I was invited as a special guest to a Diwali concert organized by mothers to whom I teach the Geeta...Look at picture below.


Teach a mother or teacher and they will teach a whole new generation, who will be the world leaders in tomorrow's world!

IT SAYS ALL I HAVE TO SAY...but do scroll down for interesting happenings!

A MOMENTOUS DAY
SNDT 7th to 10th November 2008

IIWA (IQRA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ALLIANCE) WAS LAUNCHED
Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity supports it.
One of the purposes of IIWA is to highlight the right way to interpret the Quran.

Women believe that there has to be spiritual an material progress, empowerment an elightenment...We hope to receive not only principled but active support of every corner of the civil society in this ambitious and noble endeavour.










MY DADI NANI KI KAHAANI IN URDU WAS RELEASED BY DR ABIDULLAH GHAZI (DIRECTOR IQRA) WHO STRONGLY SUPPORTS INTER RELIGIOUS LEARNING...

To read my book in English, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/kahaani_intro.htm
To read it in Hindi, Click:http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/DNkk_Hindiscript.pdf







Myself, Chairperson of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity, speaking 'Women to Women' A message of Peace. Some of the points I touched upon:

Do not say you are just a housewife. You are a mother and as such the future and the future leaders depend on what values you instill in them.

We have only one home called Earth and if we are going to destroy it, where are we going to go? What will happen to our children?

Look around you as to what is happening to the world. Dropping bombs on the Innocent…Can any religion condone that?
Why is’nt the woman speaking out?
We cannot remain silent spectators..
Where is her voice?
Why has it been stifled?
It must speak.
She must become empowered through education, interaction in every field…
The Compassion in a woman has to be set free.
It has been encaged for too long.
That is one of the only solutions that I see to bring about peace.
Only the religion of Love and Compassion must prevail.
Gandhi said an eye for an eye will make the world blind…Many many more
Women have so much shakti.
Only one thing wrong in a woman
She does not know her own worth.
We are mothers sisters wives daughters
We understand each others pain
We are beyond Hindu Muslim Christian…

You may get the feeling I negate the role of man.
That is not the intention.
A man has enjoyed centre stage for so very long. I only ask him to sit in the audience for a while and listen to the Voice of a Woman which has been silenced for so many years…Feel the compassion and the Love that resides in our heart…and the dormant Spirit which wants to walk hand in hand with man!


...Spirituality is not about finding God, it's more about releasing the innate God (or the goodness) in you through your deeds in day to-day actions...

How do we connect?
By getting to know one another.
We will then realize that we are all the same, under the make up.
We all belong to the human race, and the planet is the only home we know and share.
I believe that if one is sincere and feels truly about something, one produces ripples, which will reach everywhere. This light can eradicate darkness.
I truly believe:
Ishwar Allah Wahguru Chaahey kaho Sri Ram
Maalik sabka ek hai, alag alag hain naam
Geeta Bible ya ho Quraan
Maalik ka hai sab mein gyaan
Sab ka maalik sadaa banaata
Sabkey bigdey kaam
Maalik sabka ek hai alag alag hain naam



Alongside Uzma Naheed, President Iqra Foundation (Asia Chapter) felicitating and welcoming Dr Tasneema Qazi (Director Iqra) a charming lovable highly knowledgeable lady. She alongside her husband works on Inter religious dialogue, Liaison of Madrasas to Modern Education.




Alongside Uzma Nahid and myself. We have been meeting for years and we interact to understand and agree to disagree. She tells me that she was inspired by the concept of 'Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity'(She is now a trustee of WMPP)and has now formed IIWA Iqra International Women Alliance.




Brahma Kumari Neenaben, told us about the BrahmaKumari Organization. It was founded in Hyderabad Sind, now in Pakistan and is run by women.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people. They teach a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and values.

Brahmakumaris are committed to spiritual growth and personal transformation, believing them essential in creating a peaceful and just world.
Neenaben guided us through a beautiful meditation and had all feeling and exuding peace!




Neenaben, Uzma Naheed, Myself, Asma Aijaz (Manager- Women Affairs)
Some interesting points:
We also had Bela Das who made some interesting points:
Amongst Chimanzzes when rivals fight, the female chimpanzee takes away the stones from the male partners and try to bring them together.

Iqra and its associates had organized a discussion on:
Quraan and Vedas...Kitnee door kitney paas?
Obseravtion: Savaal yeh naheen ki Quraan aur Veda...Kitnee door kitney paas?
But
Mussalmaan kitnee door Quraan se aur Hindu kitnee door Veda se

Last saturday the 8th Nov 2008, my friend, Vimla Patil invited me to attend Tulsi Vivaah...The couple, Krishna and Tulsi looked divine...Later she sent me this note...It is loving and lovable that you will love it!

There are many stories about the Tulsi Krishna Vivaha which is the official opening of the winter wedding season in India. After the divinities get married, others are free to tie the knot. How did Tulsi come to represent Lakshmi or Rukmini? The story goes that when Krishna had finished his Avatar Karya or the duties of his incarnation as Krishna the 8th avatar of Vishnu, the gods took him away back to his home in heaven. Rukmini and Satyabhama, his wives were devastated and missed him too much. That's when Muni Narad told them that if they could weigh Krishna against something heavier than him, he would return to them! A Tarazoo was duly set up and Krishna was made to sit in one side of it. Satyabhama, proud of her wealth and beauty, said she could easily outweigh the Lord and brought out all her gold and silver and jewels. But the Pardi would not go down - Krishna was heavier then all the treasure. That is when Rukmini plucked a sprig of a wild Tulsi plant nearby and put in into the tarazee saying "I give all my love and devotion to you with this" and the palda instantly went down. Since then Tulsi became a symbol of Rukmini or Lakshmi. Even today, when you give a gift or food with love, you complete it with a leaf of Tulsi. Even a daughter is given away to the bridegroom with a Tulsi leaf which makes the gift permanent and full hearted! Hope you enjoy this story. Love Vimla Patil

Tulsi Vivah takes place on the 12th day of Kartik, just after the Chaturmas - meaning the rain season is officially over. This year, however, Ekadashi and Dwadashi came together so it was on Saturday when u saw it. Lovely story I think that love and not ego conquers all. Vimla Patil

An extract from the book - 'Sindhis - The scattered treasure'
Ms. Popati Hiranandani

When I entered my brother's home in Singapore, I found in his
drawing room a Cambodian painting, depicting a scene from the
Mahabharata; an oil painting of a half naked girl from the Bali
island, sculptures of a Korean bride and bridegroom; dolls showing a
Mumbassa couple in one corner, and a dancing Spanish boy and girl in
the other corner. The house was modern and complete with German
electric fittings, Chinese bells, Persian carpets and Indian
curtains.

My brother is married to a Chinese girl who follows the Buddhist
faith, dresses like a Malayan, speaks English and relishes Indian
dishes. Their children have pure Indian names (Sushma, Suvir and
Vivek), can speak English, Malay and Chinese fluently; they enjoy
Hindi movies; are fond of Sindhhi papads and relish Indian Paan.

A Chinese maid cooks Indian dishes, the Malay maid cleans and washes
and an Italian girl is the typist. His day starts with listening to
Gita-slokas in Sanskrit sung by Lata Mangeshkar, followed by Pt.
Ravi Shankar's sitar recital. When he feels tired after the day's
work, he listens to the tapes of Gazals sung by Begum Akhtar. At
another moment he switches on his favourite Sindhi songs sung by
Master Chander, reminiscent of the bygone days.

One will perhaps react to this profile of my brother as a jumble of
faiths and fashions and a pot-pourri of cultures and languages.
But these are the ways of a Sindhi - an international citizen.

Throughout the ages, Sindh was invaded by people from the northwest.
All these diverse races and religions that penetrated Sindh, were
somehow absorbed in the melting pot, and fused with the ancient
heritage of Mohenjo-Daro. Strange phases of history have gone into
the making of what is called "Sindhi Culture". The Sindhis have not
only survived the attacks but have benefited from and assimilated
all that was good in the mores of the lives of the invaders. The
Sufism of the Sindhis is a harmonious blend of the finest value of
both the Vedantic and Islamic cultures.

Non-Sindhis are amazed when they see a Sindhi Tikana (Mandir) which
has the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh sacred book) installed
in the middle with all the gods and deities surrounding it. All the
religious sects among Sindhis are in harmony with each other. The
Lords Krishna and Rama, Hanuman and Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma all the
deities are worshipped with equal enthusiasm in a Sindhi temple.
Devotees worship Hanuman on Tuesday, Shiva on Monday, Jhulelal on
Friday and the Goddess Kali on the Ekana days, Shri Satya Narayan on
full moon days, together with their paying homage to the sacred Sri
Guru Granth Sahib. There are no restrictions and no hard and fast
rules laid down on the basis of religion.

Many Sindhi wives do not touch a morsel of food unless they finish
their puja of their idols giving them bath and offering them dry
fruits for 'Bhog', reciting prayers either from Guru Nanak's
teachings, or from Sadhu Vaswani's Noori Granth, Satya Sai Baba,
Chinmaya Anand or Swami Shradhanand or a personal guru.

The Sindhi Brahman has also advanced with the times. In Sindh, he
used a Sindhi name to Christian a new born boy like Pamo; Dhamo,
Jhamat and Jhaman and a girl as Popati, Pevi, Menghi and Tikki on
their horoscopes; today he uses names such as Naresh, Vikram,
Prithvi, Diti and Kaushalaya or even fashionable names of movie
stars with a suffix of Kumar or Kumari.

All this may sound flippant - but it emphasises the root of the
Sindhi character. A Sindhi follows the most secular philosophy of
humanism. He never restricts himself to dogmas or rituals. The
legacy of all embracing love for mankind has made the Sindhi
cosmopolitan in his outlook and universal in his temperament. His
social structure is not ridden with prejudices of caste, colour and
creed.

There are no Shudras among the Sindhi Hindus. There is neither the
domination of the Brahmins nor the evil of untouchability. Sindhis
are known for their realistic & practical outlook. The traditional
ills of ancient India, like child marriage, cruelty to widows and
casteism are not for them.

A Gujarati will remain a Gujarati, cooking his food in the pure
Gujarati way, even after staying in Fiji Island for the whole of his
life. A Sindhi adopts an international outlook after being in a
foreign country for only a year. He will try all kinds of dishes and
flavours and yet will remain a Sindhi in his own peculiar way,
abusing in his favourite Sindhi words, enjoying typical Sindhi
dishes of Khichhri & Sayee Bhaji, Curry Chawar, Dhodho Chatni and
Kok Palo whatever and wherever he may be !

A Sindhi is a staunch Indian with a strong streak of patriotism. He
helps Subhash C. Bose in forming his Azad Hind Fauj or in
establishing Jaslok Hospital contributing crores of rupees for the
laudable cause. He invites the Indian Cricket team at a dinner party
in Montego Bay, welcomes VIP's in Hongkong, helps charitable
institutions in India and patronises Indian movies in England.
He entertains the Indian High Commissioner to a "Despedida pasta
lunch", takes keen interest in Indo-Pakistan relations, yet he tries
to do something for the welfare of the people of the land where he
settles down, contributes lavishly to the branches of Rama Krishna
Mission and extends his helping hand in all the social and
charitable institutions and organisations in India.

A Sindhi businessman thinks in English and carries on his business
with his customers in the local language whether he is in Tamil Nadu
or in Spain. He keeps his accounts in a Sindhi dialect with its
peculiar script, talks to this mother in his mother tongue and makes
it a point to see Hindustani films.

A Sindhi wife in Spain knows how to prepare the Spanish Pizza, how
to bake a Chocolate cake if she happens to be in England and learns
to toast a garlic butter bread if her husband is transferred to
Italy. A Sindhi daughter in Hongkong can stand behind the bar-
counter of her home and fix a cocktail glass for her father's guest
& can decorate the dinner table in a Chinese style if her would-be
husband is fond of the fashion. She is at ease when she is attired
in a Japanese Kimono and carries herself gracefully when she is
wearing a Chinese Samfoo. She doesn't mind putting on Minis when she
is moving near the London Tower and she feels very glad when her
photo appears showing her clad in a Kashmiri dress. She can blend
all the fashions together getting ready with a Chinese hairdo or a
French bun, Indian Bindi (Tika), Italian shoes and a Spanish dress.
I have seen Sindhi children in the Canary Islands learning Spanish
at school, speaking Sindhi at home, singing Bhajans in Hindi in the
temples and having competitions in reciting Urdu couplets at
parties. I have found people with peculiar names like Ms. Grace
Vaswani and Mr. Peter Bidichandani in Hongkong, a Ms. Maria Thadani,
Mr. Alberto Bhudwani in Spain and Ms. Siyate Daswani in Vientiane.
A Sindhi either marries by Vedic rites or the Sikh 'Anand Karaj'. He
celebrates his child's naming ceremony the 'Chatti' in a traditional
manner and yet throws cocktails and dinners to mark the occasion! He
organises shows at the club and rummy tea sessions after the
ceremonial Satya Narain Katha at his residence.

A Sindhi travels to far off lands where he gets only donkey's meat
and radish for his meal, he buys land in Canada, builds hotels at
Miami beach, deals in Japanese textiles, befriends Chinese people,
enjoys Korean girls, but is faithful to his Sindhi wife.
All through his life, he is culturally and linguistically a Sufi in
his outlook, adventurous in his travels, tactful in his trade,
social in mixing with people of different faiths and customs,
liberal in his views towards social norms, generous in giving and
tolerant towards all faiths and beliefs.

A Sindhi is a peacock minded person. Such is his life and his story.
Historians record his voyages in Babylon and Egypt, Basra and
Baghdad and his acumen in business. He is a fusion of cultures,
faiths and languages exchanging with the people their way of living
and thinking wherever he may be.

This excerpt can be found at
http://www.sindhish aan.com/newslett er/peacock. htm


__._,_.___

A wonderful Singer from Pakistan


Times of India treated us to an enchanting night with songs sung by HariHaran under the stars at Bandra, Mumbai...Truly an Eid to remember...

Barrack Obama is President!
To me it shows that the world is going beyond thinking colour, minority...What specially brought tears to my eyes is to see the picture of Martin Luther King state on TV...I have a dream...and then that dream is fulfilled...It took 40 years! But for History...It is hardly time...I think it says a lot for the majority who obviosly voted him to power...The New Age people claims that we have moved to a 5th Dimension...a new way of thinking! This proves it...Obama talked of Peace and Prosperity and One world...United States where everyone has a right to live and belong and contribute...India has a lot to be proud of. Look at our Prime Minister, a Sikh, Sonia Gandhi a Roman Catholic, Present President a Hindu, but the previous one a Muslim...Let us keep the texture intact...Let us remember Tagore's words...Where every one's head is held high...Let my country awake on a morning like that...

I agree with Divyaa who writes:
Yes I was touched with

The confidence and determination and earnestness…the belief in the ‘yes we can’…

Of how positivity spreads …and in that…the old can be let go off… so easily...

Seeing so visibly… how all that is good and honest and trusting and optimistic always shines through mankind so naturally...

Alongside from right to left:
Vimla Patil, Flavia Agnes, Hafiza Golandaz, Elizabeth, Koffman, Mrunalini Deshmukh

Business and Professional Women's Association (BPWA),Bombay had organized a Panel Discussion on Women's Marital Rights at the Indian Merchants'Chamber. I met Hafiza Golandaz at a BMA meeting. Mrs. Vimla Patil was Moderator at the event.

I attended the panel discussion. It was an eye-opener.
Some points discussed:
Women commit suicide because there is no family support...
Dowry cases are less, Divorce cases are more...
Police has to be educated as to what is the law...

Women do have rights to parental property, and husband property...but if she fights both, she is left with no emotional support and courts take forever to grant justice...It is a lonely place, where a woman stands...

Let us remove misconceptions and understand it right!
Shakun

Note from Divyaa Kummar

Some one asked me whether the highest worship is worshipping the Divine without form? Should they stop adoring and communicating with their beloved deities? Should they throw out all the symbols of personalized gods from within …and the outside …be it mantra's or their altars or visiting of temples?


My answer:


Connecting to the Divine- be it through prayer, or thoughts about, or falling in love with - can be through the personal or impersonal approach.

Neither is higher or lower if you truly know that the seemingly opposite approaches are actually one and the same!



If you truly know Consciousness as ‘One without another’…then your prayer, worship, devotion, homage and adoration can be towards its impersonal aspect or personalized forms …indeed in whatever way your current beingness beckons you! Some day’s an impersonal homage to the One Consciousness’ ‘works’ best… sometimes a more personal veneration of a deity (symbolizing an aspect of the same One Consciousness) is what draws you!



The contradiction between impersonal and personal prayer arises only when you distinguish the different deities and gods

as if the are really different from one another and/or from the Whole!

When you truly know they are all different views of the same One Consciousness

then prayer even to its different aspects-deities- is always to the Absolute that permeates them!

You then move away from this question

about which worship is higher or more correct!

You respect and appreciate both the Absolute/ One Consciousness

and

Its many expressions, aspects, facets, qualities!



You adore the One

and

fall in love with its many roles!



You communicate and share self with your deities

and

yet know this is communing with the Whole!



You are drawn to the beauteous forms and images in temples and altars within and around!

Yet you know you revel in the One Beauty!



So when you ask which is a higher worship?

It arises from distinguishing between the formless unmanifest and its manifest forms!

What is a deity after all? Who are your personalized Gods but

the One Consciousness expressed in myriad ways!

In this deep gnosis the question becomes moot.



Yes at some point one moves from solely worshipping personalized gods; one can’t help but make this inner shift!

One sees the Whole behind every aspect being revered;

One is in touch with That which permeates the various forms rather than only the forms themselves;

And in Knowing this

One doesn’t need to stop visiting temples!

One need not shun the variety of an altar!

Or the adornment of your deities!

For what one visits or decorates or adorns is truly....That!



Indeed one enjoys the Whole through its facets

And enjoys each facets as inimitable aspects of the whole

And so yes indeed, one can worship the whole through its beauteous personalized forms…why not?

After all, the Whole chose to view, adore, revel, express through these wondrous facets!

You can admire the diamond yet enjoy its twinkling facets!

You can admire a painting yet appreciate its different colors and strokes!



In the early stages personalized worship helps… because the unmanifest formless is not easy to visualize; and indeed impossible to speak about!

And the human mind cannot ‘think about’ or ‘feel for’ or 'worship' what cant be visualized or spoken about …

And only as one 'Knows'...experiences... the indescribable Absolute ....deep within,

Can one be in homage to That inexpressible …

For 'That' becomes This! Now real within you and you need not words and symbols

And worship of the Absolute ‘happens’! Indeed it moves from the seemingly impersonal to a complete self-identification.



And yet; even then the personalized gods deities & Masters cease not to exist

How can they…for they make up the indefinable whole! How can the whole be without what makes it whole?How can you not enjoy your multifaceted selves!

Indeed one enjoys them even more for That which they represent...is now so real deep within that the outer reflections are indeed basked in!



Love from my heart to yours
Divyaa Kummar
Website:www.Divyaakummar.com
Email; Divyaakummar@Divyaakummar.com

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



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

A Blog Posted by Singapore 's Youngest Millionaire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Sudhamahi Reghunathan (Excerpts)

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

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


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

DASSERA KIRTAN PROGRAMMES

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



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

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


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

Recipients of Silver Jubilee Global Awards 2008


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ms. Preity ZintaFilm Actress
India - Smita Patil Memorial Award

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Alongside, dancing to the tune of Kajrare Kajrare

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

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

RARE PHOTOGRAPHS
SINDHI FREEDOM FIGHTER HEMU KALANI


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




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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

I believe that all religions give the message of Love and Brotherhood…Yet the world is in a mess…Sometimes I feel that the Interfaith Dialogue in which I take part to bring Peace into the world is a waste of time…and my contribution is but a bubble in the Ocean…and then my God in His inimitable way sends me the following message in an excerpt from 'Live outside the Box' which appeared in the Sunday Times Bombay Sept, 28, 2008



…To you I say, meet me in the eye of the storm and together we will steer this mess in another direction. Jump into the storm. Do not stand on the sidelines too lazy and scared to do anything about all of the ugliness going on around you… People say that the signs are all here and Armageddon has begun. Why save the planet if the savior is coming to take the good and holy people away to a better place? ..If you had to pick and choose who were truly worthy of burning in hell or going to heaven, would you pick the folks who were killing and raging war in the name of God or would you pick the people who were crying out for love, equality, and to save the planet?
I stand here in the eye of the storm, turmoil and war all around me, my heart quiet and strong. The vision is very clear here. I will do my part to save the planet for the sake of those left behind. It is not for me to say who should or should not prevail. Someone will be left standing here on this planet, with this atmosphere, with this water, with this soil. For them, i say let's create a plan so that they have the best possible chance of rebuilding a new world. For love of this place with its beaches, mountains, and forests that I love so much, i will hold the love of Mother Nature in my heart. You know, if the savior comes to haul all the good guys off to a better place, i think i will volunteer to stay behind to help make this battered planet a place of beauty once more. When you are done with your religious wars and your ascensions into heaven, give the planet back to those of us who care for her… (Skye Thomas is a spiritual writer, entrepreneur, astrologer and philosopher based in the US)

Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/interfaith_dialogue.htm

Read about Navratras which fall on the 30th September 08
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/navratra.htm

Read about Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi which we celebrate on 9th Oct 08
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/festivals/dussehra.htm

The Group 'Celebrating Life' invited noted Numerologist Poonam Ahuja to enlighten us on the subject.
She told us about God and His manifestation...Could be compared to 0 and its expansion to numbers...Poonam explained to us the Sacred Geometry of:
Triangle (Trinity),
Square (Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit breaks free from the Solid),
Pentacle (5senses,2 arms 2 legs 1 head...and so on about other numbers...
Poonam explained how we all humans have a life purpose and if we learn the secret encoded in the numbers of the date of our birth, Life just may become easier to decipher...Poonam is charming. Do contact her if you are interested in knowing your strengths weaknesses through the play of numerology.
poonamahuja6@yahoo.co.in

REMEDIES


A SINGLE RECIPE
FOR SEVERAL AILMENTS
The Actual Recipe

50 GRMS FENUGREEK ( METHI )
20 GRMS CARAWAY ( AJMO / AJVAIN)
10 GRMS BLACK CUMIN SEEDS (KALI JIRI )

(Kali jiri. Forest produce. jiri. Kali musli. Forest produce. musli. Kanhai. Forest produce, from google search)
Some have asked whether pregnant women should take it, please consult your doctor or do a google search. I would not like to take responsibility, I just share with you what I believe is going to be beneficial :)
To continue:
The above ingredients MUST be elctronically weighed as propotion is very important. Each ingredient has to be dry roasted on very slow fire separately then all the 3 to be cooled, mixed and powdered and stored in a transparent bottle.

Everyday just before going to sleep 1 small tea spoon has to be taken with hot water. It will remove all the unwanted waste toxins from the nooks & corners of the whole body and excrete out thru faecal matter n urine. After 3 months one excess fat and layers of tumours n wrinkles are removed. Life will be free from diseases, healthy, pleasant, and cheerful. Diabetes remains under control.

HELPS

cure rheumatism, even extreme ( hathilova)
strengthens bones
makes U energetic & invigorating
makes eyes brilliant
improves hair growth
even long term constipation permanently cured
increases blood circulation
cures cough permanently
improves heart
makes you run like a horse
improves memory
improves upon deafness
turns body back into shape after pregnancy
strengthens teeth and enlivens enamel
cleans up blood vessels
maintains quality of blood
removes impotency and new born baby will become brilliant
increases resistance power against malaria, jaundice, typhoid,cholera etc.
makes one feel younger and increases life longevity
gives releif from difficulties experienced by young women after marriege
permanently protects one from diseases spread by water air or weather
improves digestion even when one has over eaten
prevents heart attacks and helps in reducing bad cholesterol very effectively
makes your skin glowing pink and cures skin troubles like dryness itching etc.
relieves bad effects of tobacco gutka
with this remedy you can continue with the medicines you have been taking


IMPORTANT NOTE
******************

PLS SEE THAT YOU HAVE EVERYDAY IN THE AFTERNOON EITHER A LASI, COCONUT WATER, OR ORANGE JUICE
OR ANYTHING THAT WILL COOL YOUR STOMACH

Circulated by

Sham Balani
Hong Kong
Service for a good cause

Mamta writes:
I hv taking it from 5-6 days but my no relief from gastric and acidity.

Also stool not passout 2/3 days.

Pl. give suggestion why???

My reply: if remedy does not work, please consult doctor.

I had always wanted to do 'darshan' of Swami Ramdev, so when I was invited to the alongside programme,I attended. It was held at the NCPA Auditorium on the 23rd of August 2008. Swami Ramdev has taken the world by storm with his Yoga techniques which claim to cure innumerable diseases...
Click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgR1_asXfOQ

Alongside Ritika Maheshwary who worships Ganpatiji and brings Him lovingly to her home every year. Her parents Abha and Ram believe more in the love that they bestow on Him rather than feelingless rituals and elaborate prayers.



Alongside Vinita Girish Singh...We lovingly called her Bubbly. She attended my Geeta class as a young teenager, today her children are teenagers. What I like about Bubbly is that she is really bubbly and is always full of gratitude and never fails to remind me whenever she meets me that she started her Spiritual journey with me.
God bless you and your family!


Alongside Lakhi and Kavita Melwani. We have been friends for a long time. Time has come, not for partying together but for praying together!

Alongside Indu Chellaram and myself. I have known Indu since the last over 45 years...ooops now you can calculate my age! Never mind, one is as young as one feels! You can feel the affection between us even though we do not meet as often as we would like to due to pressing commitments...but this Ganpati who so looks like Shirdi Sai Baba brings people together and is'nt that what Lokmanya Tilak's vision was?

Alongside, attended a ROCK SATSANG (which finds its roots in the Art of Living Courses) conducted by Anuraag Dhongial, Ajay, Vipul, which is becoming extremely popular in the city. With a set up of electronic guitar, drums and casio. What a great way to get youngsters hooked to Shlokas, bhajans and Bhakti songs...

Alongside holding hands (Vimla and me) in the Benign Presence of Ganpati Bappa at Vimla Patil's home...I would like to draw your attention to the beautiful hand made shawl that am wearing...It has been lovingly made and sent to me by someone I love as dearly as I do a daughter/sister...
I have also read that: at a certain church people crochet/ hand make shawls and give them to their loved ones...Obviosuly love, affection and blessings get woven into it.
Thankyou my dear Anju, May God bless you!

To make a better acquaintance of Ganpatiji,
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/Ganesh_Chaturti.htm

Kudos to these young ladies for their enthusiasm. Despite their busy schedules and looking after young children and Seniors in their homes, they have formed a Group whereby they meet every month for lunch. The difference is that the regular speaker is yours truly and they Learn the Bhagvad Geeta and the Shrimad Bhaagvad through the inspiration that i receive from the Lord.


Names in order of Left to Right.
1. Neha Dalamal – Founder Member.
2. Ravina Uttamchandani.
3. Shalini Lekhraj
4. Simran Lalwani
5. Namrata Thakur
6. Anita Mansukhani
6. Vidya Moorjani
7. Selina Vaswani
8. Sangita Vaswani and
9.Gaytri Narang.

Other members who were not present on that day.
10. Arti Murjani – Founder member
11. Deepa Vaswani
12. Bina Bhal
13. Sapna Tulsiani
14. Rishika Idnani
15. Rajni Vaswani and
16. Nyantara Takker.
17. Shamira Kirpalani


Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/geeta_jayanti__today.htm

Alongside photo was taken by my daughter Anuja's friend Lyn. The young lady's name in the photograph is Yong. Note the play of light to show the Chakras.

To read about Aum and Chakras, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Mantras/aum_and_chakras.htm

Meet Ms Rajkumari Dhoot, a Bhaktin. She always celebrates festivals on a large scale and shares her devotion with countless devotees.
I believe that Hinduism is a mystic religion...and I am so happy that my mother instilled the love of Kirtan and naam jap in me...I went to the celebration of RadhaRani's birthday at Hindi Vidya Bhavan.






Radha and Krishna looking beautiful at the function I attended!

About a couple of weeks after Janmashtami one celebrates the birthday of RadhaRani. She was born in Barsana, 30 Km from Mathura, and she appeared as the daughter of King Brishabano and Mata Kirati.

Even today, the people of Barsana wish each other with the words "Raadhe Raadhe" on their lips. Together with the above greeting pours out immense love with every breath that they inhale and exhale.

Radhaji was older to Sri Krishna and it is believed that the Divine girl did not open her eyes until Krishna was born. The relationship of Krishna with Radha transcends human concepts and is Spiritual in nature. Read more, Click:

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



Women's Political Forum is helping the rescued people from the floods in Bihar.
help by way of food grains, salt, sugar,candles, matches,milk powder, wearable old clothes, usable medicines, will be appreciated. kindly contact the following persons :

Mumbai
ms. smita pandey : 022-28847886 ms. sandhya sinha : 9820782857
ms. sushma shelley : 9867354104
Delhi Mr. Sushant Sinha : 26601414/9958002857
Patna ms. sudha prasad : 0612-2364751
ms. chitra vaish : 09431016137 ms. indu sinha : 09234283908
thankyou.
Sandhya Sinha
www.womenpoliticalforum.org

Swami Chidananda Saraswati gives up the body




I had the good fortune of knowing Swamiji personally. I wrote about him in my book 'In Touch with Masters'
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/in_touch_with_masters/swami_chidananda.htm

One of the prominent saints of contemporary times, and the President of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh , established by Swami Sivananda , Swami Chidananda Saraswati, gave up the body on August 28th , 2008 at the age of 92 . He was a great Yogi and was a Loyola College, Chennai alumni in his pre-monastic days. He was initiated into Sannyasa in 1949 by the great Master , Swami Sivananda himself.
Swami Chidananda stands out for his exemplary selfless service in the cause of the leper colonies in Rishikesh, and nearby places besides being an ideal preceptor to thousands across the world in his capacity as President of the Divine Life Society for forty years from August 1963 onwards .
"Service before Self" epitomized the entire life of this austere saint , who kept alive the spirit of the ancient Vedantic tradition in these confused and turbulent times , much like his own Master Sivananda ----- the clarion call given by these sages drew many a seeker from all over the world to Sivananda Ashram , Rishikesh . His inspiring early morning meditation talks given in the Ashram , and recently compiled under the umbrella- titles such as , "Ponder these Truths" , " A Call to Liberation" and "Seek the Beyond", have been compelling reference-points for hundreds of seekers and aspirants .
As Swami Chidananda would exort and inspire his listeners , "…To enter into the spiritual life is a rare blessedness , it is a great good : to take it seriously and engage in active spiritual Sadhana is a second blessedness and a still greater good : but to persevere in the spiritual life , to be ever progressive and ceaseless in one's spiritual life , is the greatest good , the crowning blessedness" . This was his message as one of India's representatives to the Centenary of the World Parliament of Religions in 1993 , and his own life was a living testimony to the great ancient ideals he reiterated for the modern age .
Ever-vigilant in his personal Sadhana , ever compassionate to the poor and needy , ever-willing to champion the cause of the underprivileged , Swami Chidananda's passing away leaves a huge void in the hearts and minds of seekers who search for ultimate truth beyond the transitory and fleeting . In his 'passing on' , for which he had left strict instructions for his body to be immersed in the Ganges quickly (Jal Samadhi) , and no spectacle be made of in terms of mourning , as in life , Swami Chidananda remained a simple monk , despite being the President of an international organization with centres across the globe, upholding the highest values of India's monastic traditions . He is often referred to as the St. Francis of India , after the great Franciscan monk , St. Francis of Assissi , of whom Swami Chidananda himself was greatly attracted to .

...Spirituality is not about finding God, it's more about releasing the innate God (or the goodness) in you through your deeds in day to-day actions...you may be dressed in an expensive designer ensemble and still offer a helping hand anywhere... We do not need to sacrifice something in order to attain something else...there's no reason why we can't strike a healthy balance between material things and spiritual enlightenment. Spirituality signifies achieving personal excellence in every area of ones life, from family life to career, as well as inner growth...
Alpana Gujral states the above. I agree!

Ganeshji enters our hearts and hearths on 3rd September
Read about Ganesh Chaturthi, Click:

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

Meet Nandini Mihika Mahtani, my Spiritual daughter at Vanderbilt University...She used to come to my Geeta class as a teenager and now she pursues her World Religion Studies in Nashville Tennesee...she was in the Graduate Department of Religion and her area of study is History and Critical Theories of Religion (HACTOR) with a special emphasis on Hinduism...i have no doubt that she will bring about Peace and Prosperity to the world...and i will take pride that maybe i played a short part in it!
Nandini is taking an interesting coursework this semester - a class on Religious Autobiography - another one on Zen Buddhism and another which traces the history of the Study of Religion in an Academic setting. Nandini claims that it is going to be a very busy time for her but all the classes look promising so she will try not let the amount of work bog her down...Keep going Nandini...God bless you!





Would you believe this photo is taken at a temple in Nashville Tennesee?
Well believe it! Me alongside a South Indian devotee!