Landslide in Tupul.

Tupul, in the Noney district of Manipur experienced heavy landslide early this morning.

B Company of 107 Territorial Army deployed at Tupul came under heavy landslide last night. Complete company got washed away. Lt Col KD Pandey and all present at night are in the casualty list. Rescue operations are on.

A tragedy in the process of strategic development and great contribution of the Terriers! 

Noney is located on NH 37 as one starts claiming the hills towards Silchar. Rail link between Silchar and Imphal along with the widening of NH 37 is a strategic affair of great significance. It is an extension of Lumding - Silchar broad gauging which started in the late '90s. Last year, the first train reached Manipur going further ahead of Jiribam which saw the first train in 2016.

The role of the Territorial Army, especially 107 Infantry Battalion TA 11 GR and 109 Inf BnTA Assam has been significant in ensuring these developments by providing security and confidence. That had allowed the Railway to move forward from once a disgustingly slow speed.

NH 37 (Silchar - Imphal) was hardly under use due to the politics of NSCN. A few odd vehicles travelling would invariably be subjected to extortion. Barak river and these hills were controlled by militants and were drug highways. Politics of NH via Kohima was at at its peak. Each truck would pay to NSCN. Opening of NH 37 was an endgame for them.

The 5 phase clean up militancy operations launched in mid-2008 helped the area tremendously in controlling the menace of terrorism.

"Barak belt in the hills of Manipur has great stories. While most hills were controlled by Naga militants, the southern side was controlled by UNLF and PLA. The villages are fascinating. The river is uncharted but enchanting. One gets the best Trout - they travel from Bangladesh against the current of Barak to breed in the hills. That makes them special. Pythons, giant frogs, other snakes are a treat to encounter. Bamboo is in abundance. People are beautiful", gushes my army course mate, HK.

A salute to the Terriers who have lost life in Noney and earlier in related operations for the last 13 years. Our condolences to the unit and families of the departed. May the missing ones be found soon.

Savdhani va Shoorta is their motto.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6 and I was free of the runny nose problem. The laboratory team had reached us by 8 to draw the blood samples. A quick breakfast and the post prandial tests were also done.

The results are encouraging. It was a thoroughly wet day.

The maid had come in the afternoon to do her work.

What is wealth?

Wealth is about more than money.

There are five types of wealth :-

* Financial (Money)

* Social (Relationships)

* Physical (Health)

* Mental (Health, spirituality)

* Time (Freedom)

But if you aren't careful, the blind pursuit of financial wealth can rob you of the others. Never let that happen.

Financial Wealth

This is the most commonly understood type of wealth. It's generally what people mean when they say someone is wealthy. Financial wealth is all about money - the money or financial assets that an individual has accumulated. Financial wealth is an alluring measuring stick for success.

Why?

You can boil down someone's existence into a single number - their net worth.

Net worth = Value of all assets - value of all liabilities.

For those with a competitive streak, net worth offers a simple scoreboard.

Most people assume that financial wealth creates happiness.

I see people with money and assume everything in their life is amazing.

I was wrong.

Money is scientifically correlated with happiness - but only up to a baseline level of life that's lower than you think.

Once above this baseline, incremental financial wealth does not create incremental happiness.

So if your goal is happiness :-

* Focus on getting above this baseline

* Focus on other drivers of happiness

Which brings us to our other types of wealth.....

Social Wealth

Social wealth is about our connection to others in our respective worlds - our relationships.

The combined breadth and depth of our connectivity to those around us governs our social wealth.

True social wealth requires depth - a few unbreakable social bonds.

Some people seek to accumulate social wealth via their financial wealth - through acquiring social status.

They buy status via memberships to exclusive clubs or organisations, hosting events, etc.

This is a road to nowhere - because money can buy breadth but not depth.

Social wealth is built through the cultivation of meaningful relationships.

Spend time building a T-shaped web of connectivity - broad and deep.

Build an army of mentors, friends, and a Guru/Guide.

Cultivate deep relationships but also embrace the power of weak ties.

Physical Wealth

Physical wealth is about your health, fitness and vitality.

It is perhaps the most critical - and under appreciated - type of wealth.

Without physical wealth, it is effectively impossible to experience and enjoy the benefits of any of the other types of wealth. 

Physical health is built through the long-term compounding of daily actions.

There are three broad buckets :-

* Exercise   -   daily movement

* Nutrition  -   mostly real foods.

* Sleep        -   good sleep habits.

It's never too late to start building - or restoring - physical wealth.

Mental Wealth

Mental wealth is about mental health, mental fitness and an ability to wrestle with the tangible and intangible questions in life. It may include (but isn't limited to) :-

* Mental Health

* Knowledge/ Wisdom

* Mindfulness

* Spirituality/Faith

Mental health is often overlooked - particularly by those in the pursuit of world-changing endeavours - but is so important.

Talk to someone, ask others for help and take actions to improve your mental health on a daily basis.

Never sacrifice mental health for any reason.

Mental wealth also includes the long-term accumulation of knowledge and wisdom.

I think of this as "mental fitness"- the flexing of your brain as a muscle and the continued growth of that muscle over time.

It's the most important muscle to flex daily!

Read, write, talk, learn.

Mental wealth also covers an ability to wrestle with the intangible or unanswerable questions in life.

Generally achieved through :-

* Mindfulness - an awareness of one's self built through meditation, breathing or other practice.

* Spirituality and faith - formal or informal

Time Wealth

Time wealth is about the freedom to choose :-

* How to spend your time

* Who to spend it with

* Where to spend it

* When to trade it for other types of wealth.

Time wealth is also about an appreciation for the precious nature of time - of its value and importance.

When you're young, you are a "time billionaire" - rich with time.

Too many people fail to realise the value of this precious asset until it is gone.

Treat time as your ultimate currency - it's all you have and you can never get it back.

Time is cruel.

You'll love it with all of your being but the reality is that time doesn't care about you.

It is the ultimate unrequited love.

By accepting our time as finite, we are able to live.

Never let the pursuit of financial wealth rob you of your time wealth. This is a dangerous trap that far too many people fall into.

Learn to use financial wealth as a tool - to increase your freedom to choose.

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

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

Updated each and every thing that lagged. Washing machinex.

A quiet evening.

 

 

Immortality not a far-fetched dream anymore.

Eradication of 'Zombie cells' might be the solution to arrest the process of ageing.

Since times immemorial, the process of ageing has always been a topic of deliberation and fascination. At one point in time, reaching the age of 100 was a farfetched dream. Recently however, doctors who have been involved in this field of research believe they are close to finding a pill that will help people live up to a whopping 200 years.

In the 20th century, advancements in medical science have led to an increase in the average life expectancy of a human being. Daily Mail says improved nutrition, clean water, better sanitation and huge leaps in medicine have been key in prolonging human life. The oldest known person - the French woman Jeanne Calment - who sold canvases to Vincent Van Gogh when she was a girl in the late 1800 - lived to the age of 122, dying in 1997.

Many have often wondered if it is possible for a human to naturally reach an age beyond the average. Dr Andrew Steele, a British computational biologist and author of a new book on the subject of longevity told Mail Online that there's no biological reason  on why humans can't reach the age of 200.

He believes eradicating Zombie cells is cells is the cure of this peculiar 'disease'. Zombie cells are the culprits of tissue and organ decay as one continues to age. By making a drug which can remove such cells the process of ageing can come to a halt.

Pills that flush these cells out of the body are already in human trials and could be in the market in as little as 10 years, according to Dr Steele, who believes someone reading this could make it to 150 with the help of these drugs.

The study of DNA of cold blooded animals is another area anti-ageing scientists are exploring. Experts in Michigan State University have begun studying different types of reptiles and amphibians who live for long period of time. They hope to uncover certain traits that can also be targeted in humans. On the other hand, many scientists believe that curing major diseases like dementia, cancer and heart disease can increase the life of a human being. 

A biomedical Artificial Intelligence (AI) firm named Gero, run by Peter Fedichev, a Russian molecular physicist, is also in the pursuit of 'hacking ageing'.

According to Daily Mail, researchers at the company Gero made use of an instrument, called DOSI (dynamic organism state indicator), that takes into account age, illness and lifestyle factors, to work out how resilient the body is, including its ability to recover from injury or disease.

My take.

I've always been of the opinion that there's no point in having an extended life because of the following reasons:-

    * When one's grandparents, parents and very near and dear ones have passed into the mist of time, the charm of living goes away.

    * During the extended period, one is anyway considered retired from active service: so, what are you supposed to do during that fairly long, inactive period?  

Tailpiece.

The day commenced at 4, as my cellphone alarm woke me up, the chores and I was ready by 6. Syamala, the caretaker's wife, brought me my morning cup of tea. I got the 0620 hrs' bus to Kottarakkara and clambered on to a low floor, a/c bus to Ernakulam, which left at 8, pronto.

Reached Ernakulam by a half past 11. After reducing water level and having a snack, washed down with a cuppa tea, clambered on to a private bus to Guruvayur. Reached home by a quarter past 3 and had a late lunch. It was raining all through the way and at Guruvayur, too, when I'd landed!

No 40 winks and went about our evening chores! 

 

Can frauds take place through FASTag?

A few days back there was a video clip in circulation showing how frauds were happening through one's FASTag chip installed on vehicles. Is it possible? Here, it is. It's not possible at all! Why? 

FASTag, incidentally, is a Radio Frequency Identification - RFID device.

1. Each toll plaza has been allocated unique code.

2. Each toll plaza has mapper acquirer Bank.

3. Both the combinations are mapped at NETC National Electronic Toll Collection) system.

4. Geo codes are mapped for each toll plaza.

Now for any transaction to be processed, there is the need of toll plaza ID (generated and known to SI, acquirer Bank and NPCI - National Payments Corporation of India).

NPCI is connected with member banks through NPCI net connectivity and under no circumstance, transactions will come over the open internet.

IP are whitelisted by banks as well as SI and NPCI.

Above are are broad points in addition to other security protocols.

   *      *      *

Ever wonder?

* Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get to Pharmacy for their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?

* Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and yet get a diet coke?

* Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens on the counter tops?

* Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage?

* Why does sun lighten our hair but darkens our skin?

* Why can't women put on mascara with their mouths closed?

* Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic wins lottery?'

* Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

* Why is it that doctors and attorneys call what they do 'practice'/

* Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavouring and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?

* Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

* Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

* Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

* Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

* You know that indestructible black box is used on airplanes. Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

* Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

* Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

* If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Crazy, isn't it?

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready well in time. Syamala, the caretaker's wife brought me tea and breakfast subsequently as he'd gone for rubber tapping. Set off for the St Stephen's Boys' HSS, Mount Tabor for my first PN Panicker Memorial Lecture from 1030 to 1230 hrs. 

Returned home for an hour and then went for the second session to the Government Girls' Primary School, Kundayam.

The feedback from the schools has been good. 

The caretaker came for interaction along with my dinner.  

On assignment.

The day began at a half past 3, when Lekha's cellphone alarm had woken us up. Went about our chores and I was ready well in time. Meanwhile, Lekha and her sister had packed my breakfast (egg and vegetable sandwiches), lunch (fried rice, curd and pickle) and dinner (chappathies and curry). Well, they really put in a lot of effort. Damn sweet of them!

Had opened up The Quarterdeck for the day despite the darkness, just to make it easy for Lekha and her sister. Anto was at the gate on the dot and we sped off to the railway station. Being a weekend, the train had a lot of crowd but not to the levels as on school and office going days. There was a family of father, mother, son and daughter who were with me all the way from Guruvayur to Avaneeswaram, the penultimate stop of the train.

A word about the train itself. It had begun years back as the Guruvayur - Punalur Passenger, stopping at all stations enroute but recently, it had undergone a change over, in that, it has been made an express train and does not stop at quite a few stations, thereby, shortening the running time.

The train has the following characteristics :-

* It's just Rs.105/- from Guruvayur to the station nearest to my parents' house viz. Aavaneeswaram. Earlier as Passenger, it used to stop at Kuri Halt - the one before Aavaneeswaram, which is closer. 

* No reservation is required.

* It has only 2nd class coaches for the 'aam aadmi' to facilitate their transit to the temple town and back, thanks to the efforts of Kodikkunnil Suresh, the MP of this place and O Rajagopal, the then Minister of state for Railways!

* The journey to Punalur is performed during daytime while the return is during night time. It reaches Guruvayur by 4, facilitating an early morning 'darshan' of the good Lord. 

Had my breakfast around 8, as the train reached Ernakulam North and lunch, at Kollam at a half past 12. Reached home by 2 and the caretaker was waiting for me, with the house opened. Raj Nivas looked neat and tidy with the weeds, in the immediate vicinity of the house, having been plucked manually by two casual labourers.

Was woken up from my siesta by the caretaker with a piping hot cup of tea.

Had taken rounds of the compound; wild grass has grown up uncontrollably and their removal can only be undertaken by the end of the monsoon, which will by the third week of next month.

There were a few visitors who'd dropped by but otherwise, it was a quiet evening.

Earlier in the evening, had spent time with my parents and told them about the PN Panicker Memorial Lectures that I was gonna give in two schools tomorrow.

Tailpiece.

Another of those quiet evenings but there was plenty to read and that had kept me occupied! My caretaker had asked me as to whether I wasn't scared to spend the night in the house, all by myself. My reply was that there was nothing to worry as my parents and grandparents would look after me and ensure that no harm would befall on me.

Meanwhile, Lekha had called up to say that Rejith from the Black Swan Drycleaners, had collected our curtains and taken them away for wash.

Thottadiyil Subhash had dropped by and was with me for more than an hour, talking about his business, his future plans, what he plans for his children. It was nice to hear him talk.

 

The bitter truth.

Most of the Indian senior citizens die rich!

* The younger generation is moving away from real estate, whereas the seniors are still engrossed in emotionally in real estate. The seniors have built houses not only for themselves but also for their children and even for those who have settled abroad or outside the home state.

* The next generation is least interested in these houses. They have no time to look at these properties. The next generation is very asset light.

* A senior citizen died at the age of 85. His wife had already passed away. One son lives in London and the other in New Zealand. They have the nationality of those countries. Neither was interested in the house his father had built. The father had written a will to give all the property equally to both the children. The sons did not have time to get all the property in their names and then sell it. Both of them made a power of attorney in someone's name. Thus, all the proceeds from the sale of the property were sent to their home country.

* Our second traditional investment is in gold and silver items. Investing in gold and silver is often very emotional. This is done in the form of ornaments for daughters-in-law or for grandchildren, instead of buying pure gold.

* The new generation often does not like old fashioned jewellery items. As such, they are broken down into new designs. It goes back and forth. The new generation prefers to wear fake rather than genuine jewellery as they do not want to take risks. In other countries, gold is kept in pure form as an investment and a very little quantity in jewellery items.

* The third emotional investment is children's higher education. Occasionally, senior citizens take out loans for their children's higher education by cutting down on their hobbies/needs. When the children get jobs, they pay off debts but in some cases, the parents have to repay these loans.

* Going beyond this, some seniors are investing in Ayurvima policies or other investments to facilitate education for their grandchildren.

* Taking out a loan for children's education is understandable but why to invest in grandchildren's education now, especially when your children have already started investing in SIPs for their children's education etc.

* How is our mindset? We don't want to ask financial help from our married children but taking care of grandchildren is our responsibility! Thinking of own children throughout their life and again thinking of grandchildren in old age!!

* Your lifespan is increasing. Your costs are rising. Think about it. Do not forget your own pleasure in thinking of others. Live life for yourself.

* It is rightly said that most of the Indians spend miserly all their lives and make the next generation rich.

So, if you are 60+, live your life well, spend on your hobbies and fulfill your wish list, so that you live rich and don't just die rich!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Washing machinex of bed linen. and other clothes.

Ran an errand for Lekha's sister.

Participated in the 574th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "Making agricultural habits a lifestyle" by Mullakkara Rathnakaran, Former Agriculture minister from 1600 - 1715 hrs. However, he got stuck in his party's district-level meeting and we were enlightened by Gracious Benjamin, who's an enthusiastic farmer himself and a part of our veterans' group.    

The perfidy continues......

Pakistan may cede Gilgit Baltistan to China to pay off its mounting debts....The treachery has been going on for long.

1947.        The Brits knew the importance of Gilgit Baltistan - it's the area that connects Indian landmass to Central Asia. And the British could NOT allow that portion to fall to India - so when Jammu and Kashmir ceded to India the Brits used Gilgit Scouts to engineer a land grab for Pakistan.

In Nov 1947, under the command of Maj WA Brown, the Gilgit Scouts overthrew the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in Gilgit and declared accession to Pakistan. The Muslim element of the State Forces joined the rebels and killed the Hindu troops.

 

1971.         India defeated Pakistan to create Bangladesh and there were genuine fears in the US/UK that India will take over PoK which means even Gilgit Baltistan. They could not afford that - the US sent message to the Soviet Union that if India so much as tried to move towards PoK, the US will nuke India. This message was conveyed to India by the Soviets. And that was that.

2022.         With Pakistan collapsing, the US and China sat together and stated that they have differences over Taiwan but on India, they were on the same side. They both cannot allow India to make a grab for PoK again and take over prime logistics real estate of Gilgit Baltistan. Hence, it's possible that Pakistan may cede Gilgit Baltistan to China (with the blessings of the US).

     *       *       *

The Tamasha Going on in Maharashtra

During the last Assembly elections in Maharashtra in Oct 2019, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had a pre-poll alliance. The results, for the 288 Assembly seats, were as follows :-

* BJP              106

* Shiv Sena      56

* NCP              54

* Congress       44 

* Others           28

Post polls, with Shiv Sena breaking ranks with the BJP over the seat of the chief minister - could have been a combination of Udhav's ego and his son's eagerness to become a minister - to form an alliance called the 'Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi' with the crafty Pawar's NCP and the Congress.

The misgovernance and the corruption were evident from day 1 of the formation of the ministry. Udhav, in his eagerness to be the CM and to please the NCP and the Congress, strayed away from his party's core ideology - Hindutva. Moreover, the movie actor, Sushant Singh Rajput's murder through circumstantial evidences were pointing a finger at Aditya Thackeray as brought out by Arnab Goswami on the Republic TV.

The Udhav government, consequently, made the fundamental mistake of putting Arnab Goswami in jail. There was a train of people - like Rane, the union minister and an MLA-MP husband-wife team - who were taken into custody because they said against the government, just to show the might of the family! Obviously, it was too clear to note that the doings could have been the handiwork of the immature and vindictive junior!

As I punch this, 38 Shiv Sena MLAs under the leadership of Eknath Shinde have broken off from Udhav Thackeray, reiterating that they are for the core ideology of the party.

Yet another instance of naked ambition, greed, high handedness and vindictive actions, toppling the high and mighty. 

Obviously, one doesn't have to establish as to who will have the last laugh! 

Tailpiece.

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

Made two trips - one to the fish stall and the other to the bank - in Hameed's auto rickshaw.

Food Joints' hygiene rating.

Must confess that I never knew such a rating existed and am glad, it does. Gujarat tops while Tamilnadu comes second.

Gujarat tops the list of food establishments that have been given the highest number of hygiene certificates in 2021 - '22., followed by Tamilnadu, according to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) that has awarded over 18,000 such rating certificates till March, this year. This certification is a must for food businesses before commencement.

FSSAI is a statutory body for laying down scientific standards for articles of food and regulating the manufacturing, processing, distribution, sale and import. More and more food establishments like restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, sweet shops and meat retail shops in India are coming forward to get the ratings as it helps drawing customers to their joints.

In 2020, 1,837 such establishments were awarded the certificates, while in 2018, the figure stood at 867.

Moreover, officials said, smaller food business operators (FBO), such as dhabhas, food trucks and even mid-day meal kitchens are being covered under the HRS (Hygiene Rating Scheme), which was first initiated in Dec 2018 in Maharashtra on a pilot basis and was later launched across the country.

Till March this year, 16,059 food establishments got the coveted rating. In Gujarat, the figure stood at 4,340 followed by 2,532 such food joints in Tamilnadu. Haryana stood third with 2,210 establishments getting the rating.

In Karnataka, 973 such food establishments were part of the scheme. While in Kerala, 114 food joints got the certificates, in Telangana, only 47 food establishments went for the scheme.

This score encourages businesses to ensure hygiene standards and empowers consumers to make an informed choice when they eat out.

Hygiene rating is a user friendly, technology driven scheme under which food serving establishments are rated on their hygiene and food safety compliance with a score from 5, which is the highest rating, to 1, which is the lowest. The number of such food establishments obtaining hygiene rating certificates is increasing steadily.

- Kavita Bajeli-Datt

My take

India is slowly waking up to the necessity of providing hygienic food to its citizens. It's a welcome change! The quintessential fact is to "eat safe".

Tailpiece.

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

Fixed up my lectures - in connection with the Vaayana Maasam - for the next week at the schools around Thalavoor.

RBI flashes red!

Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Rajasthan most at risk fiscally.

Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar have been identified as highly stressed states on fiscal parameters, an RBI-published study said.

"For the five most indebted states, debt stock is no longer sustainable, as the debt growth has outpaced their GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) growth in five years. New sources of risks have emerged - re-launch of old pension scheme by some states, rising expenditure on non-merit freebies, expanding contingent liabilities and the ballooning overdue of discoms (power distribution companies) - warranting strategic corrective measures", the study said.

Based on a stress test, it concluded that the fiscal conditions of the most indebted states are expected to deteriorate further, with their debt-GSDP ratio likely to remain above 35%in 2026-'27.

Decoding Spending

Revenue expenditure to capital outlay

(5-year average : 2017 - 18 to 2021 - 22)

* Madhya Pradesh     4.9

* UP                           5.2

* Jharkhand                5.8

* Bihar                        6.5

* Haryana                   7.5

* Andhra                     8.8

* Rajasthan                 9.4

* West Bengal             9.7

* Kerala                     12.1

* Punjab                     16.6

It warned that financial risks from freebies appeared to be the highest in the case of Punjab, where the state government has expanded the list recently.

Similarly, Punjab and Rajasthan appeared most to fiscal shocks, arising out of realisation of contingent liabilities (the state's guarantee to step in due to default by a borrower), as well as a bailout of power distribution companies.

A stress test showed that a large number of states are expected to have debt-GSDP ratio of over 30% in 2026 - 27 but Punjab's level could be in excess of 45%, making it the worst performer. Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal too are projected to top 35%. "These states will need to undertake significant corrective steps to stabilise debt levels", the report said.

Based on last year's debt-GSDP ratio, the paper by a group of RBI officials identified 10 states including Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, MP, UP and Haryana as most fiscally vulnerable, before narrowing it down to five.

Among the 10 states, the paper said, own tax revenue, which is now limited to excise, property registration and motor vehicles tax, has been declining in MP, Punjab, and Kerala. Similarly, Haryana, UP, West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab are seen to have limited space for developmental spending, given that they already have committed expenditure on interest payment, pension and administrative  payment, which account for over 35% of total spending.

- Times News Network

My take

It's incumbent upon the state governments to spend meaningfully and avoid sloth/flashy programs with no outcomes.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Earlier, performed the usual Wednesday aarathi.

Lekha and I went to Harisree department store and the fruit shop to pick up grocery, fruits and other tidbits. Hameed was our chauffeur for the first leg. Meanwhile, the soiled clothes were given a washing machinex.

A quiet evening.

Back at The Quarterdeck.

At a half past midnight, the Intercity Express from Thiruvananthapuram reached Guruvayur and it was pouring. I'd my umbrella fished out of the suitcase that I was carrying and it shielded me from the rain! I'd walked to wards the entrance but the auto rickshaws took a bit of time to fetch up.

One such auto rickshaw brought me home. Lekha was up on hearing my voice. And it took me to our house. 

A quick wash, a bit of settling down things and I'd knocked off to sleep. Giving clothes for dry washing and carrying out the washing machinex of the other clothes will be taken up, day after tomorrow.

Got up at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. The chores and we were ready by 6.

Vincent  - he was our sa'arthi for the day - came here at a trifle after 6 and we kicked off on our trip to Kochi. We went by the coastal highway, had reached 'Shenoy Care' a trifle after 9 but had no results. Lekha and I were let in around a half past 11 as per the scheme of things, put in place now.

The lab tests were conducted and we were ushered into Dr Levin's room once the results were available. He expressed his happiness about how well she's improved. The same sentiment was repeated by Dr Shenoy, too, after the check up!

Had lunch at the Aaryas at Panampilly Nagar, around a quarter past 2. It was after this that I'd gone across to Dr Satish Bhat, for my review. My HBA1C reading is 7.1 and he was quite thrilled about it. 

Since Chellakkili was under a spell of flu, we decided to skip a visit to her, planned yesterday!

Finally, it was around a half past 7 when we reached The Quarterdeck.  

It was a timely supper, my work and I hit the sack earlier than usual!

Tailpiece.

It was a pleasant day.    

Another hectic day.

It was yet another hectic day. The day had begun at 4, when Aniyan's cellphone alarm had gone off. Were ready by 5 and Maman, Aniyan and I left for Thiruvallam as today was Muthachhan's remembrance day by the Malayalam calendar. We reached there fairly comfortably because of sparse traffic early in the morning but the highway was in a pathetic condition!

We paid for a higher ticket wherein Maman and I could avoid sitting on the ground for offering the 'bali tharpanam' and we did it at the steps, near the waterfront. The conductor did a fine job and all of us felt quite happy in the manner the proceedings were directed; conveyed the same to him too and wasn't he pleased?

Had 'pongal' for breakfast on our return trip and on reaching the Foundation, I'd a quick change and Aji and I set off for my next assignment. I was a bit apprehensive for losing about half an hour and conveyed the same to Mr Sarma, the Headmaster of the UPS, Thalavoor. Aji drove well and we were at the school by a 20' past 11.

Was greeted warmly and to my surprise, Muttathe Kamalamma chechi was also invited to be with me at the stage. It was so nice to be with her! I spoke to the children about the lives and times of PN Panicker and ended my speech by asking questions to the children. And boy, there were plenty of volunteers who asked very sensible questions! Adyey, of class IV, had asked me the first question and I gave him Rs.100/-, from my pocket, as a gift. His mother was a teacher in the school and she had befriended me. 

On completion of the program, we set off to my brother-in-law, Padmakumar's place for lunch as per plans made earlier. And it was a nice and scrumptious lunch! On completion, it was time to commence my return and we did just that but not before putting in fuel in the car.

The return journey was nice, as the traffic was less and we reached the Foundation by a quarter past 3. Felt bad that I'd slept through while passing by the Sainik School. Did the final packing while Girija gave us our evening cup of tea.

After interacting with everyone at the Foundation, I left for the Thiruvananthapuram Railway station by a 10' to 5 and had boarded the Intercity Express for Guruvayur. The train was on time for a change.

Tailpiece.

Got a bit bored during my train journey and snoozed for a while.

The most poignant moment of the day, was at the school, when the entire audience clapped when I touched Kamalamma chechi's feet! 

Tomorrow is gonna be a long day, as both, Lekha and I have our quarterly medical review tomorrow, at Kochi!     

The 26th Reading Day/Reading Month Celebrations.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 8 with my Maman literally breathing down my throat. We reached the Foundation and ensured that everything that was needed at the meeting venue was sent in appropriate vehicles. We both had a lovely breakfast of Upma and accompaniments before setting off to the AKG Centre around a half past 9.

Meanwhile, the steady trickle of school children, their teachers and parents and much as we desired, the hall was packed to capacity - the hall had a seating capacity of 1,500.

The chief minister did not fetch up as he's supposed to be down with Covid -19. However, he'd sent his speech to our chairman, who read it out at the meeting. He has made amends to his last week's statement that the pioneer was K Damodaran, who'd begun the library movement in Malabar. Today, he had very clearly stated that the father of the Kerala Library Movement was PN Panicker!

The Education Minister, V Sivankutty, Prof PJ Kurien, Shri TKA Nair, IAS, Prof V Madhusoodanan Nair, K Jeevanbabu, DPI and Shri M Vijayakumar were the other speakers on the dais.  

It was about a one and a half hour's program which finished by lunch time. Had light tea time snacks instead of lunch. The next program viz. the competitions' section began at 1400 hrs at the Foundation's courtyard. The program crafted by the Kerala Kaumudi was a nice experience. Kala and her team worked efficiently. Happened to hear the recitation of some lovely poems by the children.

Around 6 PM, the team from the Jatayuppaara Sree Kodandarama Temple Trust and the Foundation explained to us about the Ramayana recital being the basis of all reading activities.

Remembered Muthachhan exactly at 13' past 7, because it was at this time in 19 Jun '95 when he'd passed into the mist of time

It was then that I had taken a break to spend time with Suresh Laxman and Sindhu, as fixed up a day earlier. It was a wonderful evening after a long time. They, of course, missed Lekha.

Suresh had dropped me at Jagathy junction where Maman had picked me up. The disaster was that my cellphone had gone into silent mode without my knowledge.

It was a late evening, thereafter.

Tailpiece.

There was a false scare of a Bharat Bandh tomorrow. It would have knocked the bottoms of my program for tomorrow.  

Yoga made easy.

Ouch! Rounded shoulders

The shoulder joint is mobile but less stable. Prolonged use of gadgets and long work hours affect the shoulders. In addition, improper postures lead to rounded shoulders, which may result in pain on the shoulders, arm and neck. Here is a simple technique that can help relieve rounded shoulders.

Method

* Stand upright at an arm's distance from the wall.

* Raise the left hand up to the level of the shoulders (If this is difficult or painful, reduce the height).

* Stretch the left arm and rest the palm on the wall.

* Press the palm firmly against the wall.

* Gently turn to the right as much as possible.

* Keep the feet closer, legs straight and trunk upright.

* Tighten the muscles of the left arm and the shoulders.

* As you inhale slowly, the abdominal cavity should expand.

* As you exhale slowly, the abdominal cavity should contract.

* Stay for about 30 to 60 seconds.

* Slowly turn sideways and release the left arm.

* Change side and repeat.

Courtesy. Dr SN Omkar.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 5' to 4, had a wash, recited my prayers and turned off to sleep yet again. Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 8. We were off to the Foundation soon after.

A lot many jobs were done in the preparation for tomorrow's event. Visited the Cantonment and Museum Police Stations to inform them about the Vaayana Dinam. Gave them the posters.

Participated in the 573rd episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Atom and Food" by Dr Hari, Senior Scientist from BAARC from 1600 - 1730 hrs. An interesting topic and discussions.

Visited the AKG Centre's hall which is the venue for our event tomorrow. 

Went to the Thycaud Sastha kshetram along with Maman. Lord Ayyappan came out of his sanctum sanctorum after his feed as part of the evening 'seeveli'. The circumambulation of the temple brought me old memories from my childhood when we used to visit the temple along with my elders.

Secured at a half past 10 from the Foundation.

What is wrong with us?

My country.....

You throw ink, egg or shoe at any

politician......

You will be arrested on the spot

immediately.

But if you throw stones on forces,

army......

Army men may be arrested!

Do we see such acts of stone

throwing on Forces in any other

states and countries?

All over the world...

Stone pelting is bad.

Stone pelting with an intent to

cause grievous injury is a

crime?

Stone pelting with an intent to

hurt an armed security officer on

duty is suicide.

If you pelt a stone at an Israeli 

soldier - They will identify you -

Kill you - identify your house - 

respectfully request your family

members to vacate - fill your

empty house with concrete.

If you pelt a stone at a uniformed

and armed US Marine on duty -

you won't even live to say sorry

to 3 generations of your family

members who'd never know how

bad the airline food really is - as

they might all get listed on the

no-fly list for good.

If you plan to pelt a stone on a

Spetsnaz in Moscow - hope you

have great cooking skills - because

just in case you aren't shot and

killed immediately - you might

have to spend the rest of your life

being 'useful' to the lonely and

bored soldiers of the Black

Dolphin facility on the Kazak 

border.

And in case you plan to pelt a

stone at a guard in the Tiananmen

Square - hope you take your family

into confidence, since it is they

who would be suffering the most,

while you are made to wait in a

4ftx4ftx4ft cell in one of the 

Chinese Organ Harvesting

facilities, awaiting a patient that

matches your blood type.

Your government will not just make

a profit by selling your organs -

they'll also make your family pay

for the operation and the

subsequent funeral - after they

freeze the bank accounts of your

family members of course.

But we in India are a little

different.

We are the only country in the 

world which even has a debate on

this subject.

We are the only country where

we can take liberties to denigrate

the Chief of the Army and call him

names. What a shame!!??

Isn't it time to stand by our

gallant Armed Forces because, 

we know in our heart of hearts

they are not inhuman, they are

not merciless and they have both

their heart and mind in place.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 3, washed up, recited my prayers and turned off to sleep yet again. Got up at a half past 6, the chores, was ready by a half past 8 and we were off to the Foundation soon after. Today, Gopu and me went to the schools/colleges towards Nalanchira to canvas for students for our Sunday function. It was an experience to remember!

In the evening, Maman and I had gone to the Pazhavangadi Ganapati kshetram. Broke coconuts and returned home comparatively early.

  

 

At Thiruvananthapuram.

The day began at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. A light rain was on, throughout the morning. Went about my chores and was ready well in time. Anto was at our gate, a trifle after 6. Meanwhile, Lekha and her sister had prepared packed breakfast and dinner for me. Kittu was at our doorstep, looking sad because of his mistaken appreciation that we were all going away. He was satisfied after realising that Lekha wasn't travelling with me.

Anto and I left for the railway station by a 10' past 6. The queue had not yet formed up for buying tickets and therefore, I could buy mine to Thrissur, pull out the day's newspapers from the shop on the platform and boarded the nearest coach to the entrance. The Guruvayur - Ernakulam Passenger left the station at a quarter to 7 and 20' later, I'd got off at Thrissur.

Found to my utter dismay that the air conditioned waiting room was under lock and key. When asked as to why it was under lock and key, the RPF guy told me that it has been so since the onslaught of the Covid pandemic. Now how does one react to such an absurdity and I just withdrew. There was a lot of tom tomming about the railway station having acquired high tech features but what it presented was a pathetic sight!

So, sat on the platform and had my breakfast. The crows around the area are militant-like. Anyways, after tucking in the lovely breakfast of appam and egg masala, was ready to board the Jan Shatabdi from Kannur which arrived promptly at a half past 8. Mine was a window-side seat and my co-passengers were two middle-aged ladies; I took pains to keep my visits to the rest room at longish intervals so that I disturbed them the least.

Reached Thiruvananthapuram at a quarter to 2 and since our cars were all away on duty, I took an auto rickshaw and got dropped at the Foundation. Met Prof PJ Kurien, the former deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha who was on a visit to the Foundation. Had tomato-rice, packed as lunch, from home and it was really nice!

Had joined the others of the Foundation in the run up to the 26th Reading Day/Reading Month celebrations commencing 19 Jun. Watched television too and my favourite evening serials! We'd set off for home around a half past 9: Ajith was our sa'arthi.

Interacted with Ammayi and Chambu, had a scrumptious supper and got on to my work on the laptop.

Tailpiece.

A fairly packed day and the journey by train is definitely, better than what is by bus. 

A brief on the National Herald case.

The Congress party lumpen have let loose violence, arson and riots in various parts of the country as Rahul Gandhi was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in three consecutive days for being interrogated on the National Herald case. He has been summoned again on Friday. 

Today, the Congress has gone on record to say that it will see that this country burns if Sonia, Rahul or Priyanka are indicted in the case. Total brazenness! Obviously, the case has reached periliously close to Sonia and her children that they have cause to worry!

So, what's the National Herald case?

Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) was the brainchild of Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1937, Nehru started the firm with 5,000 other freedom fighters as its shareholders. The company did not belong to any person in particular.

Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint before the trial court in 2012, alleging that Congress leaders were involved in cheating and breach of trust in the acquisitioning of AJL by YIL (Young India Ltd) as assets worth Rs.2,000 crores has been transferred to YIL. Apart from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, the then treasurer, Motilal Vohra, the then General Secretary, Oscar Fernandez, journalist, Suman Dubey and technocrat, Sam Pitroda are the accused in the case.

The anatomy of the scam

  1. AJI runs National Herald newspaper. It closes down. AJI in crisis with Rs.90 cr liabilities and  Rs.2,000 cr worth of property.

  2. Congress party lends Rs.90 cr to AJI to pay off liabilities.

  3. Young India Company founded with 76% shares held by Sonia and Rahul.

  4. Congress party fails to recover loan of Rs.90 cr from AJI.

  5. Congress transfers loan of Rs.90 cr recoverable from AJI to YI at discounted rate of Rs.50 lakhs.

  6. YI pays Rs.50 lakhs to Congress.

  7. Congress writes off balance of Rs.89.5 cr and closes loan account of Rs.90 cr.

  8. YI negotiates with AJL and agrees to accept repayment of dues of Rs.90 cr in the form of shares.

  9. By virtue of share allotment by AJI, YI owns 99% of AJL which has property worth Rs.2,000 cr.

10. YI effectively becomes owner of Rs.2,000 cr property by paying just Rs.50 lakhs.

And now, to the present

Being established as thugs/crooks, by conviction in the case, would be a big letdown for the family - that has been held in high esteem by the people of this country - from which it can never recover. Hence, the do or die struggle!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Today, is the 1st of the Malayalam month of Mithunam. The customary Wednesday 'aarthi' was carried out. 

To the market to buy our fruit basket and grocery.

Today was also the 52nd Remembrance Day of the legendary Malayalam actor, Sathyan. Saw a bit of 'Kaattuthulasi' in which he'd essayed a dashing role.

A feel good story from Bengal.

Setting up a pleasant example of communal harmony in Howrah's Uluberia, which witnessed massive violent protests, the Hindu neighbours on Sunday stood by a Muslim widow whose daughter's marriage could have been postponed due to the unrest. The neighbours took care of everything right from welcoming the groom, along with the other guests, to ensure the bride's safe journey to her in laws' house. 

Iddenisa Mullick, mother of three daughters and a son, lives in a small house off the NH 6, where the protestors put up a roadblock.

"There were massive protests in our area. I was worried when the administration clamped Section 144. I had no out other than postponing my daughter, Pakiza's marriage which was scheduled on Sunday. But my Hindu neighbours came forward and assured me that they would take care of everything", said Iddenisa. 

Iddenisa's neighbours Tapas Kodali, Lakhikanta Kayal and Uttam Dolui took all responsibilities of the marriage.

"We grew up in the same village together. We stood by each other always. When the mother of Pakiza was worried, we decided to be her helping hands", said Kodali.

The three went to the police station and obtained permission for the assembly, on the occasion of the marriage, as Section 144 of CrPC was clamped. 

"Iddenisa lost her husband eight years ago. The mother and her children participate in all the events organised by the local club. It was our duty, as fellow citizens, to stand by her", Kayal said.  

Iddenisa had invited around 300 guests for her daughter's marriage.

"But only 150 turned up. My Hindu neighbours welcomed them and took care of food and other comforts. They also helped me to rent a car so that Pakiza could go to her in-laws' house safely. I will be grateful to them for the rest of my life", she added.

Sheikh Mokkabir, the newly-wed groom said that he was pleasantly surprised that he was warmly welcomed by the Hindu neighbours.

"It is because of them the entire ceremony was conducted so smoothly", he added.

Courtesy. The NIE.

My take

The harmony between communities is an assured factor in our country. Selfish politicians, to achieve their narrow ends, whip up enmity and hatred between people!

Tailpiece.

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

It was a quiet day with the maid going through her round of work.

The most ancient living teachings on spirituality.

There are four Vedas and each consists of four parts. These parts are divided into two groups - first is called 'Karna Kanda' and deals with rituals and yagyas and the mantras that are to be recited during those yagyas. This forms about 95% of the content of the Vedas. The sections Samhita and Brahmana fall under this group. The second is called 'Gyana Kanda' and deals with philosophy and the knowledge that liberates. The Upanishads fall under the second group. They are also called Vedanta - the end of the Vedas. There are two reasons for this. The Upanishads are included towards the end of the Vedas and were taught to pupils after they had mastered the rest of the Veda. Also, they represent the highest teachings of the Vedas, the fruits borne by the tree called Vedas.

Upanishads contain the most ancient living teachings on spirituality. These teachings were considered to be the secret knowledge and were referred to as Rahasya (secret) or Guhya (mystery). Some scholars have interpreted the word meaning of Upanishads as 'sitting nearby devotedly'. This refers to the Guru teaching the devoted disciples who are sitting around him.

It is difficult to state the exact number of Upanishads with estimates going up to more than 200. Many books have suffixed Upanishad to their names to derive the authority that the name Upanishad carries. However, popularly, the 108 Upanishads mentioned in Muktikopanishad  are referred to. Even out of these, the 11 principal ones that Sri Sankaracharya commented on are considered the most important ones. These are the :-

   * Aitareya

   * Brihadaranyaka

   * Isa

   * Taittiriya

   * Katha

   * Chandogya

   * Kena

   * Mundaka

   * Mandukya

   * Prasna and

   * Svetastara Upanishads.

There are so many phrases that we have heard and use in our daily life that we don't even realise that they have come from the Upanishads. For example : the motto of India and the name of a popular serial (and later, movie) - Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs) - is from the Mundaka Upanishad. A prayer that most Indian school kids have recited is :

    Asato ma sadgamaya

    Tamaso ma jyothirgamaya

    Mrityorma amritam gamaya

    (Lead me from falsehood to truth

     Lead me from darkness to light.

     Lead me from death to immortality)

This prayer comes from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Anybody who reads the Upanishads is unlikely to be disappointed because the ideas expressed in them have not become obsolete with time. They deal with eternal truths that are as true today as they were when the Upanishads were created. The great German scholar Max Mueller said that the Upanishads maintain a place in the literature of the world, among the most astounding productions of the human mind in any age and in any country.

- Gaurav Yadav in the Sunday Magazine of the NIE.

My take

These teachings can be assimilated by an individual whose mind is ready to receive them. It can neither be forced nor taught in a classroom! The interest will come from within. 

The four parts of the Veda - Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka and Upanishad.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The start of yet another week!

A quiet day when I could clear the backlog of work.

The day was bright and sunny with heavy rain late in the evening. 

5 things that keep you unhappy.

All the comforts are available now that a few decades ago no one could have imagined. Still, if people are so unhappy, it has to be accepted that today's man has invented some wonderful techniques to stay unhappy.

The more we lose our connections from the inner core, the more we are in tension. Man's condition today has become like a musk deer, who is seeking musk in a wild forest.

If you often compare your success with others, then it's bound to increase your unhappiness and stress. The flower of joy can never bloom in an atmosphere of jealousy and tension.

You have to find your causes of unhappiness and solve them yourself. The reasons for your unhappiness are also obvious. 

Let's go over them.

1. You have no sense of gratitude for what you have today.

2. You hurt yourself by comparing yourself with others.

3. You blame failures on others or situations

4. It's important to make every effort to improve your efficiency but do not fall into the trap of perfection

5. You should increase your interaction with people.

- Courtesy Sakshi Shree.

My take

Being positive, many things can happen!

Tailpiece.

By the time we reached Angamaly, the bus had developed a problem. Another bus of a similar variety was requisitioned; we resumed our journey and reached Thrissur by a quarter past 3, only to be told at the counter that the next bus to Guruvayur would fetch up only at a half past 5.

Boarded a low-floor bus bound, for Kannur, for getting off at Kunnamkulam. Unfortunately, I'd fallen asleep, soon after and when I regained my senses, the bus had reached Kuttippuram, about 42 km from the spot, I should have disembarked.

An auto rickshaw was hired to proceed to Guruvayur and we reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 5. Jayan, the sa'arthi, drove well.

Washing machinex of bed linen and the soiled clothes.

A quiet Sunday thereafter!  

The Cavalcade of Books.

The cavalcade will form up at the Akshara Guru Sannidhi (PN Panicker's statue) at Poojappura traffic at 3 PM and wind up at the Thiruvananthapuram Public Library on 11 Jun 2022.

As part of the PN Panicker 26th National Reading Day/Reading Month celebrations, the PN Panicker Foundation is organising a Cavalcade of Books as Proclamation Yatra on 11 Jun 2022 at 3 PM, from PN Panicker's statue at Poojappura. A caparisoned elephant, accompanied by the drumbeatsof the Kudumbasree members, art forms of children, musicians playing on the traditional musical instruments etc, will stress upon the importance of reading and the need for inculcating reading habit  among the children.

A copy of the Indian Constitution will be carried by the caparisoned elephant and the 'Cavalcade of Books' will pass through the main thoroughfare of Thiruvananthapuram, covering the following :-

 

    (a) Ulloor smaarakam at Jagathy

    (b) Statues of P Bhaskaran and G Devarajan at Maanaveeyam Lane

    (c) Ayyankali at Vellayambalam Square

    (d) Vayalar Rama Varma at Keltron

    (e) Sree Narayana Guru at Museum junction and

    (f) CV Raman Pillai at the Public Library.

The 'Cavalcade of Books' will be a unique and a first-of-its-kind event in the country. It will also be accompanied by children, their parents, teachers and eminent literary/cultural luminaries and will acknowledge receptions and felicitations enroute. The whole distance is estimated to be around 3 km.

    *      *      *  

On the ground

The above is the replica of the brochure that the Foundation had brought out in connection with the programme. Accordingly, we were at PN Panicker's statue by a half past 1. The cavalcade formed up slowly and steadily and by 3, the chief guests viz. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Madhusoodanan Nair and Prof George Onakkoor had arrived and the short speech session, followed by floral tributes to PN Panicker and the lighting of the traditional lamp set the ball rolling.

Two policemen-on-horseback led the cavalcade, followed by the columns of various cultural forms enacted by groups of men, women and children with the majestic and caparisoned elephant - Sivakumar - carrying the Indian Constitution immediately behind the key Foundation members formed the mainstay. Our Science Exploratory, Bookmark traveller and a few more vehicles followed.

We took 21/2 hrs to traverse the entire route which was cheerfully and heartily welcomed by the people of Thiruvananthapuram and at many points resorted to photography and selfies with us.

It was a high-voltage interaction with the general public!

At a half past 5, sitting on the lawns of the Public Library, after paying floral tribute to CV Raman Pillai we were exhausted but thrilled that the event had gone off so well. It was definitely time well spent!

Tailpiece.

After dinner at the Foundation, we were in time to board the super deluxe bus bound for Mananthavadi. Kuttu, Aniyan and self were together.

Aniyan got off at Kottayam at the stroke of midnight.    

Don't forget ever...to run in the rain!

A little girl had been shopping with her mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from my worries of the day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we all were caught in "Mom let's run through the rain", she said.

 'What?' Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit", Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain'.

'Well get soaked if we do', Mom said.....

'No, we won't mom. That's not what you said this morning', the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm 

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to daddy about his cancer, you said, "If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain....We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing", Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your health. But no can take away your precious memories.....So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.

I hope you still take the time to run through the rain. 

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.

Take the time to live!! 

Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll each other.....and don't forget to run in the rain.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 10' to 4, had a wash and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep soon after.

Was at the Foundation, doing things and checking out on every aspect concerning tomorrow's programme.

Participated in the 572nd episode of Aazhchakkoottam : "Solar Energy from the Rooftops" by Ms. JM Radhika, Project Engineer, ANERT, Thiruvananthapuram from 1600 - 1715 hrs. An informative interaction, post lecture.

At Thiruvananthapuram.

The day started off at 5 AM this morning as Lekha's cellphone alarm woke us up. Went around the chores and was ready by 7. Anto was at the gate, on the dot, though he said that I need not hurry as he'd handed over a potential customer, after me, to a colleague of his - damn sweet of him! Reached the KSRTC bus stand within no time and I'd clambered on to the 0725 hrs Thiruvananthapuram - Kattakkada Superfast bus as it was already at the take off point.

I sat at the first seat - as is my custom - opposite the driver as I liked viewing the road and the sights whizzing past, always, which is a luxury that one's denied when one's behind the wheel!

The driver, Anil, took off 10' early and I was glad that we'd reach Vyttila much ahead of time. It was bright sunshine all through our route and the journey was uneventful. We reached Vyttila hub around a 20' past 10. And as usual, I'd gone across to the rest room to ease myself and the low floor air-conditioned bus, for Thiruvananthapuram, had fetched up soon after. We left Vyttila by a half past 10.

My cellphone was dangerously low on charge but much to my chagrin, I found that the plug points provided for charging in the bus did not have power and despite complaining to the driver and the conductor, no action was taken - instead, they provided me with wishy-washy answers. Have dropped a complaint in the suggestion box, to this effect and shall monitor its progress. No wonder the KSRTC is picking up huge losses and the corporation is unable to pay their monthly emoluments. Serves the guys right because they've no loyalty towards the organisation, let alone having a helpful attitude towards their passengers whose indulgence gets them a steady income!

Lekha, along with her elder sister, Letha had packed a spicy lunch for me at Kayamkulam by about 2 o' clock.

The guy's driving left much to be desired because we reached Thiruvananthapuram at 5 PM. Though the traffic was heavy, he could have got us much earlier. The problem, as I've observed this afternoon, is that neither do the corporation's personnel have the fire in them to do well nor do they have the decency in their conduct - they just don't seem to care!

The drive was nice otherwise, as I saw very many familiar sights - the area around Kazhakkoottam and the turn towards the Sainik School at Vettu Road, especially, took me to the days when I was a cadet there during  1967 - '72! Got down at Thampanoor - at the bus stand - at 5 and Manu drove me to the Foundation. It was nice meeting the entire staff and had a long chat with Shri Pannian Raveendran, our working chairman. Maman was away with the DGP, who security cleared our "Cavalcade of Books", scheduled for day-after-tomorrow afternoon. 

Set off for home by a 10' past 9. Had a long chat with Ammayi and Chambu, over dinner. Hit the sack at later than usual!

Tailpiece.

Have told my neighbours, at Guruvayur, to provide necessary support to Lekha and her sister, if required.

The Nupur Sharma controversy.

Putting it in the right perspective!

In response to an Islamist's abuse of Hindu beliefs, Nupur Sharma made 3 remarks after observing that she too could pay back in kind :-

(a) The Quran says the earth is flat.

(b) The hadiths claim that Muhammad undertook a nocturnal journey to heaven on a horse.

(c) The hadiths say that a 53 year-old Muhammad married a 6 year-old Ayesha.

All three are factual remarks because that's what Islamic scriptures say. However, she received death and rape threats which are real. She has been suspended by the BJP. Why? Because Arab countries allegedly threatened the Government of India that it would block oil exports to India and that Hindu workers would be expelled from Gulf countries. The former threat is more pertinent because India imports over 50% of its oil from the Gulf. In the wake of the Ukrainian crisis, alternative oil sources are non-existent.

Elsewhere, EAM Jaishankar has pointed out that there's a real physical shortage of oil around the world. If India faces an oil crunch, it would adversely impact the economy thereby putting millions of Indian lives, especially those of the poor, in jeopardy. So, the government has acted prudently out of compulsion. That's understandable. You sometimes lose a battle to win a war.

None of these make Nupur Sharma a fanatic as some leftists have proclaimed. The unpalatable facts she has mentioned are in Islamic scriptures. Muslims believe those as literal truths. Especially, the Ayesha episode has been used by Islamists to advocate child marriages. Al-Razi, writing in the 9th century, declared that whenever the truth claims of Islam are challenged Islamists respond with violence, blood-letting and intolerance. A millennium later, little has changed. The only way this would change is when societies are free to discuss and criticize Islam.

Unfortunately, sections 295A and 153A of the IPC invoke blasphemy and preclude such discussions. They punish the peaceful critic and privilege the sentiments of the one who is predisposed to react to criticism and violence. Without free speech, no civil society can function. A society which enacts laws to uphold street power of the intolerant is doomed. The blasphemy laws were enacted by the British to shield Islam and Christianity from criticism while enabling attacks on Hinduism under the guise of the intent to reform society. Nehru continued the shameful colonial legacy in his pursuit of communal politics.

What's the way out?

First, as Vivek Kaul has often remarked, India should invest in solar-energy on a war footing. Invite the private sector and give it a 10-year tax break. Supplement it with nuclear and hydrogen fuel. Set up nuclear reactors in Karnataka, Orissa, UP. MP and Bihar.

Second, most Hindus would baulk at the idea of criticizing other religions. They don't understand the importance of free speech. We're a wounded civilization which is yet to come out of the colonial mindset. So, enacting free speech laws would always be challenging. However, most Hindus also baulk at the prospect of street violence. So, free speech laws should be coupled with strict laws which have zero tolerance for violence. That would resonate better with society.

Third, Hindus are a fragmented society. We don't have congregations. However, there's cohesiveness within jati groups. There's a crying need to mobilize jati groups using shared practices eg. yoga camps, akharas, where our youth of both sexes come together and have a skin in the game.

It's easy to criticize the BJP. However, BJP didn't create this problem, which is a legacy of the colonial rule. The way out has to be a joint Hindu initiative.

- Kalavai Venkat

Now let me show you the timelines - connected to the above story - from what has been gleaned from the What'sApp posts.

27 May       Nupur Sharma makes her statement. Nothing happens but Kanpur's planning starts.

28 May 

to

02 Jun         Kanpur scheme has been put in place.

03 Jun         The violence in Kanpur provokes but is controlled. Planners fail to achieve their goal of 

                     riots.

But how does Qatar come in picture?

Here :-

01 Jun            * ED summons Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case. Lobbying begins with the oil

                          daddies.

                        * AAP money bag Satendra Jain arrested and ED raids start. GHQ kicks in.

02 - 03 Jun     * JP Nadda meets ambassadors of all major foreign nations at the DDU office. This is the

                           third such meeting in three months.

04 Jun            * Lobbying ends., Twitter is full of hashtags and calls for support.           

05 Jun            * Qatar summons Indian envoy.

06 Jun            * 13 countries join the bandwagon. BJP suspends Nupur Sharma and immediately 

                           controls the fire. The 'planners' fail to achieve their goal, again.

07 Jun            * Indian MEA starts firing, the whole issue backfires on Qatar regarding food.                                             Prominent handles start deleting tweets against Nupur Sharma. The oil lobby starts 

                           worrying about Indian oil imports from Russia.

But the cat is out!

06 - 07 Jun     * The toolkit cabal starts asking for calm and let go of the issue because now, everyone

                           in the world knows about it and if it goes to court, the man in question will be naked 

                           with proof.

There's always more than what the eye sees. Nupur Sharma was just a tool and the BJP snatched that tool from the crooks. This ecosystem is a well oiled global machinery. Don't be fooled by propaganda and trust your leadership.

- Pradhan Gaurav

                   

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and we were ready by 9. Sajish, with his car, was at the gate on the dot. Meanwhile, Ramesh and his group had brought the clothes-washing-stone and installed it at our backyard. 

Anjali Krishna and Abhiram make a handsome couple. Their wedding at the Hotel Horizon International was a nicely conducted event. Blessed the young couple, had the 'sadya' and made a get away to Narayanan's house. 

He's going for an angioplasty, to have 5 stents put into his system, at the Sree Chithira Medical Institute, Thiruvananthapuram on 01 Jul. He seems to be overwhelmed by the situation. 

A quiet evening. Washed down the Chevy with Lekha's help.

     

The Attari Border.

* Few people know that Wagah border is the name of the Pakistani side and

* The name of the Indian side is Attari Border.

* Despite this, we still call it by the name Wagah Border because

* The Pakistan lovers and Pakistani media lovers get bones from Pakistan to purposely mention the name of Wagah Border in India instead of Attari Border.

* The name of the Indian side of the border is named after Sardar Shyam Singh Attari.

* Sardar Shyam Singh Attari was the army chief of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who had defeated the cowardly Moghuls many a time, in wars.

* Calling Attari Border as Wagah Border is an insult to the great one - Sardar Shyam Singh Attari.

    *       *        *

The Fourth Sign Of The Zodiac (Part 3)

I know, you never intended to be in 

this world.

But you're in it all the same.

So why not get started 

immediately.

I mean, belonging to it.

There is so much to admire, to

weep over.

And to write music or poems

about.

Bless the feet that take you to and

fro.

Bless the eyes and the listening 

ears.

Bless the tongue, the marvel of

taste.

Bless touching.

You could live a hundred years, it's

happened.

Or not.

I am speaking from the fortunate 

platform

of many years,

none of which, I think, I ever

wasted.

Do you need a prod?

Do you need a little darkness to 

get you going?

Let me be as urgent as a knife,

then,

and remind you of Keats,

so single of purpose and thinking,

for a while, 

he had a lifetime.

- Mary Oliver

Tailpiece.

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

It was a rainy day all through. Ramesh and his helpers brought the ring; it will be our incinerator to burn up dry waste (Till now it used to be done in a pit out in the open) and has been installed in our backyard. The triad of waste management is now complete viz.

 * wet waste in the receptacle from where the compost manure and slurry are produced for the plants

 * dry waste that will be burnt off and the ash provided for the plants yet again

 * plastic waste is collected in a receptacle that gets collected by the Kudumbasree team, once a month

 

Non biodegradables and electronic waste are collected by a team that's on call.

The maid had come to work since her son, down with jaundice, is much better.