Alongside: Usha Laxman, a wonderfully warm talented lady...incidentally married to the son of 'You said it' Laxman, Avanti Birla and myself



It was refreshing to meet Avanti Yash Birla in her beautiful home...We interviewed her for the project: Clean Vrindavan...
She spoke very well and it came directly from the heart...
She said that since she was a young teenager and stepped foot on Vrindavan. She always wanted to see it restored to its pristine pure glory...
Click:
www.cleanvrindavan.org And then I got this note via the Internet, which confirms my belief that it is not how much you have but what you are...that gives you real joy!

A Blog Posted by Singapore 's Youngest Millionaire

By Adam Khoo |
Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire.' He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self Made Millionaires'). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster. Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky). I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur's Organization) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worths well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota's and Nissans (not Audis, Mercs, BMWs).

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation. Thank God my rich dad (oh no! I sound like Kiyosaki) foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life.

Instead, what make ME happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this BLOG is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be in teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a meaningless life.

A Very Happy Diwali to all!
Everyone knows that during Diwali we celebrate the home-coming of Sri Ram Sita Laxman after 14 years of exile...Very few people know about Narakasura...
Read On!


When darkness of the night gives way to the new dawn on Naraka Chaturdasi, Deepavali is celebrated in South India.
What is the legend behind the Deepavali celebrations in the south? Narakasura was the son of Bhoodevi or Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu, the Protector, in his incarnation on earth as the wild boar — Varaha avatar.
Perfect lineage, one would think. But misplaced maternal affection was detrimental. Bhoodevi is believed to have asked her divine husband to make her son invincible. The busy father who had to return to the heavens to attend to his duties and an overworked mother bearing the burden of so many people tended to indulge the son more than necessary. The result? Narakasura turned out to be a demon, and along with his friend, Bana the Asura, he created a lot of trouble.
Narakasura wreaked havoc on earth. Soon his father, Vishnu, was invoked to save the people and the story is that Bhoodevi herself — in the form of Satyabhama, Krishna’s consort — had to put an end to Narakasura’s life.
Narakasura, on the one hand, symbolises power. On the other hand, he represents every one of us: a combination of the divine and the mortal. If we misuse the powers given to us, we are killing ourselves: Satyabhama killing Narakasura is symbolic of an environmental impasse, when the earth reaches the limits of endurance.
One can discern a message: Live in harmony with the environment. For when we don’t, then even the earth that harbours life might one day be forced to destroy it.
There is also the strong message that to be powerful is not enough. It has to be supported with values that sustain it. Armed with this realisation a new day, a new year is ushered in.
Festivals are primarily social events that are designed to bring people together. In India, not just stellar movements, even agrarian and seasonal activities lend themselves to festivity. Deepavali came at a time when the rainy season had given way to autumn. The traders had once again to commence their long distance travel with their entourage of scholars, holy men and their other companions from different walks of life. Therefore, a new calendar year was born. There was the need to invest in celebration of life itself and reaffirm one’s values and commitments...

Sudhamahi Reghunathan (Excerpts)

Attended a programme: National Knowledge Commission (3 yrs old) and heard Sam Pitroda, its Chairman speak. The programme was hosted by AIMA (All India Management Association) in collaboration with BMA...Co-sponsors, e NEXT...The Theme was 'Demography, Disparity, Developement'
at the Hotel Trident on the 13th October, 2008
The National Knowledge Commission is a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India, with the objective of transforming India into a knowledge society. It covers sectors ranging from education to e-governance in the five focus areas of the knowledge paradigm.

Points discussed: We need more Nuclear Engineers...Do what you can at your level...Become active at local levels...60 million dollars are allocatedto Education? Did I hear right?..
Spend more time on local change...There isgoing to be a shortage of 20 million software engineers in a short while...


They talk about character building as a requisite to knowledge...A few of us felt that character building is connected with Spirituality (not religions, the way so many humans misunderstand it, and fight over it)...but they did not seem convinced...I personally think that the time has come to apply the true gems of every faith into our lives...and that is what will really build our character...You decide...Peace ambience is conducive to Education...

DASSERA KIRTAN PROGRAMMES

Aarti, Asha and Geeta Hundalani are Devraani Jethaanis...Their mother in law left them a hall to use for spiritual activities and they have fulfiiled their mother in law's wishes...Alongside Aarti singing a Ram bhajan on the occassion of Dassera...Aarti is a trustee of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity...and boy does she do justice to her position!



Alongside Aarti myself and our Singing Group organized a Gayatri Mantra jaap at Shashi Balkishen Devidayal's residence. Shashi was the perfect hostess. She not only put out a great parsaad spread but did the bhajan with great shraddha.
May God bless all!

Alongside, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh...I particularly enjoyed meeting the Guest of Honour Dr Michael Nobel Executive Chairman Nobel Charitable Trust...If you look close enough you may catch a glimpse of him in the next photograph...


I attended the Priyadarshni Academy Silver Jubilee Global Awards Function on the
19th Sept 2008, at Regal Room Trident, Mumbai
I was invited by the Academy's Gracious Chairman, Mr Nanik Rupani.
The Chief Guest was Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Recipients of Silver Jubilee Global Awards 2008


Priyadarshni Academy’s internationally recognised Global Awards for the year 2008 honours the following eminent personalities who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.


Mr. Jim Balsillie
Co-CEO, Research In Motion Ltd.
Canada
- Harish Mahindra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovative Leadership in Business

Dr. Rumi BeramjiOrthopaedician
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medical Services

Mr. Robert HagertyChairman & CEO, Polycom, Inc.
U.S.A.
- Award for Contribution to Unified Communication and Business Innovation

Mr. Steve Killelea
Chairman, Integrated Research Ltd.
Australia
- Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Social and Business Innovation

Mr. S. R. (Mac) Maharaj
Leader
South Africa
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights

Mr. Deepak Parekh
Chairman, HDFC Ltd..
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to Banking and Financial Services

Mr. Tulsi TantiChairman & MD, Suzlon Energy Ltd.
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wind Energy

Dr. Shashi Tharoor
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
U.S.A. - Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of International Diplomacy

Ms. Preity ZintaFilm Actress
India - Smita Patil Memorial Award

HAPPY DHANTERAS AND DIWALI (Links)
On the 26th of October we celebrate Dhanteras. Do read about it, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/language_festivals/dhanteras_and_diyas.htm

On the 28th of October we celebrate Diwali, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/deepavali.htm

SILVER HAIRED GOLDEN GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN (Nimu and Shantu's Party)


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Alongside, we enacted a skit written by Sapna Bharvani...Bhagal Bhaando Airlines...I am captain Pitaldas...sorry Sitaldas and my three air hostesses Tillibai, Sillybai and Billibai...

Mamma Mia, the Silver haired, Golden, Blue Band girls living it up! You are always young enough to dance!Asha,Sheila, Laju and myself...

Meenu Gidwani is not only a great singer but a good dancer...Here reminiscing on 'Bachpan ke din..."


Alongside, dancing to the tune of Kajrare Kajrare

Alongside, Malika Oberoi, Trustee of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity organized a bhandaara (Free Meal) for slum dwellers...The inmates love her and affectionately call her 'didi' I am not one bit surprized! Ms Maya Shahani and Sunita Godbole, both Trustees of WMPP are happy at the good work that Malika is doing...and we all support her efforts...God bless her!

Alongside Madam Annie Shekhar, MLA of Colaba Constitution. She attended the Bhandaara organized by Malika Oberoi at Lal Batti Slum

RARE PHOTOGRAPHS
SINDHI FREEDOM FIGHTER HEMU KALANI


Hemu Kalani was a Sindhi Freedom Fighter. He was underage at the time of hanging but, despite that he was hanged which was deviation of law and an unhuman act by the British Empire. His mother insisted upon him to appeal for amnesty and disclose the names of his friends in order to save his life but this brave son of soil refused to do so and chose death to amnesty. When his last will was asked, he asked the duty staff to state slogans. Since it was his last will and it was mandatory to fulfill it therefore, they replied his slogans "Azaadi Zindabad"...
It is important that we remember from time to time the sacrifices made for our freedom...We were/are Indians, not Sindhis, Hindus, Muslims, Gujaratis, Marathis...




Alongside Bhagat Kanwar Ram's wife sitting with late Sain Shiv Bhajan of Shikarpur . The photo was taken in the year 85-86. She died few years ago. Her grandson is living in Amarwati(MS) Whereas her son died before her death.
The above information and photographs sent to me by Dr Aamir Soomro.

Sain Kanwar Ram was a Saint in Sindh. If you would like to read about him, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/bhagat_kanwar_ram_.htm

Alongside, At the Group 21, speaking about the Power of the Feminine...
We have to find meaning for our Life...I have been given the Gift of the gab, and I like to use it to inspire, to empower...
Excerpts from 'Healing Despair, appeared on Sunday Times, October 5, 2008)
...Each soul is present on the Earth for a reason, and when we discover and fulfill that purpose, our life makes a positive contribution to the world and in the process our own needs are met and fulfilled.
When we realize that our consciousness matters and has an impact on others, we take responsibility for our thoughts as well as our actions...In the larger network of human consciousness, you've just created a small pocket of light and love, which enters the atmosphere of the Earth and strengthens the love and light present in the world. This small pocket is like a candle, which lights other candles that it comes into contact with.
On the other hand, if you choose to hold on to your anger, blame, judgment and so on, the emotions you are holding onto contribute to the cloud of negative energy that is present around the Earth during this time. You feel entitled to be angry, and refuse to budge. You may even act out your feelings and create disharmony or even harm to others. In this way your choice contributes to this very same energy pattern which is prevalent in so many of today's world conflicts and wars. Anger, blame, judgment, entitlement, and the unwillingness to compromise are all fed by the daily thoughts and feelings of others.
(Mashubi Rochell is a spiritual counselor based in the US)

Alongside, Charming Jyoti Nagda who is one of the facilitators for speakers to spread Spirituality and knowlege that empowers, at Nalanda, the newly renovated hall at Times of India Bldg, SCT


Let us learn about the Ancient Nalanda:
The name is a Sanskrit word that means giver of knowledge, (possibly from nalam, lotus, a symbol of knowledge and da, to give...
[edit] Nalanda in the time of the Buddha (500 BC)
The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda.
Mahavira is several times mentioned as staying at Nālandā, which was evidently a centre of activity of the Jains. Mahavira is believed to have attained Moksha at Pavapuri, which is located in Nalanda (also according to one sect of Jainism he was born in the nearby village called Kundalpur).

Historical studies indicate that the University of Nalanda was established 450 CE under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.


Nalanda was one of the world's first residential universities, i.e., it had dormitories for students. It is also one of the most famous universities. In its heyday it accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers...

That was then Nalanda, this is now Nalanda...
Let us have a Nalanda in every establishment/ Building...Share/Use a hall, invite speakers and spread every good word that spreads Peace and Prosperity...The need of the Day!