For the Group 21 meeting of December, we met at Roopa Thadani place and we sang carols. Most of us are convent educated and the 'carol singing' brought back fond memories. All enthusiastically joined in.
Note Radha Krishna being part of the celebration.
lighting candles or lighting diyas...what difference? they both dispel darkness no?

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/Festivals/Merry_christmas.htm


On Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was born in a stable, in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. Baptism, is the 'marking' with holy water, of babies. By becoming baptized, it is believed that sins are washed away, and the babies, become members of the Christian community. (Hindus believe that their sins are washed away by bathing in the Ganges River)

Three kings, or the adoring magi came from the east, to pay respect to baby Jesus, and brought for him gifts, from their far off land. The kings had seen a bright star, which foretold, the coming of a divine child! Angels announced Jesus’ birth and shepherds called people to worship him.

You may have heard the carol: Silent night, Holy night…

Maybe it is reminding us that just like the morning comes after the night, so the birth of Jesus will bring to an end, all the fighting in the world.

Jesus stated that unless grown ups become innocent like children, they will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

The prophet Isaiah had foretold that a great light would appear at the birth of the divine child Jesus.

Maybe it meant that people would be cleansed of all bad thoughts and actions and become simple and innocent.

The birth of a child reminds one of a new beginning.

I have read that Christmas is not only a festival that belongs to the Christians and children, but to the child in all the grown-ups.

The message of Christmas is that of hope, cheer, love and Peace!

Shall we spread it, the best way we know how?

With love,

Dadi Ma Nani Ma

Read about the Tulasi, click:
http://dalsabzi.com/Books/hindu_customs/tulasi.htm

and a lovely prayer to Mother Tulasi:
A prayer to Tulsi Mother:
Yan Mule Sarva Tirthaani
Yanaagre Sarva Devataa
yan Madhye Sarva Veda ashcha
Tulsi taam namaa nyaham

Which means:
At your base (feet) lie all the Pilgrimage places
At your top (crown) reside all the Divine Beings
At your centre reside (the knowledge of ) the Vedas
My obeisance to thee

on November 18th was invited for a very interesting session on Graphotherapy. What is that? in simple words 'Writing analysis' conducted by Ms Meherunisa Sutarwala.
Meherunisa believes that if one makes a conscious change in ones handwriting, one can bring positive subconscious changes within oneself. every stroke, curve and dot in ones writing correlates to a personality trait within, which can be modified for ones transformation.
some excerpts:
A line instead of a dot on i means you have a temper.
Avoid dots after you sign a name...you would not want to put a full stop after your name...
Ascending signature is good...optimistic...it is good to rise, is it not?
avoid loops, no need to make things elaborate.

I got so interested in the subject that i looked up the internet...
So some more pointers:
Difference between writing and signature indicates a difference between private and public self.

A large size hand writing indicates a desire to be noticed.

Average spacing indicates 'self confidence' comfortable, at ease...

We write with our subconscious mind, but if we strive to change our hand writing, for the better with our conscious mind then maybe we can modify a personality trait for the better...So believes Meherunisa...

Chapter 6 Lesson 8
To continue with Geeta, little by little:
In chapter 6 verse 11 Lord Krishna states: ' Sit on a spot, neither very high nor very low, free from dirt and other impurities with a kusa grass below, deerskin in the middle and cloth uppermost.
In the verse 13, Lord Krishna continues: Hold the trunk, head and neck straight and steady remaining firm and fix the gaze on the tip of your nose, without looking in other directions.
In verse 15 Lord Krishna says: ‘Thus constantly applying his mind to Me, the yogi of disciplined mind attains the everlasting peace consisting of supreme bliss which abides in Me”


If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

If you scroll down you will see pictures taken on my trip to Jagannath Puri. The first picture is taken at Ashok's edicts. It is a sad and happy place. Sad because a great carnage took place at the war of Kalinga. happy because King Ashok had a change of heart! The rest of his life was spent spreading Buddhism and the message of peace!
You will see a picture with me outside cottages. Cottages were lovely, and so was the view of the Ocean. When we got to the cottages it was dark and late in the night. To our horror, the bridge was broke. Though the hotel bell boys promised to take our luggage we had to walk over the bridge, a broken road with a deep dip into the ocean!
We had to make a decision. Do we go ahead or do we turn back and look for another hotel? We decided to go ahead and the rest, was just a lovely peaceful experience.
I thought to myself: Is'nt this what life is? You take a decision, move ahead through the fog and hope for the best...and many times life surprises us with abundance of joy!

The Lord's Leela (play) is strange...Was supposed to have gone to Dubai, for a short holiday to spend some time with my eldest daughter. Realized that my passport was expiring, so I decided to take the opportunity to visit Jagannath Puri instead.

There are 4 dhaams that every devout Hindu is expected to visit. They are: Badrinaath in the North of India, Rameshwaram in the South of India (You will find photos in my facebook and in my blog) Dwarika in the West and jagannath Puri in the East.
Called up Sham who is enthusiastic,about Spiritual travel, Asked him if he would take me to Puri and in the next breath he said: "Yes Aunty, I will do all the arrangements, you just print out your ticket"
God bless him. His lovely daughter joined us for the trip.

To come back to the story of Dhaams. I had visited the other 3 Dhaams so I was keen on visiting Puri. I am told that in the olden days, people would set out to visit the 4 dhaams after they had completed their responsibilities. They would say: "Good bye to their family members with the fear that they may never return! Travel in those day was not a flying matter!

On the way to Puri, visited the Udaigiri Caves. Actually a palace with caves for visiting monks, and also a place for song and dance! Talk about living a full life!

In Bhubhaneshwar visited the Lingraj Temple.
Would not Shivji prefer a clean and quiet spot where people pray, rather than people constantly breaking coconuts and pouring cold water and milk over Him making it pretty slippery for the very same devotees? But then that is between Shivji and His Bhaktas. Who am I to give an opinion?


Saw the place where the War of Kalinga was fought. After seeing the carnage, King Ashok had a change of heart and spent the rest of his life propagating peace and Buddhism.
Saw the edicts of Ashok. Quite a delightful place actually!

I have no words to describe the Sun Temple in KOnark. One can 'see' the exact time of day through the shadow the finger throws when placed in the centre of the wheel! I was in awe at the 'bright brain'of Ancient Indians!

In one of the photographs you will see the idols of the 9 planets. We did a short puja there.

We spent a night at the Lotus cottages near Konark. The cottages were very pretty and small, but clean. The Ocean that you see in the photograph has history. The river and Ocean have a sangam (meet).
The Tsunami hit there, and the bridge and wall collapsed. You can still see the stones of the broken road in the sea!


We had no time to change into our traditional Indian clothes when we reached Puri. So the Guards thought we are not Hindus and as such were denied entry. After showing them our identity cards, they allowed us in. They invited us to have a prasaad luncheon and Visit Jagannathji, Subhadra, and Balram (The 3 Divine siblings)not one Darshan but two times.
Chuckled at the ways of the Lord. How can Krishna let us return home without some teasing on His part!
I feel blessed.

Soul Searching

Gopika Vaidya Kapoor | April 09, 2003 10:34 IST

For those in search of who they really are, the answer may be online

I am the woman
who writes in red ink
because she dreams of being
bolder.
I am the one
who wants to find a way
to fly
with her feet still on the
ground.

To find her soul -- her inner spirit -- has become the aim of the modern woman. Under constant stress to succeed as a professional, wife, mother or daughter, she often finds herself in a puppet-like position, pulled in many directions and unable to reach a single one. So, in this high-tech age, where does she turn for comfort, solace and peace? The Internet!


Read more.Was googling my name and came up with this site. Thought I would share it with you.
Click:
http://specials.rediff.com/netguide/2003/apr/09soul.htm

I was invited on

Thursday 10th November, 2011 at
KITAB KHANA to join young poet, writer, activist Tenzin Tsundue as he read from the seventh edition of his book of poetry KORA. Tenzin also shared his thoughts, hopes & concerns around his homeland, Tibet.
I particularly empathize with Tenzin for 2 reasons:
1) He is a refugee...We Sindhis also lost our land and possessions during the partition of India...
2) I really really appreciate the peaceful method that Tibetans adopt under the leadership of the Dalai Lama and their faith in the Almighty...

Tenzin Tsundue is a restless young Tibetan who, after graduating from Madras, South India, braved snowstorms and treacherous mountains, broke all rules and restrictions, crossed the Himalayas on foot and went into forbidden Tibet! The purpose? To see the situation of his occupied country and lend a hand to the freedom struggle. Arrested by China’s border police, and locked up in prison in Lhasa for three months, and was later 'pushed back' to India.

Born to a Tibetan refugee family who laboured on India's border roads around Manali, North India, during the chaotic era of Tibetan refugee resettlement in the early seventies, Tenzin Tsundue is a writer-activist, a rare blend in the Tibetan community in exile. He published his first book of poems, Crossing the Border, in 1999 with money begged and borrowed from his classmates while doing his Masters degree in Literature from Bombay University. His literary skills won him the first-ever 'Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction' in 2001. His second book, Kora, is already in its sixth edition and his third title, Semshook, is in its third edition.
His writings are published online at www.friendsoftibet.org/tenzin and www.tibetwrites.org

Went through a 'down' recently which had an 'up' embedded.
How is that? Well my husband had to go to hospital (down) to get cured (up)
To feel an 'up' during my 'down' period, went to the Jamnalal Awards function (while my daughter was in the hospital 'caring' for her father. (Thank God for loving kids!
Shri Morari Bapu was the chief guest. The awards were 'heavy' but the envelope with the cheque was 'light' Sri Morari Bapu said: There is a saying in Gujarati that 'seva se meva milta hai, but the Bajaj family is one of the few 'jo meva se seva deta hai'
(You get fruits when you 'serve' but with fruits (money) you can serve (society)and that is what the Bajaj family does!

The 'Japji' is the first message that sprung out like nectar from Guru Nanak's lips as he emerged from the river after 3 days. Guru Nanak remained immersed in the River for 3 days. It is said that it takes 3 days for the ego to totally disappear. It is then that one experiences the Ultimate. That is the reason why maybe the 'Marka' and/or 'baithak' and/or 'Chautha' is done on or after 3 days after a person's death.

http://www.dalsabzi.com/message/gurunanak1.htm

I was brought up in Spain. Hence I have always been demonstrative in my affection. It comes easy to me to hug a friend. I curbed the instinct as I soon relized that in a place like India there is a different set of rules. Osho says that intimacy comes from the Latin word
Intimum which means your innermost core. He writes: unless you have something there, you can't be intimate with anybody...because they will see the hole, the wound, the pus oozing out of it. Friendship is only a word now; it has disappeared.and the reason? There is nothing to share. Who wants to show inner poverty? One wants to pretend, : I am rich, I have arrived, I know what I am doing, I know where I am going".

On Saturday the 8th of October was invited to Sakshi gallery, Tanna House for a talk on Psycho-Astrology by Dr Farrukh Buchia.
He was a good speaker. He used a great blend of 6 different psycho-therapies along with astrology and meta-physics to heal his patients. He has also set up a counselling and suicide prevention centre.

'I got a mail from a reader, who was very worried because the flame of the diya had 'gone off while there was enough oil in it.
My reply:


I am not a very superstitious person.
I honestly do not believe that the Almighty is waiting for us to punish us for something that is not our fault.
I also do not subscribe to the belief that such occurrences are forecasters of doom.
Please read my book: Hindu Customs and beliefs. Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/hindu_customs/introduction.htm

I would suggest that you recite the mantra:
Om sarva managala...
click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/mantras/ma.htm

Good luck and quit feeling negative...your negativity may invite a negativity is more of a likelihood than the deepak 'bujh gaya'
Warm Regards
Shakun

It was an interesting afternoon on Wed, 12th October 2011 when Mr Narayan Varma invited me to Indian Merchant's Chamber to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of RTI (Right to Information) Mr. J.F.Ribeiro presided and Justice C.S.Dharmadhikari (Retd)(Former Judge:Bombay High Court) delivered the keynote address

RELATIONSHIPS



Shakun Narain Kimatrai has won the 2nd prize for the ‘WRITE AN ARTICLE’ contest held at the recent lectures at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai for writing this piece.

Relationships?
In today's world?
Where the cookie crumbles even before one has had time to savor it?

Ms Jaya Row who for the last 40 years has devoted herself full time to the interpretation of Vedanta for the modern generation, gave us some interesting tips to hold on to our relationships during these turbulent times at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, to a packed audience, on the 9th of July 2011
In the case of marriage:
It is true that Marriages are created in Heaven. It is also true that sometimes partners are difficult and the reason is karmic. They are together to learn some of the most difficult lessons that we are meant to learn.
'Is the institution of Marriage under threat?' What can be done?
Is Marriage: Rock or Wreck?
What are the reasons that are contributing to the instability of marriage in this millennium?
Marriage is an old institution which is losing its basic values.
As Jaya Row puts it: We want to be loved, appreciated…but what are we doing to deserve it.
She explained ‘selfish love’ is attachment.
We are not able to be together and also find ourselves miserable when we are not.
Most people confuse attachment with love.
We need to understand what attachment is, and how to rid ourselves of this prison that is responsible for most of our ills.
One solution?
Dilute that attachment. Let your love expand beyond your internal ring (my husband my children) to ‘outer rings’ of my community…and then to my nation and then to humanity…
I have heard:
The solutions to most ‘relationship problems are:

Effective Communication:
Listen more talk less
Never say: 'it is your fault’
Remember no one is perfect but you must bring out the best in one another.
Everyone has different expectations, values, weaknesses and strengths.
Study others’ and be aware of yours.
Learn to compliment and compromise with one another.

I was reading: True compromise does not mean giving in or giving up. It means a settlement made by mutual consent, which involves concessions on both sides.
It is good management rather than good luck that makes a relationship work.
You must not compete, compare, and control. And you must never never bring past hurt, past mistrusts into the relationship.
I have heard that for a marriage to succeed the husband must be a little deaf and the wife a little blind!
In the deep spiritual sense, only you are responsible for your pain and happiness.
Before you ‘blame the other’ look deep within yourself and develop self esteem.
Manipulation, control, jealousy are a definite no no.
What is yes yes?
Communication. Communication need not be something ‘heavy’ It can be a phone call, a touch, a hug…
Cultivate trust, and a sense of humor.
Get away for a meal, holiday. Do it!
Do not communicate when angry.
Look at the plus points in your relationships.
You must allow each other to grow
Speak your mind clearly and gently
Celebrate the difference and complement one another.
In the case of a marriage:
A great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy the differences'


http://vedantavision.org/library/articles-by-guests/relationships.html

Was invited On the occasion of the Italian Language Week in the world,sponsored by the Indian council for cultural relationships to 'Musica fiorita (A Baroque music ensemble Switzerland, on the 5th Oct 2011 at the NCPA TATA theatre.
What a delightful performance. The instruments and clothes were from Shakespearean times. But the real treat was to have Bharat Natyam dancers perform along with the european dancers on 17th Century Music instruments.

Today there is a great article on Politicians by Osho in the 'Speaking Tree" Times of India.
There was a politician who wanted his epitaph to read 'Honest politician'
His lawyer asked: How will people know who lies in this grave?
The old man said that people would read 'Honest politician' and exclaim: "Strange"
And "Strange" was his name!
Reminds me of a story: I dabble a little tarot and palmistry.
Once I saw the hand of a young aspiring politician.
I told him that he would never become one.
Why?
Because he had a very 'honest' line...
Years later I learned that he never remained in politics even though he belonged to a family of one.

Was invited for the 'Crystals and US' book release event by Yogi Impressions.
The book is written by Dr Gulrukh Bala.
The book explains the healing, loving relationship we have with these treasures of the earth. It reveals how some of these rock crystals and gemstones can help improve the quality of our lives.
The event was held at ‘Kitab Khana’ Bookstore, Somaiya Bhavan,
Next to Davar’s College, Opp. Flora Fountain, on Saturday, 8th October, 2011

What a delightful place, Kitab Khana is!

About Crystals? I have had a long relationship with crystals. One in particular stands out. I had gone to Pune,Osho aashram. There they were selling crystals. I was informed that I should pick up one, that I feel connected with.
I connected with an egg shaped crystal that to me looked 'damaged'
I have heard that it is not very good to pick up a crystal which is not 'whole'.
I was confused and asked my attendant to reduce the price of this one. She refused and said 'pick one of your choice'. I saw a perfect piece for the same price...but I seemed to have no connection with the perfect piece.
Finally I picked the one that seemed to have a crack at the centre...
Years later, a crystal enthusiast entered my temple room and said to me that my crystal was not damaged...that in fact it had fused during two very long period of time! And that it was very powerful! I did get to experience its power during one of my illness which left me weakened...and as I recuperated I realized the crystal had darkened! Could it have absorbed my ill health?

Celebrating Aarti Hundalani's birthday, Indira Bhojwani becoming nani one more time, Geeta Hundalani's anniversary...
Yeh dosti hum nahin chhodengey, todengey dam magar tera saath na chhodengey

"Death is not a problem to be solved but a fact to be accepted"

- Swami Tapovan Maharaj, in the play Death
Saw the play on 17th September 2011.
Interestingly and 'as simply as possible performed'

Chapter 6 Lesson 8

I just read a delightful small booklet called: Sri Krishna as Bhagvad Geeta by Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati from Central Chinmaya Mission.
Let me share some excerpts with you:
The Scriptures are like the body of God. He is revealed by delving into their depths.
Imagine for a moment the wonderful form of Lord Krishna and then witness the entire Bhagvad Geeta unfold chapter by chapter as the very body of Lord Krishna.

Chapter 1: The Lord speaks only one sentence in the first Chapter: “Look dear Partha at the assembled Kauravas” With that He announces His presence in our lives.
Chapter 1 is like the dust on the Lord’s feet. It is the very foundation of the Bhagvad Geeta.

Chapter 2: This chapter is a direct introduction to the Aatman and the Lord describes the state of an Enlightened person. We do not have to become Brahman, we are Brahman. We must drop what we are not in order to become what we are.
Chapter 2 is like the Lord’s pada, His feet on which He stands. It represents our goal.

Chapter 3: The 3rd Chapter deals with ‘Karma Yoga’ Actions should be performed with an attitude of dedication, detachment, service and surrender. Karna Yoga is not some special action. It is every action done specially.
Chapter 3 is the ankles of the Lord. Movement of the feet begins with ankles. Wearing anklets, He dances and jumps and beautifully bends His ankles. They symbolize movement. It is the beginning of our sadhana. We commence walking the path towards our Goal.

To be continued


If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Navratras start on the 28th of September. Read about it, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/navratra.htm
It is considered auspicious to read the Ramayana during Navratras. I have written a short version which would be very easy to complete during these days. Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/symbolisms_ramayana/intro.htm

Navratras start on the 28th of September. Read about it, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/navratra.htm
It is considered auspicious to read the Ramayana during Navratras. I have written a short version which would be very easy to complete during these days. Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/symbolisms_ramayana/intro.htm

Navratras start on the 28th of September. Read about it, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/navratra.htm
It is considered auspicious to read the Ramayana during Navratras. I have written a short version which would be very easy to complete during these days. Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/symbolisms_ramayana/intro.htm

I believe that everyone has got a special gift from God. If one uses it correctly you are in your 'sweet spot' ie You are playing the part in Life which you were meant to play. How does one know if one is in ones 'sweet spot'?
Vinita Dawra Nangia writes: "If you get a general feeling of well being and happiness most of the time when you think of your day, you have found your purpose and are leading a worth while life..."

I have lived in Mumbai for a great part of my life and I pride myself on always taking an interest in its History.
But strangely I have never done the darshan of Lalbaug cha Raja. I had always felt that its fame was due to the fact that it is 'a very big Ganesh'
This time I was asked if I would accompany a friend to Lalbaug cha Raja. I read that invitation as a bulaava (call) So I did go. I am told that whatever you ask the Raja, He grants. Read on:

Lalbaug cha Raja history
The Mandal, formerly known as 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug' was founded in the year 1928,because of a vow (Navas) for construction of the present Lalbaug Market at its existing place. The market place at Peru Chawl was shut down in 1932. Hence, the fishermen and vendors who used to sit in the open place vowed to Ganesha for permanent place for their market. With the consistent efforts and support of the then local Councillor-Late Shri. Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Dr. V. B. Korgaonkar, Shri. Nakhawa Kokam Mama, Bhausaheb Shinde, Dr. U. A. Rao and the local residents, the landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to give a plot for construction of a market. As fulfillment of their wish, the fisherman and the traders established the Ganesh Idol on 12 September 1934. The idol was dressed in the customary fashion of fisherman. Since that day onwards, this Lord Ganesh has become popular as it fulfills the wishes of devotees. The Mandal was formed in the era when the freedom struggle was at its peak.
Due to the communal riots in 1946, orders were issued to change the route of this Ganesh Immersion Procession. But, the then office-bearers of the Mandal refused to change the route and, after 21 days, the procession was taken by the same route under the supervision of then Volunteers Pandurang alias Babu Sayle, M. S. Pawar and Dattaram Joshi. After independence, the agenda of the Mandal was modified and accordingly the Mandal decided to contribute in uplift of the Country. The Mandal donated its balance amount to the Kasturba Fund, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Fund in 1947 and to Bihar Flood Relief Fund in 1959. The social issues were also highlighted in the plots during Ganesh Festival.

After 1958, the number of devotees of Lalbaugcha Raja increased substantially. During this get together, eminent personalities of different fields, office bearers of various mandals and well-wishers are invited...

Visarjan Tarafa: Traditionally the Ganesh idols are immersed in water during its Visarjan. Hence in order to immerse the idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, Mandal always takes proper precautions so that the visarjan takes place in a manner the Raja deserves. Accordingly, after consulting some experts and experienced persons, Mandal has purchased a Tarafa (Iron Raft), which makes it possible to dissolve the idol of Lalbaugcha Raja in deep sea water, conveniently. The Tarafa is prepared by M/s. A.V. Engineering.In the year 2010-11 the tarafas were imported from australia
[edit]Present day

In the year 2009, the Mandal expected around 10 million people to visit This 'Great Raja'.

The Group 21 of which I am a happy member has been meeting for the last 35 years or more, every 2nd thursday of the month. This time Ms Indu G.Vee and I co-hosted the session. We invited Dr Mona Patel to enlighten us on the current political scenario.

Dr.Mona Patel Shah is an eye surgeon.
Being involved with the poor and underprivileged section of society in the municipal hospital she has been inspired to reach out to help and support them by engaging in both political as well as apolitical agitations.
She is presently engaged with the India against corruption movement headed by Anna Hazare which involves all indians alike.
She has great dreams for our country which she believes can be realized only by the willing participation of all Indians, their contribution in strengthening our democracy.
Her belief is ...development of a country lies in the ability of it's citizens. All glory comes from daring to begin. The future is for those who have the soul of a hero!

Her so very simple request: One must vote. It is very very important and we owe it to our country. If possible meet on Sunday mornings at 8.30am at Priya Darshini Park for Dward meetings

Mona believes:
Each day is a new beginning.....the pendulum has been swinging from one extreme of hope to the other extreme of disappointment with regards this crusade against corruption between the govt and the govts people.....ironical isn't it? Who are we opposing?
In the midst of this confusion, the only thing that we can do is to keep our faith and resolve firm in seeking a India, free of corruption.
Towards this we will need to show our strength and support in large numbers.

It is our good fortune to have a leader like Anna from whom we can learn how deshbhakti can be done.
All of us are engaged in some form or the other of deshbhakti in a small or a big way.
The time has come now for us to UNITE !! And to magnify the scope of work that we can do together.
A platform where citizens can take charge is available to us in feb 2012 in the form of BMC elections.
I think we should work very hard towards this so that at least our local issues problems can see some solutions.
Our 1st step is to inform people of the coming elections....request them not to take a holiday on that day....be a good citizen and VOTE
We must also stand a citizens candidate like juju has done successfully like Adolf Dsouza
Our rough strategy could be to have 20-30 members forming a core group from different buildings.
Each member must affiliate another 4 members from neighboring buildings.
In this way we will have a corpus of 80-120 volunteers (20 -30 groups)
Each volunteer must rope in 100 voters from in and around his building
This will get us a mass of 8000-12000 voters
In ward 214 , Pramod Mandrekars won with 7000 votes .this ward is from Kamla Nehru park to Raj Bhavan and has around 40000 registered voters
In ward 213, yogita juikar won with 3113 votes. This ward has around 23000 registered voters and extends from PDP to gamdevi.
In my opinion this is doable if we come together and seriously want the change!
The BIG question is DO WE????
Please respond with a yes or no this message to set the ball rolling for indias richest , most educated and capable in every way ,constituencies local body election
We Will get the government we deserve
let us get together and make ourselves more DESERVING!!
The future lies in our hands.

Help line for citizens...100 and 103
Bmc anti encroachmentb...1916

With high expectations
Mona
drmona_shah@hotmail.com

Monday Group (Singing Sakhees and Bhagvad Geeta) went for a picnic to Indira Thacker's farm in Karjat. It was a funfilled day with a gracious host and great friends. We hired a bus for 15 people and set out in the morning.We celebrated Radhashtami (The birthday of Radha Rani) We spoke about her love and divine life, sang bhajans, cracked jokes, danced and added a few kilos...Not only with food but with joy...We are rich when we have good friends. We save on Doctor's fees.

Ganeshotsav starts on the 1st of September 2011
Ganpatiji sits with one foot on the ground and the other folded up, above the ground. This posture means that while we must operate in the world one must be constantly aligned to our spiritual nature…Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/ganesh_chaturti.htm

Yesterday 26th of August I went to Priya Darshini Park to support Anna Hazare.
In the years past people have chanted India is Indira, You are my Sonia...but today...oops yesterday at the garden we sang:

Anna ek Aandhee hai
Anna doosra Gandhi hai


Ek do teen chaar
Band karo yeh atyaachaar

Some more points to think of:
The Constitution starts with the words:
We, the people...

And today the 27th of August 2011 at 5.20 pm we proved to be a real democracy... the will of the people ruled...Where there is a will, there is a bill...This is the power of the UN-ELECTED!Most of them, members of the middle class!

I am proud to be an Indian today:
The Indian protests were peaceful and purposeful.

So chant with me:
Ek do teen chaar
Anna is a Superstar!

Oh yes! Another thing that we must remember is that you are Anna, I am Anna...which means that we must continue to be united, peaceful and a true democracy while Anna lives and beyond! (The Nehru cap says: 'I am Anna'

Anna Hazare has been fasting for over a week... for a corruption free India.
It cannot be denied that:
India has suffered enough due to corruption whatever the arguments for or against Anna team's method, of achieving the dream have been.

The support for a corruption free India (in terms of peaceful massive crowds) is unprecedented.
I got a call that buildings in the lane I live in, should participate thus:
Stand outside the building with a candle and pray for the well being of India.
So I did just that!

In the photographs you will see the much respected Mr Narayan Varma of 'Right to Information' fame and the Chairman of our building.
I requested the security, help and residents of the building to light a candle and pray for the well being of our Motherland!
Vande Mataram!