Hi Guys,
As the Republic of India celebrates its 60th anniversary, there is so much to cheer about for all of us. We all have traveled through very tough and trying times in the past 60 years. I cannot say that we are on top, because we are not. But I can gladly say that we are moving ahead. I still wonder many times what was the real reason for the British to grant freedom to us. I sometimes think that they left us on our own because there was nothing left with us. They literally left us in ruins. 200 years of looting can put any country on the back foot. Historians have estimated that in the last 20 years of the Raj, the crown took a whopping 150 million pounds every year as a tribute.
Independent India's political leadership had such gigantic milestones to achieve. Mere praise is not sufficient for these selfless leaders who sowed the first seeds of development 60 years ago. India's GDP in the first half of 20th century grew at a rate of 0.1% per annum. Since then India has made tremendous progress. GDP has quantum leaped by over 500 times. The average annual salary was Rs 255 in 1951 which is now Rs 33,283. Steel production has soared by 50 times, cement by 70 times, electricity by a whopping 128 times. Food production has shot up by 4 times, thanks to Green Revolution.
Independent India has marched ahead with great pride and is respected by all the developed and developing countries. Indians have made a mark in all fields of engineering, science and technology, buisness, research and development. Even in a recent talk to a group of students, the President of United States Mr.Barack Obama warned the students about the tough competition they would have to endure from people of Bangalore and Beijing. This pretty much sums up how much we have achieved when you compare from where we started 60 years ago.
But is this the true picture of the progress. All this is only the better part of the truth. The bitter truth is that even after 60 years, a shocking 400 million of our brethren are still under poverty line. India has developed on par with global standards in the cities with cars, buildings, malls, planes, metros etc etc. But on visiting the rural areas gives you the right picture. It appears that they live in a ancient civilization bereft of even the basic needs of living. Our development is very much uneven and is a huge concern.
As we are celebrating our 60th anniversary, there is so much to cheer about, the freedon from ruthless economic plunder, our improved strength in the economy, self sufficiency in the food, slow and steady improvement of technology, education and health. But, this is not enough. Much has to be achieved for a decent dignity of livelihood for every man. This is not the job of only our leaders. This is the responsibility of each and every educated individual of our country. We all should be aware of our problems. As part of our college education we had a self reliance program in the rural villages of our country. Many of us were shocked at the plight of the people and their living conditions. That was an eye opener for so many of us. The younger generation of today are hardly aware of the problems that has gripped our country. We have to stop being selfish all the time. Thinking only about us, our career, our assets etc etc is a very selfish outlook of life. We all need to move from this mold of thinking. Thinking & caring for others, acting as a group will put us on the right track. If all the individuals are good, it reflects a good family which reflects a good home which in turn reflects a good society which in turn reflects a good and a strong nation. Each and every individual must think in this direction, that will take care of more than half of our problems.
Signing off for now,
Krishna
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hi Guys,
I was wondering about what I would write in my next post. I started my blog with some cricket during the Champions Trophy. I would not mind to take a detour here. I have watched the just concluded test series between Eng and SA & Aus and Pak. I was thrilled by the pace and swing bowling armory of each of these teams. It was just a treat to watch the new ball nip, bounce and swing at notorious pace. Anybody who said that test cricket was in peril should have a look at these series and I am sure will take their statements back.
Coming back to the point I broke off from, I started with cricket, touched upon some politics here and there, but mostly kept my posts on some of my most favorite personalities. I was thinking about dedicating my post to some of my favorite plays. So here I am today with the summary and my take on Hayavadana.
Hyavadana is a play written by Girish Karnad. The play's plot comes from Kathasaritasagara, an ancient collection of plays in Sanskrit. Drawing on the play " Transposed Heads" by Thomas Mann, Karnad adapted the play to approach the problem of identity in world of tangled relationships.
Devadutta and Kapila are very good friends. Devadutta is an erudite scholar and is an embodiment of knowledge while his friend Kapila is a very talented sportsman with a very attractive physique. One day, Devadutta sees Padmini and is swooned by her beauty. He decides to marry her and asks his friend Kapila for help . Kapila goes to Padmini to persuade her to marry Devadutta and succeeds in his mission, but in his hearts of hearts even he was floored by her beauty. Padmini is very much attracted to Kapila's body and the intellect of Devadutta. She nevertheless marries Devadutta.
As time passes Devadutta observes that Padmini is more fond of Kapila and this causes a lot of discomfort in him. On the other hand, Kapila is honest and has no pervert intentions. On a journey to Ujjain, Devadutta is overcome by extreme jealousy about the behavior of Padmini and Kapila. He excuses himself from the two and visits a Kali temple. In a fit of emotion, he cuts off his head. Kapila comes searching for Devadutta and is shocked by the sight. He understands the situation and blames himself for it. In a emotional bust and a feeling of guilt, he too beheads himself. Searching for both comes a pregnant Padmini who is aghast at the gory scene. She prays very sincerely to the Mother Kali to resurrect the lost lives. Mother is pleased with her devotion and grants the boon. Here comes the twist.....
Padmini, in a state of anxiety, fear, joy and confusion unknowingly places the wrong heads on each of the bodies and they come alive. Devadutta's head is on Kapila's body and vice versa. There is a huge debate on who should be the rightful husband and finally on the recommendation by a scholar, head is given the importance over body. Kapila's body with Devadutta's head is ruled in favor as the rightful husband of Padmini. Devadutta's body with Kapila's head is dejected with the decision and leaves to the forest. Time passes again but the past always haunts the protagonists. Padmini always remembers Kapila and even visits him in the forest once with her kid. Kapila and Devadutta confront each other again and in a combat, kill each other. Unable to bear the tragedy, Padmini immolates herself along with the dead bodies of Kapila and Devadutta.
When I read the play a couple of years ago, I was dumbfounded. For me, this is a super story. I am not qualified to talk about the plot and other technicalities. But I have my own moral for the story. Everybody is unique and special in this creation. Each of us have some special talent in us to live and lead our life. We should lead our life in a rightful manner. In the story, none of the characters can be blamed. This happens to us in our life always. Take what comes to us as gifts from God and be satisfied and contented. Again, the moral of the story is to lead a life in a rightful way ( path of Dharma).
Signing off for now,
Krishna
I was wondering about what I would write in my next post. I started my blog with some cricket during the Champions Trophy. I would not mind to take a detour here. I have watched the just concluded test series between Eng and SA & Aus and Pak. I was thrilled by the pace and swing bowling armory of each of these teams. It was just a treat to watch the new ball nip, bounce and swing at notorious pace. Anybody who said that test cricket was in peril should have a look at these series and I am sure will take their statements back.
Coming back to the point I broke off from, I started with cricket, touched upon some politics here and there, but mostly kept my posts on some of my most favorite personalities. I was thinking about dedicating my post to some of my favorite plays. So here I am today with the summary and my take on Hayavadana.
Hyavadana is a play written by Girish Karnad. The play's plot comes from Kathasaritasagara, an ancient collection of plays in Sanskrit. Drawing on the play " Transposed Heads" by Thomas Mann, Karnad adapted the play to approach the problem of identity in world of tangled relationships.
Devadutta and Kapila are very good friends. Devadutta is an erudite scholar and is an embodiment of knowledge while his friend Kapila is a very talented sportsman with a very attractive physique. One day, Devadutta sees Padmini and is swooned by her beauty. He decides to marry her and asks his friend Kapila for help . Kapila goes to Padmini to persuade her to marry Devadutta and succeeds in his mission, but in his hearts of hearts even he was floored by her beauty. Padmini is very much attracted to Kapila's body and the intellect of Devadutta. She nevertheless marries Devadutta.
As time passes Devadutta observes that Padmini is more fond of Kapila and this causes a lot of discomfort in him. On the other hand, Kapila is honest and has no pervert intentions. On a journey to Ujjain, Devadutta is overcome by extreme jealousy about the behavior of Padmini and Kapila. He excuses himself from the two and visits a Kali temple. In a fit of emotion, he cuts off his head. Kapila comes searching for Devadutta and is shocked by the sight. He understands the situation and blames himself for it. In a emotional bust and a feeling of guilt, he too beheads himself. Searching for both comes a pregnant Padmini who is aghast at the gory scene. She prays very sincerely to the Mother Kali to resurrect the lost lives. Mother is pleased with her devotion and grants the boon. Here comes the twist.....
Padmini, in a state of anxiety, fear, joy and confusion unknowingly places the wrong heads on each of the bodies and they come alive. Devadutta's head is on Kapila's body and vice versa. There is a huge debate on who should be the rightful husband and finally on the recommendation by a scholar, head is given the importance over body. Kapila's body with Devadutta's head is ruled in favor as the rightful husband of Padmini. Devadutta's body with Kapila's head is dejected with the decision and leaves to the forest. Time passes again but the past always haunts the protagonists. Padmini always remembers Kapila and even visits him in the forest once with her kid. Kapila and Devadutta confront each other again and in a combat, kill each other. Unable to bear the tragedy, Padmini immolates herself along with the dead bodies of Kapila and Devadutta.
When I read the play a couple of years ago, I was dumbfounded. For me, this is a super story. I am not qualified to talk about the plot and other technicalities. But I have my own moral for the story. Everybody is unique and special in this creation. Each of us have some special talent in us to live and lead our life. We should lead our life in a rightful manner. In the story, none of the characters can be blamed. This happens to us in our life always. Take what comes to us as gifts from God and be satisfied and contented. Again, the moral of the story is to lead a life in a rightful way ( path of Dharma).
Signing off for now,
Krishna
Monday, January 11, 2010
Hi Guys,
I hadn't realized that we are already 10 days into the new year. Days seem to fly past you. Tomorrow is the 12th of January and it is indeed an important date in the history of India. A hero was born on this day who inspired and continues to inspire thousands and thousands of people to realize the innate Divinity in one and all. He was the first true ambassador of India who represented our country on the world stage. He is none other than Swami Vivekananda.
Born as Narendranath Dutta on Jan 12, 1863, Naren was brilliant in school and college. But he had the strange quest for God. He did not believe in superstition and was always rational in his thinking. He always had two distinct visions in his dreams. He saw himself as a very successful and wealthy man with all the comforts in life and in the other case he saw himself as a wandering monk. He chose the latter and India will be ever grateful to him for that. His quest for God led him to Sri Ramakrishna. The love between the Guru and the disciple blossomed slowly but steadily. The disciple did not commit to Sri Ramakrishna like others did. He tested him and after being convinced of Master's Divinity gave himself wholeheartedly to Sri Ramakrishna and his Mission. He was a scholar par excellence and was a pillar of strength and courage to all the fellow disciples of the Master. He took over as their guardian after the Master's death. To understand the problems of the people and the country he traveled the length and breadth of the country. He realized that India was a spiritual Giant and had to be shaken from a dormant stage. He also understood that we were deeply struck in poverty and illiteracy, and spirituality would make no sense to hungry mouths. On Divine command , he set forth to the land of opportunity which represented the fanfare,vanity and richness in opulence. He worked extremely hard during his 2 year stay in USA & UK. He lectured on the ancient Vedantic Philosophy and set up centers of excellence in both the countries. He initiated many monks who are continuing the great legacy.
With the money he had earned by his lectures he started the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Ashram independently. The former is the service wing of the organization while the latter being the spiritual. This tireless work had adverse affects on his health and he could only survive for 39 years. Millions of people have been benefited by the works of Ramakrishna Mission. He inspired people to aspire for God. He inspired people to aim for the true freedom. All great leaders of 20th century were truly inspired by him.
I want to end this post by a quote from Swami Vivekananda.
" It may be that I shall find it good to get outside my body-to cast it off like a worn out garment. But I shall not cease to work. I shall inspire men everywhere, until the world shall know that it is one with God."
"May I be born again and again and suffer thousands of miseries, so that I may worship the only God that exists, the only God I believe in, the sum total of all souls."
Swami Vivekananda suffered and sacrificed his whole life for the mankind. Let us all try to follow his teachings and improve ourselves as better human beings.
Signing off for now,
Krishna
I hadn't realized that we are already 10 days into the new year. Days seem to fly past you. Tomorrow is the 12th of January and it is indeed an important date in the history of India. A hero was born on this day who inspired and continues to inspire thousands and thousands of people to realize the innate Divinity in one and all. He was the first true ambassador of India who represented our country on the world stage. He is none other than Swami Vivekananda.
Born as Narendranath Dutta on Jan 12, 1863, Naren was brilliant in school and college. But he had the strange quest for God. He did not believe in superstition and was always rational in his thinking. He always had two distinct visions in his dreams. He saw himself as a very successful and wealthy man with all the comforts in life and in the other case he saw himself as a wandering monk. He chose the latter and India will be ever grateful to him for that. His quest for God led him to Sri Ramakrishna. The love between the Guru and the disciple blossomed slowly but steadily. The disciple did not commit to Sri Ramakrishna like others did. He tested him and after being convinced of Master's Divinity gave himself wholeheartedly to Sri Ramakrishna and his Mission. He was a scholar par excellence and was a pillar of strength and courage to all the fellow disciples of the Master. He took over as their guardian after the Master's death. To understand the problems of the people and the country he traveled the length and breadth of the country. He realized that India was a spiritual Giant and had to be shaken from a dormant stage. He also understood that we were deeply struck in poverty and illiteracy, and spirituality would make no sense to hungry mouths. On Divine command , he set forth to the land of opportunity which represented the fanfare,vanity and richness in opulence. He worked extremely hard during his 2 year stay in USA & UK. He lectured on the ancient Vedantic Philosophy and set up centers of excellence in both the countries. He initiated many monks who are continuing the great legacy.
With the money he had earned by his lectures he started the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Ashram independently. The former is the service wing of the organization while the latter being the spiritual. This tireless work had adverse affects on his health and he could only survive for 39 years. Millions of people have been benefited by the works of Ramakrishna Mission. He inspired people to aspire for God. He inspired people to aim for the true freedom. All great leaders of 20th century were truly inspired by him.
I want to end this post by a quote from Swami Vivekananda.
" It may be that I shall find it good to get outside my body-to cast it off like a worn out garment. But I shall not cease to work. I shall inspire men everywhere, until the world shall know that it is one with God."
"May I be born again and again and suffer thousands of miseries, so that I may worship the only God that exists, the only God I believe in, the sum total of all souls."
Swami Vivekananda suffered and sacrificed his whole life for the mankind. Let us all try to follow his teachings and improve ourselves as better human beings.
Signing off for now,
Krishna
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