29 February, a birthday comes once in four years

29 February, a birthday comes once in four years.

29 February is a date of leap year comes once in four years. February gains a day but doesn't lose it's status of the smallest month. It is a day that synchronise calender year with solar year, setting 6 hours above 365 days, the earth orbiting time around the Sun.

Do you know, one of the Prime Ministers of India, couldn't celebrate his birthday as Dy PM as well as PM, though he was in power for 28 months in each spell? What a coincidence, he became DyPM on 13/3/67 and resigned on 16/7/69; he became PM on 24/3/77 and resigned on 28/7/79.

He was Shri Morarji Ranchodji Desai, the first Gujarati Prime Minister of India, to head first non Congress government. He was born in a leap year, on 29 February 1896. His years in office as DyPM (1967-69) and as PM (1977-79) didn't fall in the leap.

He has been remembered for his administrative skills, unique personality of disciplined life of Gandhian thoughts. Resigning from power on principles was a very simple act for him. His love for naturopathy and his experiments with shivambu were well-known. 

He was civil servant of State Service, resigned as Deputy Collector of Godhra in May 1930 on softness issue over Hindus during the Godhra riots of 1927-28. He then joined freedom struggle lead by Mahatma Gandhi.

As Chief Minister of Mumbai Government, he had introduced Land Reforms that made the tillers the owner of the land. He paid the price, the CM of Mumbai state lost election of Valsad-Gandevi assembly seat against Dr. Amul Desai. His caste fellows Desai Brahmins didn't vote for him because many of them lost their lands due to land reforms. It was a turning point in the life of the Patels of Gujarat and Patils of Maharashtra, because they become the owner of the large land they were cultivating for years under the Darbars, Mahalkars and Jamindars.

He was in oppose to formation of two states of Gujarat and Maharashtra and was in favour of making Mumbai, the Union Territory. The police fire killing 105 protesters at Flora fountain (Mumbai) and Mahagujarat agitation lead by Indulal Yagnik opened the way for the birth of two States, Gujarat and Maharashtra. He had to earn displeasure of both, the Gujarati and the Marathi people.

He moved to Delhi and was inducted in Central Cabinet. He had presented the Central Budget for a record 10 times as Finance Minister of India. His Gold Control Order is still a milestone for all the FM to follow during the financial crisis. He was contender of PM post after Nehru but lost twice against the majority party will favouring LB Shashtri and Indira Gandhi. He became Dy PM under the Indira Gandhi government in 1967, but had to resign in 1969. 

In the fight of Syndicate and Indicate within INC, he continued with the fraction Sanstha (Organization) Congress. But when "Garibi Hatao Slogan won a landslide victory for Indira Gandhi, Morarjibhai put his efforts in uniting opposition parties against INC. The first such experiment (Janata Morcho) became successful in Gujarat in 1975. He went on indefinite hunger strike on "dandi day" 12 March 1975 to support Navnirman Agitation. With his efforts, the first non Congressi State government under Shri Babubhai Jashbhai Patel was formed in June 1975. Shri Babubhai lead the government nicely. Groundnut oil prices was the barometer of the functioning of the state government those days. The famous Raipur Bhajia was sold at Rs.3/kg. Ashok Bhatt, the then Jansangh leader launched agitation against the Janta Morcha government of Babubhai Jasbhai Patel, when the price of groundnut oil rose from Rs.3/kg to Rs.3.50/kg.

He went into jail along with other opposition leaders, during the emergency. When JP agitation succeeded against INC with united opposition wining parliamentary elections, he became the PM of non INC government in 1977. He was 81 years old.

As PM, he opened the way of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam Scheme, declaring the Tribunal Award. The fruits of the scheme are now been enjoyed by the people of the 4 States, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP and Rajasthan.

His step to accept Kothari Commission Report, allowing regional languages as medium of examination in Civil Services has opened the door of the Privy Services of the Country for the people coming from rural and slums background. English style Civil Servants were replaced by the Indian style Servants!

He had proposed to remove surname from the names of Indians to remove caste identity in public. But he couldn't implement due to early fall of his government.

As PM, he was able to curb inflation. First time, the long queues in front of the ration shops in India disappeared. Sugar prices at ration shop and in open market were the same. The waste collectors were offering sugar in lieu of waste plastic shoes (juta na bhave sugar). But Gujarati people felt very bad when he advised them to reduce consumption of Sugar and Oil to improve health and control the prices, in a public meeting in Ahmedabad. 

See the bravery of his mind and energetic status of his health at 81 years age, he walked out safe from the air craft when the craft Pushpak crashlanded at Jorhat in Assam, in November 1977. However, 5 IAF pilots sacrificed their lives for the PM.

He was the first man of India who was conferred with the highest civilian awards of Pakistan and India "Nishane Pakistan" and "Bharat Ratna" respectively. He neither gave away land nor compromise with any principles. "Nishane Pakistan" was the proof of his successful foreign policy with the neighbours.

He had differences with Indira Gandhi. He was the Dy PM holding Finance Ministry. But when she took away his Finance portfolio and nationalised Banks, he had resigned from the Cabinet. He couldn't become PM of India from INC and had to quit the cabinet because of her. But when Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her security guards, what was the reaction of Morarjibhai? "If I had been there, I would have thrown my body before the bullet to save the bravest lady of the Country".

When his government was in trouble due to internal fights of double membership issue of one of the alliance parties, Jansangh, he resigned but didn't compromise with the principles of public life. However, some people did question his approach of not opening way for Jagjivan Ram to sworn in as the first Dalit PM of India. Chudhary Charan Singh succeeded in getting the PM title with INC support from outside, but had to resign in 24 days in office when Mrs. Gandhi withdrew the support. Morarjibhai lost power and from the mess ups of the oppositions, a new party BJP was born. Bhartiya Jan Sangh (BJS) became Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Lamp was replaced by Lotus. In it's first election, the party won only 2 seats in 1984, but later captured the power of Central Government in 1996 (13 days), 1998 (13 months), 1999 (5 years), and now ruling from 2014 onwards. 

Other than Jai Prakash Narayan, Morarjibhai had also played  a big role in unifying opposition parties against the Chakravarti rule of INC. 

He missed the last leap year and the Century of life by just 10 months and 19 days, died at 99 years on 10 April 1995. He was cremated at Abhay Ghat, near Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad. Abhay Ghat on Ashram Road, reminds the "Fearlessness" of Morarjibhai.

Our respect and salute to one of our greatest Gujaratis, Bharat Ratna Shri Morarjibhai Desai.

Punamchand
29 February 2016

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High temperature females

High temperature Females

The way Tiger is the Apex of the food chain cycle on land, Crocodile, the large aquatic reptile is the Apex of the food chain cycle of water. It has cerebral cortex and four chambered heart like human.

Crocodile's jaws carry great power while closing. But do you know, once the closed mouth is tied up with a simple tap, crocodile can't open the jaws. It is his weakness. It has rough and hard body cover on top but smooth skin on the bellies, easy to cut.

Like sea turtles, in absence of sex chromosomes, sex of crocodile is determined by temperature. Most hatchling are female if the temperature is under 30° Celsius. At 31°C, the offsprings are both sexes, above 31°C gives males but when female crocodiles are born at 32°C+ temperature, they are called the High Temperature Females!

Wonder of Nature.

Punamchand
Bhagvatpur (Sundarban)
27 February 2016

NB: AIS officers may get Apex Scale but not the Apex of power in administration chain!!!

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Poor of India

Poor of India

It was a cloudy afternoon (2 PM) of 25 February 2016 at Dakshineshwar Temple near Kolkata. The Darshana time was scheduled at 3 PM, therefore, the visitors were dispersed in the campus in waiting. Some were taking ritual bath at Ganga Ghat. 

A boy of 9 years age was throwing one square article tied with a rope into the water of Ganga and then pulling it, picking up something and again doing the same. We went near to him, saw him picking up coins dropped in the water by the pilgrims. The square article was a magnet. Wearing a short, he was storing his wealth in his mouth. 

We sat for a while under a Pipal tree in front of the residence building of Swami Rankrishna, where he stayed for 16 years. The place made him Ramkrishna Paramhansa from Gadadhar.

Little away, near a waste bin, an old man was sitting ukadu, in front of a wall keeping his back towards the people around. He has kept his carry bag and a 200 ml plastic water bottle besides. He was doing something in a torn empty plastic bag of haldiram namkin. He opened two small polythin bags, pored out little rice from one bag and little kari from another bag. Both together, it was a cup size quantity in all. Somebody has given him the leftover. But he was mixing them very carefully so that not a single grain of food fall out from the torn plastic, his eating plate. He took nearly 5 minutes in mixing that one cup food, as if he was waiting for the enzymes to secrete. A bitch, after checking the dustbin came near to him, looked at his meal and left silently, as if she didn't wish to disturb the old man. Then, the old man took another 5 minutes to eat this lunch with small small bites, eating slowly, chewing each bit 10-15 times, and at last he licked his fingers. Finally, with some sips of water from the used plastic bottle, he finished his lunch of the day of the destitute life. 

He then carefully washed that torn plastic bag (his lunch plate) and watch it around for couple of minutes (as if he was reading his fate or the fate of the destitutes on it), folded, and kept it back in his carry bag. The plastic carry bag was his only wealth of life, that carry couple of poor clothes and some plastic wastes, he uses for bagging and eating food everyday. 

Lakshmi couldn't see it any more, hurriedly went into the street market, bought a bronze plate  and gave it to the old gentleman with a request to eat all his meals in that plate everyday. He has agreed and put the gift in his carry bag carefully and went away. 

Thousands of Indian are living in poverty, with stomach fire on, they are unable to eat nutritious two meals a day, and thousands of us with enzymes off, are overeating and taking medicines to digest it. 

Food security act may serve grains to millions in the country but who will cook for the destitutes? We shall save from the showcasing expenditure, but do something for the destitute too. Why can't the religious places run langers for these people with the help of the government and the civil society?

Why can't we all live a simple life of Buddha and Gandhi? Poor in India are demanding in their silence.

Punamchand
Kolkata
25 February 2016

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How did they count 8.4 million Species?

How did they count 8.4 million Species?

"Biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part, and includes diversity within species or between species and of eco system"

Hinduism says that different objects of the material world are made by the mix of (permutations and combinations) three gunas: Satva (goodness), Rajas (passion), Tamas(ignorance). And these modes are manifested in the 8.4 million species as per Shrimad Bhagvat Purana.

Life comes from life. Veda declare,  'ekoham bahusyam' I am one let me become many. The appearance of material world of life started with the 1st thought of Thee. Thought turned into desire and we see the universe is the manifestation-expansion of the Divine Mind of the Supreme Lord, the Cosmic Dance of Lord Shiva. Energy takes new forms, gives up old and puts on new. vasāmsi jirnāni yathā vihāya. (BG 2.22)

Darwin’s theory suggests that life started from matter and evolved from unicellular organisms to multicellular organisms. 

Indian Rishis had identified 8.4 million living organisms on the globe. Some one  brought under seven categories viz., plants, aquatic creatures, reptiles, birds, animals, human beings, and Devas. 

The bio-scientists are working to identify and document the species. 4.09 lakh flora and 13.70 fauna have been identified and documented on earth. 46000 plant species and 91000 animal species have been recorded in India. The large gap exits. 

The universe is full of Jivas. The way seeds remain on ground for year/s and germinate when the rain comes, life appears when the suitable environment comes. Whether life on earth was the first instance or it has traveled from other planets has not been concluded yet. Human mind, as the anshi (part) of the avinashi (the Brahman), can interpret some of the secrets of the nature but not All. Brahma's one day-night cycle is 8.64 billion years, longer than the age of the Earth and the Sun, half the time of big bang, how could human brain decode the secret of the creation of the time cycle of many Brahmas, many Vishnus, many Maheshas. An ant can't move and study all parts of the mountain of sugar in its limited life span but it can surely taste the sweetness of the Sugar, with a single bite from wherever it stands!

In the bio-diversity of species and material world, the absolute is one alone, not two. 

There is no second, but there is the appearance of an enormous multiplicity. -Adi Shankaracharya

Punamchand
23 February 2016

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It's all an Illusion

It's all an Illusion

Brahma Satya Jagat Mithya, a sentence of Vivekchudami (by Adi Shankaracharya) describes the illusive nature of the world. All are living in the confusion, what is real and what is unreal? Till scientists told us, we were looking at the Sun and saying, Sun is moving from the east to the west everyday. Now we understand that earth is moving from the west to the east everyday around the Sun.

Buddhism roots the existence in shunya. Shunya to Chitta (mind) and the existence. Ultimately there is mind alone and the corporeal existence is a transformation of mind or consciousness. Utpad (create), sthiti (operate), bhadag (destroy) are the three stages of the mind. One such cycle is called a chittakshan (moment). Millions of chitakshans pass in a blink. But as it passes through the three stages of utpad, sthiti and bhadag, it takes a form (roop). Each roopkshan has life span of 17 chitkshans and it also passes through the three stages of utpad, sthiti, bhadag. All are waves in the sky, the shunya. 

Hinduism differs with Buddhism at this stage of Shunya. From where does the shunya create? By applying all thinking and theories, something remains, the shesha, the base, the eternal. There can't be shunya. The Creator exist. The urpatti (Brahma), sthiti (Vishnu) and lay (Shiva) merged into the core, but He remains. Mahadeva, Mahadeva. 

Again, the process starts. The Generation, Operation and Destruction (GOD). The cycle of creation is going on; black hole, big bang, big crunch, black hole. Now scientists are searching for the "white hole" within the "black hole", the universe in the universe. Tamaso ma Jyortir Gamaya:

Modern Cinema runs of the principle of 16 frames per second, showing us the illusive world. The greatest Director God is doing the same, showing us the illusive world so that the cycle of his play continues. Yudhisthira replied rightly to the Yaksha: "Day after day countless people die. Yet the living wish to live forever. O Lord, what can be a greater wonder?", 

The visible world is an Illusion. Each picture/roop is nothing but the waves of the cycle of creation, operation and destruction. Why to chase the waves?

Sun looks losing radiance when obscured by clouds. The shine of Sun doesn't go but the clouds obscure it. Similarly, the chitta/mind is luminous, may look tainted by defilments, but the defilments are like clouds over the Sun. Chitta is neither an entity nor a process but it is a base on which all reflect.

Yog Vashishtha calls its Chidakash, the Chintamani, the colourless diamond, that reflects all colours. Sutra 1.2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali says: "yoga chitta vritti nirodha" (Yoga is the silencing of the modifications of the mind). See the screen, not the pictures. Mind is luminous.

All atoms, cells, quantum follow the same principle of utpati, sthiti and lay. Everything passing through endlessly, but the base, the Chidakash remains. The changing comes and goes but the real/unchanging/eternal remains.

अहं निर्विकल्पॊ निराकार रूपॊ विभुत्वाच्च सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम्
न चासंगतं नैव मुक्तिर् न मेय: चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवॊऽहम् ॥ (aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo, vibhut vatcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam, na cha sangatham naiva muktir na meyaha, chidananda rupah shivo’ham shivo’ham)

(Meaning: I am devoid of duality, my form is formlessness, I exist everywhere, pervading all senses, I am neither attached, neither free nor captive, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am the eternal Shiva). - Nirvana Shatakam, Adi Shankaracharya 

चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवॊऽहम् ॥

Punamchand
21 February 2016

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Poverty doesn't follow Castes-2

Poverty doesn't follow Castes-2

Before launching non violent freedom movement, Gandhi traveled the Country for a year. He saw the poverty of the people and their dependency on rain for agriculture. Except the agriculture season of 60-90 days, people had no work to perform during the rest of the year. He initiated freedom struggle with the "Charkha Andolan". Spinning cotton thread on Charkha (spinning wheel) and weaving cloth made in self vibrated the mass of India. The cotton thread and music of the spinning wheel united India for the freedom struggle. British ruined Indian weavers through textile mills of Manchester, but the neo weavers of India, the freedom fighters, became a new challenge for the British. Gandhi opened the door of economic independence.

But his son Harilal, employed as a cashier by a mill owner in Kolkata mill, stole Rs. 30,000 from the cash box to buy "Synthetic Fabric" to encase the opportunity of making money during the world war. His calculations went wrong. The prices of the fabric fell down and he had lost the stolen money. His theft was caught. He lost the job. Gandhi published a news line, cut his relationship with him as father and warned people to not to lend him any money as his son. Later his life was ruined in the red streets of Kolkata. Gandhi died as "Light of India" and Harilal died as his "Shadow".

The invention of synthetic yarn (MMF, Man Made Fibre) revolutionized textile industry.

Dhurubhai Ambani established a Synthetic Yarn mill (Vimal) in Naroda, Ahmedabad in 1975 and started the vibration in the Textile Industry of Ahmedabad, the Manchester of the East. The Naroda mill didn't grow much but most of the cotton textiles mills of Ahmedabad were closed down in a decade. Year 1984, was a turning point. The organised mill industry moved to the unorganized sector of power looms and the synthetic revolution was moved from Ahmedabad to Surat. 

Surat (Suryapur) was the entry point for the foreigners. Portuguese established their fortress in Surat in 16th century and were mastered over sea trade. British established their first factory in Surat in 1615. British later moved to Bombay and the decline of Surat started. 

But after independence, the MMF and Diamonds have changed its fate again. The glory returned. Textile and Diamond Industries have made Surat, the fastest growing City of India. It is the financial capital of Gujarat and one of the highest earners of the tax revenue for the Central and the State government. It produces 30 million metres synthetic clothes everyday. 90 of the 100 diamonds of the world pass through Surat for cutting and polishing. 

The city of 776,533 population in 1981, became city of 2.43 million people in 2001 and 5.06 million in 2011. 

Surat has 450 textiles mills, 700,000 looms, 80,000 embroidery machines, 50,000 retail shops, the transporters and forward-backward businesses, giving employment to 2 million people. Diamond industry has employed another 1 million people. Saurastra, particularly the people from Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad made a new Saurastra in Surat. 

Thousands have been employed in building construction and allied activities. Thousands of youths from Orissa, Bihar, UP, Maharastra, Rajasthan, etc, are flooding and working in Surat. Unless someone says, I am not willing to work, everybody has some work in Surat.

Gujarati Poet Narmad described it, "Surat Sonani Murat" (Golden city of Surat). It is the Golden City of Gujarat.

But then why the tribal people living in adjacent to Surat remained poor? Why didn't they avail the benefits of employment opportunities generated by Surat? Some did but many preferred village life of poverty to the money life of slums.

Why?

Was it because of their castes of tribal?

Was it because, they are from the depressed classes?

Big No.

Surat demands skilled, hard working and committed work force. The labourers of other States work for more hours and go on leave occasionally. Earning is their major objective. Many of them live single, concentrate more on earning and work over time. Their targets are clear; work more, earn more and save more. The industries in Surat are getting skilled labourers as per their needs. 

But the local workers of surrounding tribal areas were not meeting with the  requirements of the market. They were unskilled. Their frequency of leaves and reluctance of working in odd hours may disturb the production and supply line of goods. It's a world of competition. Manufacturers have to play safe. Some people, the alcohol addict, can't be productive. As a result the industries in Surat preferred labourers from other states to locals. However, many tribal are working in Surat. 

The development of Surat has reduced poverty of the surrounding areas. But the argument remains, when the City was growing fast with lot of economic activities, why the tribal people in the adjacent districts remained poor. "Pani mai Min Pyasi..."

They were not poor because they are tribal. One may say that historically and geographically, they were located adversely. But things have been changed a lot, post independence. They didn't acquire the skill under the demand timely. They prefer peaceful natural life of village to the fast life of urban slums. They preferred O² to CO². They lack burning desires to earn money.

Whatever arguments are placed before, but none can say that they were unemployed in Surat because they were depressed, they were tribal.

Post independence, Poverty doesn't follow Castes.

Punamchand
20 February 2016

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Rahu transit in Leo

Rahu transit in Leo

After 18 months journey in Zodiac sign Virgo the house of Mercury, Rahu has moved to sign Leo, the house of Sun, on 30 January 2016. It will stay in Leo till 17 August 2017. 

Rahu is not a physical planet but the imaginary points, that carry magnetic effects over the environment and people over earth. Some may consider them the earth magnetic points of South Pole and North Pole.

You know the story of Smudhra Manthan, how the nectar was taken away from the demons' hand and distributed amongst the Devas by Lord Vishnu in Mohini form. But smart Danava Rahu understood the game plan, change his appearance as Deva and sip a nectar from Mohini. Sun and Moon identified him and before the nectar crosses the throat Rahu was beheaded with Sudarshana Chakra by Lord Vishnu. But due to the sip of nectar, the head Rahu became immortal. The rest of the body is known as Ketu. Both the two dark points (eclipse) obstruct the path of Devas, particularly, the Sun and the Moon, who had identified him. 

Sun is the Soul and Moon is the Mind, therefore, Rahu Ketu effects create disturbances in the life that disturbs the Mind and give unhappiness to the Soul. If one keeps the malefic effect of the Rahu (darkness) away from the lighting objects (Soul-Sun, Mind-Moon), the nectar of life is him/her only.

Sun is symbolised for the Kings and people in power, therefore, Rahu Ketu moves affect the events of political world. And that will be more during these 18 months, because Rahu is moving through Leo, the House of Sun/Power.

Jupiter is moving in Leo at present. It will move to Virgo on 11 August 2016. Jupiter is Jiva and the Rahu (darkness) transit over it in Leo, will create an environment of pains for many Jivas. It's a Chandal Dosha, the wealth of many will be drained. The Sansex has already shown the effect on 7 February 2016. Some more falls will be seen before Rahu crosses the degree of Jupiter in Leo. Thereafter, the fall of Kings will start. Some people in power will lose power and open the way for the new comers.

Rahu is identified for Backwards and Muslims, therefore, their issues may create heat in the political environment. It will puzzle many in power. Their votes will decide the power in elections.

Individually, some people may have gain and some may have loss of wealth and power during these 18 months depending upon the position of planets in Janma Lagna and the Gochar movement of the planets. Some will have heart burn and those had heart burn for last 18 months get relieved.

To know more details, you have to consult a Jyotishi! You know him well. Lol.

Punamchand
19 February 2016

NB: Astrology is a subject of scientific study.

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Ganga Jal

Ganga Jal

Hanuman Bhakta Ram Abhilashi Shri Morari Bapu surprisingly declared to rebellion against the ancient orders of the scriptures and decided to follow Buddha in taking meal made by the depressed. That evening, he stopped at one of the Padhars (ST) house and ate Rotala cooked by the padhar female; the flour from the house and Ganga Jal from the Bapu. Bapu uses Ganga Jal in his food and drink everyday. 

Each Hindu desires to take holy bath in river Ganga and two drops of Ganga Jal in mouth at the time of last breath on Earth. Baba Ramdev has realized the thirst of Ganga Jal of Hindus, established a plant on the bank of river Ganga and selling Ganga Jal bottle @ Rs.60, 4 times higher to the normal bisleri bottle.

Gan...ga, the swift flowing river is worshiped as mother by Hindus. Similar to this, Russians consider Volga (apabhransh of Jalga, pighla, melt away) as Matruska (mother). Caspian sea is named after Rishi Kashyap!

You all know the story, how the descendant of King Sagara, King Bhagirath brought Ganga down to earth to cleanse the souls of 60,000 sons of Sagara, who were burnt to death by the eyes glance of Rishi Kapila. Ganga travels three worlds; the heaven, the earth and the netherworld (patala).

Millions of people take holy bath in river Ganga to wash their sins everyday. It has been added with sewerage and affluent of industries. The rivers are polluting more with the sins increased on lands! The money makers (GDP) and inhabitants are polluting the rivers of the country. 

Thanks to mother Nature, it purifies the water by self purification process of biological reactions. Man hasn't made a single drop of water. The water on earth evaporate and return through rains. The snow mountains built in winter, melt in summer and keep the rivers flowing. Therefore all waters are Ganga Jal, the self purified flowing water. Saint Ravidas rightly said, mann changa to kathoti mai Ganga.

But growing settlements of Humans around the rivers into villages and cities have increased the amount and nature of waste. The modern civilization based on chemicals and sewerage surpassed the natural purification capacity of the water bodies and made them polluted.

We used to read slogans on wall. Jal hi jivan hai. (Water is Life). But in India, water is a way of life. The depressed had separate wells to fetch water in past. But when the water tables went down, they had to depend on the common water source of the village. With humiliation, they survived through the last water of the village. Tons of thank you to our the then CM Shri NaMo for building water distribution net of Narnada water grid that is supplying tap water at home to nearly 75% households. That has solved many problems of castes conflicts in many villages. Now he has initiated Bhagirath Act of purifying River Ganga.

What is in water and in Ganga Jal? 

If a person or a place gets impurity by the touch of depressed humans, people use ganga jal to purify. 

50 years ago, the traders used to accept money from the depressed from the distance after sprinkling water over the coins. 

The Pujaris will carry raw food from the host but cook it with separate or his home water only. 

Many people used to avoid water from other's pot. 

Thirsty Ramkrishna Paramhansa stopped for a glass of water at his disciple's (Ishwarchand) house but didn't drink water offered by the servant. Our body is made of water (75%), therefore, water may have direct impact on our thoughts!

But with independence, education and interactions, things have been changed. India is unifying with bottled water, used by all!

What do you prefer? 

Ganga Jal? 

Any River jal? 

Bore well jal?

Stale jal (Packed in plastic bottle)? 

OR

The 'matka jal' with love from a villager? (Mann changa to kathoti mai Ganga)

Don't interpret 'matka jal' as "Deshi" for your convenience. Lol

Punamchand
18 February 2016

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Inflation of Dosa

Inflation of Dosa

Why does the humble Dosa — the South Indian dish loved by all — continues to cost high when RBI is claiming a victory over inflation? Governor Raghuram Rajan blames lack of technology upgrades from its traditional ‘Tawa’ preparation and high wages of the person making it!

He propagates technology improvement to lower the cost of labour, to lower the price of the product to reduce inflation.

It reminds me my days of Chairing Khadi & Village Industries Board. The Gandhian institutes were raising demands for rebate on sale of khadi but oppose to raise rates of workers to spin thread and weave khadi. The spinning and weaving rates were not revised for 2 decades.

Our eyes see the labour cost the first. If we promote technology in all fields, then where will the common men go for his/her earning. Technology and machines serve/produce more with less labourers, reduce employment opportunities. The human resource of the country hasn't reach to the level where all the youths of the country will acquire advance skills and get employment. There is not enough capital for technology advancements. The common mass, huge in number is still very much dependent on traditional unorganized jobs/works. Where will they go? 

The white colors are earning more and the traditional workers are earning less. The white color carry more awareness of their health and hygiene spend more on education, skilling and comforts. The workers living in unhealthy environment spend more on health expenditure and habits. 

If the RBI governor takes away the hand feel touch of the worker from the tava of the dosa to curb the inflation, will it not increase the economic disparities further amongst the society?

What do you prefer? 

Dosa driven by technology or Dosa driven by hand? 

Do you prefer to taste the Dosa the same made out of machine, or to enjoy the varieties of the taste, touch and feel of the human in each bite?

Equity or Inflation?

India is a country of poor where millions of it's people don't have $1.90/head/day in pocket to spend and eat the necessary calories prescribed by the technology.

Let the money rotate through the kitchens of millions than to die in the NPA of the banks. Let many hands make dosa, earn more and live healthy life.

Touch feel taste of India.

Punamchand
17 February 2016

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When they surrendered their net

When they surrendered their nets.

It becomes a headline news if the bandits of Chambal surrender and lay down their arms before the CM/Government, but have you heard about poor men surrendering their nets of livelihood for the public cause?

It happened in the evening on 15 February 2016 at Nalsarovar. 

Gujarat is a heavenly place, the parental home (mayaka) for the birds. Thousands of birds leave the cold areas of North in winter and come to Gujarat for food, shelter and reproduction. They lay eggs and return with their offsprings. The nonviolent vegetarian people are their saviors. 

Nalsarovar, the largest wetland bird sanctuary (64 kms from Ahmedabad) of Gujarat is famous for more than 250 species of migratory birds. 75,000+ tourists visit the sanctuary every year. The lake is surrounded by 15 villages of the Padhar community, the primitive tribal. Agriculture and fishing are their main occupations. But few of them don't resist their temptation to kill birds for food. The Foresters keep vigil over the 120 sqkm area of the lake, but sometimes the hunters succeed. Their bad act disturb the peaceful stay of the birds in nights.

The forest department, with the help of an NGO, pursue them to leave hunting of birds. But when the administration fails, the Saints and religious teachings come to their rescue. 

Three men of primitive Padhar community, surrendered their fishing net, laid them down before the Saint Morari Bapu. They gave up their occupation of fishing. And the government can't be the silent spectator. The three men have been given 3 boats (Rs. 40,000 each) from the JFMC, to sail them for the tourists in Nalsarovar. They took a pledge to not to kill birds forever.

One more unusual thing happened. Babaji in general are the receiver of the donations but Morari Bapu donated Rs. 11,000 to the organiser NGO, Manav Seva Trust. One of his American follower declared donation for construction of 100 toilets, Bapu added 8 more as his contribution and made it 108. He further donated Rs. 40,000 to buy a boat for one more Padhar who will stop hunting the birds. 

He admired the act of the Padhars for surrendering their livelihood and appeal to the society to help the needy, follow cleanliness, protect birds, save girl child. He believes that the time has come for the Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha to reach out to the doorsteps of the poor and depressed. 

There is a proverb, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Gujarat go one step ahead, teaching a man to sailboat tourists, to protect nature and feed him for lifetime.

"Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." -Bible (elect the right way to get success) 

Punamchand
16 February 2016

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Poverty doesn't follow Castes

Poverty doesn't follow Castes.

It is true for India that most of the poor belong to the depressed classes of SCs and STs. But there are poor people amongst other castes too. Life without livelihood is tough for everyone. Poverty doesn't follow caste.

Depressed had unrest against the Brahmins because they wrote the code of inequality by birth. Who will say No, if they have slaves by birth? In fact, others used the codes more to suppressed the millions for centuries.

Even today, in a village, few kms away from the metropolitan city, the master running a school may not object, but a shepherd may threaten him for allowing maid from depressed class, moving in the master's kitchen. An MLA can represent his people in the Legislative Assembly, but can't complete his mannat of a deity at shepherd's place. Brahmins wrote the code but society in general misused it for centuries. 

Brahmins were the R&D Department, the scientists of India for centuries. We may considered Albert Einstein's brain, the best brain of the world, but centuries ago India had many such brains. Those brains were Brahmins. Their words were words of God, "Brahm Vakya". The value of their life was the highest as the Brahmhatya (killing Brahmana) was considered the unforgivable sin.

With their observations of nature through unification with the universal power, the Brahman; they had discovered many secrets of life. They were accurate in their calculations of astronomy without support of telescopes and computers. Their memory power was so strong that their knowledge travelled through verbal communications without books and note books for generations. And to memorize the text easily, they had invented the most poetic language of the world, the Samskrit.

Brahmins tried to hold the Hindu Society in Order through the code of conduct/constitution (intellectual power) and used the sword (kshatriya) (temporal power) to implement it. Their Ayurveda increased the longevity of human. Their Hygienic practice for better health made them modak (laddu) eater with better digestion power, but became a curse of untouchability and poverty of millions. It has divided the society into unequal groups by birth.  

But overall, Brahmins, though attached to the power for centuries, lived life of "Simple Living, High Thinking". The guest month may water hearing Chandra Chakori, Chandra Kala and Balabal in food in a Nagar Brahmin House. But these are simply Puri, roti and a mouth freshener made of mango seed, respectively! They are mostly vegetarian except the Maithil Brahmins and Kashmiri Pandits.

They have tried to remain cultured and didn't surrender the dignity of life. They have distributed knowledge, the grace of Maha Sarasvati, but didn't greed for the wealth, the Maha Lakshmi. They did develop rituals for earning livelihood, but didn't grab the wealth of society like the greedy. Tactfully, they continued their association with power as Chief Advisors, the Gurus. They were the spiritual guide of the people to propagate a life of good virtues. 

Brahmins are the privilege class. Like Parasi Priests, the Brahmin Priests are recognized by birth. But all Brahmins are not priests. Brahman means who possess the mysterious magical force of Brahman, but all Brahmins don't possess that force. They are identified with their professional rituals. Five Gaurs of North and 5 Gaurs of South were, further divided into hundreds of subdivisions across the country. 

Post independence, they have diversified themselves in many fields of jobs, businesses and professions. They were many in political power post independence, but now diminishing as people vote castes.

"I will not tie Rakhi to anyone in my life", a brahmin boy took a pledge in his teenage. His father used to tie rakhi (sacred thread) to 'yajman' families and receive 4 anna (25 paise) for tying 16 rakhis. Dressed up in a striped cotton payjama and a khamish, and a choti on head, he had moved to the city for higher education. He stood second in the select list of the PSC, and became a Class-1 officer. He had excelled in his professional career, promoted into IAS and retired as a Secretary to the Government. His journey from Poverty to Prosperity is a guidebook for all living in poverty.

There are many such examples in all varnas and castes in India. The Parasis and Sindhis started from the scratch, have prosper in life through exemplary devotion to work/karma.

Poverty is not in birth, not in Varna, not in caste, but it is in absence of earning opportunities. Education, Reservation, Industrialisation and urbanization have opened the doors of development for the poor.

But there is poverty of ideas, knowledge and employable skills. Some weak minds prefer alcohol to energy, become poor mentally and physically. A wise man will think to become a trader of Diamond but a poor man will think of selling Onions. Due to poverty of seed money and ideas, their brains haven't learn the tricks to make money out of public money as entrepreneurs. They live poor and generate poor. We may close down the sick units but not the poor factories.

Governments may taxed the earners and implement programmes for improving their quality of life, but Poor also have to follow the strict code of conduct of disciplined life, if they wish to walk on the path of prosperity. The person climbing the hill needs more fitness. When somebody is in need of bravery, he/she can't commit suicide.

I don't hesitate in saying, follow the Brahmins to fertilize Brains for improving productivity of brains, the blessings of Goddess Maha Sarasvati. It is an act of creativity, the role of Brahma. The performers are Brahmanas.  

And follow the Baniyas in making money, the blessings of Goddess Maha Lakshmi. It is an act of rearing, the role of Vishnu. The performers are Vaishyas. 

If Maha Sarrasvati and Maha Lakshmi are acquired, then why the need of Maha Kali to protect or to take revenge? The Police and Army are there to perform the role of Maha Kali, the act of Shiva, the Kshatriyas.

If all are prosperous, and no greed for more, peace can prevail in the Society easily.

Eradicate poverty through thoughts, skills and virtues. Thereafter, nobody will say, "Poverty is a State of Mind"!

Punamchand
15 February 2016

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Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

"Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in Love". Albert Einstein

Father Valentine, a Roman Priest fell in love and became love martyred. His love letter of 14 February, became an inspiring event for all the Laveriyas in the world, wishing Valentine's Day to their Valentines every year. It is a day for romance and devotion. The letters had been replaced by the Greeting Cards and now the electronically socialized world floods with SMS, email and Whatsapp messages.

Vasant Panchami proclaims the arrival of Spring, the mating season of the Nature. The incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Mohini moves with the nectar of creation, keeping the creatures busy in their illusive world of sweet love. Fagun is nearby, all set to welcome joyful events, the dance of Nature in colours. Birds sing, Flowers bloom, and the creatures swim in the stream of love. Kamdevs and Ratis are getting active for the season of love, the pretty ring time.

It is said that humans had only one estrus cycle in a year during the Spring. Therefore, marriages were performed on Vasant Panchami. Now humans are in heat 24x7. Cherry Blossoms.

Do you know, who wrote the first love letter in India? 

Rukmani. 

She was engaged with Shishupal but she was in love with Lord Krishna. She wrote the first love letter to Krishna, expressed her immense love to Him and invited him to marry/kidnap her. Krishna couldn't disobey the Love Command and Rukmani from Maharastra became Bahu of Dwarika of Gujarat! Radha may claim the first position for Krishna too.

Spring is a season of Romance. The nerves electrify, follicles charge and testosterone goes up, making the creatures in mast stage of singing, dancing and loving. Some may go in platonic stage of mind. The colourful nature sing and dance around. Males in the nature, decorate themselves to attract females and the females, love the madness of these males. The 5th kosha, the Anandmay Sharira is in search of opposite current electron to complete the cycle of the electricity.

Don't get excited and plan to kidnap your Rukmani, IPC is very strict these days. You may land up in the list of martyred. Better to enjoy the soft green taste of wheat grains. Or, may enjoy the reunion dinner like the Chinese do on their New Year (lunar) day, the onset of spring, around this fortnight.

Happy Valentine's Day. 

Indians may say: Happy Krishna/Rukmani/Radha's Day.

Females can say, "Be my Krishna"

And males in dilemma may use options of, "Be my Rukmani" and/or "Be my Radha"! Radhe Radhe!!! 

Anyone can catch your eye, but someone special only catch your heart. Be Romantic but not the hopeless romantic! Lol.

Punamchand
14 February 2016

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New Discovery: Gravitational Waves

New Discovery: Gravitational Waves

After God Particles, scientists now have glimpsed the Gravitational waves. From the Seas of Water, Air and Space, now we are streaming in the sea of Gravitational waves. Elastic membrane and the surface tension in Water, Air and Space were our playgrounds. Now we shall feel like swimming in the gravitational stream. 

The discovery suggests the creation of Gravitational waves by violent collisions of black holes, neutron stars, big bang, etc., and the birth of the universe some 13.8 billion years ago. But before that the massive objects did exist. They were created from process. It is cyclical.

Hinduism explained it as infinite cycles of creation and destruction, the Shiva dance of expansion and contraction. Like our birth, the universe born out of the womb Hiranya Garbha. One such event has life span (Life of a Brahma) of 311.04 trillion years. And it says, infinite Brahmas! It's a play of the Holy Trinity, the GOD. Brahma the creator (Generator), Vishnu the preservator (Operator), and Shiva the Destroyer.

Ishvashya idam sarvam, what ever exist, it is He, the Isha, the Brahman only. Brahman is not a dead element. With His will, (The whole cosmic order is under Me. By My will it is manifested again and again, and by My will it is annihilated at the end. Geeta, 9.8); mah tatva (active substance) created. From mah, space was created. From the sound waves of Space, Air was created. And from the friction of Air (two characters: shabda, sparsh), Fire was created. From cooling down of Fire (three characters: shabda, sparsh, roop), Water was created. And by consolidation of Water (4 characters: shabda, sparsh, roop, ras) atoms, Earth was created. Earth had 5 characteristics: shabda, sparsh, roop, ras, gandh. I had explained once the process of Panchikaran. Each element had 50% it's own substance and rest 50% (1/4 each) comes from the rest of the 4 elements. And from these Five elements, the Universe was created. Then comes the vegetation, animals and humans on the Earth (the dust of the Universe).

And what is His (God, Almighty, Brahman) glory? Unlimited universes pass through the pores of His body just as particles of dust pass through the openings of a screened window (Bhagavata Purana 10.14.11).

Within quantum, there are different Universes (Yog Vashishtha). You may be living differently in different universes simultaneously!!!

Whatever waves may be discovered, all Rest in Peace (Him).

As the mighty wind, blowing everywhere, always rests in ethereal space know that in the same manner all beings rest in Me. (Geeta, 9.6)

Punamchand
13 February 2016

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Time dilation of living world

Time dilation of living world

Clock ticking away the seconds, and each click indicating the shortening of one's life a bit.

There are trillions of minds on earth and may be centillions in the Universe. Each mind is an "observer", has time clock built inside. It is the governor of time. It may dilate or compress the time. The clock neither clicking the same for all minds all the time nor clicking the same for each individual. The events, environment make the clock slower or faster. Time dilates or compresses and accordingly the creatures are ageing differently. 

Late Shri Vinay Sharma expressed his feelings about time in his farewell speech that his IAS career moved from 3 phases (10 Y each) of time cycle: first 10 Y slower, the second 10Y faster and the last 10Y the fastest. The first 10 years of field posting were looking very long but the last 10 Y went like a blink of an eye.

Isn't it the same for all?  

When we were student, the life was looking very long. The boring lectures were long and interesting one were short. 5 minutes waiting for a loved one was like 50 minutes and 50 minutes meeting with him/her was like 5 minutes. The speed of time caught up as we grew older. Each individual's clock may have different time speed depending upon the events and environment they are passing through. (Clocks run slower in deeper gravitational wells. This is called gravitational time dilation. -General Relativity principle of Einstein).

My parents couldn't forget their unhappy and painful 10 years, even after a relatively happy life of 40 years thereafter. Their bodies aged double to their age. 

The happiness period of life passes faster therefore its clock ticks less but the unhappiness period looks stationary, therefore, its clock ticks more. Time is not the same for all observers. The motion of life is not the same for all. 

Number of pleasant or unpleasant events make the clock faster or slower. In happiness (Sukha), time clock runs faster therefore body ages slower. The unhappiness (Dukha) time has more gravity to hurt deep inside, make the clicks slower. People do forget happy events-time but not the unhappy events-time. Relatively Dukha clock ticks slower than the Sukha clock. The same time interval, the duration is longer for unhappy moments, and shorter for the happy moments. 

The living world is living in time dilation. Each mind carry a clock, that moves at different speed depending upon the happiness and unhappiness state of mind. 

Our Mind sets the Time Clock.

May be the minds of AIS officers are in deeper gravitational wells, runs the clock slower, ageing slowly! Time dilate.

Punamchand
12 February 2016

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My Ahmedabad

My Ahmedabad

Located on the bank of river Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is my birthplace. My father migrated from a village to Ahmedabad in 1934.

Started with Ashaval, then Karnavati (13th century) village in the beginning, now with the merger of many villages and the wall city, it is a metropolitan city of 7.2 million people.

During Solanki Empire Patan was the capital of Gujarat. The design of Patan (fortified by Muslim Sultans) was copied while making Ahmedabad. After acquiring the independent Saltanat of Gujarat, when Sultan Ahmed Shah was passing through the area, a rabbit attacked over his hunting dog. Ahmed Shah realized the strength of the soil of this land and decided to build a capital city of his Kingdom. "Kutta pe jab Sassa aya, Ahmedshah ne sahar basaya”. That is how the city of Ahmedabad was founded on 26 February 1412. Mahmood Begada fortified the Pole city of Ahmedabad into a Wall city of Ahmedabad in 1487, with outer wall, 12 Gates, Windows and beautiful Poles inside.

Kankaria (Houz-i-Qutb), the famous lake of the city was built by Sultan Qutbuddin in 1451. The centre garden Nagina Wadi (Bage Nagina), the garden was my 'Open Air Reading Room' to get into IAS. Big thank you to the present PM, who as CM, motivated the team Ahmedabad to make it the world class Amusement Park. It became more famous with Kankaria Carnival during Christmas Time.

Many buildings and monuments were  built during the Saltnat and Mughal time. Akbar conquered Ahmedabad and Gujarat in 1573, Shahjahan and Aurangzeb had served here as Governors.

During Maratha rule in 18th century, the city was under the conflict between Peshva's of Poona and Gaekvad of Baroda. Peshva, without any preparation, tried to capture Haveli of Gaekvad. They couldn't get Haveli but lost Gujarat to the Gaekvad. From that day, an axiom in Gujarati is popular, Haath Ma Dando, Bagal Ma Moi, Haveli Leta Gujarat Khoi.

Gopalrao (12Y), the second son a farmer Kashirao was adopted, renamed as Sayajirao, he ascended the throne of Baroda State in 1875. The way he became fortunate to travel from the Farm to the Thorne, Gujarat including Ahmedabad prosper under his rule particularly in the area of education, social reforms, watershed management, modernization, etc. He pioneered Governance in Government.

Sheth Ranchodlal Chotalal, the entrepreneur of Ahmedabad,  founded the first Textile Mill (Shahpur Mill) of Ahmedabad on 30 May 1861. Later Sheth Ambalal Sarabhai, Kasturbhai Lalbhai, Mafatlal, Jaikrishna Harivallabh, Arvind Mill etc, expanded the city in the east building more than 84 textile mills. Ahmedabad became the Manchester of the East.

The smoke lines of boilers of mills in the sky of Ahmedabad, was the flags of it's prosperity. Labourers houses were delighted on 7th and 22nd date of each month when the labourers carry Rs. 25 and Rs. 7 respectively in their pockets as wage money. These two were the feast days for the labourers families, rest were the days of dal-pani.

After returning from South Africa, Gandhi was in search of a place for the Ashram. He first established an Ashram at Paladi Kocharab in 1915, then due to frequent malaria to residents of Ashram, a new Ashram was established (the present one) as Satyagrah Ashram in 1917. With Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad became the Epicenter of Indians Freedom Movement. Gandhi launched Salt Satyagrah (Civil Disobedience), the famous Dandi March on 12 March 1930. As pledged, (kagda kutra na mote marish, parantu swaraj lidha vina pachho nahi faru) he never returned to this Ashram thereafter. Under Gandhi's guidance, Ansuyaben Sarabhai founded Textile Labour Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh) to protect the interests of the workers. Many workers participated in the freedom struggle.

Mills created jobs, brought prosperity and made eastern Ahmedabad, the city of chawls and slums. Then comes Dhirubhai Ambani. His entry in textiles with Naroda Mill, making  synthetic fabric opened a new challenge to the cotton textile mills of Ahmedabad. He couldn't grow much in that front but his Vimal (name of his nephew) brand synthetic clothes was a challenge to many brands of cotton fabrics. Later Dhrubhai tried stock trading and his Reliance become reliance of millions, opened a new door of Public Finances for Private Entrepreneurs. Not walking with time, non productive, non competitive, many mills were closed down in and after 1984. Workers moved from Textile Industry to auto rickshaws driving, building construction, readymade garments, diamond polishing, gems and jewellery, etc. Arvind Mill continued flying the Textile Flag of Ahmedabad, as one of the three largest producers of Denim in the world. But the fall of textiles brought more poverty, depression and Alcohol in East Ahmedabad.

After establishment of Gujarat on 1 May 1960, Ahmedabad became it's capital. The Sachivalya was started in "Panjara Pole" and HoDs were established in "Mental Hospital" area. And the IAS officers coming to serve the State has to stay at "New Mental Vishram Griha". The administration of Gujarat was moving from New Mental to Mental and then to Panjara Pole. Later, all shifted to Gandhinagar. Lol.

The first GIDC of Gujarat was established in Naroda Ahmedabad in 1965. Later Vatva, Odhav, Narol have been added. Textiles Industry promoted the establishment of dyes and intermediates and later the pharmaceutical. The chemical journey of Gujarat started from Ahmedabad.

The city population is increasing. It was 116,900 in 1901; 788,300 in 1951; 3.52 million in 2001 and 5.57 million in 2011 census. The metropolitan and  AUDA together may cross the figure of 7.5 million.

For education and jobs, villagers are migrating to the city of Ahmedabad continuously. Their economic conditions decide their locations in the city. The better ones settle in Western part of the city and the poor settle in Eastern Ahmedabad. The West Ahmedabad talks about 2 BHJ, 3 BHK, 5 BHK, Bungalow, Tenements; the East Ahmedabad talks about Oradi, Zupada, Chapara. The division of Rich and Poor Ahmedabad is visible.

Poor Ahmedabad is living in depression. The living conditions of many are pathetic. One retired Mamlatdar went to a Chapara area behind Civil Hospital yesterday. He saw 1000 people living in 250 Chapara, an area of few square meters. The internal walk ways are narrow with 2-3 feet space. The dead body can't be moved out on Arthi.

Slums Ahmedabad is inhaling more acids and carbon dioxide than oxygen. Their lungs are under attack of disease. But more serious is the threat to their liver. The addiction of alcohol is killing the youths at early age. The numbers of Windows, may be increasing. How could the 400,000 students of the area, going to school and colleges, can excel in their academic performance? Unhealthy living condition and Alcohol are ruining the life of many in Eastern Ahmedabad.

You have heard about Rastravad, Samyavad, Samajvad, etc, but We Amdabadi have one more Vad, "Amdavad"!

Ame Amdavadi, difficult to convince and difficult to win. Economy is in our blood. We share one cup of tea amongst three, we make 4 adheli (200 paise) out of 1 rupee, and when all bring varieties of snacks in the picnic, we don't forget carrying out brother to enjoy the dishes. We can't live without Raipur Bhajia, Manekchok Jyafat, Panipuri, Dhokala, Khaman, Cholafali, Ganthia, Sev, Mamara, ...a long list, mouth watering dishes. We are Amdavadi, victorious in all odds.

"Ame Amadavadi, jyanu pani lavyu, bharat ni azadi, ame amdavadi” (The water of Ahmedabad brought the Independence of India, we are proud to be Amdavadi).

Punamchand
10 February 2016

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Eat India, Work India

Eat India, Work India

India is flooded with mobiles, bikes, TVs and Computers. People save money from the food bill but buy comforts. Comforts is synonym of Quality of Life! The growth agenda is working on creation of more jobs through creation of more wealth. The executives and the entrepreneurs together are making India, a fast growing nation.

The human resource, simultaneously is growing in numbers and in demands. 300 million students are in school-colleges and 600 million people are working in organized and unorganized sectors. 

Many stop education after 10-12 board exams. Graduation is generally the last destination of all youths. Parents get them marry and unskilled they; boys search jobs and girls hold houses. Agriculture still keep huge mass busy in villages. Barring limited white color jobs, the large population is earning through skilled and unskilled labour and services.

As the average per capita income of the common mass is low, dal-chaval/ dal-roti and roti-sabji is their staple food. The per capita calorie intake value may be below 2000/day. Due to un-hygienic habits, the intestines of the masses are suffering from indigestion and amebiasis. Their weak lungs inhale less oxygen. The children are carrying worms infection. As a result the low productivity of the Labour in India is a big challenge. 

To survive in the competition era, the entrepreneurs while cutting cost of production, switchover to automation. The economy of "Production by Masses" is shifting to "Mass Production through Machines". New fields of jobs are opening but simultaneously the job opportunities are reducing with more and more mechanization.

Old people do say that the pre independence generations of Indians were stronger physically than the present one. Youths use bike for 50 metre distance. Cycling is going away. Weak bodies are covered with better garments. Cosmetics Industry is growing faster. Comfort India is increasing demand of Doctors! Swords are replaced with Votes!

Poor eats less has less productivity and less earning capacity.

A time has come for the employer to survey, how much calories their workers eat everyday and how they perform? 

It is an important question for the governments and the families of India to review the caloric value of food intake of each student and each worker. And also to review their physical activities to digest the food. Productivity of the workers should be reviewed with the food they eat. 

Eat India, Work India.

In hurry, don't increase worry, avoid junk food. Lol

Punamchand
8 February 2016

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I met Jitubhai

I met Jitubhai

"If untouchability lives, Hinduism must die." -Mahatma Gandhi (H, 28-9-1947, p349).

"Our is a battle; not for wealth, not for power. Ours is a battle: for freedom, for reclamation of human personality". - Dr. Ambedkar

Social equality is the greatest burning desire and demand of the depressed classes of the Country. Hundreds of years have been passed, the country went through slavery of foreigners rule for 700 years, but we couldn't find the satisfactory solution to the problem of social inequality.

I met a man with an answer, yesterday at village Derol of Himatnagar, Gujarat. He is a native of Tundav village of Mehsana. Started with a career of builder, he has earned good money and now working for the plantation of trees. He has established an NGO and working for his mission. 

He is Jitubhai, a Patel (upper caste) by caste, has established a Green Global Brigade, a committed force for plantations of trees in millions. The Brigade has members from all sections of the society; upper castes, lower castes; Hindus, Muslims.

He has developed a forest in 125 hectares of kotar waste lands on the bank of river Sabarmati. They have allowed the natural vegetation to grow as well as tried to plant trees by spreading seeds during monsoon season. Now the entire area is full with forest, flora and fauna. His house located on the bank of Sabarmati river is a nice location to rest with nature. He has made an unique "Will" of this land: First right of the birds and animals; Second right of the children; and the Third right of none. He has developed the forest for the birds, animals and children forever.

Getting interest in reading the story of this odd man out? He is a social reformer.

As you know, widows are unwelcomed at the celebrations and auspicious occasions in some societies. They are viewed unlucky. Some people don't like if a widow passes through their way, when they go for a job, business or an auspicious event. Jitubhai invited 18,000 widows in his son's wedding and celebrated the event in their presence. All had meal together. 

There is tradition of "samuh bhoj" (sit down group meal) in villages. During the events of marriage, rituals, etc, the host family invite the villagers for samuh bhoj. All people eat the samuh bhoj together but the lower castes people are either not invited or are served the food separately. But Jitubhai ensured that all castes from Valmiki to Brahmins sat down under one pandal and had meal together in that event.

How should we break the castes barriers and establish a casteless society Sir? He asked the question to me, during their annual meet function at village Derol on 6/2/2016. (H'ble Governor of Gujarat graced the function). He was asking the same what Dr. Ambedkar fought for, Annihilation of Castes. 

Formation of Casteless Society in India is not an easy task. A mission like approach, where millions join and work with dedication for generations, then some day this may happen. It's a long way and not an easy path. But you can initiate the change. Remove the Surnames (the identity of castes) first. Call each other by first name only. And take a pledge that each one of you will not ask caste of others, as well as will not disclose your caste to any one for lifetime. Annihilation of Castes can be achieved, if people like you multiply and walk together tirelessly till the destination is reached. It can't be achieved by one generation, but you can start the journey with these small steps the first. I replied.

Done Sir. On the spot, he called his some colleagues up and decided to call the brigade members by first name only. Caste identity no more. They will take a pledge of not asking or disclosing the caste.

I was amazed with the zeal, courage and enthusiasm of this man. I have seen many Patels but this man is different. I met one Patel in past, late  Ishvarbhai Patel, Padma Shri, known as the 'toilet man' of India. He got his first son married to the daughter of a weaver caste family. Second son was married to the daughter of the present CM of Gujarat.

Now Jitubhai, the second Patel man in front of me, ready to accept social reforms.

How could you become open minded? I asked him with curiosity.

When I was a child, Kuberbhai Vankar (weaver) looked after me. When I grew young, I was eating food of Shri Dineshbhai Makwana (SC). I have grown with these people from the childhood. They are the same like me, living with good virtue. As Indians we should be one, the humans only. He replied.

I looked up, the bright Sun over head was shining, turning off the shadows. Another Sun, Jitu in front of me, was determined to walk on the path of equality and fraternity, raising hope of a casteless society, to turn off shadows of Hinduism. A small step, but big beginning.

My salute to you, Jitubhai, the Brigadier of the Global Green Brigade.

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

Punamchand
7 February 2016

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