Today is Women's Day.
I celebrated appropriately the "Eve" of Women's Day with a Lunch with longtime Girlfriends, Tea with an Introductory talk of Catharsis of the Soul and a Dinner with Aarogyaanjali where Dr Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Bombay was the Chief Guest.
Did you know that the present Women's Day Celebration is an apt reminder of when 15000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours better pay and voting rights in 1908?
According to a compilation by Ismat Tahseen, a few years later, the first Women's Day was launched in March 8, 1911 on Copenhagen, by Ciara Zetkin, leader of the Women's office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany.






Alonside, the multi faceted young intelligent charming Dr Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Bombay and Chief Guest at AarogyAnjali.
Within 2 months of her appointment she has kick-started various projects...The ones closest to my heart is how women in distress can email on: call1298@rediffmail.com and also sms 'HELP" to 573333

I cannot stop myself from adding that I have known Indu as a child and she was always an outstanding young girl who has blossomed not only into a beautiful woman but a great human being...One of the points that she put accross at Aarogyanjali was that women must pursue their passion...and become pro-active to lead a change...and she looked at me and stated like 'Mrs Kimatrai has' and I was touched, and I 'saw' that she is in touch with her roots...and I think that I am right in my perception that though she is soaring high, she has her feet firmly on the ground!

Atta girl, Keep going! We women are behind you!






Alongside Dr Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Bombay lighting a lamp at AarogyAnjali A Tribute to Women's Health an initiative of Times Foundation.
However busy you may be, cull out 30 mins for your very own self advised psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria...
Infertility Specialist Ms Anjali Malpani explained how women are always on a roller coaster ride because of hormonal ups and downs...it is time that a woman stops neglecting her health...
Nutritionist Ms Anjali Mukherjee explained how food is not only the foundation to health but also to beauty...





Alongside Ms Leena Prabhoo, one of the Founder Trustees of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity urging the 'Life' Group to get rid of the emotional garbage that we have accumulated over the years!

Melinda, the leader of the Brahmakumari, Jakarta branch, was seeking some old photographs from Hyderabad Sindh. Alongside is one of the photographs I shared with her, clicked during the 40s.
See me as a child and my goodlooking wonderful parents!

I shall be updating 1940s photographs that I own from time to time...
Do save the link and keep visiting:

http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/shacune/HyderabadSindh40s/



Melinda and myself at my residence during her visit.




I met Melinda whose name now is Mala, a short for Vijayantimala, through the Internet...She is a Brahmakumari, and belongs to a Spiritual Organization, which has spread world wide but whose founder was a Sindhi gentleman who belonged to the Sindhi Bhaibund community that I belong to. The Brahmakumari organization was initially called Om Mandli.

My family and I, all hail from Hyderabad Sindh which now is in Pakistan.
But at that time it was Undivided India.
The Spiritual Founder of the Brahmakumaris,is now known as Brahma Baba but I have always, since I was a child heard him being addressed as Dada Lekhraj.
Melinda was drawn into my life through the Origin of Sindhi Surnames which is up on my website: www.dalsabzi.com

Some interesting points that we discovered:

Dada Lekhraj had worked in Calcutta before he returned to Hyderabad Sindh and started his jewellery business...

Sadguru Sadan, right opposite the Babulnath Temple in Bombay was originally called Gangaram Building.
My Masi used to live there so I would visit often as a young girl...I was surprised to learn that Dada Lekhraj, Brahma Baba had a vision on the 5th floor of the building...

I am going to let Mala tell you what she is seeking through the note that she wrote to me:


Dear Shakun,

Om shanti and greetings from Jakarta.
I just wanted to thank you for all the time and attention you gave when I was there in Bombay. The discussions that I had with you and your husband gave me a good background. Thank you also for introducing or rather reintroducing Kamla Assoomull to me. She is a great story-teller and I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting. The whole visit was a series of coincidences that were all linked together. Meeting the family of the former owners of Tarachand Parsram and Sons of Calcutta was completely unexpected as was meeting someone that I met 26 years ago in Bombay in connection with the same purpose!
Thanks of course to you for your persistance and interest.


In the context of seeking further information regarding the origins of Om Mandli for the purposes of producing a film I would like to hear from anyone who can tell me more information about the founder Dada Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani and his jewelry business in Calcutta which was called Lakhiraj Shewakram and Sons, in Hogg Market, otherwise known as New Market. This business was in operation during the 1920s and 30s. The building where the store was still exists and I have seen photographs of the store. I am less interested in what happened in Hyderabad Sindh and Karachi as I am well aware of that, but am more interested in his business and his clients. Prior to opening his own business he worked for Tarachand Parsram and Sons also in Calcutta. I am also interested in making contact with anyone who has old photographs (pre-partition) of Hyderabad Sindh in particular the buildings, streets and public places, modes of transportation and style of dress. I can be contacted at vijayantimala@gmail.com

Would you direct any Sindhi who could help on to this link?
Thanks,
Shakun

Sonal Sheth was diagnosed with a heart murmur 2 years ago.

But she ran the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.
Even when her knees swelled up her spirit did not flag.

Sonal says:
Taking part in the Marathon was a challenge and I like to be challenged, I like to test and push my endurance levels. I do believe it is mind over matter.
When fatigue and pain overcome me and I feel I am just going to collapse, I can't take 1 more step, at that time something in me says dont give up, and I focus my attention on my breath(as I do when I meditate) and the continued focus on breath defocusses me from the body fatigue and I end up running fast.
So when I was doing my practice runs, I often felt that just like in life, there are problems but you have to rise above them, use them as an opportunity for growth, to push your levels of acceptance, forgiveness and coping skills higher, similarly marathon running makes you do that and once you have risen above the low moments, its just a harmonious, centered focus, with no thoughts, similar to what one experiences in meditatation.
...I feel there is'nt enough awareness about developmental problems in kids and how there are solutions and 'Ummeed' is trying to fill that gap...
...so many kids and families go through suffering, a life is wasted, not helped to reach full potential only because of lack of awareness, or lack of facilities.I find it fulfilling when such people are helped...

Sonal Sheth is a trustee of Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity.

I watched the movie Jodha Akbar and I loved it...I will tell you the reason. And you can laugh if you must.
I have always believed that I was a Moghul in one of my previous incarnations. Years back I would go to Delhi at least 2 or 3 times a year and I could not return to Bombay without stepping foot in the Red Fort. It would beckon me...and haunt me until I went...Delhi is full of old Monuments many of them in ruins...Once as I was driving past, I pointed to a ruin and said: "That is the Red Fort!" I don't really know my way around Delhi...Wonders! It was! The Red Fort I mean...But then I am a Hindu at heart so I had resigned myself to believe that I must have been one of the various maids...Maybe I was a Princess from neighbouring Rajput Kingdoms making an alliance! Who knows? But I loved the reproduction of the splendour of that bygone era in Jodha Akbar...I loved Jodhabai singing Man Mohana ...and the Sufis Khwaja O Khwaja and the way, Akbar stood and joined in the dance!...and nothing else matters...to me at least...So what if all is not authentic?
Rubi Maloni, head of the Department of History at Mumbai University states: ...Ashotosh has taken artistic freedom in telling a story about a king who faced criticism from his own community for his secular policies. We must admire him for this and watch the film."

...and it was Geeta Hundalani's 60th birthday...and it was fun to sing about the journey from Meena(her maiden name) to Geeta...She is an inspiration to many and conducts classes at ther home to inspire...
So it was Eena Meena Deeka, Dai dama Deeka...Rampamposh Rampamposh...
And I love to sing: Aane chaar anney bachey hain chaar aaney, ise waste na karna yaar...hope you got what this song is trying to say...for all of you who are still wet behind the ears...a Rupee had 16 annas, so now we golden girls have only 4 annas of our life left...We must not waste them right...Let us do good, but also have some fun now that most responsibilities are over! I believe it could be the best time of our lives!
Cheers to that!

On the 11th January 2008 I attended the Fifth Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Lecture at the Tata Theatre NCPA.
The late Nani Palkhivala was a passionate democrat, patriot and above all a great human being.
Mr Shailesh Gandhi received the award for Civil Liberties.
Have you heard of the Right to Information Act?
I think that it is important that we are aware that such an Act exists...and that we exercise our Rights.
Knowledge is Power...and Right to Information is our Right to well...Information which is the Mother/Father of Knowledge!
Click:
http://righttoinformation.gov.in/

Chakde India was based on Mir Ranjan Negi's life



Mr and Mrs Mir Ranjan Negi of Chakde India fame with Mr Ram Maheshwary GM Times of India Bombay















The audience at Anjuman Islam listens enthralled to Sandra Furtado, the actor who played the role of Netra Reddy in Chakde India. Since I was sitting on the dais I was able to get this angle...



On the 12th January 2008 Times Foundation and Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity opened a Women Center at Anjuman Islam CST. I spoke on Women and Peace...the guest of honour was Mr Mir Ranjan Negi. Former India Goalkeeper and Coach of India Hockey Team.
Yes! Chakde India starring Shah Rukh Khan was based on Mr Ranjan Negi's life story. He came accross as a very gentle human being and I am happy and honoured to have met him :)

WOMEN LOVE POWER
We have a Group called the 21. We are 21 members...We meet once a month. Have a lecture/demonstration, have lunch or tea and enjoy happy moments bonding without being encumbered by too many rules meted out by presidents, commitee members...A new decision is put to the vote.
This january I gave my turn. I spoke on Body Language follwed by lunch.
Gestures, expressions should match verbal statements...Look at the gestures, what does it tell you...and after 30 years, commendable don't you think?

Gangotri: Where ganga descends






CELEBRATING INDIA’S BEAUTIFUL RIVERS!
By Vimla Patil
vimla@vimlapatil.com

DATE TIME VENUE:
ON 8TH FEBRUARY AT THE KALA GHODA FESTIVAL IN THE AMPHITHEATRE AT 8.20 PM


I attended the above programme and I wished that it had been a longer session…
I learned that and/or was reminded:
Ganga: is a shimmering white-and-gold River and represents Purity or Salvation (Mukti)
Jamuna: Like Krishna is blue and like like Him represents Romance and Shringar
Saraswati: is white and elegant like a swan and is the River of Knowledge
Did you know that the River of Knowledge (Saraswati has become extinct ‘gupt’ meaning gone underground…disappeared…and are you surprised? I am not!
It is Kaliyug, remember?
Narmada: is the River of detachment…Vairagya
With few, if any, tributaries, the Narmada is often referred to as the Virgin River associated with the quality of detachment and surrender (Vairagya).
Godavari: is the River of Devotion
She is the saffron river of devotion (Bhakti), sanctified by the presence of Ram, Sita and Lakshman, who spent much of their exile years from Ayodhya in the forests along the river.
The Sindhu: Since the Sindhu now flows through Pakistan, the Krishna has been added to the list of the sacred rivers of India.
Krishna: is the River of Valour and Shourya
It is green and represents courage and valour (Shourya).
Kaveri: is the silvery River of Wisdom and Gyan
Indrayani is the River of Social Change or Samaj Jagran…
It is wonderful to add a lesser known, but equally important river which has been witness to the earliest ‘untouchability removal’ movement of India – the Indrayani, on the banks of which the Sant Parampara of Maharashtra lived and created a unique body of spiritual literature. The Dynaneshwari is the crowning glory of this movement and the temple of Vithoba in Pandharpur is the centre of the Bhakti movement, which brought all castes and communities together in a great revival of the spirit of unity among human beings.

Did you know that:
India is the only country, which assigns a sort of ‘divinity’ to rivers, which are immortalized in the scriptures and epics of India.
Stories and legends of river lore abound in our mythology, history and folk traditions of story telling, music and dance
Each one has a clear identity, appearance, value, style and spirit just like a beautiful woman…

Read Miracle of Kaveri
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Song_of_life/miracle_of_kaveri.htm

Read about my trip to where Ganga descends, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Articles/ganga.htm

My youngest daughter's Anuja (extreme left) and team at Showdiff conceptualized and succesfully executed the world wide unveiling ceremony of Tata Nano...Mr Ratan Tata's 1 lac car...
'The Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, was unveiled with great fanfare in the Indian capital amid bright lights and blaring music'.

...and I celebrate my daughter's success and am mighty proud of her...She kept calling me to pray the the launch goes without a hitch and the good Lord heard me!
'Though the green activists predict trouble ahead for countries that already have inadequate infrastructures and soaring CO2 emissions'...


I am hoping that this car makes the 'small car' fashionable'...it will reduce so many unwarranted accidents...
Most people see a family of four on a scooter without a helmet...but Ratan Tata did something about it! Yes he has the means and the power, but he followed his dream and found his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

Click to watch an interview with Chairman of Rediffusion, Mr Arun Nanda and President of Rediffusion, Mr Mahesh Chauhan:
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/video/newsvideo.php?autono=325485

Dear Friends,
Many people keep asking me why they are not getting their heart’s desire, despite their prayers, recitation of mantras, rituals …
I have read (Swami Viditatmananda) that for the successful accomplishment of any undertaking, one needs to put in:

Endeavour,Even though God is omniscient, and knows what we desire, unlike other creatures God has blessed human beings with the gift of free will. This enables us to perform deliberate action (effort and prayer) and seek help from the Almighty.

The right Time
and
God’s Grace
Is required for the successful accomplishment of any undertaking.
Prayer is a means to win His Grace…a way of recognizing our vulnerability and examining ourselves…but even after one puts in all our heart into prayer, there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.
Sometimes God’s answer maybe:
No! It is not good for you, you need to learn your lesson that life is teaching you before you achieve your heart’s desire!
or God's answer may be
Later! I have something better in store for you when the right time comes!

On Saturday, the 6th of January attended 'A Musical journey of Saint Poets' at the Tata Theatre! What a treat. The singers were: Ajoy Chakraborty, Shekhar Sen, Sadhana Sargam, Kaushiki Desikan, and a dance, Deepak Mazumsar, Concept Chhaya Gangoly...
We heard of Hindu Saints and Sufis.We heard of Raskhan (He came from Iran as Sayyad Ibrahim and was a great Krishna Devotee Saint (1586-1631)
Aalam and Shaikh, husband and wife poets from 17th Century.
Raheem, one of Akbars's Navratnas who was also a Krishna bhakt and died in Vrindavan (1556-1626)
We heard of Meera,Tukaram, Tulsidas, so many

Last week saw some short movies based on the life of Jallaludin Rumi, the Mystic Sufi...Heard a story:
A Master told a disciple some profound truths and told him that he must keep it a secret. The disciple could not contain himself, so he went to a deserted place, full of reeds and shouted his secret...That secret was soaked up by the reeds. The reeds go through so much pain to turn into a flute...One has to become empty, then maybe Krishna places you next to His lips and plays His wonderful tunes...

November 2007 I attended 'The first International Peace Conference' at Somaiya Grounds, Mumbai. It was a sleek affair to correct misconceptions of Islam. A speaker stated that he feels safer in Bombay than he does in UK.
Another speaker said: 'We are extremists: extremely honest and extremely loving.
I think that it was a wonderful effort...I only wish they would still stop addressing people of another faith as 'unbelievers!'

All those I heard spoke about love and Oneness...Everything is probably an illusion...so say the mystics...and they all proclaim in One Voice: 'We are One'and 'Only Love is Real!

Read about the saints that sculpted my personality, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/in_touch_with_masters/preface_index.htm

Dear Children,
You all have heard of Christmas. Have you heard of Epiphany?

Epiphany is called the 'Festival of Lights' and it falls on the 12th day after Christmas. When I was a child and lived in Spain, we used to get gifts on the day of 'Reyes'.

Reyes literally means 'Kings' and it is on that day (5th of January) that the Wise men from the East visited baby Jesus and gave him the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Frankincense and myrrh were powerful medicines...frankincense burns with a whilte fragrant smoke and believed to carry prayers to heaven, gold is symbolic of royalty, Myrrh was used to anoint a body before burial (maybe foretelling things to come)

It is believed that the Wise Kings, were led to baby Jesus by a bright star in the sky. I like to believe that it was the position of stars. The kings were probably learned astrologers, and the stars predicted the birth of a divine child.

Read more, click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/kids_kahaani/Festivals/christ_and_krishna.htm

With love,

Dadi Ma Nani Ma

An open letter


Do have a very happy 2008!
What I think should be the New year resolution to combat depression

I find a lot of people suffering from depression...a void...You may be repressing deep pain or fear...That void you can fill by meditating...but before that confront your fears, pain...Take help...accept yourself with all your shortcomings...Keep busy...make 'you' into a friend...but for that you will have to understand how your mind works, and make peace with it...easier said than done...but one has to start taking baby steps towards it...serve others in need...and you will feel needed...stop whining...Dont believe the negative things people tell you about yourself...you do not have to buy the rotten vegetables in the market...an eye for an eye will make the world blind...If you have done wrong, ask for forgiveness from the person you have wronged...from God and then forgive yourself and move on...You feel lost?..who does not? at one point or another in their life? Life is never a chalked clear path...We have to take decisions as we move along...it is at times like that, that one requires prayers, intuition...a guide...but I have learned that if/when one is sincere the path lights up as one goes along...Don't worry...
Hinduism is a way of life and you do not have to convert or anything like that...You can embrace it and it will embrace you with no conditions...Read about the Karma Theory...
Meditation is not difficult...you have to persevere in its practice and then the benefits are a quietened mind...so it is so worth it...
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/enlight_info/law_of_karma.htm


http://www.dalsabzi.com/bhaagvad/law_of_karma_applies_to_all.htm



Much love,
Shakun

So it is my Birthday today...It has been heart-warming to receive so many good wishes...I do believe in Aashirvad (Blessings) and Aah (Curse that emanates from a heart when the person is deeply hurt...not necesarrily voodoo) I believe that both Aashirvaad and Aah have a part to play in changing ones destiny (To an extent)
You know my mother used to say, you may be able to get anything for the asking, but real blessings from a grateful heart can only come, when you deserve them...
So thanks for all your good wishes...

Would you like to know me better?
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/about_shakun.htm

and if you like to see my Life in pictures
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/personal/my_life_in_pictures.htm

About the picture:
Man with Light
Taken in 'Bhoot Gully'in Vrindavan
As Abhinav was taking the picture, the man walked into the picture...He is facing forward and the feet are facing the other way...The head seems transparent...maybe the 'spirit' walked into the picture as 'he' had the unfulfilled desire of being famous!

Those of you who live in Mumbai and have a special corner for Vrindavan and photography please visit Piramal Art Gallery at the NCPA from the 18th to 28th Dec 2007 from 11am to 7pm
In the photograph: Abhinava Goswami www.abhinavagoswami.com the photographer, born into a family of religious leaders of Vrindavan and Ms Robyn Beeche, Member Secretary Friends of Vrindavan.

Quantum Memory
I attended a workshop by Acharya Nithyananda Sajeeva (Was invited by Mala Sridhar) on the 24th November 2007…
I strongly recommend it for those who would like to keep their memory…Sometimes I really wish we could be selective and forget the negatives…
But hold it…you can!
All we need to do is to stop focusing on the small black dot on a big white slate…
Mind follows habit…so break the negative practice.

Some pointers:
Do:
Surya Namskaars
While you perform the above exercise 72,000 energy channels are activated, we normally use only 5000

We learned the Tibetan Buddhist technique of humming for 20 mnts and practicing silence for 10 mnts.
It is an effective technique for EQ (Emotional Qoutient)
Most of us know about the IQ (Intelligence quotient)
We have given a lot of importance to the above…the reason being that it allows us to pursue our academics and land a job.
In Spiritual parlance it is called ‘Avidya’
I would interpret it as (not true knowledge) though literally it means (No knowledge)
The real Vidya is that which makes humans learn about their true heritage…To return to Godhood…to recognize ourselves as true Spiritual Beings…

Then a friend has coined a new quotient: The Love quotient LQ
What is love? Difficult to describe…Is it never fighting?
Is it always pampering? Always agreeing? Being interested in the same things?
Always being together?
I don’t think so.
Love may include all the above and then maybe only some of the above…
But one thing true love always includes…it is compassion, happiness in the loved ones happiness…
What else?
There are 3 kinds of love…
1) You scratch my back I will scratch yours (This is the one we all understand)
2) Then the one that we misunderstand for love (The one in which people cant live without each other and then go on to become sworn enemies…
3) The third: The unconditional love:
Meera sang:
Jit baithaavey ut hi baithoon
Jo dey so hi khaaoon
Meera ke Prabhu Giridhar Naagar
Baar baar bali jaaoon

Or
Radha’s love for Krishna

Or
A true Bhakta’s love for God…

Acharya Nithyananda Sajeeva explained to us that if EQ Emotional quotient is like a tank of water, then SQ Spiritual quotient is like a Lake of water.
…and LQ (Love Quotient) I believe that Love is God...

Other technique to increase memory:
1) Meditate…awareness increases during meditation…and fear drops…
2) Write with left hand if you are right handed.
3) Art of repetition improves memory
4) Repeating and remembering strengthens the brain…
5) Catch yourself thinking…
6) Count numbers 100 to 0

…I am not giving you any more techniques…go join the Quantum memory program. It combines simple and effective techniques from Vedanta, Feng Shui, Tantra, Sufism ad a host of other systems…

...and here I am happy to present my friend Minakshi who has written an article in 'Loving the way you live' by Jennifer Read Hawthorne...In the photograph she is happily showing the book...In the background Mr Ram Maheshwary, Head, Mumbai Branch , Times Group...and owner of many more interesting titles...

I got some queries...My answers....

You write:
If Hindus follow and pray to God/s very sincerely with all rituals etc., how is it they are not rewarded prosperity...


My perception:
I dont think that the reward of Spirituality is in terms of prosperity gain...sometimes maybe, but not always...


You write:

Considering India as the origin of culture and philosophy, how come we were ruled for over 1000 years--is it not shameful to bear slavery for ten centuries...

My perception:
Yes you may be right...sometimes it is due to the fact that though the karma theory is very beautiful and makes a lot of sense... Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/karma%20in%20the%20practical%20world%20mid-day.htm
we tend to leave too much to destiny without putting in too much effort...Krishna in the Geeta has said:
Do your best...only then leave the rest...

Also Hindus have not believed in conversion and fighting for what we believe in...Truth if you believe it to be truth will triumph...and I also believe that the truth that is ingrained in every religion will survive...it is true that Hiduism embraces far too much....rituals, Vedanta , Bhakti, Gyaan...that is why Hindus need guru to guide them to the path most suited to them...

Sri Radhanath Prabhu always keeps the listeners enthralled by his words full of devotion









Anuradha Paudwal and her daughter keeping the audience enchanted with Krishna Bhajans


On Sunday, 21st of October 2007, Times Federation for Cleaning Vrindavan was officially launched at Iskcon Chowpatty, Bombay.
Project partners are Iskcon and 'Friends of Vrindavan'
It is a mammoth task but it is only possible if Giants like Times, Iskcon take it up. We have real Krishna Lover Bhaktas and Krishna Himself involved in the project kyonki unkey sivaay patta bhee naheen hilta.
Its Vision is to develop an unpolluted and healthy township with clean roads and public conveniences.
Do look up the website:
www.cleanvrindavan.org

Communal Harmony Week, organized by the city Police and Citizen's Council for Better Tomorrow (CCBT) (Mr Khorakiwala is the CCBT President) evoked huge response from intelligentsia, common citizens and college and school students.

The concluding function was held at August Kranti Maidan (Quit India Fame) on November 21st 2007 where an Interfaith Meet had been convened. Ms Uzma Nahid (The charming Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Director of Iqra) said this lovely couplet before introducing me:
'Chaahat ke badley mein, hum to bech de apni marzee tak
Koi mile to dil ka gaahak
Koi hamey apnaaye to'

Uzma and I have been holding an Interfaith Dialogue for quite some time and have come to the conclusion that Women can bring about Peace more easily. Why? A woman has more compassion less ego...yet she is not weak. I concluded my speech by saying:

Main hoon Bharat ki naar, jeeney marney ko taiyaar
Mujhe samjho na kamzor logo, samjho na kamzor
Is desh ki hoon santaan ki jiskaa naam hai Hidustaan
Mujhe samjho na kamzor logo, samjho na kamzor

Har khel ki main hoon main khilaari
kartee hoon kheti baari
Ran mein talwaar chalaaoon
Daftar mein kalam chalaaoon
aur dekhoon sab ghar baar
jeeney marney ko taiyaar
Mujhe samjho na kamzor logo, samjho na kamzor

During the beginning of the speech I said:
Panchhee nadiya pawan ke jhonkey Koyee sarhad na inhe rokey
yeh sarhad insaan ke liye hai
Socho hamney kyaa khoya aur paaya insaan hokar
I suppose geographical sarhad may be important for peace but to love, to understand, to dialogue...why should we have boundaries???

A woman cures herself when sick works 18 hrs a day
She can think, reason and negotiate
She has strengths that amazes man
She can handle trouble and carry burdens
She smiles when she feels like screaming
and sings when she feels like crying
She fights for what she believes in
and finds the strength to get on with life
Only one thing is wrong with her... She forgets what she is worth...

Have not been able to update the video...If you would like to see it, Click:

http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/shacune/WMPPTIMES/?action=view¤t=augkrantiqutumem004.flv

WHAT IS SHIZOPHRENIA...HOW SHOULD IT BE TREATED?

Seated: Dr.Shubha S. Thatte.M.A. (Clinical Psychology ) Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology)

Dr. Thatte is the founder trustee of IPH . She was attached to K.E.M. Hospital & Seth G.S. Medical College as Clinical Psychologist for 25 years. She has completed her training in REBT with Prof. Phadke in 1987 and has since been an REBT practitioner & trainer.

Dr.Savita Apte M.A., Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) Mumbai University, Diploma in Research Methodology from TISS. Dr.Apte is a faculty with IPH since 1994. Her work with caregivers of schizophrenia & an activity center for patients recovering from Schizophrenia is commendable. Her areas of interest are research and rehabilitation.



Speaker, standing: Ms Taraana Pithawalla

Tarana is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of Sinara Education and Career Consultants. Pvt. Ltd.




In the foreground: Dr Ajit Dandekar, Psychiatrist

In the background, seated in the center: Ms Mithila






Attended a one day workshop on Shizophrenia at Nalanda, organized by 2 charming ladies, Mithila and Taraana.
Some important facts that could be helpful to those related or connected to a patient suffering from Shizophrenia

Psychiatric diagnosis is essentially clinical.

In acute cases the patient, affectionately called 'Shubhaarthi'may have hallucinations and delusions...

Best thing to do in order to help them:
Do not challenge their delusions, offer them solutions.

The only known cause of shizophrenia is an imbalance of 'dopamine'
Dopamine has got to be administered hence a shubhaarthi has to be treated by a medical practitioner.
The caregivers affectionately called the Shubhaankars, work on 3 levels:
Shubhaarthi, family and society...

Organisers
Sinara Education and career consultants Pvt Ltd.
And Times Foundation at Nalanda on 6th Nov 2007

management

Mithila Apte (Managing Director)

Sinara Education and Career Consultants Pvt Ltd

00 91 22 2351 3287 / 00 91 98 201 26034

email: mapte@vsnl.com
mithila@sinaraconsultancy.com

mithilava@hotmail.com
mvapte@mtnl.net.in


Ms Tarana Pithawalla

Tarana is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of Sinara Education and Career Consultants. Pvt. Ltd.

Support Group: Dilaasa call Shabbir 9820198220, Billimoria 9820419435

My Grand-daughter with the beautiful serene Krishna in my home!








There was a Divine exhibition on at the Nehru Center, Worli, Bombay, on September 2004. I bought a Krishna painting, which according to people who visit my home add a tremendous sense of calm to the atmosphere in my home...
There was another exhibition held at the Nehru Center, this year...Nov 2007

You just had to see the paintings to believe it! There are gold paintings embellished with Svarowski and semi-precious stones!

The Indian tradition of making pure gold leaf paintings dates back to several centuries.

Gradually the use of precious stones also commenced for decorating the paintings.

The decline was even faster than the rise and it reached almost the verge of extinction, lingering only at a few places with difficulty. Even today, this prestigious, exquisite art form is one of the almost forgotten art forms of the past. Behind its survival, the contribution of Kanhai and his sons Krishn and Govind is remarkably the most.

The family is definitely blessed!

The paintings are described as "glittering poems in colour"
Father and son, both, have received the 'Padma Shri' from the President.

I took an old painting I had bought in Vrindavan in 1985 and wonder of wonders, it was genuine.

Their website is www.kanhaigoldenartsindia.comemail ids: kanhaiarts@hotmail.com
kanhaiarts@gmail.com
But you have to see the real thing to believe it!
I love what is written on their brochure:

"Art is a collaboration between god and the artist, the less the artist does, the better"

Sincerely,

Times Foundation launched the Youva initiative at the Times of India Bldg on the occassion of Children's Day.
Rahul Bose and Kunal Kapur were Chief guests and I was so pleasantly impressed by how well they spoke!

'You' stands for 'Youth' and 'Va'stands for 'Values'
What I liked about it, is that not only does it aim at training the youth but also the teachers and mothers/fathers...

Let us look at an example, What would you do?
You find a pack of cigarrettes in your child's bag. How would you deal with the issue with your child?

(I personally would not fly off the handle,accuse school authorities and friends for influencing the child... but lovingly/firmly explain to him/her how smoking can affect/ruin his/her life. Also it is difficult to give up...easier not to start...it is not macho to smoke now-a-days....most shun you...)I would also find out what made him turn towards smoking...insecurity, peer pressure?

When I wrote:

'Symbolisms in the Ramayana' (it is up for free perusal under 'books' on www.dalsabzi.com

Both Sri Ram Kinkarji and Sri Morari Bapu (who gave me their blessings in writing) insisted that I mention that though I have written the symbolic aspects...Sri Ram was a historical figure....



ON the 14th of November I had the good luck of attending a session where I got to do the darshan of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

I felt really blessed.

I heard Mr D.K. Hari speak. He feels:



In recent times, there has been a public debate raging on about the Rama Setu in which different sections of the population have taken different stands ranging from faith to commerce to environment. This has opened a debate on the historicity of Lord Rama since only if Rama is historical, can the bridge be man made.

Literature and Local Legends have continued to keep alive the image of Rama as a popular legendary hero, a righteous man, a noble King, a God. The conviction about the historicity of Rama, is based upon the ability to date Rama and the Rama Setu, to around 5200 BCE, ie 7200 years ago using traditional methods and validate the date scientifically too.

Pls click:
www.historicalrama.org

Roles in Heaven:

Brahma
Systems Installation

May all the portfolio holders in Heaven bless you this Diwali with their choicest Blessings!
Happy Diwali

Vishnu
Systems Administration & Support

Lakshmi
Finance and Accounts consultant

Saraswati
Training and Knowledge Management

Shiva
DBA (Crash Specialist)

Ganesh
Quality Assurance & Documentation

Narada
Data transfer

Chitragupta
IDP & Personal Records


Surya
Solaris Administrator


Krishna
SDLC ( Sudarshan Wheel Development Life Cycle )

Arjun
Lead Programmer (all companies are vying for him)

I read this morning:
Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

On Saturday the 3rd of November, 2007 I was invited by Dr R K Anand for an MRA meeting. This time the speaker was to be Swami Rammohanji and the topic was 'Peace, within and without'
I am sharing a few points with you.
Situations are not under your control...Change your thought process...

I believe that insurance companies make money because most things that we worry about do not happen...

We get upset because of our desires...We want that people should love us, treat us with respect etc...when that does not happen...we lose our cool...

One should, as the Geeta teaches: 'Do our best and leave the rest'

Make an unconditional acceptance of life...

I say: Hari-Ichhaa

Ego and attachments also rob us of our peace of mind...

The Spiritual way to achieve 'Peace that passeth all understanding' is:
To know that: My nature is Peace...

Accept all that comes as 'Prasaad'...

I just love my friends!
...and in today's world real friendships are really rare...and women friends!!!That's another story!
I have a singing group where we are 15 members! and since the last 30 years or so, we are still going strong...I have a group called the 21 group...We are 21 members, no president no committee...new decisions are put to the vote...and no problem...again going strong since the last 30 years!

I believe that most women find it difficult to give an honest compliment to another woman.
Well one of my friends is Varuna Harchandrai...She is always ready to help! Simple things, which most of us never seem to have the time (or pretend not to have the time) to do!

So we gave her a surprise birthday party to thank her.
...and in the process we celebrated aur growing older/younger in heart together...so 'I sang my favourite things for seniors'(originally sung by Julie Andrews)..Sing along with me in the same tune...

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings
Bundles of magazines tied up in strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions
Bathrobes and heatpads and hot meals they bring

These are a few of my favourite things

Back pains, confused brains and no fear of sinning
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning
And we wont mention our short shrunken frames
When we remember our favourite things

When the joints ache
When the bones creak
When the knees go bad
Then I shall remember the great life I've had
And then I dont feel so bad :)

Madhurya, Radhakrishna Prabhu and myself




A few days ago I visited the Mid Day Meal Project in Mumbai.

This program is a project of the Government of India, and is being implemented by ISKCON Food Relief Foundation in Mumbai.

It is a remarkable state of the art kitchen and there are four of them! Tardeo, Mira Road, Palghar and Nigdi.
As of today 1,00,000 underprivileged students from 700 schools benefit from this project EVERYDAY
There is no discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, creed or sex.

What particularly impressed me was that a wholesome clean meal is provided to a child, for whom this may be the only meal of the day!
Also the mother has to send the child to school so that he may get his daily nourishment. In the process his mind and brain is also nurtured.

With a generous contribution from a corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals, for the cause of the underprivileged children in India, they hope to maximize the capacity of this program by setting up more kitchens to cater to more schools and increase the number of beneficiaries many folds.


Kudos to Madhurya Project Promoter,(madhurya@middaymeal.com )and Radha Krishna Prabhoo

The Mystical No. 9 of Navratri

'Nav' means nine and Ratri means night. These nine nights occur on equinoxes when the sun is vertically overhead at the equator. The Cosmic Mother is worshipped during these 9 days.

The number nine is closely associated with the process of Creation in the cosmic time cycle. It is considered 'puran' or complete. Any number multiplied by nine gives a figure that adds up to nine.

Ratri means night. The Rigveda states that creation came about when everything was covered in the darkness of night. Navratra signifies the concept of 'Back to Godhead'. The entire cosmic cycle cosists of three phases: Creation, Preservation and Dissolution. If one was to split each part into triads, then 3 times 3 would be 9.

She is the 'Garbha' (Womb) from where the Universe manifests. The word 'Garba' (The dance performed during Navratri) stems from 'Garbha' and symbolises the 'Dance of Creation'

There are 9 cosmic wombs or Nava-yonis.

According to the Tantric concept:

56 rays proceed from the Sahasrar Chakra (Highest Chakra, on top of the head) to Muladhaar Chakra. (Lowest Chakra at the base of the spine) This constitutes the earth element. 62 rays in the Svadistaan Chakra (Near the sexual organs) to form the fire element. 52 rays in the Manipur Chakra (At the Solar Plexus) form the water element. 54 rays in the Anhata Chakra (Near the heart Chakra) establishes the air element. 72 rays in the Visudhi Chakra (Near the throat) pertains to the ether element. 64 in the Ajna Chakra (Center of forehead) designs the mind. These add up to 360 potencies. In a circle form, it would indicate eternity. The 360 digit adds up to nine.

The universe is composed of 36 'tatvas' and there are 360 'tithis' in a lunar year. Both numbers add up to 9.

The No 9 is the Highest number. After the number 9, comes the 0. In order to truly worship the Lord either become complete (with all the great qualities) like the number 9, or empty (devoid of ego, or in a state of total surrender) like the 0.

Celebrated Eid with eminent Quawaals, Munawwar Masoom and Wadali Bros.
It was a concert hosted by the Times of India at Bandra Fort, Bandstand, Bandra.
It was heartening to see various communities enjoying a very spitirually uplifting experience!
I also attended an Interfaith lecture hosted by MRA where I spoke on Women and Peace...In the photograph you will see Uzma Nahid, Director of Iqra delivering her part of the lecture on the same topic.
Both hers and my lecture was very well received!

Understanding Hinduism


The moral viewpoint of the vegetarians’ belief is based on the theories of Ahimsa and Karma. Ahimsa believes In non-aggression and non-violence on any living creature and the law of karma proclaims that we are the builders of our own destiny and that from good deeds joy shall come and from evil deeds, suffering.

Since meat-eating would necessitate the slaughter of animals which is a violation of the ahimsa theory, vegetarians do not indulge in non-vegetarian food as they do not want to increase their karmic debts by partaking of flesh.


The yogis claim that a vegetarian diet is conducive to meditation.

Today, new biological discoveries tend to show that flesh eating is not essential for good health and some biologists are even of the opinion that flesh eaters are more susceptible to illness than vegetarians.

The ancient Hindus were however not fanatic about whether to eat meat or abstain from it but looked more Into the practical aspect.

Understanding Hinduism 3
Most Hindus know about the Karma Theory...Would you like to know more?
Click:
http://dalsabzi.com/Articles/karma%20in%20the%20Practical%20world%20Mid-day.htm

Understanding Hinduism 2
Hinduism doesn't say that only Hindus go to Heaven.
Hinduism believes that all paths lead to that ultimate one.

I have written earlier:
I feel that, sadly Hindus do not know much about their religion...even though happily all know about the Karma Theory...So I thought maybe write a few lines for the busy ones to get acquainted with the Hindu Way of Life.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the philosopher who became vice president of the Republic of India, in his book, The Hindu View of Life, writes:
Hinduism requires everyman to think steadily on life's mysteries until he reaches the highest revelation. While the lesser forms (including idols and images) are tolerated in the interest of those who cannot suddenly transcend them there is all through an insistence on the larger idea and purer worship...Every man has a right to choose that form of belief and worship which most appeals to him...Hinduism is not a sect but a fellowship of all who accept the law of right and earnestly seek for the truth.

Hindus are not aggressors. They are not vengeful. There is no record of their having invaded alien lands. They do not claim to have exclusive rights to define divinity. But when they are mocked at, whether by atheists or by people of other faiths, they are not going to sit back as in centuries past and keep their anger to themselves...
Mr M.V.Kamath wrote in the Free Press Journal, Thursday, October 4th, 2007

I feel that, sadly Hindus do not know much about their religion...even though happily all know about the Karma Theory...most importantly every Hindu is taught to respect every religion and Master that has walked on the planet...no matter which religion they 'belong' to...

I was the only Hindu girl in a class of over 40 spanish students way back in the 1950s.
My fellow students would ask me how come Hindus worship monkey gods, cows and elephants...I had no answer way back then...but eventually I delved into our Scriptures and came up with a great understanding of our great 'Sanatan Dharma'

Respect all religions but get acquainted with your own!

Do read:
Hindu Customs and Beliefs
Dadi Nani ki Kahaani
It is up for free perusal under 'Books'on my website:
www.dalsabzi.com