Electriculture

Electriculture

Electricity has changed our life style. We can't imagine life without electricity and data without server. Data collection, data analysis and data storage is the way of modern life. Data is our Aata. Electricity is running out life in all fields. Smart People in AC rooms earn more from the occupations run by electricity than Hard Working Farmers growing grains on earth under the hot Sun. 

Automation coupled with the strict stance of US President Donald Trump on H1-B visas recently has made the Indian IT industry nervous. It has pose a challenge situation before the students or employees of the IT sector from India. Some people question the quality and employability of Indian graduates. On one side technology driven industries and solutions are doing good business and on other side large population is unable to spend $2/day. We shall welcome technology but not at the cost of the growth and employment opportunities of the human resource. 

India is a country with 1.2 billion population, 25% of which go to the educational institutes everyday. Many a time we compare ourselves (HDI, EoDB, etc) with the countries of few million population and argue in favour of bringing more and more advancement in our day to day life. Look at the number of the students in the country: 300 million approximately. Can we teach them the lessons through discussions? All classes are busy in taking notes, writing exams and somehow passing their first 20 years of academic life goody goody.

Over the years, what has happened? We have grown in numbers from 120 million when British arrived, 360 million when they left and now 1.2 billion (1.5 billion if add Pak and Bangla), targeting number 1 position in the world in 2051. The country is facing challenges of stunted and wasted children, anemic females and unskilled unemployable human resource. At the end of the day, it is not matter how rich we are, but that matter how happy we are. We should worry more for the bellies of the country empty without nutritive food and lives living below the quality standard of life. Comforts driven by machine have made us weak physically. My grandfather in early 20th century used to walk 60 kms in one night, but I am unable to walk for 10 kms a day in 21st century. 

Many IT solutions in administration has removed the red tape. Less the human interaction, less the corruption. More the mechanisation, more the accuracy. But when we calculate the cost of the IT, it is more expensive than employing human resource. The cost of hardware, software (on different platform never coordinate like the razor and blade of Gillette), their replacement as they go obsolete frequently, high wages of IT workers (!), and the solutions raising unemployment rate adding cost on the social security budget of the governments.

People in the world are moving to the cities. Nobody is keen to continue with agriculture. Everybody wants to earn through mind and electriculture. All are in search of white collar jobs. 

For whom? For what? For the 10% advanced population or for the 90% common people? It's a complex subject. Economics theory suggests that the country with very high population should follow the concept of "production by masses" instead of run after the "mass production by machines". 

If we stop IT, driver less car/Metro, we may move backward to ancient days. The juice of inventions will stop. Therefore, we shall promote advancement in technology and use their solutions for a better quality of human life. But not at the cost of "Happiness Index of all".

Punamchand
27 April 2017

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Be Good, the aim of life

Be Good, the aim of life

In 2017, Acharya Ratnasundarsuriji has been awarded Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award by Government of India for his contributuion in field of spirituality. I took an opportunity to meet him at the Upashraya at Ankleshwar, on 22 April 2017.

When I congratulated him for the award, he said the award has value only to the limit that his words or petition will be cleared on priority by the administration. For Acharya Sadhu, the spiritual life carry more importance. However, he was surprised when his name was announced because he is not that well known like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Pramukh Swami and Morari Bapu. 

He has written 312 books on the issues of human relations and spirituality. His handwritings are beautiful, neat and clean. He writes in a note book without a single mistake using three colour pens: black-blue-red to highlight his writing. His writing is the evidence of his clear and stable mind. He guides the people to live good virtues of life. When late Dhirubhai Ambani met him, he asked him a simple question. Are you happy or are you rich? Dhirubhai replied that he is rich but not happy. He was at a point, from where no return was possible. The famous Harshad Mehta of share market who was wealthy and used to receive calls from the then PM, suddenly lost his everything, when met he asked him the same question. And the answers was the same, gain richness but lost the happiness. 

The poor have good body but no wealth. And the rich have good wealth but poor body. Both are in search of what they don't have.

How long to run after money, name, fame? After reaching to some target or destination, there should be an end. How long to run after them? For 50 years, 60 years? 70 years? At some point the search for richness should end and search for happiness should start. 

There are three types of living: Get Good, Do Good and Be Good. 

Everybody likes the life to get good: good food, good house, good job, good wealth, etc. They don't spend for others. Majority are living the life to get good.

Some people do good. They share the wealth with others, do charity. But Daud can do charity. That is not sufficient quality to become a good man. 

Be Good should be the aim of life. He is good and does good for others. Spirituality rests in the life of "be good". Religion is an universal truth. The Hindu, Jain, Christianity, Islam etc, are the labels of the religions, but the core of all the religions is one, "Be Good". All religions are directing the same destination, the destination of God. 

People live by opinions. Each of their Act, they think of the opinions of others and accordingly act or react to the situation. But the people on the path of spirituality live the life of experience. The act that maintains their peace and stability of mind, they live by experience. They don't care for opinions of others because internally, they know what they are. In happy moments or sad moments, in comforts and discomforts, they are the same, in the abode of the God, where happiness is eternal.

It was nice meeting him and learn some lessons of the life.

Abhinandan to our Acharya Padma Bhusan Ratnasundarsuriji Maharaj🙏

Punamchand

25 April 2017

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Bengoli Bureaucrats of Gujarat

Bengoli Bureaucrats of Gujarat

Referring my article on "Where does Gujarat fall, North or South?", Shri Shyamal Ghosh, IAS Rtd, has explained the migration of bureaucrats from east to west. In his words: "One time there were 4 Ghoshes and 3 Basus and several other Bongs like Gangopadhyaya, Samajpati, Chakravarty, Roychoudhury, Haldar and others in Gujarat cadre. The Collector Rajkot, who had to deal with several Ghoshes working as prant officers and a Basu as RAC. Love letters (reprimands) meant for one Ghosh inevitably went to the wrong Ghosh. Since almost all weekends all the Prant Officers landed up in Rajkot he was constrained to issue instructions that officers should not leave their HQs without prior approval of Collector. On top of it there also  were a couple of Bong IPS officers posted in Rajkot."

Nobody ignore the Bongs and the East! There is a special relationship between the East with the West. The Garaba of Manipur travel to Gujarat from the East through the Manipuri Girl Usha (daughter of Bana) married to Aniruddh, the grand son of Lord Krishna. 

The languages of the lands Bengoli and Gujarati belong to Indo-Aryan native have many similarities. Gujarati kem cho is kemana achena in Bengali. The languages of North India carry tatsam, tadbhav and deshaj words. Tatsam are the original words from Sanskrit, Tadbhav are the words derived from tatsam and the deshaj (deshi)  are the local words of unknown origin. Gujarati and Bengali languages carry many deshaj words. The 'che' used in Gujarati is commonly used in Bengali, Oriya, Nepali, etc, languages of the East. The "eesh" of Bengali and "laj" (lajja) of Gujarati are the same. Bengali word fatafati (teshada in Saurastra) has been enjoyed by Gujarati through fafdi. Jaa-taa of Bengoli is jaa-jaa of Gujarati. Pagol/al na mathakharap/b is common in both the languages. Bengali gandogol is golgol of Gujarati. Bengali bhalo is bhale of Gujarat. Khub is common in both for very.

Gujarat has developed Gujarati thali typically a mixer of North-South-East-West. It has sabji-roti from the North-West; and the Rice-daal from the East-South. Two people are very choosy about the quality of rice they eat: the Bengolis and the Gujaratis. Gujarati Daal is a Sambhar of South by replacing vegetables with jaggery. 

If you survey the Indian tourists traveling in India and all over the world, they are mainly Bengoli and Gujarati. Gujarati in couples and Bengoli with full families. Both have the sea nearby, therefore can't tolerate the cold much. The little winter is 'bhishun thanda' for both the communities. 

Individually, Bengoli and Gujarati are fearful people, won't take law in hand and disrupt the order. But in a group, they are fearless, can lead the agitation. Both have lead the freedom struggle of India. Bengoli from the British Presidency of Calcutta and Gujarati from the British Presidency of Bombay. The goal of Independence was common for both, but when it came to the means of freedom, Bengoli revolutionary Subhashbabu deferred with Gandhiji on the issue of non-violence and left INC. Gandhi led the freedom struggle with non-violence force of "Satyagrahis" but Subhashbabu led the struggle differently using military force (Indian National Army) from the East. Gandhi gave the slogan "Quit India" and Subhashbabu said: "Give me blood, I will give you freedom". But when the Muslim League called for a “Direct Action Day”, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah declaring that the League wanted “either a divided India or a destroyed India”, Bengal was on fire of communal violence. Gandhi's peace efforts winning them over by a public confession by Suhrawardy Khan accepting the blame of great Calcutta killing and felt ashamed for it, intoxicated them with joy on 15 August 1947, after a year of darkness. He was ready to die so that Indians may live peacefully. He brought peace in the streets of Calcutta where his son Harilal lost his morals. Lord Mountbatten paid him tribute as the "One Man Boundary Force". 

But there are differences too. Bengoli are fond of fish curry (macher jhol) and Gujarati are fond of Dal-Bhat. Jhol is common in both. When Bengoli enjoy Aloo posto, begun bhaja, cha and adda; Gujarati feel happy with aloo bhaji, began bhartu, cha and bhajiya-ganthia. Psychologically, Bengoli are inclined to arts and culture unlike Gujarati into money making. However, Bengoli are good businessmen too like Gujarati businessmen. Gujarati are capitalist more of entrepreneurs, prefer self employment; but Bengoli are socialist pro service people, carry some glimpses of British clan. Bengoli value knowledge high and recognise intellectuals; Gujarati value money high and recognise entrepreneurs.

Gujarat Cadre is proud of it's Bongs Bureaucrats: the Ghosas, Basus, Gangopadhyaya, Samajpati, Chakravarty, Roychoudhury, Haldar, etc, contributed for the making of Gujarat.

Punamchand
17 April 2017
www.punamchand.com

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Bengoli Bureaucrats of Gujarat

Bengoli Bureaucrats of Gujarat

Referring my article on "Where does Gujarat fall, North or South?", Shri Shyamal Ghosh, IAS Rtd, has explained the migration of bureaucrats from east to west. In his words: "One time there were 4 Ghoshes and 3 Basus and several other Bongs like Gangopadhyaya, Samajpati, Chakravarty, Roychoudhury, Haldar and others in Gujarat cadre. The Collector Rajkot, who had to deal with several Ghoshes working as prant officers and a Basu as RAC. Love letters (reprimands) meant for one Ghosh inevitably went to the wrong Ghosh. Since almost all weekends all the Prant Officers landed up in Rajkot he was constrained to issue instructions that officers should not leave their HQs without prior approval of Collector. On top of it there also  were a couple of Bong IPS officers posted in Rajkot."

Nobody ignore the Bongs and the East! There is a special relationship between the East with the West. The Garaba of Manipur travel to Gujarat from the East through the Manipuri Girl Usha (daughter of Bana) married to Aniruddh, the grand son of Lord Krishna. 

The languages of the lands Bengoli and Gujarati belong to Indo-Aryan native have many similarities. Gujarati kem cho is kemana achena in Bengali. The languages of North India carry tatsam, tadbhav and deshaj words. Tatsam are the original words from Sanskrit, Tadbhav are the words derived from tatsam and the deshaj (deshi)  are the local words of unknown origin. Gujarati and Bengali languages carry many deshaj words. The 'che' used in Gujarati is commonly used in Bengali, Oriya, Nepali, etc, languages of the East. The "eesh" of Bengali and "laj" (lajja) of Gujarati are the same. Bengali word fatafati (teshada in Saurastra) has been enjoyed by Gujarati through fafdi. Jaa-taa of Bengoli is jaa-jaa of Gujarati. Pagol/al na mathakharap/b is common in both the languages. Bengali gandogol is golgol of Gujarati. Bengali bhalo is bhale of Gujarat. Khub is common in both for very.

Gujarat has developed Gujarati thali typically a mixer of North-South-East-West. It has sabji-roti from the North-West; and the Rice-daal from the East-South. Two people are very choosy about the quality of rice they eat: the Bengolis and the Gujaratis. Gujarati Daal is a Sambhar of South by replacing vegetables with jaggery. 

If you survey the Indian tourists traveling in India and all over the world, they are mainly Bengoli and Gujarati. Gujarati in couples and Bengoli with full families. Both have the sea nearby, therefore can't tolerate the cold much. The little winter is 'bhishun thanda' for both the communities. 

Individually, Bengoli and Gujarati are fearful people, won't take law in hand and disrupt the order. But in a group, they are fearless, can lead the agitation. Both have lead the freedom struggle of India. Bengoli from the British Presidency of Calcutta and Gujarati from the British Presidency of Bombay. The goal of Independence was common for both, but when it came to the means of freedom, Bengoli revolutionary Subhashbabu deferred with Gandhiji on the issue of non-violence and left INC. Gandhi led the freedom struggle with non-violence force of "Satyagrahis" but Subhashbabu led the struggle differently using military force (Indian National Army) from the East. Gandhi gave the slogan "Quit India" and Subhashbabu said: "Give me blood, I will give you freedom". But when the Muslim League called for a “Direct Action Day”, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah declaring that the League wanted “either a divided India or a destroyed India”, Bengal was on fire of communal violence. Gandhi's peace efforts winning them over by a public confession by Suhrawardy Khan accepting the blame of great Calcutta killing and felt ashamed for it, intoxicated them with joy on 15 August 2017, after a year of darkness. He was ready to die so that Indians may live peacefully. He brought peace in the streets of Calcutta where his son Harilal lost his morals. Lord Mountbatten paid him tribute as the "One Man Boundary Force". 

But there are differences too. Bengoli are fond of fish curry (macher jhol) and Gujarati are fond of Dal-Bhat. Jhol is common in both. When Bengoli enjoy Aloo posto, begun bhaja, cha and adda; Gujarati feel happy with aloo bhaji, began bhartu, cha and bhajiya-ganthia. Psychologically, Bengoli are inclined to arts and culture unlike Gujarati into money making. However, Bengoli are good businessmen too like Gujarati businessmen. Gujarati are capitalist more of entrepreneurs, prefer self employment; but Bengoli are socialist pro service people, carry some glimpses of British clan. Bengoli value knowledge high and recognise intellectuals; Gujarati value money high and recognise entrepreneurs.

Gujarat Cadre is proud of it's Bongs Bureaucrats: the Ghosas, Basus, Gangopadhyaya, Samajpati, Chakravarty, Roychoudhury, Haldar, etc, contributed for the making of Gujarat.

Punamchand
17 April 2017
www.punamchand.com

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I met a centenarian, Shri Jamnadas Patel

I met a centenarian, Jamnadas Patel

He was born 7 months before Mrs Indira Gandhi on 16 April 1917. His mother passed away when he was only 6 years old. His father lived for 70 years (1889-1959), his elder brother lived for 91 years (died in 2007) and he is not out at 100, fit fine and healthy. Doctors says he has a healthy heart of 10 years boy. All his senses are working well. His eyes are good. His ears listen all words. His mind remembers micro details without loss of words. His tongue enjoys the tastes. His stomach digest three meals every day. He is a perfect styled man living like a young, wearing colourful clothes with shirt in and belt on, and dying hair regularly. His good firm handshake speaks out his strength of body at this ageં.

When he was 10 years old in 1927, he met Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru in a AICC session held at Mussoorie. He had garlanded Gandhiji with cotton thread (Sutar anti) spun by himself. They made toys from the earth so well that Gandhiji auctioned the pair of sparrows in the prayer meet that has earned ₹250. As one of the participants of the freedom fight, he was jailed in Pune.

Very early in his career, he help plan and execute housing for refugees in Ahmedabad and in Delhi. In 1950, he joined the newly formed Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation as a Planner.

In early 1960s when the erstwhile Bombay state was about to be split into two Maharastra and Gujarat there were internal discussions to identify which officers would like to stay in which state. For the officers who were to stay with Gujarat, their accommodation had to be planned and constructed. The duty was assigned to two engineers: Mr. Hiradia from the State department and Mr. Jamnadas Patel from the city of Ahmedabad. Once the state was formed, there was a need to set up the Town Planning and Valuation Department and to identify the personnel for that department. Jamnadas Patel was offered to head the department on ad-hoc appointment. But he declined and insisted that a proper selection process be conducted and if he is found to be a better candidate, he will accept the selection. Finally, He, Jamnadas Patel became the first Chief Town Planner of the Gujarat State.

He had association with Dr Vikram Sarabhai. It was a dream of Dr Vikram Sarabhai to bring space and research Center of the Department of Atomic Energy at Ahmedabad. There was a need of land allotment for the purpose but things were not moving. When he came to know about the problem, Jamnadasbhai took the appointment of the then Chief Minister Shri Balvantrai Mehta and met him at 9.30 PM at his home and explain the cause. Next day on the application and the map received, the CM ordered to the Collector Ahmedabad, "without losing time, after completing all necessary formalities, this land should be handed over to the govt commission without delay". Within 12 days of the order, one half of the Jodhpur Tekra was allotted to the commission, on which the Space and Research Centre was established under the INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research, later grew into ISRO).

Sabarmati River Front Project of beautifying Sabaramati river in Ahmedabad by stopping water that can stay for the whole of the year and can promote boating and other entertainment to the visitors, was first dreamed by the French architect Bernard Kohn on the style of the Sein River in Paris in 1960s. He made a 5 feet model of the project. When Jamnadasbhai saw the project outline in IIM, he immediately wrote to the government to make the project report. A committee was formed under the Chair of the Chief Engineer and he as Secretary, collected rainfall data of 60 years, prepared the pre-feasibility of the project and sent it to the All India Hydraulic Institute of Khadakvasala for study, with a condition to raise the height of the Vasana Barrage such that 4 feet water can stay at Subhas Bridge. Thereafter, they designed and constructed the wear in 1976, that later became the base of the present Sabarmati River Front Project. With the push of Shri Surendra Patel, the then the visionary Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi executed the project, that has changed the look, culture and economics of the city of Ahmedabad.

He is surely going to be super centenarian in 2027. Recently he stayed in US for 4 months, unconscious for a moment for first time in life, when checked, found all okay with a heart of a 10 years boy. He has low diabetic but under control with a medicine glycomet, he takes thrice in a day regularly and check the level of sugar every third day himself. No stent, no bypass, all passed but he is not out at 100. Regular walking is the secret of his health.

We wish Shri Jamnadas Patel, the first Chief Town Planner of Gujarat, a long healthy life of setting up of an unbreakable record for the bureaucrats.

Our 100 Salutes to Shri Jamnadas Patel the Centenarian 🙏

Punamchand
16 April 2017

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Happy Vishu 2017

Happy Vishu 2017

Vishu refers to Bhagwan Vishnu, the Mayon, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, meaning all pervader (is everything and inside everything), preserver and protector; descended from heaven to earth several times to save humanity. He is the saviour of all from evil forces. Lord Krishna was his most popular incarnation.

When Sun God enters into Aries, the exalted sign today, on the first day of Baishakh/Vishakh of Hindu Calendar, South India (Kerala, TN, Karnataka) celebrates the New Year Day Vishu/Bisu. Odisha also celebrates New Year as Maha Vishnu Sakranti. Bengal (Bihu), Assam are celebrating the festival. Punjab and North India celebrate Vaishakhi. Srilanka, Malaysia and Indonesia also celebrate Songkran festival marking their new year.

Malayali people when woke up today were careful to see the joyful things first as Vishukkani, so that the year will be better. The feast of the day Sadhya, full with Vishu: Vishu Kanji, Vishu Katta and the side dish Thoran. People wear new clothes Vishukodi/Puthukodi, give money to younger once Vishukkaineetam. Children enjoy sweets and setting off firecrackers.
Humans are dependent on rainfall for food. It is the celebration of prayers to the almighty requesting him to blessed the season with good rain without any natural calamities. Vishnu God to preserve and protect the creatures. It is the end of Spring season and start of Summer. It is a flowering season of beautiful yellow flower tree, Cassia Fistula (Garmalo, Amaltas). It's Yellow flowers are used in the Pooja of the day. From today to the 45th of the day, i.e., 29 May 2017, the monsoon will onset on the coast of Kerala.

Assamese-Bengalis celebrate the festival as Bihu. Traditionally, people all over the country celebrate Vivah/Bihu/marriage during these days, before the onset of monsoon, so that one new member join the family of agriculture workers!

Assam-Bengal celebrate Rangali (April), Kangali (October) and Bhogali (January) Bihus. Rangali to marry and enjoy the colours of life. When marries and spends money on marriage and agriculture inputs, and there is scarcity of supply, one becomes kangal, celebrate Kangali Bihu in October. And when the agriculture season is good, the house is full with grains, it is a season to enjoy food: Bhoga, celebrate Bhogali Bihu. The daughter in law is called Bahu, but the celebration is called Bihu, the Piyu (husband) of the Bahu (wife); sometimes Rangali, sometimes Kangali and sometimes Bhogali/Bhangali. Lol.

Happy Vishu to all.

Punamchand
14 April 2017

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Abstracting from Reality

Abstracting from Reality

Hindu scriptures are famous for transmitting messages of good virtues of life through stories. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two epics very famous for centuries. There are two Ramayanas. Ramayana of Lord Rama, the son of King Dashrath; and Ramayana the Philosophy of Life. The Ramayana of Rama is the most popular story of Asian continent for centuries. It has been played with different forms many times, people in general know the story as well, still the serials on Ramayana receive the highest Television Rating Points (TRP). But over the years of these plays, people have lost the second Ramayana, the of philosophy of life, the Ramayana of spiritual significance.

Our body (Ayodhya) is a playground of Ramayana. The King of Ayodhya is Dashrath (ten chariots:5 sense organs, 5 organs of action) and the queen is Kaushalya (skill). Rama is our soul, the divine light of life. Sita is our heart. Ravana our ego mind (ten bad qualities- dashanan) that steals our heart from our soul. Lakshman is our consciousness, always with us and active on our behalf. Hanuman is our intuition and courage that help retrieve our heart to re-animate our soul. Ayodhya (Lord Rama’s place of birth) is the world of existence of all, which should not be destroyed.

When did Valmiki write Ramayana? Do you remember his first sloka, "maa Nishada". He was passing by the river Tamasa. He followed the chirping of birds and saw a beautiful Kauncha couple (Sarus Crane - grus antigone) engaged in mating. But suddenly the male bird was killed by the fatal arrow of the nishada-hunter. He speaks out a poetic verse in anguish and anger at the death of a Krauncha bird, "Maa Nishada Pratistham Tvamagamahsāsvati Samaa

Yat Kraunchamithunaadekam Avadhi Kaamamohitam". 

मां निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः।
यत्क्रौंचमिथुनादेकम् अवधीः काममोहितम्॥

(Oh hunter, may you repent for life and suffer, find no rest or fame, for you have killed one of the unsuspecting, devoted and loving krauñcha couple.)

As the story goes, the female lamented with a pitch and tonal quality so deep in emotion, that compassion welled up within Valmiki. And he then described his Ayodhya, Dasaratha, three queens, Rama-Lakshman-Bharat-Shatrugna, Sita,   Ravana, Hanumana, and the victory of Rama over Ravana at the end. He preached the path of righteous life to be lived by all through Ramayana. 

Similarly like Rama, Cow (gau) is a word used in Vedas, not for Cow Animal, but used for the divine nourishing power-forces of the nature. For that matter; the sky, the Sun, the rain/water, the air, the earth, the food, etc, the thousands of streams of nourishment are called Gau (Cow). Therefore, the animal whose products nourish our physical body is also named Gau. But we limit our Gau only into one animal-cow. All the food, drinks we eat/drink, all the air we inhale; all the forces of our nourishment are the Gau (cow). 

Similarly, the forces champion of fast speed - racing, are called Ashva/horse. The Sun, the rays, the fire, the God, the power, the light, etc, have been addressed as Ashva. Ashva is a vehicle of divine forces. Therefore, the animal which is known for it's power of racing-speed has been named Ashva.

Gau (Cow), Ashva (Horse), Aja (Goat), Avi (Sheep), etc, words used in Vedas as an 'Abstract Noun', to describe various power forces in the universe, not for the animals only. The animals with peculiar quality have been identified and named after it's quality. But some people without understanding the broader meaning, follow the abstracts to kill the humanity. 

Let us follow the true philosophy of life. Pray and live with our Rama, the divine life light within us.

Jai Shree Ram.

Punamchand

13 April 2017

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Shodas Sanskar (16 rituals)

Shodas Sanskar (16 rituals)

Homosapien is one of the most complex animal species on Earth. To build a cultured society of mankind, many leaders had introduce practices of human resource development. When some events occur, they question 'why'; And then find out the answer from 'because'. This why-because chain has evolved the human races and their subgroups. Watching at the attacks over life, he created religion/faith out of fears and out of illusions. From the primitive stage, he moved to worship nature on the face of earth, then moved towards sky. With expansion of mind, his observations expanded. But the inexplicable things of life remained out of his reach as "acts of God". From Nature to Spirit and Spirit to God, to protect the Self, he created faith, that became the religion of his group. And to bring law and order into the society, codes of conduct were introduced through religion, mainly for the human resource development in an organised way. 

Hinduism believes in the theory of rebirth. It believes that human life is the best amongst all the creatures on Earth, gives freedom to each individual to select his path of life that can upscale his life in next birth. Nobody has scientifically proved theory of rebirth, but when people see the differences of growth, thinking and progress of the children of one parents, they start believing in the theory of karma (actions), the past, the present and the future. We say that nothing destroys but changing forms, then what happens after the death? The physical body offered to the fire or earth, merges into the five basic elements of the nature but where does the driver of the body goes? It is the mystery of life. Hinduism believes that the driver further travels with the subtle body composed of mind, intelligence, chit and ego. Different faiths in the world also named it as: sacred body, genuine body, diamond body, bliss body, light body, rainbow body, immortal body, etc. It is the vehicle of the Soul/Jeeva to travel further into new birth. The Soul in the illusion of being finite (Jeeva), travels a journey of births and rebirths till the Soul free itself from all sanskaras and desires connected with the gross, subtle and mental worlds. The Soul transcends and become Self realised in "Swaroop gyana", merge into the ocean of infinite Shiva.

When the Jeeva (Soul with subtle body) enters into the human world, he passes through a long journey of life from the conception to the death; pre birth, birth, infancy, childhood (early-middle-late), adolescence, adulthood (earli-midlife-mature-late), death & dying. Each small life form of a part of a greater whole of human world. It is a journey of a seed to become plant, then a tree and then death. But many seeds unorganised, if grow together without care, they will form a jungle. But if developed through organised planting, nurtured, weeded, pruned, guided, it becomes garden. Garden, guarded with a fence, fence of the religion.

To avoid making a jungle of humans, and to develop the human resource into a beautiful garden (Vrindavan); Hinduism put a fence of religion to guard them, planted a theory of shodas sanskar, the 16 rituals to make the individual upright before he/she enters into the mainstream.

Shodas Sanskaras are: 
1. Garbhadhan: conception, to bear progeny 
2. Pusavana: fetus protection, for intellectual and mental development of the baby in womb
3. Simantonayan: 7th month, satisfying cravings of mother, baby shower, mother starts teaching the child in the womb
4. Jatakarma: child birth, done for healthy and long life of the child
5. Namkarana: 11th day, naming the infant, so that the name inspire the child to walk on path of righteousness 
6. Nishkraman: 4th month, taking the child outdoor, invoke blessings of nature
7. Annaprashan: 6-8 months, teething period, feeding cereal, solid food
8. Mundan : 1st or 3rd year, removal of hair to strengthen head and brain of the child
9. Karnavedh: 3rd or 5th year, piercing ear to improve brain power
10. Yagyopaveet/Upnayana: 5th or 7th year, tie sacred thread, introduction of a child to the teacher/Guru
11. Vidhyarambha: 5th or 7th year, immediately after Upnayana or after a year, start study.
12. Samavartana: 26th year, returning home after studies, entry into the society. 
13. Vivah: marriage 
14. Vanprashtha: 51st year, retire from household activities and engage in spiritual activities.
15. Sanyas: renunciation.
16. Antyesthi: cremation, dead body offered to fire.

These sanskars are events of building cultured individuals that forms the society. If all families in the Country follow the same tradition, it will form a society of greater harmony. What an objective! But greed governed their minds, the society instead working for the development of all humans, restricted it's efforts for limited groups and established a system of caste based discrimination by birth. For placing them well by birth, for controlling resources, for better living style, people started cheating each other; the vices grew in the society that disrupted its law and order. The Sanskars became rituals and sometimes become expensive activities that common men couldn't afford. Those didn't perform sanskara, feared of a bad life after death. That fear made them depressive. Poverty, fear, depression, pushed them to follow the path of bad virtues and bad habits. And while fighting within, some of them changed their faith. And once they exited, there was no return. In which class to enter? Higher castes didn't accept them socially. Only option left was to join Shudra. Why should they return from the society of equals to a society of unequal?

What a great objective our forefathers initiated while introducing Shodas Sanskar to build a happy healthy and righteous Hindu society! But what we did with meanness of our mind? Created a society of unequal; disunited we had put the society under the rule of invaders and cheaters for centuries. Our harmonious orchestra had been destroyed.

Independence of India has raised the hope again. New generation of India is on development mode, are working for the juice and better quality of life in present life. They don't see much juice in the life after death. In the journey of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas', can't we the Indians, return on the righteousness path of a society of equals? Sanskaras are for building of better and harmonious society.

"Harmony of lyrics and music create a beautiful symphony of life". Let us walk together, feel the heartbeats together, and understand the unspoken words together. 

Punamchand 
10 April 2017

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Housing for All, Credai India aiming High

Housing for All, Credai India aiming High

Mr. Vekaiya Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development, Urban Housing, Information and Broadcasting is on a visit to Gujarat today to attend a Credai National Investiture Ceremony 2017, held at Mahatma Mandir Gandhinagar.

At the airport, he has beautifully described the growth of his party BJP. "Recently on 6th April, BJP has completed 37 years of it's political journey. The party was identified as Nationalist Party by it's opponents is now a National Party. It is in power in the Central Government with 353 MPs in both the Houses of Parliament. It is in power in 15 States of India and represented by 1365 MLAs. It governs over 59% population and 65% of the areas of the Country. Under the visionary leadership of our beloved PM Shri Narendra Modi, the country is in the mode of Reform, Transform and Perform. On the social issue of 'triple tallak' amongst Muslims, he argued that the way Hindu society has been reformed with discontinuation of the bad practices of Child Marriage, Dowry and Sati Pratha, etc; other societies can also develop awareness on issues that hampers the growth of their people including the women. He reiterated the efforts of the government to achieve the dream of H'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, 'Housing for All' by 2022. Development and Good Governance are the two mantras of our Government."

Gujarat DNA, Gujarati Bhai, young Jakshay Shah took over as President Credai India for next two years from today. Speaking with the help of teleprompter, during his impressive speech, he explained the "Dream Manifesto of Credai India" to make Builders as Nation Builder, signing 375 MoUs (147 from Gujarat, of which 80 from Ahmedabad) of building 2.37 lakh affordable houses with an investment of ₹ 70,000 crore, to start 25 lakh affordable houses in two years, creating many job opportunities, increasing GDP share of real estate from 5% to double digit, and simultaneously to build capacity (skill training) of 8000 Construction Workers in a year, one scholarship a day to the students of economically weaker sections of society, etc. He has welcomed RERA.

The Union Minister desired that real estate is unreal with the land price jogged up, will get corrected and make the sector 'real' with right pricing. When world including China is passing through the economic recession; India is growing with the vision of New India, new culture, knowledge, opportunity; Team India working for development of the Country and fighting against corruption, black money, women's right, and bringing development of all. Politics and economics must marry for development not to divorce to stop development. Government of India has sanctioned 17 lakh urban houses with an investment of 93000 crore with a government subsidy of ₹26000 crore in last two years to achieve the dream of 'Housing for All".

H'ble CM, DyCM have graced the ceremony, and addressed the gathering with GoG vision on housing development, infrastructure development, keeping the interest of the consumers in mind. They have explained the progressive decisions of government: i.e., deemed NA, no building permission for houses upto 125 sqm, interest subventions on housing loan, regularisation of the possession of small occupants on ULC land, special zones in DP-TP for affordable housing, common GDCR etc.

It was a Successful Ceremony organised by Credai India, participated by many real estate developers of 138 cities of 23 States of India.

Punamchand
9 April 2017

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Where does Gujarat fall, North or South?

For centuries, the culture of India has been divided into two parts: north and south, above and below the Vidhyachal mountain range. Where does Gujarat stand? North? South? The answer is South. How?

Gujarati feel proud of their Solanki Kings of medieval period (940-1244 CE). Maharaja Bhimdev in his early years of rule, when Mahmud Ghaznavid sacked the Somnath Temple, fled and hid in Kanthkot. But later he regained his power over the kingdom. His grandson Maharaja Siddhraj Jaisimha expanded Chaulukya power of Anahilwadpatan, over large area of Laat, Gujarat, Saurastra, Malava and Rajasthan. His daughter Kanchandevi was married to Chahman King Arnoraja, whose grandson, the famous Prithviraj Chauhan was born in Gujarat!

Siddharth Solanki's mother was Minaldevi (wife of Karna dev), a beautiful but dark skinned lady, not liked by her husband Karnadev. Some of you must have read the story of Munjal Mehta (the Amatya) and Minaldevi, beautifully described by our great Gujarati writer Kanaiyalal Munshi, in Gujarat no Nath. Minaldevi (Mayanalla) was a kannad girl, daughter of King Jaykeshin of Kadamba dynasty of Karnataka. After an early death of her husband, she acted as regent of her son and gave an able and just administration to the kingdom. She is still remembered for her justice.

Solankis were from Chaulukya (chuluka means folded palm) dynasty of South India. The temples they had constructed carry the chaulukya style of architecture of projecting corners.

It was a war time of mediaeval history amongst four races of Kshatriyas: Tomars of Delhi, Chahmans of Ajmer, Chaulukya of Gujarat and Parmars of Malwas. Their infightings brought Muslim rule in India.

Do you know, the Brahmins also belong to two streams? Northern Brahmins and Southern Brahmins. There are two chief divisions: the Northern Brahmins are called Panch Gauds (Gaud, Sarasvat, Kanyakubj, Maithil and Uttkal) and the Southern Brahmins are called Panch Dravids (Telugu Deshastha, Dravida Deshastha, Kannad Brahmin, Maharashtra Deshastha, Gurjarati Brahmin). There are many sub castes/gotras of these 10 groups of Brahmins.

कर्णाटकाश्च तैलंगा द्राविडा महाराष्ट्रकाः, गुर्जराश्चेति पञ्चैव द्राविडा विन्ध्यदक्षिणे || सारस्वताः कान्यकुब्जा गौडा उत्कलमैथिलाः, पञ्चगौडा इति ख्याता विन्ध्स्योत्तरवासिनः || Meaning :(The-) Karnātakas, Tailangas, Dravidas, Mahārāshtrakās and Gurjaras; these five(-types who-) live south of Vindhya (- mountains) are (called-) "five Dravidas" (- Brahmins); (whereas-) Sārasvatas, Kanyakubja Brahmins, Gauḍa Brahmins, Utkala Brahmins, and Maithil Brahmins, who live north of Vindhya (- mountains) are known as "five Gaudas" (-Brahmins). - (Source: Rajtarangini of Kalhana).

Dravid, the Dramikdesh includes Tamil desh (TN, Kerala), Andhra (AP-Telangana), Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat!

Brahmin is a Sanskar to live a life of good virtues. Any body can become Brahmin if he possesses the 8 virtues described in Gautama Dharmasutra: always truthful, Conduct himself as an Arya, Teach his art only to virtuous men, Follow rules of ritual purification, Study Vedas with delight, Never hurt any living creature, Be gentle but steadfast, Have self-control, Be kind, liberal towards everyone.

Unlike of the Northern Brahmins, apart from religious rituals, Southern Brahmins were involved in Ayurvedic care, administration (mantris), law and justice (judiciary), and in wars (Peshwas).

The Spiritual leaders of South India are welcomed in Gujarat. Sri Sri Ravishankar has many followers in the State. His first Art of Living Course was started in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Now you won't be surprised why post independence, the bureaucrats hail from South India own Gujarat so much, established their righteous rule over it for decades! Lol.

Punamchand
9 April 2017

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