walked over to them and handed over all the currency notes that were given to me on the flight by several people and said, "It will take you some time to reach Agra. It will be about time for a sandwich. May God Bless You! And thank you all for doing whatever you do".

The young men of honour left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow countrymen. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I and a few fellow passengers could only give them a few meals. It seemed so little......

A serviceman is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank cheque made payable to 'India' for an amount of 'Up to and including my life'.

That is honour!  

Tailpiece.

Got up about half an hour later than our usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. It was Lekha's show all the way as Suma was given the Sunday off.

Our immediate surroundings have been marked as 'Containment Zone' as a few Covid-19 cases have been reported. Sec 144 of the CrPC has been clamped and kids, of 10 yrs and under and elderly people, 60 yrs and above have been advised not to step out of their houses.

Never knew that the pandemic was so close!

Why do these things happen in my country?

One has heard that there is a huge backlog of cases in this country and a few of the reasons are because of obstruction of justice, intimidation of witnesses and an irresistible urge on the part of the stakeholders to ensure the effect falls on the ongoing electoral outcomes. And this is in addition to a shortage of judges. 

But why do such things happen, with a remarkable regularity, in my country?

Let us just analyse a few of the recent developments that have created a furore. And mind you, the battle of the ballot is currently on in Bihar!

(a) Hathras.

Let's quickly recapitualte the sequence of actions immediately after the incident. * A young Dalit lady is reported to have been gang raped by four guys from the forward caste  * The seriously injured lady is transferred to the Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi where she succumbs to her injuries a few days later * The police cremate the mortal remains, in a tearing hurry, in the middle of the night. * Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra make a beeline to the victim's house, creating law and order problems for the UP police * The script changes, thereafter, in that the deceased lady and a boy of the upper caste were supposed to have been in love and it could be a case of honour killing * News also surfaces that actually the girl was never raped and maybe her brother knows the actual truth *  The Yogi Adityanath government of UP asks for a CBI inquiry into the matter.

The unrest quickly dissipates, news surface that the hospital where the young lady had breathed her last doesn't seem to have her death certificate. 

And meanwhile, the election campaign had commenced in Bihar! No one seems to be bothered about the incident at Hathras!!

(b) Republic TV bears the brunt.

It all began with an interview of actress, Kangana Ranaut on the Republic television channel where she had stated that Sushant Singh Rajput hadn't committed suicide but was murdered. The channel had put its own investigation team on the incident to pursue the truth. The grossly inefficient and shoddy investigation done by the Bombay Police was brought to light in the process and the actor's death was also found to be connected to his manager, Disha Salian's death around a week before his. The point of suspicion indicated the involvement of a top Maharashtra politician and a few Bollywood personnel. As the details of the sickening news was coming out, the proliferation of drug usage among the 'glamorous' people of Bollywood was brought out.

And then, came the so-called TRP scam. And in all these cases, the Bombay police and its Commissioner were seen in bad light because of its vindictive attitude. 

We are now witness to the bamboozling of the Republic TV  by the government of Maharashtra and the Bombay police. The fight has got very ugly with the police slapping a record number of FIRs on the journalists belonging to the channel.

The sad part in this entire tamasha is that the rest of the media houses have kept themselves studiously away without standing in support of Arnab Goswami and his channel. Neither has the rest of the Bollywood - considered to be clean(?) - from Amitabh Bachchan downwards have uttered a word about the rampant drug abuse prevalent in their system!

Do these guys believe that they can suppress the truth forever and save that top politician?

(c) Farooq Abdullah.

This corrupt politician makes a seditious statement when he asked for China's help to repeal the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A in Jammu and Kashmir, clamped last year, by the Modi government. The idiot should have been slapped with charges of sedition, arrested forthwith and tried for treason and given the capital punishment.

Instead we have the horror of seeing him move around freely as though nothing has happened. Had the same words been uttered by a common citizen, he would have been behind bars, slapped with non bailable charges.

Is our law different for different people? Why is this partiality being practiced so blatantly? 

I'm totally flummoxed. This guy - Farooq Abdullah - needs to be punished for his perfidy, without delay!

My take.

My country is destined to be a superpower and it cannot be pulled down at every stage by the fifth columnists. Nationalism is meant for the entire lot of Indians, the defaulters must be kicked out of the country or be left to perish. Their time has come to prove their loyalty to their motherland, failing which.......

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Serious conversations with Mithun and Maman.

Participated in the 'Aazhchakkoottam' that had MA Baby, the CPM's politburo member, narrating his experiences while he was stricken with Covid-19. Highlighted the commendable job of the health services of the state - he, his wife and a son were treated at the Government Medical College & Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. The interaction was between 1600 - 1730 hrs.

Also participated in a Zoom meeting of my naval course mates from Kochi and Pune from 2000 - 2100 hrs. It was nice.   

    

  

A Pencil is not just a Pencil!

A fabulous statement about life.

Once upon a time.........A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked, "Are you writing a story about what we've done? Is it a story about me?" His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson, "I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I'm using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up".

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn't seem very special. He said, "But it's just like any other pencil I've ever seen!"

Grandma replied, "That depends on how you look at things. It has seven qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world".

"First quality : You are capable of great things but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God and He always guides us according to His will".

"Second quality : Now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he's much sharper. So you, too, learn to bear certain pains and sorrows because they will make you a better person".

"Third quality : The pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice".

"Fourth quality : what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you".

"Fifth quality : It always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in every action of yours".

"Sixth quality : It gets shorter and shorter while in use, so also life. Make the most while it lasts".

"Finally the seventh quality of the pencil is : It writes till the very end. Be useful and productive till your dying day".

The pencil may vanish but the impression it leaves, stays on forever......

PS. 

Reminded me of my interactions with my grandmother.

    *               *                 *

What is luxury?

They made us believe that luxury was the rare, the expensive, the exclusive, everything that seemed unattainable.....Now we realise that luxury were those little things that we did not know how to value when we had them and now that they are gone, we miss them so much......Luxury is being healthy. Luxury is not stepping into a hospital. Luxury is being able to walk along the seashore. Luxury is going out on the streets and breathing without a mask. Luxury is meeting with your whole family, with your friends. Luxury are the looks. Smiles are luxury. Luxury are hugs and kisses. Luxury is enjoying every sunrise. Luxury is the privilege of loving and being alive. All this is a luxury and we did not know.

Stay grateful....

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Today, Lekha had three calls from the Amazon guys delivering things that she had ordered. Those festive offers, you know! Online shopping has taken off during these Covid days!

Called up two of my cousins - Lekshmi, at Pondicherry, to wish her many happy returns and Santhi, just to hear her and I think I managed to surprise both of them, in the bargain, because it has been a while since I'd spoken to them, thanks to the luxury and short cut provided by What'sApp.

Participated in the webinar : "Status of Vaccine Development for Covid-19" by Dr Pranay Khare from Boston, between 1700 and 1800 hrs. It was an excellent presentation! 

Why didn't the Dutch rule India?

Do you know why the Dutch didn't rule India though they were the earliest European invaders?

It happened when the biggest and the most valuable company in the history of the world was brought down (among other things) by a royal Malayalee from India. There was a moment in history when the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) or simply the Dutch East India Company was the most well funded and powerful business, military and naval force in the world.

Established in 1602, it had a virtual monopoly of the global spice trade for most of the 17th century and was the first truly multinational corporation in history. It had a great run, more successful and profitable, paying on an average, an 18% dividend for almost 200 years. Adjusted to inflation, it had the market capitalisation of over 7 trillion $ (in today's money) - making it perhaps, the most valuable company in the history of companies.

The Dutch made most of their money from India - by the early 18th century, the Dutch economic and political power in southern India was at its peak. The Dutch had thrown the Portuguese out, defeated the mighty Zamorins of Calicut and even sadly turned the powerful kingdom of Kochi into a vassal state where the crown even bore the Dutch emblem of VOC.

The Dutch East India Company is dead today - in large parts, thsanks to this patriotic powerful Indian from Kerala.

Among the many mistakes that ultimately led to their downfall; perhaps the biggest was committed by the Dutch Governor Gustaaf Willem Van Imhoff in 1739. During the ensuing negotiations between Governor Imhoff and Marthanda Varma, the former had said that his forces will rake Travancore down to dust. In his reply, Varma quipped simply, "With all due respect to you sir, then I will certainly invade Holland, mark my words".

Obviously miffed, the Governor of the mighty Dutch empire walked off from the meeting, determined to teach this local king of a small kingdom a lesson. Soon, a large contingent of Dutch artillery forces landed in Colachel, led by Captain Eustachius De Lannoy. Their intention was to make a quick dash and capture the capital of Travancore - Padmanabhapuram.

On 10 Aug 1941, both the armies met each other in the now famous 'Battle of Colachel'. Within no time, the Dutch faced a crushing and decisive defeat - most of their soldiers fled and their commander. Eustace De Lannoy was captured along with his deputy. Marthanda Varma forced the Dutch to sign a peace treaty, taking over most of Dutch forts in the Malabar region of India and bringing to an end, the Dutch monopoly in the Spice Trade with India.

What's more, Marthanda Varma even made Eustace De Lannoy join his forces as a trainer and used him to modernise the Army of Travancore - which later became the Madras Regiment of independent India.

The Dutch black pepper trade monopoly was taken over by the state of Travancore, which made them rich then and now! In case you wonder how rich - Marthanda Varma re-consecrated an old temple of Lord Vishnu (Padmanabhaswamy) and regularly donated to it during his lifetime.

Recently, 5 of the 8 sealed chamber vaults of this temple were opened by the authorities - which yielded a 'small' treasure in gold and jewels, estimated to be worth over US $ 22 billion (making it the richest institution and place of worship in the world). Experts believe that the remaining vaults hold treasures worth a trillion dollars.

While Marthanda Varma, an Indian, had his life moment in world history, our disgraceful Indian historians didn't think of his achievements important enough to even deserve a mention in our school textbooks. 

 

Tailpiece.

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

Spoke to Dharamvir Singh, my friend and course mate settled down at Panchkula, after what seemed to be a long time. It was nice catching up with him.

Is Pakistan imploding?

Pakistan has been a rogue state as it exported state-sponsored terrorism. The terrorists, nurtured there, have been fomenting trouble in Jammu and Kashmir over the years, killing hapless civilians which has now been thwarted owing to the abrogation of its special status providing Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the trifurcation of the state into three union territories viz, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The ISI has been directing a lot of its nefarious activities on India and we have suffered them silently - the unfortunate part being the fifth columnists in our country have also been carrying out their anti-national activities under their cover.

But the age old saying that anyone using the sword for his survival will finally, be overwhelmed by the same sword is coming to reality in Pakistan if one were to go by the news. A civil war seems to have erupted, with the Sindh province as the epicenter - will it all end up with the Pakistani armed forces being driven back to the barracks once for all? It's high time that such a situation comes about for the good of that country!

Now, let's have a quick run down of the implosions taking place :-

It all began when the High Command of Sindh Police has been ridiculed and mishandled by the Pak Army. Police personnel have gone on mass leave.

* 10 Karachi police officers have died in clashes between police and the Pakistan army. A civil war is brewing in Pakistan as its troops are invading its own country. The Pakistan Army Rangers have been put on high alert in the whole of Sindh.

* Heavy fire was exchanged between the Pakistan Army and the Sindh Police in Karachi after the Army tried to take custody of SP Mohammed Aftab Anwar. Five Pak Army officers died in the firing.

* Several shops in the shopping malls owned by the kin of the defence forces have been torched. 

One must understand that this news have come out despite a blanket censor imposed on the media by the Pak Army! 

India has always preferred a strong Pakistan, working towards its prosperity and to refrain from rogue activities. Let's only hope that the innocent civilians aren't put into difficulty and the implosion is contained! But yes, the Army must get back to the barracks and come under the control of a civilian government; only then will that country get its much required reprieve from sliding to anarchy and lawlessness.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores, the usual Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house and was ready by a quarter to 10. Lekha, along with Suma, had gone to collect the entitlements on her ration card and on return, called on the ailing Sathiamma, our first maid on settling down at Guruvayur.

Could video call Krish sir, at NOIDA, New Delhi, who's going for a retinal surgery tomorrow. The ophthalmologist has said that it's a major intervention but he'll be back home by afternoon. Both their sons are abroad, one in Dubai and the other in Canada. 

Lekha had applied a home-made pesticide by mashing and grinding ginger, garlic and green chilly in equal levels on the plants in the vegetable garden. The recipe for the potent concoction was acquired from You Tube!

We spoke to my friend and classmate, Babu Sahadev and his wife, Suma at Toronto, Canada. It was nice catching up with them. Time wise, they're only 91/2 hours behind us and I was always under the impression that it was 14 hrs!    

Dedicated to all moms!

A woman, renewing her driver's licence, was asked by the woman at the Registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is", explained the woman at the Registry, "Do you have a job or are you just a.....?"

"Of course I have a job", snapped the woman. "I'm a Mum". "We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, "housewife covers it", said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar'. "What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out, "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations". The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. i repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask", said the clerk with new interest, "just what do you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). 

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most-run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money".

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7 and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (a 6 month old baby) in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern (crying).

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum'.

Motherhood! What a glorious career? Especially when there's a title on the door.

Source : Adapted from a post received from a friend. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time, the chores and was ready a trifle late as there were three telephone calls - from friends. Finished up pending jobs.

Be like the Sunflower.

Sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun. In other words, they "chase the light". You might already know this but there is another fact that you probably do not know.

Have you ever wondered what happens on cloudy and rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds?

They turn towards each other to share their energy. 

Nature's perfection is amazing. Now let's apply this reflection to our lives. Many people may become low-spirited and the most vulnerable ones, sometimes, become depressed.

How about following the example of the beautiful sunflowers?

"Supporting and empowering each other". Nature has so much to teach us.

Spread goodness........it will come back to you.......

    *               *               *

The purpose of Navaratri celebrations. 

I'd given a detailed account of Navaratri, in my blog of yesterday. Given below is information that will cover the entire perspective.

Navaratri means nine lights. Darkness is associated with night. What is this darkness? It is the darkness of ignorance. The purpose of the navaratri celebration is to enable man to get rid of nine types of darkness which have taken hold of him. When a reference is made to Devi, it signifies the unified form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. 

The three together represent Shakti. Shakti is the energy that accounts for all the phenomena of Prakruti (Nature). Nature is energy and the controller of that energy is the Lord. Prakruti is made up of the three qualities - Satwa, Rajas and Tamas.

Saraswati represents the Satwa Guna (Serenity), Lakshmi represents the Rajas/Rajo Guna (Activity) and Parvati represents the Tamas/Tamo Guna (Destructiveness). 

As Prakruti is made up of these three qualities, to get control of Nature, man has been offering worship to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. These are not goddesses but deified symbols of the three qualities.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. It was a quiet day to begin with and the start of a week.

The Kudumbasree ladies had come across a snake in the compound and stopped work. One eighth of the compound is left to be worked on. The matron has said that male workers would be deployed to complete the remaining work. They would be able to handle such a situation better. 

I'm glad that the situation had ended this way despite the fact that the work has got extended.  

Navaratri.

On 16 Oct was the first of the Malayalam month of 'Tulaam'. And many of us wished each other on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri, yesterday. It's believed that the Goddess fought every night to defeat a demon.

On the first night she quelled Kaama, the demon of Lust.

On the second she extinguished Krodha, the demon of Anger.

Then on the third night she dispelled the demon of Attraction, Moha.

Then she shattered Lobha, the demon of Greed.

In the fifth night, she came face to face with the demon, Mada and vanquished Hubris.

On the sixth night she confronted the swirling demon of Jealousy, Matsara and defeated it.

Then still smiling with the energy of beauty, she went forward and smote the ugliness of Swartha, the demon of Selfishness.

On the eighth night she killed Anyaya, injustice.

On the ninth night using only her kindness she banished Amanavata, the dreadful demon of Cruelty.

Then on the morning after the ninth night, she was about to rest when she realised that her most difficult foe was upon her.

She sat in the Lotus position, laid down all her weapons and with a gentle sigh and a quiet smile, she dissolved the final demon. Ahankara, her ego.

     *            *              *

Real fasting of Navaratri at the intellectual level means purification of the soul in the following ways :-

Prathama - I will leave all my Anger.

Dwitiya - I will stop Judging People.

Tritiya - I will leave all my Grudges.

Chathurthi - I will Forgive myself and everyone.

Panchami - I will Accept myself and everyone as they are.

Shashti - I will love myself and everyone unconditionally.

Saptami - I will leave all my feelings of jealousy and guilt.

Ashtami (Durgaashtami) - I will leave all my fears.

Navami (Mahanavami) - I will offer Gratitude for all the things I have and all which I will get.

Dashami (Vijayadashami) -  There is abundance in the universe for all and I will always tap the same and create what I want through unconditional love, Sadhana, nishkama seva and faith.  

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Washing machinex of bed linen as it was a bright, sunny day.

Participated in the webinar, "Jan Vigyan Eco Digital Jagriti in Mission Mode" by Annavarem Vandana, of Hyderabad, from 1500 - 1600 hrs. The young lady put across her presentation very well. 

The Daffodil Principle.

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over". I wanted to go but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyous sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!" My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother". "Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks", Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this". "Carolyn", I said sternly, "please turn around". "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience".

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, "Daffodil Garden". We got out of the car, each took a child's hand and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight.

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-coloured variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"Who did this?" I asked Carolyn. "Just one woman", Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home". Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs", it read. The second was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet and one brain". The third answer was, "Began in 1958".

For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

Daffodil garden is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time - often just one baby-step at a time - and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.......

"It makes me sad in a way", I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow", she said.

She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting.......

Until your car or home is paid off * Until you get a new car or home * Until your kids leave the house * Until you go back to school * Until you finish school * Until clean the house * Until you organise the garage * Until you clean off your desk * Until you lose 10 lbs * Until you gain 10 lbs * Until you get married

* Until you have kids * Until the kids go to school * Until you retire * Until summer * Until spring * Until winter * Until fall * Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey not a destination. 

So work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt and Dance like no one's watching.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. My income tax return has been filed.

Twenty ladies of the 'Kudumbasree collective' worked on the Raj Nivas' compound, removing the weeds and wild grass. Already 50 people have worked over the last three days and the last and the lowest of the flats needing weeding out, which will be done on Monday!

Participated in the first webinar on "A Hand Full of Green Intelligence" by Dr Pamposh Kumar of the DST, Govt of India from 1200 - 1300 hrs. Was educative.

Participated  in the Aazhchakkoottam on "Crimes of Murders and Kerala" by Mr Jacob Punnoose, Ex-DGP of Kerala. Very nicely presented!        

The Law of Wasted Effort.

Do you know that lions only succeed in a quarter of their hunting attempts? Which means they fail in 75% of their attempts and succeed in only 25% of them.

Despite this small percentage shared by most predators, they don't despair in their pursuit and hunting attempts.

The main reason for this is not because of hunger as some might think but it is the understanding of the "Law of Wasted Efforts" that have been instinctively built into animals, a law in which nature is governed.

Half of the eggs of fishes are eaten.......half of the baby bears die before puberty.......most of the world's rains fall in oceans.......and most of the seeds of trees are eaten by birds.

Scientists have found that animals, trees and other forces of nature are more receptive to the law of "wasted efforts".

Only humans think that the lack of success in a few attempts is failure......but the truth is that : we only fail when we "stop trying".

Success is not to have a life free of pitfalls and falls.......but success is to walk over your mistakes and go beyond every stage where your efforts were wasted looking forward to the next stage.

If there is a word that summarizes this world, it will simply be : continue all over again.

Source. What'sApp.

     *            *            *

In jest.

A woman walks into a butchery shop just before closing time and asks, "Do you still have chicken?"

The butcher opens his deep freezer, takes out his only chicken left and puts it on the weighing scale. It weighs 1.5 kg.

The woman looks at the chicken and at the scale and asked, "Do you have one that's a bit bigger than this one?"

The butcher puts his only chicken back into the freezer and then, takes it out again.

But this time when he puts it on the scale, he carefully keeps his thumb on the scale pan.

And the scale now shows 2 kg.

"That's wonderful", said the woman.

"I'll take both of them, please!"

In a situation like this, you realize at once that your integrity and reputation are firmly on the line.

Your wisdom becomes foolishness and your cunningness becomes stupidity.

Until now the butcher has his head inside the big deep freezer, looking for the first chicken.

Remember :

* Always tell the truth and you'll be free! * A good name is better than riches * Live to express yourself and not to impress others.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Two KSEB line men came by, asked me to shut down the inverter as they were going to work on the overhead line. Why was the requirement to shut down the inverter asked for, I'd my doubts on, but maintained my silence and went along with it. The electricity was restored at about 1800 hrs. And there were a few power interruptions in the course of the evening - subsequent to it - making me wonder as to what work they had carried out during the entire day?

Attended a webinar on "Eco Eureka Principles for Eco Digital Skills and Green Benchmarking" by Dr S Nagarathinam, Head of the Department of Communication and Linguistics, Madurai Kamaraj University from 1700 - 1800 hrs. It was an interesting presentation. 

 

Etiquette to right parenting.

For all parents!

Thirukkural was written by Thiruvalluvar (A Tamil poet/writer) more than 5,000 years ago. It's one of the ancient sciences on Human Behaviour which has not changed despite Modern Education and Technology!

               SOME GOLDEN THOUGHTS OF THIRUKKURAL

  1. If your children lie to you often, it is because you over-react too harshly to their inappropriate        behaviour.

  2. If your children are not taught to confide in you about their mistakes, you've lost them.

  3. If your children had poor self-esteem, it is because you advise them more than you encourage them.

  4. If your children do not stand up for themselves, it is because from a young age you have                    disciplined them regularly in public.

  5. If your children take things that do not belong to them, it is because when you buy them things, you   don't let them choose what they want.

  6. If your children are cowardly, it is because you help them too quickly.

  7. If your children do not respect other people's feelings, it is because instead of speaking, you order  and command them.

  8. If your children are too quick to anger, it is because you give too much attention to misbehaviour      and you give little attention to good behaviour.

  9. If your children are excessively jealous, it is because you congratulate them only when they              successfully complete something and not when they improve at something even if they don't                  successfully complete it.

10. If your children intentionally disturb you, it is because you are not physically affectionate enough.

11. If your children are openly defiant, it is because you openly threaten to do something but don't        follow through. 

12. If your child is secretive, it is because they are sure that you would blow things out of proportion.

13. If your children answer back at you, it is because they watch you do it to others and think it's            normal behaviour.

14. If your children don't listen to you but listen to others, it is because you are too quick to jump to        conclusions.

15. If your children rebel, it is because they know you care more about what others think than what is    right. 

Tailpiece.

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

There's a cat that is trying to be friendly with us. We give him food and do not disturb him if he's lying around outside the house, even if that position comes in our way. We've named him Kittu. Must be about a year old and is grey in colour with black stripes.

 

Do learn from the defence forces.

It is very true. Your religion is the religion of the troops you command, your unit and your regiment. You die for your country in the ultimate reckoning. The truth, however, is that you die for your regiment which, sometimes, has members from many religions and castes, though it may be named after one group or region to instill a sense of belonging.

Also as an officer, one has to compulsorily learn the language of the troops! Could be Tamil, Punjabi, Gurkhali, Assamese, Bengali or whatever! You go to pray at all places of worship that your troops pray and celebrate all festivals. That is why the Indian Army has always beaten the Pakistanis. 

It is not that their troops are inferior, it's the Officer Class. The ratio of officer to soldier dying in battle is much higher in the case of the Indian Army as compared to the Pakistani Army in all the wars fought so far. Reason, Indian officers lead from the front and the troops are willing to follow their officer and give their life. That has been the tradition.

To give an example of this relationship : in the 1965 War, a Major George (Malayalee) of the Gurkha Regiment was captured by the Pakistanis and his mutilated body was found stuck to a tree, by his troops. The Gurkhas went with their khukris drawn (the curved dagger used in close combat and part of the Gurkha culture) and returned with numerous pairs of ears and magazines of the Pakistani soldiers responsible for this heinous and cowardly act.

Once the khukri is drawn out of its sheath, it has to see blood. If nothing else, they snick their finger to let the blood touch the blade and then they put it back. The Gurkhas are very loyal and fearsome fighters.

This is applicable to all the Indian Army Regiments. India has the highest battlefield in the world, Siachen Glacier, 18 to 22,000 ft high and all the possible terrains in the world! The American troops come to train with the Indian troops to learn High Altitude warfare and Jungle warfare.

     *            *            *

In the villages, every Shaheed's (Martyr) home is a War Memorial and the parents are proud that their son died for the country!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Earlier the 'aarathi' of the house was carried out as is the usual practice on all Wednesdays.

Attended the webinar, "Generation of Green Economy through People's Participation" by Shri TKA Nair, IAS, Former Principal Secretary Secretary to the PM. It was interesting.

Today, too, there was an unscheduled power interruption for the entire day from 0930 - 1830 hrs. Have to speak to the local KSEB head and stress upon the fact that he cannot do this without prior intimation and sufficient warning to the consumers. It's utter nonsense!

PS.

Adieu Vani's Achhamma.

Vani's achhamma, all of 97 years, passed into the mist of time around a half past 3 in the wee hours of the morning due to old age complications. I remember her lively nature, chirpy with plenty of interesting conversation, outgoing nature and so full of love. Today is 'Dwaadasi', an auspicious occasion and therefore, because her death happened on this day, it's believed that her soul has gone to heaven! 

May her noble soul rest in peace. With tears and prayers.  

I want to remember your face!

In a telephone interview, the radio announcer asked his guest, a millionaire, "What made you happiest in life?" 

The millionaire said :

I have gone through four stages of happiness in life and finally, I understood the meaning of true happiness. The first stage was to accumulate wealth and means. But at this stage I did not get the happiness I wanted.

Then came the second stage of collecting valuables and items. But I realised that the effect of this thing is also temporary and the lustre of valuable things does not last long.

Then came the third stage of getting big projects. Like buying a football team, buying a tourist resort, etc. But even here I did not get the happiness I had imagined.

The fourth time a friend of mine asked me to buy a wheelchair for some disabled children. I immediately bought a wheelchair but the friend insisted that I go with him and hand over the wheelchairs to the children. I got ready and went with it.

There I gave these chairs to these children with my own hands. I saw the strange glow of happiness on the faces of these children. I saw them all sitting on chairs, moving around and having fun. It was as if they had arrived at a picnic spot. 

But I felt real joy when I started to leave and one of the kids grabbed my leg. I gently tried to free my legs but the child stared at my face and held my legs tightly.

I bent down and asked the child, "Do you need anything else?"

The answer that this child gave me not only made me happy but also changed my life completely. This child said, "I want to remember your face so that when I meet you in heaven, I will be able to recognise you and thank you once again".

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. 

One of the girl students of the Mercy Institute of Technology, nearby, had contradicted Covid-19 and is in hospital. A few of the students who had interacted with her, along with the teachers, are the ones who've been quarantined in the house next door. Was given this information by the owner of the house this morning.

It was a rainy day, all through! Because of the rain, the Kudumbasree workers could not be deployed around the Raj Nivas, to cut and remove the wild grass and weeds. And the Met department has predicted heavy rain, along with lightning and thunder, from today till the 16th.

 

The God of Spinoza.

When Einstein gave lectures at US universities, the recurring question that students asked him most was : Do you believe in God? And he always answered : I believe in the God of Spinoza.

Baruch de Spinoza was a Dutch philosopher considered one of the great rationalists of 17th century philosophy, along with Descartes.

(Spinoza) : God would say :

Stop praying. What I want you to do is go out into the world and enjoy your life. I want you to sing, have fun and enjoy everything I've made for you.

Stop going into those dark, cold temples that you that you built yourself and saying they are my house. My house is in the mountains, in the woods, rivers, lakes, beaches. That's where I live and there I express my love for you.

Stop blaming me for your miserable life; I never told you there was anything wrong with you or that you were a sinner or that your sexuality was a bad thing. Sex is a gift I have given you and with which you can express your love, your ecstasy, your joy. So don't blame me for everything they made you believe.

Stop reading alleged sacred scriptures that have nothing to do with me. If you can't read me in a sunrise, in a landscape, in the look of your friends, in your son's eyes.......you will find me in no book! Stop asking me "Will you tell me how to do my job?" Stop being so scared of me. I do not judge you or criticise you, nor get angry, or criticise you, nor get angry, or bothered. I am pure love.

Stop asking for forgiveness, there's nothing to forgive. If I made you.....I filled you with passions, limitations, pleasures, needs, inconsistencies.......free will. How can I blame you if you respond to something I put in you? How can I punish you for being the way you are if I'm the one who made you? Do you think I could create a place to burn all my children who behave badly for the rest of eternity? what kind of god would do that?

Respect your peers and don't do what you don't want for yourself. All I ask is that you pay attention in your life, that alertness is your guide.

My beloved, this life is not a test, not a step on the way, not a rehearsal, nor a prelude to paradise. This life is the only thing here and now and it is all you need.

I have set you absolutely free, no prizes or punishments, no sins or virtues, no one carries a marker, no one keeps a record. You are absolutely free to create in your life. Heaven or hell.

I can't tell you if there's anything after this life but I can give you a tip. Live as if there is not. As if this is your only chance to enjoy, to love, to exist.

So, if there's nothing after, then you will have enjoyed the opportunity I gave you. And if there is, rest assured that I won't ask if you behaved right or wrong, I'll ask. Did you like it? Did you have fun? What did you enjoy the most? What did you learn?....

Stop believing in me; believing is assuming, guessing, imagining. I don't want you to believe in me, I want you to believe in you. I want you to feel me in you when you kiss your beloved, when you tuck in your little girl, when you caress your dog, when you bathe in the sea.

Stop praising me, what kind of egomaniac God do you think I am?

I'm bored being praised. I'm tired of being thanked. Feeling grateful? Prove it by taking care of yourself, your health, your relationships, the world. Express your joy! That's the way to praise me.

Stop complicating things and repeating as a parakeet what you've been taught about me.

What do you need more miracles for? So many explanations?

The only thing for sure is that you are here, that you are alive, that this world is full of wonders.

- Spinoza.

  *         *          *

The guy does it again!

Farooq Abdullah has now exceeded all limits when he said that with China's help he'd like to restore Art 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. It's seditious and anti-national; the clown Rahul Gandhi has supported the statement without understanding the consequences - or does he think that he can get away with such acts? Why don't these chaps face the repercussions of the law? How do they get immunity from legal action against them?

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Took part in a webinar from 1200-1300 hrs on "Agri-Eco Innovations for Entrepreneurship" by Prof VK Damodaran, Founder Director and Former Vice Chairman Energy Management Centre, Kerala. A nice and interesting lecture.

A quarantine has been set up at the technical institute behind our house. Was damn furious about the police, the panchayat and the Variath people - whose house this is - for not having taken me and the others in the neighbourhood into confidence before the execution! 

PS.

My uncle, the late Santhan kochachhan's nephew and Kocha chechi's eldest son, Babu, passed away due to Covid. He was 57. RIP Babu, my tears and prayers. May your near and dear ones have the strength to tide over these stressful times.  

   

Word of the day.

Meliorism

noun : mee-lee-uh-riz-um

Definition : is the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid its betterment.

Examples.

"Meliorism is that comfortable midway point between pessimism and optimism, wherein its possessor conceives of her actions as capable of bringing about a better future".

"An old truism holds that the pessimist sees the glass as half-empty while the optimist sees it as half-full. But active and engaged people don't bother to measure the contents of their cups. They savour what they've got, drink it down, then go looking for a refill. One name for this approach is meliorism. Meliorists want to make things better - to ameliorate them".

Did you know?

In 1877, British novelist George Eliot believed she had coined meliorist when she wrote, "I don't know that I ever heard anybody use the word 'meliorist' except myself". Her contemporaries credited her with coining both meliorist and meliorism and one of her letters contains an early documented use of meliorism; however, there is evidence that meliorist had been around decades before she started using it. Whoever coined it did so by drawing on the Latin melior, meaning "better". It is likely that the English coinages were also influenced by another melior descendant, meliorate, a synonym of ameliorate (to make better or more tolerable) that was introduced to English in the 1500s.

     *           *           *

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with their heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.

- Rumi.

Tailpiece. 

Got up a trifle late around a half past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Suma was given a day off , by Lekha, as her leg was giving her problems. Video called my sisters and had a fairly long chat.

Participated in a webinar from 1200-1330 hrs on "Farmer Producers Organisations & NABARD" by Shri RK Srivastava, CGM, NABARD, J&K. It was interesting and gave me quite a few inputs to dovetail it with the children's schooling to develop interest in agriculture!

Plenty of bananas from the huge bunch that we got from one of the banana trees of our backyard. Distributed it in the neighbourhood too, as has been our custom. 

Insults for enjoyment!

Insults when coated with humour and wit make for a great combination - here are a few :-

  1. She has a supreme court figure ---- no appeal.

  2. He is a real big gun --- of small caliber and immense bore.

  3. She dresses to kill --- and cooks the same way.

  4. He was a premature baby --- he was born before his parents were married.

  5. He was born in the United States --- terrible things happen in other countries too.

  6. His obesity --- is surplus gone to waist. 

  7. He left his job because of illness and fatigue --- his boss was sick and tired of him.

  8. His credit is so bad --- he cannot even borrow trouble.

  9. He kept learning more and more about less and less until now --- he knows everything about nothing.

10. What he lacks in intelligence --- he makes up in stupidity.

11. He may talk like a fool and act like a fool but don't get the wrong idea about him --- he is a fool.

12. It is not that he does not have presence of mind --- his trouble is absence of thought.

13. Her photographs do he injustice --- they look like her.

14. He is as phoney --- as a dentist's smile.

15. He started out in life as an unwanted child --- now he is wanted in 10 states.

16. She has --- a keen sense of rumour.

17. He is jack of all trades --- and out of work in all of them.

18. They are in Iron and Steel Industry --- she irons the clothes and he steals.

19. She thought she was getting a model husband --- too bad he is not a working model.

20. He is so boring --- he cannot even entertain a doubt.

21. He gave a very moving performance --- everyone moved towards the exit door.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. The power interruption was sudden and without any warning which began at 0940 hrs and ended by 1630 hrs; the electricity board guys will never improve.

Participated in the first webinar from 1100 - 1230 hrs on "Green Economy and Green Jobs" by Mr B Shadrach, Advisor Skills, Commonwealth of Learning (Manpower Cadre). It was interesting. The second was the 'Aazhchakkoottam' from 1600 - 1700 hrs on "Cancer patients and Covid-19" by Dr A Sajid, Clinical Superintendent, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Couldn't participate fully in the second webinar because my cellphone had very less charge!

The Chevy was delivered by 1700 hrs after the completion of its servicing.    

Mars to shine bright!

Do not miss it! Mars to shine brightest on 13 Oct, won't happen again until 2035!!

In exciting news for space enthusiasts, Mars will shine brighter than at any other point in the year, on 13 Oct. The Red Planet will not appear this bright again till the next 15 years, so make sure you don't miss this opportunity.

Notably, Mars is the closest planet to Earth and the fourth closest to the Sun. What is the reason?

According to Sky and Telescope, this is because Mars will be in 'opposition', directly opposite the Sun, making it shine along Earth's horizon in the northern hemisphere.

This opposition will be extra special due to the orbits of Earth and Mars lining up to be at their closest to each other. That's when Mars will be at its absolute brightest point for the year, rising at sunset and remaining up until sunrise.

On that day, Mars will also be at its maximum apparent size when viewed through telescopes. "October is a great time for viewing Mars, as the planet is visible all night right now and reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight. This period of excellent visibility coincides with the event known as opposition, which occurs about every two years when Mars is directly on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun", Nasa wrote in a sky watching guide.

"This is also around the time when Mars and Earth come closest together in their orbits, meaning the Red Planet is at its brightest in the sky, so don't miss it", it further said.

By the end of November, Mars will be only a quarter as bright.

How to watch?

You'll be able to look for Mars when the Sun is setting and sky gazers in the northern hemisphere will be in a better position to spot it. Sky watchers can just use a pair of binoculars to watch Mars and even a cell phone with a quality camera on it. You can also view this phenomenon with a naked eye.

Source. India.com via dailyhunt.

Tailpiece.

It was real heavy rain, along with thunder and lightning, all through the night thanks to the trough of low over the Bay of Bengal. Had got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Spoke to two of my classmates, Sudhakar and Jojy - I was speaking to the former after a lapse of almost eight years and he stays pretty close, at Palakkad. It was his birthday. The Harisree Department Store rep delivered our monthly stock of grocery, soon after lunch. 

Attended an interesting webinar by NN Panicker, International expert in Gandhian Philosophy and in Ocean Engineering on the topic, "Sahajivan Swaraj for a green economy". It was between 1500-1630 hrs. It did cut into my siesta but was definitely worth it!

The servicing of the Chevy got over around 1800 hrs and hence, told them that they could deliver it tomorrow morning.   

A nice story from the air!

Surreal experience narrated by Group Captain Sanjay Mishra, Captain of the Indigo flight from Delhi to Bangalore.

It started with the lead informing me that the lady on seat 1C, is an expectant motherfeeling a little restless and that she had not eaten anything since morning. She was comforted and was given fluids and something to eat. A while later, her anxiety and restlessness increased. She also started complaining of stomach pain. As the situation was developing, I asked the lead to page for a doctor.

By sheer providence and divine destiny of this would-be-new-born, there were two very accomplished doctors on board. One of them, Dr Nagaraj, was a plastic surgeon working in King Fahd Hospital in Riyadh and the other, Dr Shailaja, an Obstetrics surgeon , heading the fetal medicine department in Cloud Nine Hospital. We were near Jaipur, cruising at FL (that is 39,000 ft). 

She was initially diagnosed with gastric pain or just constipation and the doctors felt that she would be fine. However, her discomfort and restlessness kept getting worse. Both doctors were in constant attendance. I spoke to the lady doctor who assured me that she was watching her carefully. A little later, north of Bhopal, came to know that she had started bleeding followed by the shattering news that she was suffering an abortion. 

Forward galley and the lavatory were swiftly and efficiently converted into a makeshift ward/labour room taking all precautions by an excellent team of cabin crew who rose to the requirements of the occasion. They were very brilliantly supported by several Captains and Crew, travelling ACM and Dead Head. I was waiting for one final update from the doctors to decide on my next course of action.

As I was mulling over this disheartening piece of news, heard and noticed sudden increase in the activity levels in the cabin......screaming......shouting......clapping and a faint cry of what sounded like a new born....It was a baby boy! From a feeling of deep sadness, it turned to a feeling of intense joy.....never witnessed fortunes turning so swiftly and so miraculously!! Don't think there was a single soul on board who didn't have goose bumps on him or her at that moment.

So the youngster was born on Cloud Nine with the help of a doctor from Cloud Nine! The baby was premature and there was not much clarity on how many months pregnant she was.....could have been saying anything......she had earlier mentioned 5 months?? My decision making skills were getting tested with rapidly unfolding situations.

Although the doctors confirmed to me that the mother and child were doing well.....things could again worsen any moment. Nagpur was 500 m in thundershowers......Indore had a closure.....Hyderabadwas the best option to divert in case of any new contingency. At the bottom of my heart, I was hoping and praying that the youngster on for another hour and a bit.....he did well......much better than expected at his ripe old age of five minutes. 

I didn't want her to land up in Hyderabad in these Covid times and with a premature baby as she was travelling alone. In my address to the passengers, I informed them that "We have an extra passenger on board...." POB was also revised.....plenty of congratulatory calls on air on Nagpur, Madras and Bangalore frequencies......Nagpur gave me direct BL552 for Bangalore 27L from just south of Bhopal......enjoyed the uninterrupted high speed run! Post landing 'Birth on Board' form was filled in a domestic flight in India ever.......and it is most appropriately titled FFS 007.

On ground amid all the frenzy, I could sense a genuine sense of happiness and joy, among all present, KIAL staff, Aster Clinic staff.......in all the gloom surrounding us, people were looking for a reason to celebrate and they got one...! There were banners, chocolates, gifts......and the brave mother was given a rousing reception! 

Met 007! Had a look at his face......of course, he was unaffected by all the commotion around him......by now he was an hour and a half old....As for me......I couldn't have asked for a happier Air Force Day eve!

A baby boy was born on Indigo flight enroute 6E 122 Delhi - Bangalore. Flight landing at 1940 hrs. All operations normal. Mother and child healthy!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. As I cycled on the exercise bicycle at our balcony, saw a team come by in a pick up truck, cut down two big trees with a portable, electric lathe chopped them efficiently into logs of requisite length, loaded them neatly on board and drive off, all within a matter of 45 minutes. There was no sign of any left overs; they'd done a neat job.

Sent the connected documents, for filing my IT returns, to the chartered accountant and my friend, Denny. Meanwhile, our Chevy was taken to the Geeyem Motors for routine servicing by Sreejith, who'd fetched up a trifle after lunch. 

Adieu Tipsy!

Captain(IN) Tejinder Pal Singh Gill, also known as TPS Gill, had passed into the mist of time in the wee hours of the morning, consequent to a cardiac arrest. He was in the hospital, earlier, on contracting Covid-19. The medical complications that he had, made his survival a bit difficult.

He had joined the NDA at the same time that I had, during Jan 1973. While I was slotted into the Hunter Squadron, he was in the neighbouring Echo Squadron. A genial sardar, our paths criss-crossed quite often on the PT fields, the Drill Square, the Equitation Lines and wherever a cadet wandered within the Academy. We, both, joined the IN and it was while in service that we got closer to each other. I used to call him 'Tipsy' because his initials could be best amalgamated into that word and he was as good as the famous dessert - the 'Tipsy' pudding - that's been and continues to be a favourite, for every NDA cadet! His juniors vouch him to be a thorough gentleman!!

My last one-on-one contact with him was on the FB, sometime last year, when he was curious to know all about me and it was then we'd really caught up with each other, with a promise to remain in touch - and our course mates' group facilitated this quite abundantly. He was a loving son, a caring brother, a loving husband and a role-model-father! His mother and a sister - a paraplegic - stay with him, under his loving care.

RIP Tipsy! My salute, tears and prayers. May God give your near and dear ones the strength to tied over these stressful times. You will be missed! 

     *          *           *

What the hell is happening?

(a) The Hathras Conspiracy.

I like Arnab Goswami of the Republic Television channel as he's a spirited Bengali who is meticulous in the presentation of the news ( I must hasten to add that I don't indulge in the debates, simply because I ain't keen and the loud war of words is not my cup of tea). I was waiting to hear his coverage of the Hathras incident while listening to all the other channels - to filter the truth! 

This evening, he'd conceded that he had got delayed as he and his team were in the process of a sting operation on Priyanka Vadra's assistant who was ready with a plan to initiate riots - where many people would be killed on either side - to protest about the incident. 

That the level of politics, in this country, has hit such abysmal levels is a sad situation. I can't understand as to why politicians have shed whatever modicum of decency that existed between them in the past. Politics must be played but never at the expense of national unity.

It will be interesting to know everyone's view on the fall out of 'Operation Danga' - the sting operation!

(b) The Sushant Singh Rajput's case flip flops.

The unethical professional continues to take the system for a ride. Dr Sudhir Gupta, the head of the Forensic Department of the AIIMS, New Delhi had first hit the headlines in Jun '15 in connection with the Sunanda Pushkar case with his controversial findings and utterances. That case is yet to reach its logical conclusion. He still adorns the chair - how and why is he continuing to be there when his credentials are suspect?

He's continuing with his shenanigans and nobody seems to bother. Is this case also going nowhere? Who's the powerful Maharashtra politician who's being shielded in this case? It's disgusting, to say the least. Hope the media is able to get at the truth so that the investigating agencies have no reasons to go slack in their rightful duties!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Have initiated two things that I want to finish within this week itself. The clearing of the thick growth of weeds and wild grass, around Raj Nivas, is being taken up next week - the caretaker has already been told about it.  

         

The Air Defence command.

In view of the growing tensions between India and China along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, the government is expected to announce the formation of a new Air Defence Command. A study is being done on the structure of the Command which will be under the IAF and the final decision is expected before the end of the year. 

At the annual press conference ahead of the Air Force Day later this week, responding to a question to the formation of the new Command, the Air Chief had said, "The study for setting up the Command is in the advanced stage".

Expected to be located near the IAF's Central Command, which controls some of the most important bases in the country, this is part of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA)'s process of restructuring of the Indian Armed Forces. Earlier this year, the DMA under the Chief of Defence Staff was given the directive to create joint military commands along with theatre commands.

Its aim is to protect the air space of the country and the plan is to get the air assets of the three services under one command, including the S-400 'SA-21 Growler' air defence systems which will start arriving from 2021 for the IAF. And, the structure is based on the study which was carried as per the guidelines set by the DMA.

The AD Threat Perception

The evaluation of its 'susceptibility and vulnerability' against the enemy's offensive capabilities. India is surrounded by two nuclear-armed countries - Pakistan and China and they perpetually maintain a 'minimum credible deterrence' against India. They have also strategically deployed various ballistic and cruise missiles (Both conventional and nuclear capable) against India.

The three services - the Indian Army, the Navy and the AF - maintain their own AD resources which are meant to counter specific threats perceived by each service. The AD assets will now get integrated. Accordingly, the IAF is all set to get the surface-to-air guided weapon (SAGW) and AD Radars. This will also help in integrating all sensors, command control structures and weapon systems for an Integrated Air Defence command for carrying out its operations.

Source. Adapted.

     *              *               *

Knowledge decides what to Say, Skill decides how to Say, Attitude decides how much to Say and Wisdom decides whether to Say or not.

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. It was a comparatively quiet day.

Dedicated to all my friends!

I never sat on a sofa with my father and after my marriage, I had already left him.......

Many years ago, after I got married I was sitting on a couch on a hot, humid day, sipping frozen juice during a visit to my father. As I talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities and obligations, my father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look at me.

"Never forget your friends", he advised, "they will become more important as you get older". 

"Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends. Remember to go out with them occasionally, do activities with them, call them....."

"What strange advice!" I thought. I had just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need to make sense of my life. 

Yet I obeyed him; kept in touch with my friends and annually increased their number. Over the years, I became aware that my father knew what he was talking about! 

In as much as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a man, friends are the bulwarks of his life.

After 64 years years of life, here is  what I learned :

 * Time passes * Life goes on * The distances increase * Children grow up and become independent and although it breaks the parents' heart, they are often separated from them.

Jobs come and go.

Illusions, desires, attractions, sex.......weaken.

People do what they should not do.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget the favours.

But true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they are.

A friend is never more distant than the reach of a need, reaching out to you intervening in your favour, waiting for you with open arms or with blessings for your life.

When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrows that were ahead.

We did not know how much we would need from one another. Love your parents, take care of your children but keep a group of good friends.

Source. Adapted.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. A power cut spoiled the day - it had begun by about a quarter past 9, without prior intimation and ended only by a half past 6, in the evening. Must admit that we did face some difficulties despite the inverter that's buttoned up to the system! 

The after effects of self medication against Covid-19.

With the scare of Covid-19 spreading at an alarming rate, people have been administering themselves antidotes - on suggestions from well meaning friends - like HCQS, Vit B Complex, Vit C, multi-vitamins, zinc, homeo medicines, drinking kwatha, haldi milk etc to enhance their immunity. Everyone seems to have become a doctor!

Just listen to a well known doctor in Madras........

              A Toxic Medical Experience

I have been attending to patients non-stop and everyday during this pandemic; but with good self-protection for myself.

May. President Trump proclaimed HCQS and the public kept swallowing it even without medical supervision, till we saw sudden Cardiac Deaths.

June. Then started Haldi, Kashayams and Kudineer. We saw ulcer and gastritis with burnt out stomachs in those who overdid it.

July. New Viral Meds were announced. The media and public jumped like it was a miracle for all cases. But now its use is narrowly defined for specific cases.

August.  Consumption of Zinc tablets went up without knowing about Zinc toxicity. We saw unexplained stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most of the B-complex just came out as highly yellow coloured urine.

September. Consumption of Vitamin D peaked and we saw Vit-D toxicity like prolonged weakness, nausea and frequent urination. We quietly told the patients to stop it.

October. Dr Hegde's patient who underwent surgery kept on bleeding in an unexplained manner. Patient had been taking Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric and Asafoetida for Covid protection. The surgeon could have been sued in lakhs for his negligence. How do we explain to the people that every single life-style action, hidden background detail and altered diets, too, affects medical treatment? How does one explain that things can suddenly go wrong? 

Finally for 90% of Covid infections, just self quarantine at home was enough. The immune system and normal healthy food did the rest. Slowly people are realising that all they need is a healthy body with sunlight, exercises, a varied natural healthy diet, a de-stressed life style and basic common sense hygiene. Meds and doctors come in last. Is this not what doctors have been telling every single flu season for decades and decades - but without the hysteria?

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Wished my brother-in-law, Sanil and nephew, Achu many happy returns. My course mate and friend, Parrat called me up, after years and it was nice catching up with him (He'd sent a photograph of mine from the Academy days, the day before and I tried ringing him up, but to no avail). The sad news was that his mom had passed away on 03 Dec '19 due to a cardiac arrest. She was 90. she was very fond of me. 

Had the usual video interaction with my sisters and their families too.

Took part in a webinar from 1200-1300 hrs which had the cardiologist, Dr Pankaj Srivastava talking about, "Challenges in the Health Sector during Covid-19". It was interesting.

   

Hathras.

Hathras town in western UP is in the news for all the wrong seasons. 

It's unfortunate that a young, 19-year old lady was brutally gang raped by four beasts and she'd succumbed to her injuries, subsequently. Police had hastily carried out her cremation in the middle of the night and there was outrage among the people, regarding the incident and a cry to bring the culprits to book was on. The UP government had ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case but the opposition, mainly the Congress, tried to make political capital out of the issue with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi descending on the victim's house and making a tamasha out there. The details of their shenanigans are coming out in bits and pieces. Meanwhile, at long last, Yogi Adityanath seems to have corrected the situation by handing over the investigations from his SIT to the CBI. 

It is also a town that has four railway stations, with the word Hathras in it - City, Jn, Kila, Road!

But Hathras is remembered for another reason. And it is linked to the Railways of which we are still ardent fans. More than 130 years back, a wandering penniless monk was sitting on a bench of Hathras Jn station. He was travelling partly on foot, partly by train, partly by bullock cart, as Providence would provide. Suddenly, the ASM of the station spotted the sanyasi with striking features, a sharp nose and wide eyes sitting on the bench. He went up to him and struck up a conversation.

Impressed by his knowledge and disposition, the ASM requested the monk to be his guest that night and took him to his quarters behind the station. After spending a day or two the monk wished to bid goodbye but the ASM told him to wait; he would rush to the station, submit his resignation and leave with the monk as his disciple which he did and became the monk's first disciple. The monk was none other than Narendranath Dutta who later became Swami Vivekananda and the ASM of Hathras Jn was Sharat Chandra Gupta, a Bengali gentleman, who, after getting his sanyas vows, was called Swami Sadananda of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Yes, it's a fascinating story of a monk and his disciple. You can read more about them in the book, "The Life of Swami Vivekananda, by his Eastern and Western disciples, Advaita Ashrama (1989 edition), pages 220-224. Before accepting him as his disciple, Vivekananda gave his begging bowl to Sharat and asked him to beg for food from the porters and khalasis of the station. This was his way of testing his disciple's earnestness. Without waiting for a moment, Sharat went to the station and begged for food from those very people who were his subordinates till just the previous day. He came back to Swamiji with the alms collected and partook of them, along with his Guru. That proved the culmination of his ego after his renunciation.

Incidentally, he was a good friend of Dr Boshi Sen who later became a world renowned plant/agricultural scientist and lived in Almora. Sharat Chandra Gupta or Swami Sadananda, the erstwhile Assistant Station Master of Hathras Jn, though a Bengali, belonged to Jaunpur. He passed away in 1911. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Took part in the 485th edition of the 'Aazhchakkoottam' organised by the Foundation and the topic was, "Covid and the heart", by Dr Jeyapal. It was an interesting interaction!