Getting worried about the Indian student situation in Australia, but considering what the world is going through, one is not safe anywhere... yet 'Raakhey Ram to maarey kaun' which means 'He who the Lord protects cannot be harmed by anyone...

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN





Initiatives of Change (MRA) is a diverse network committed to building relationships of trust across the world's divides...Every first saturday of the month, a meeting is conducted,with the help and supervision of Dr Anand and his charming wife, Asha...

Speakers:
Sheila Sail, Deputy Commissioner of Police
Trupti, Social Cells station
Sangeeta Rege, handles Social Psycho Trauma
Mahila Dakshata (Like a Mohalla commitee)Every police station has one...

Points discussed:
Most calls are from lower middle class...
90% of the men quieten down if given a warning...
We may be pro-women but we are not anti-men...
We are particular about asking the women what exactly they want to do...We help her to feel more empowered...
Sadly 50% of the constables are not sensitive to the issue but having a mahila dakshata in every police station helps...
When encountered with violence...never believe that it is your fault...

On our 44th wedding anniversary, my talented girlfriends sang this song in Sindhi on the tune of Jai Ho!
Wonderful to have great friends and be appreciated for your love and caring! I in turn am fortunate to have such friends!


Acho Narain Shakun ji anversri malayun

Acho, khushi ja gula aseen, unan te barsaayun


Jai Ho. Jai Ho (2)


Lecture becture dehi dehi asankhe sekharyo thhas

Nache gaaye group me sabhni khe vindrayo thhas

Sakhyun saan mili jhuli anand phelayo thhas

Shakun pyari kitaab likhi Sindhin khe jaagayo thhas.


Hey

Acho Narain Shakun ji anversri malayun

Acho, khushi ja gula aseen, unan te barsaayun



Jai Ho, Jai Ho



Baila Baila!

Ahora conmigo tu baila par hoy

por este dia te olvidas

los problemos lo que sea!

Salud!

Baila Baila!

Attended a meeting at the IMC on the 23rd April 2009...Alongside Dr Shashi Tharoor, Former Under Secretary General, United Nations and Malavika Sanghvi
Some of the points discussed:
26/11 should not be made into a political issue...
One should elect a mayor, and see how much they can improve the city...

Partition of the Indian Soul is worse than the partition of Indian Soil!

Above, Asha Chand...She is divinely driven to revive the Sindhi language...
Click and download the CD that teaches you Sindhi
www.sindhisangat.com
On Friday, the 22nd of May, Asha invited me to give a tv interview on what we can do for the Sindhi language and what inspired me to start my blog and website. On the same day, there was also a supplement of Sindhu along with the Times of India Mumbai...
I replied to the Editor, R.Sridhar:


We sindhis have always been accused of being over-obsessed with money...I always say that we had to leave our birth place, Sindh during Pakistan. We had no land to call our own...but we did not waste our time whining, we went on to re-structure our life and today 60 years hence, we have not only 'made it' but give back to society. But one sad thing happened, because we had to adapt to the country that gave us a mean to live, we lost out on our own culture and language...today we are trying to revive it...and there are many who are trying so hard to do it...

At the tv interview I said:
We probably made a mistake by not speaking in Sindhi with our offspring in our enthusiasm to adapt to the places who accepted us with open arms...We can make ammends by speaking with our grand children in Sindhi...that is one of the ways to salvage Sindhi...

Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/A_trip_Sindh.htm

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/Sindhi_surnames/rare_photographs_of_hyderabad_si.htm

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/sindhi_surnames/sindhi_surnames.htm

Attended the 27th International Dance Day presented by Shree Paavitra Arts Academy on the 25th April 2009 at Nehru Centre, Worli Mumbai. It was an uplifting experience.
Nandhini Ashok set up the Shree Paavitra Arts Academy in 2003.
Nandhini has a yearning to spread the medium of dance to a larger audience...
She is a success but more importantly for me, she is a good human being always ready to help and participate with good causes...She is a member of Eager to B. She always stretches a helping hand to WMPP pet project 'Clean Vrindavan'
No wonder Krishna is with her!

Nandhini replies:
Dear Shakun

Thank you very much for writing about us in your blog. It is my pleasure to have met good hearted people like you. As mentioned by you always ready to do anythink for clean Vrindavan project. Krishna is the one who has joined us...
nandini

Found this photograph of me, my husband, mother and my daughter clicked nearly 40 years ago...Found it funny, thought it could hv a caption...Can you think of another?

Three generations of Women! I stand no chance!

Shakun:Na na ni na na, she looks like me!
Narain: She may look like you, but she has my temperament

Great picture, but why is Narain's suit so shiny?

Madhavi baby: I am not getting involved in an argument between my mother and father...Let me look the other way...

My mother to herself: Close your eyes and smile!

Alongside had invited Ms Indu Shahani (Sheriff of Mumbai, seated on table)and Mona Shah Patel for a 'Celebrating Life' event.
To see photo of Ms Meera Sanyal, please scroll down...

Excerpts from what Shobha De writes Monday 18th 2009 in Bombay Times...and I agree with her:
...The Congress is in a far better space this time round and wont need to court complete undesirables in an attempt to cobble a govt together:)
...We paid a high price for all the combined insecurities of just hanging in there...Now there is no scope for alibis and excuses...We have our eyes on you Milind and you too Priya! We'll be watching-and grading-you. Perform or else!
...If my heart goes out to Meera Sanyal (and mine to Mona Patel Shah as well) It has nothing to do with not winning...I think (they both) deserve a big hug and kiss for doing what (they) did...(They) went fearlessly into the political jungle, gave the campaign (their) best shot, and inspired a lot of people to rethink their cynical attitude towards politics. My admiration for (them) remains intact...

Yamuna, was reproduced almost incarnate...Ladoo Gopal was divine The Aarti to Shrinathji was like we were in His Presence!



You all can't believe what an extremely busy day I had on Friday, the 15th of May...Why am I telling you this? Because I have realized that if one is occupied doing what one enjoys, one is able to feel happy and fulfilled...but the trick is that all actions have to be akin to meditation...It is like the Lord has brought this action in front of me...If I do not have anything which calls for my time...then let me do His bidding...
Went for some routine medical check-ups, then decided to have lunch at Wellington Mews with Aarti Hundalani and Sapna Bharvani then went for a movie with Asha Chatani and Varuna Harchandrai...note all my friends are positive, friendly, not complicated human beings... and then saw a most marvelous dance drama with Vimla Patil called Sathwaro Radhey Sham...It was a Spiritual Experience...You have seen Radha Krishna pictures, they came alive in front of our very eyes...Time literally stood still!...Do go and see it! Dont worry if some compering is in Gujarati...You will undrstand...Music and Dance is a common human language which transcends barriers! Something that touched me! Hinduism has never sought to convert...because it is the language of love and freedom to worship in your way...

Vimla Patil answers:
Dear Shakun, happy you could come with us. It was on my wish list for a long time as I had heard a lot about this dance drama. The visuals were delightful and transported me to another world of pastoral beauty with divine beings celebrating life and its joys of love and devotion. Unforgettable and timeless. Thanks for your happy company. Love Vimla Patil

My reply to Vimla:
u r sweet to thank me...actually Krishna has been answering my calls...this time through you...and mehendi lagaane wale haath, range jaate hain...

Earlier I had introduced you to a young lady who stood for elections named Mona Patel Shah...On the 27th of April 2009 I got to hear what Meera Sanyal, Sindhi lady,Chairperson and CEO, Amro Bank of India, had to say about 'The Role of Independants in Parliament'




Meera Sanyal has been 'branded as Malabar Hill Memsaab'
Her symbol is that of a cricketeer...Cricketeers are not asked their parentage so why do you ask politicians? Her 'naara' is 'Hum hongey kaamyaab'...She chose to stand as an Independant as she noticed that politicians sometimes remain silent because of the parties that they belong to...She would'nt be true to herself if she joined any party...

I personally feel and I told her that She seemed so centered as she spoke...Whatever the outcome...Dont change that attitude...

My husband Narain was born on Buddha jayanti, so we had a party for family, close friends...It was fun! Alongside My husband, daughter Anuja and myself

Buddham Sharanam Gacchaami
Did you know that:
The Full Moon Day of the month of Vaishaakha (May) is the:
The Birthday of Gautama Buddha
The Renunciation day of Gautama Buddha
The Enlightenment day (Nirvaana) day of Gautama Buddha.
This year it falls on the 9th of May
To read more, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Message/buddha.htm
Also
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/kids_kahaani/great_gurus/buddha.htm

On 12th March 2009 was invited by Ms Mithila Apte, (Extreme right) co-chairperson of Soft Powers Commitee of IMC Ladies' Wing
The Speaker is Mr Ramesh Ramanathan, Founder of Janaagraha.
Ramesh left a succesful business in the US as a CEO, to return and do something for the country.
He was inspired by the movie 'Swades'
Some of the points exchanged during the meeting:
Bombay may not become Singapore but it can become a much better place...
I asked Ramesh: "I have the feeling which may not be correct that India is actually being run by corporates and NGOs while politicians do very little"
Ramesh said" No! the Laws are in place but the politicians do play a very vital role in the progress of the country and For every corrupt politician there is a good one...

Was invited by charming Tasneem Kalsekar (Cultural Affairs Specialist, The American Center, American Consulate General) to a luncheon in honour of Ms Sadia Shepard,(pretty girl in red top) Author of 'The Girl from Foreign'

Sadia lectures frequently about growing up in a home with a Muslim mother, Christian father and Jewish grandmother; the history of India's Jewish communities; the Partition of India; and the craft of autobiographical writing. She is currently at work on her second book.


Sadia Shepard is a documentary filmmaker and writer based in New York City. In 2001, she left New York for Bombay on a Fulbright Scholarship, her goal to try to understand the history and future of the tiny Indian Jewish community that her grandmother was born into and left to marry her Muslim grandfather. Sadia spent nearly two years recording her experiences in film, video and writing, which became the basis of her first book, The Girl from Foreign.
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/interfaith_dialogue.htm

Alongside the Honourable Sheriff Ms Indu Shahani and myself

Invited Ms Indu Shahani to speak at the 'Celebrating Life' group on the 1st of April 2009 at the Malabar Hill Club.
Everyone knows that Indu has been an exceptional Sheriff and as such her term has been extended by a year! You can know a lot about her and her achievements if you google her name...so I am going to tell you what you probably do not know.
I have known Indu since she was a young girl and we grew Spiritually together until I got married...We moved on with our lives, but we kept in touch with each others lives...I am proud of her but not surprised at her success. She has always been efficient, persevering and pleasant!Lately when I called her for her participation for a good cause, she responded immediately and that added an extra feather in her cap: 'Lack of ego and a passion to do good!
May God and Ma bless you always!
To read about Ma Brij Mohini, Indu's and my Spiritual Guide,
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/in_touch_with_masters/a_letter_of_blessings_from_maa.htm

Akshay Tritiya falls on Monday the 27th of April 2009
AKSHAYA TRITIYA OR AKSHATRIJ or YUGAADI TRITI (APRIL /MAY)
Important Information:
Occurs on the third day of the bright half of Vaisaakh.
It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calender.
On this day the Sun and Moon are at their peak of brightness.
Hindus, Buddhists, Jains celebrate this day.
'AKSHAYE' means 'that which does not diminish or perish.
Every minute of the three and a half days is considered sacred.
It is believed that Satya Yuga, Golden Age and Treta Yuga started on this day.
New beginnings like weddings, business ventures, new deals, new audit books, business trips are considered to bring luck.
Valuables bought on this day, such as gold is deemed auspicious.
It is believed that gold multiplies if bought on this day.
Goddess Vijaya Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day.
On Akshay Tritiya the writing of Mahabharata was started by Ganesha dictated by Ved Vyasa.
Read more, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/akshaya_tritiya_or_akshatrij_or_.htm
Love to all,
Shakun Narain Kimatrai

Alongside Poonam Malani and myself. Poonam is so enthusiastic about teaching Sindhi to youngsters. I had a function to celebrate Cheti Chand hosted by Vinti Pohoomal. We sang Sindhi folk songs and I explained the beauty of Sindhi proverbs/pahaakas to the younger Sindhi generation...and then I received this wonderful note...which makes me believe that there is still hope for the revival of the Sindhi language!
Read on:
Hi Shakun,
I have read about your appreciation of Sindhi poetry and the beauty of the Sindhi language.
Could you please share some of this poetry with me.I am in my early 50's and have just woken up to the beauty of the Sindhi language.I can understand Sindhi quite well and hopefully I can pick up the nuances of the language in its beautiful poetry.I was born in independent India and grew up in Delhi with no Sindhi influence except for the family influence in spoken Sindhi.Alas now that my parents are no more I am closer to my roots and hence my love for the Sindhi language.
This love also brings me closer to my grandparents who only spoke to me in Sindhi and this helps to keep their memory alive in my heart.
Currently I enjoy listening to Master Chander because his compositions are beautiful and amaze me with the beauty of the Sindhi language.And thanks to this wonderful world of emails which helps me here ,sitting in Sydney, to keep in touch with Sindhis all over the world.
Thanks and Cheers,
Sushma

Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/wisdom_of_sindh/wisdom_of_sind_intro.htm
http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/A_trip_Sindh.htm


...some wonderful Sindhi songs and dance performances on lovable Sindhi songs

www.sindhisangat.com

www.sindhisangat.tv

Maya Daswani is my friend. She sometimes claims that she is often inspired by me and my activities! Well it is my turn now to be impressed and happy for my dear friend.
Follows that note that Maya sent to me along with the photograph:

Honoured to meet prominent personalities while in Hong Kong is (L to R) Mumbai Correspondent Maya Daswani seated with Mrs. Ralte, charming wife of the Consul-General of Hong Kong; Ms Cherie Blair, wife of the former British PM and Mrs Meera Gandhi, recognised Humanitarian, Businesswoman and Diplomat.


Hi Shakun,

This is such a pleasant surprise to be appreciated in your blog. . .It truly has been a blessing to have met U .. and subconsciously and consciously to be guided by your confidence. I always valued the fact that you shared your home time and knowledge and furthermore empowered me and many more with the Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity...


Sincerely,

Maya Daswani

NANO with NANI/DADI


Attended the launch of the Nano on the 21st March...Impressive, interesting comfortable car!
and most importantly proud of my daughter who helped to launch it!

There are two women candidates standing for election. Meera Sanyal and Mona Shah Patel.I believe that they deserve a chance to prove their mettle.
If you are not clear about who to vote for I strongly suggest that you take a chance on them. Scroll down for a photograph and ideology of Mona Shah Patel...
Read on!



Cheti Chand and my 44th Wedding Anniversary happened to fall on the same day! Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year is celebrated according to the Hindu Calender.
Alongside, Sheila Dadlani and myself at the celebration.

Invited candidate for election Mona Shah Patel. She is sincere, a clear thinker, a good speaker...

More about Mona Patel:

Thus believes and speaks Mona...Follows how/why the Proffessional's Party was formed...

- a group of patriotic, ethical, committed professionals- experienced & successful in their own fields, were fed up & upset of complaining -just sitting at home in the armchair

2) They decided to do something about it - met and started analyzing why India was where she was, and why was she not where should rightfully be.

3) They realized that despite all the best talent, the best brains, a good Constitution, excellent availability of natural resources, there was a shortage of everything, - and everything was in a state of ruin decadence and neglect.

4) Every problem needs a systematic approach of rational questioning to get to the root cause of the problem. Therefore, thru a detailed root cause analysis & research for various problems facing the country, they realized there was a common thread thru all of them. India's problems were SYSTEMIC. We are suffering from repeated SYSTEMIC FAILURES. Every failure in this Country is a process based failure, and can be remedied accordingly. Take roads & pavements, waste management systems, pollution control, education, agriculture, power, water, civic amenities, law & order, national security - there is a complete collapse of Systems everywhere!

5) That coupled with the existing divisive politics of Cash + Crime + Castes, & Religious divide, practiced by the traditional political parties to create vote banks - has been completely destroying the fabric of the country.

6) As a result - v have communal rioting & clashes, violence & hatred due to frustration built up in lower levels of society, terror attacks, flood & famine repeatedly year after yearr in the same places, deaths due to starvation, increase & spread of corruption thru society, poor infrastructure, lack of world class systems & facilities for the average Citizens, and horrifically - a justification of all wrongs & ills developing in Society,..the list is endless. Nothing is done about it, because the present lot of politicians & parties simply do not want to implement solutions - rather, they are in sublime peace & contentment with the way things are. The present conditions suit them just fine.

7) When the founders of PPI found the solutions to India's Systemic Failures, they sent it as a well researched analysis report to all the existing political parties - requesting them to implement them to resolve India's problems - and start our march towards becoming a developed nation. None of them even responded.

8) It was then they realized that they had become a 'manifesto w/o a party', and decided to form the PPI - which formally came into existence in Aug 2008. PPI is not a knee jerk emotional reaction / outburst to 26/11. It is a political party with firm scientific foundations, principles & beliefs. Change, we believe, can be implemented only through the arena of Politics at the highest level, because that is where policies are made, written and implemented. At the Top. Hence change too shall be driven down from the Top. Change, my friends, is a tool of Top Management to bring sweeping reforms and ensure effective implementation of systems & policies throughout not only a country, but also large corporations across several Countries - where there are different customs, religions, practices and ways of life.

9) We believe, as does each one of you, that the time for Change has arrived. Circumstances, anger, frustration, repeated failures, coupled with the aspirations of a young nation, and modern tools & technology available today - have made PPI an essential necessity, and requirement for the nations aspirations, and immense locked in potential of the citizens

10) What is the PPI? is YOU and ME. WE. ALL OF US. Competent, patriotic, concerned, educated, aware Citizens. PPI is nothing but a Citizens Movement that has become a Political Party. A Citizens Movement & Political Party with a national Perspective, a national Vision & Mission and a national set of achievable, sustainable, realistic, repeatable Objectives goals & targets.

11) Our Vision is to improve the quality of life of every Indian. Our Mission is to achieve this vision through Good Governance. Our objective goals & targets are spelt out in the Election Manifesto - the main thrust of which is Implementation of rules & regulations, of law, and the Constitutional requirements, and take certain bold dynamic & decisions to propel India 'a 100 years forward' within the next 20 years.

12) CHANGE
India is a young Country. The average age is 27 years. Over 50% of the population is born after 1983. Over 70% of the population is under 40. This is a defining moment in the history of our nation. We need to get involved - each one of us. Be actively involved with the change that we want to see, that we have been complaining for so many years. Change is not a magic wand that can be waived and it shall appear. Change is a thousand mile journey that we have to walk together my friends. With the PPI, I have taken the first step, and I ask you to join me in that journey to make Change happen from US. FOR YOU AND ME. FOR THE R FUTURE - THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN AND COUNTRY- FROM THE PPI.

Join us. Join the march for Change. Make the Change start inside each one of You. Lets make History happen from US.

Jaihind!