Balance of Development

Balance of Development

Lord Buddha taught us Nobel truths. Life is suffering. Suffering is caused by craving. Suffering can be overcome and happiness attained when we give up useless craving by following eight fold path of Perfect Understanding, Perfect Thought, Perfect Speech, Perfect Action, Perfect Livelihood, Perfect Effort, Perfect Mindfulness and Perfect Concentration.

It is said that expectation reduces joy. But look at the people around, they are craving and are full of expectations. Their desires and demands are endless. The family head, village-town head, State head, Country head, all heads are getting mad in meeting with their unlimited desires. Development is the key agenda for all. And the world of advertisements is adding fuel into the fire, increasing their desires endlessly.

Advertisers spending will reach to $600 billion in 2015. US, China, Japan, Germany and UK are the lead countries and Brazil, Canada and Mexico are also growing its share. US dominate the world with 32% share. Mobile advertising is 10% of the total at present will account for 22% and its share in digital advertising will cross 50% in 2018. The list of country and companies following the path of advertise mania is increasing. Produce, market and get them consumed is the motto of all.

In the name of quality of life, the environment is pushing the people for spending more and more to fulfill their desires of physical comforts. It demands more income, requires more economic activities, and ultimately put more stress over the natural resources. We are exploiting natural resources without their rejuvenation. 

Living in poverty and craving for the minimum needs of food (Roti), health (Dava) and shelter (Makan) with limited and seasonal activities may be called "tamas", the under utilization of human and natural resources. 

And running the world like a machine to meet with the craving of people, by over exploitation of resources, creating stress all-around may be called "rajas". The run is for what? Who knows, the bauxite exported from our coast to China, make crafts, may be exported to our neighbour and may be a cause of worry to us at the border. East India Company made us dependent for 190 years. The multinationals at present has made the world a global village and making the people dependent of their products. The world is going into the trap of economic slavery.

The balance of life is in "Satva", the balance of both, providing basic quality of life to the people, with more than hypo active world of "Tamas" and less than the hyper active world of "Rajas".

Instead of driven by the forces of advertisements, or chasing the western life style, can't we make the balance in life with do's and don't and attend the reasonable desires of the people by using the treasure of natural resources to the level of rejuvenation and accordingly run the train of development in a right gear?

After all what is the purpose of life? 

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामया। सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चित् दुःखभाग् भवेत्।।

(सभी सुखी होवें, सभी रोगमुक्त रहें, सभी मंगलमय घटनाओं के साक्षी बनें और किसी को भी दुःख का भागी न बनना पड़े।)

Punamchand
25 November 2015

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A journey from Pirotan to Silicon Valley

A journey from Pirotan to Silicon Valley.

Have you been to Pirotan Island? 

An island on Gujarat coast, some 22 km (12 nautical mile) off the coast from Bedi port near Jamnagar. There is a shrine of Khwaja Khijer Pir. Pir jo than (place), therefore it is called Pirotan. Khwaja Khijer is called Jhulelal by Sindhi and Dariyalal by Hindus. His shrines are on all coasts of the world. All khalasis pray Dariyalal for their safety in the Sea. He is an immortal Pir, who comes riding a horse with a lantern in hand. When he comes, people smell incense and a sound of horses. Few people claim that they have seen and met Dariyalal! 

Pirotan island is a rich site to see marine life particularly the corals.  (Poshitra, another site is richer to watch more varieties of corals). The sand is white and apart from marine life one may watch 5000+ birds, mostly the Stiltes and Crab Provers. Sea Gulls and Pelicans also come. One may see corals during low tide but that area is mostly muddy. The sea beach is lovely, no less than Goa and Australia.

We understand that land mass can't be increased. 

But do you know that Corals make the earth? 

They are colonial animals, use sea water algae and secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton, shaped like a branching tree. Coralreefs protect and create land. The silica created by corals are used in making computer chips, the semiconductor that contains memories and millions of electronic components. It's a journey from Coral to Computer, a journey from Pirotan island to Silicon Valley.

Most coral reefs grow in shallow, sunny and agitated waters. Often called rainforests of the sea, shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems. Corals feed fish and other marine animals that millions of humans eat. Coral reefs, a supply of natural medicines may be used in developing drugs for humans. 

Come and visit Pirotan and Poshitra and understand the journey of nature from Coral to Computer! You can see marine life in plenty.

There is a belief that Dariyalal fulfills our wishes if prayed. Hearing this my grand daughter Kavya (6Y), while returning from Pirotan, started saying, Dariyalal, mujhe Dolphin dikhado, Dariyalal mujhe Dolphin dikhado. And surprisingly, before we end our journey of the day in the evening watching turtles at Okhamedi Centre, the Sun was setting, the sky was coloured with pale tint of orange, we were in joyous mood and we saw a dozen of Dolphins in a pod, enjoying their life in Arabian Sea in front of Kavya! 

Beauty in Nature Indeed.

Punamchand
24 November 2015

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Temple Entrepreneurs

Temple Entrepreneurs

Do you know, Hanuman had a Son?

Brahmchari, who was celibate from the birth and had a son? 

There is a story in Valmiki Ramayana. Ram and Lakshman were taken away to Patal Lok by Ahiravan and Mahiravan, the step brothers of Ravan, during the war between Ram and Ravana. When Hanuman went to rescue them in Patal lok, he was challenged by his son, Makaradhwaj, a creature part reptile and part monkey. Hamuman was amazed with the warrior, had duel, defeated him, killed Ahiravan-Mahiravan with a trick, rescued Ram-Lakshman and established Makardhwaja as the King of Patal Lok. 

The story of Makardhwaj's birth is interesting. After burning the Lanka with his fire burning tail, when Hanuman took a dip in the waters of sea, a drop of his sweat fell into mouth of a crocodile. Out of this the Makardhwaja was born.

There is a temple of Hanuman and Makardhwaj at Hanuman Dandi, 5 kms east from Bet Dwarika, the residence of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. This is the place where Hanuman met his son Makardhwaj, first time. The idols of Hanuman and Makardhwaj (father and son) are in human form, father is on the right side of the son. Both are in joyous mood without holding any weapon. The idol of Makardhwaj is taller than Hanuman. The idol of Hanuman is going down in Patal lok by a sesame seed size every year and it will submerge when the Kaliyug ends.  

People come here and take mannat. The temple is famous for a mannat of getting a child. The couple take betel nut from the temple to worship it at home as Hanuman and return it with offering after fulfilling of their mannat.

Brahmanandji is the present Mahant of the trust managing the Hanuman Dandi temple and it's property. 

The story of Brahmanandji is very interesting. He is a Punjabi, born in Pakistan. His father was a trader in Burma. He had to leave Burma in 1942 due to WW-II. While returning, he had passed through hardships and died on the third day after reaching home in Pakistan. Due to local disturbances during partition time, the widow moved with her children to a relative's place in Jharkhand. She stitched cloths of people and took care of her children and provided them with education. 

Her son Brahmanand had serve in a company for many years, started with a salary of Rs.50, he voluntarily retired when he was earning Rs. 15000/month. He got married and has two daughters. After the death of his wife, he tried to stay with the daughters but as per Indian tradition, a father won't feel good staying at daughter's place. He started pilgrimages and one day left home forever taking his last savings of Rs. 50,000 in pocket. After staying in Shiradi for few months, he moved to this place, 25 years ago. 

He is a well read man of hindu dharmashastras. He understood the value of spiritual energy manifested in the  Ram naam mantra (Tarak Mantra) that regulates the nerves and kill animal passions. He believes that Ram Naam jap in Hanuman Dandi due to its location multiplies the benefits 1000 times. He decided to settle at Hanuman Dandi with the Mahant.

The property of the Hanuman Dandi is owned by the Bet Dwarika trust, but it has been given to the trust on 99 years lease at the rent of Rs. 25/month. When he came to this place before 25 years ago, it was not in a good condition. He has developed this place with ashram, dharmashala, and is able to feed 800 pilgrims everyday and serve food to 15000 people on festival day. The campus has accommodations, kitchen, under ground water storage tanks, public toilets, etc. He has developed the facilities with the donations and offerings coming from the people. The activities of constructions, serving pilgrims, etc are generating employment opportunities and income source to the local people. The visitors are getting facilities. He files IT returns every year.

Brahmanandji is a real entrepreneur, converted the temple into a employment and GDP generating unit. If we look at the temples and other religious organizations as units of economic activities on which many families survive, our approach to the religious organizations will change. It is better than some of the activities of modern world, those are harmful to the mental and physical health of humans.

Not only industries, trades and commerce; but temples are also the places of entrepreneurship development.

Punamchand
23 November 2015

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Sunday is important as working day.

Sunday is important as Working Day.

Sunday is a holiday for all the public servants in India. But it is not when there is a matter of public and national interest or to attend natural or manmade calamities.

Let us recollect the history from the letter with the Instrument of Accession to India, addressed to the Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten, written and signed by Maharaja Hari Singh at the Palace Jammu, on 26 October 1947.

Looking at J&K cultural and geographical links with both the nations and international border with Soviet Republic and China, the Maharaja wanted time to decide the option of acceding the domain of either of the Nations or to remain independent.

Eventually, Maharaja approached both the Governments for Standstill Agreement. India desired further discussions but Pakistan signed it on 14th August 1947 to maintain supply of goods and continuity in certain services like the post and telegraph.

But when Afridis, soldiers in plain clothes, and desperadose with modern weapons infiltrated in mass into the State; it was difficult to stop destruction of lives and properties, number of women were kidnapped and raped, Mahora power house was burnt, the mass infiltration of tribesmen traveling in truck with weapons through Manshera Muzaffarabad road from NWFP of Pakistan didn't stop; on the contrary, the Pakistan Radio put out a story that a Provincial Government had been set up in Kashmir; the Maharaja signed Instrument of Accession to Indian Domains to get the help to save the State from that grave emergency. (from the letter of the Maharaja)

26th October 1947, was a Sunday, a holiday for all but the most important working day for Maharaja Hari Singh and the Civil Servant Rav Bahadur VP Menon and of cource for India to have the most beautiful J&K in its Crown.

With the declaration of the package of Rs 80,000 crore for the development of Jammu and Kashmir by the Prime Minister, yesterday, the Sun will rise again for J&K to establish Jamuriyat, Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat.

Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year Vikram Samvat 2072 to all.

Important Sunday for Bihar Today.

Happy Sunday😀

Regards,

Punamchand
8 November 2015
Sunday

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Great Gandhi no parallel

Great Gandhi no parallel

Gandhiji was tried for Sedition and sentenced to six years (Ahmedabad trial 1922). He was sent to jail. The family was allowed to meet once in a month. Kasturba came to meet Gandhiji. A big table with chair on both the sides (facing each other) were placed for their meeting. Both sat facing each other. The Jailer was present but he had very high regards for Gandhi. Therefore, he left the room to provide privacy to the couple to talk freely. After half an hour when he returned, he saw the couple was sitting in silence, in the same position without any talk.

Why didn't you talk? I had given you privacy. The Jailer asked Gandhi.

As per the jail manual, we can talk only in the presence of the Jailer. As you went away, we are waiting for you to come, so that we can talk in your presence. Gandhi replied.

He was a unique leader.

Punamchand
6 November 2015

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Great India - 2

Great India - 2

Mahadev Desai, an Anavil Brahmin from Saras village of Surat district (Gujarat), was the Personal Secretary of Mahatma Gandhi from 13 November 1917 to 15 August 1942, till his death. He maintained a diary for all those days, chronicling his life with Gandhi. To live with Gandhi was never an easy task. Yet he became indispensable to Gandhi.

Gandhi was on visit to Puri (Orissa) in 1934. Kasturba, Durgabehn (wife of Mahadevbhai) and Mahadevbhai went to the famous temple of Lord Jagnnath of Puri, without the knowledge of Gandhiji. Mahadevbhai knew the anger of Gandhiji, therefore didn't go inside and sat on the steps of the temple. Kasturba and Durgabehn had darshana and puja of Lord Jagnnath. When Gandhi came to know, he fired them all. He sternly rebuked Mahadevbhai, that he could have at least convinced Durgabehn, that the temple which believed in segregation was not a worthy place for Darshan. Mahadev could have defended himself but he chose not to. Next day, at prayer time, Mahadev went to Gandhi, wept remorsefully and in a note addressed to him, offered to resign. Gandhi wrote back and hold him, it is better to die at the hands of a devotee…so there is no reason for you to go. Mahadev continued. Gandhiji sat on Dharana at Singh Dwar to mark his protest against the rule of the temple, not allowing the Harijans to enter.

The temple committee didn't allow Mrs Indira Gandhi (because of her marriage with a Parasi) to enter into the temple during her last visit in 1984, a day prior to her assassination. In past Saint Kabir and Guru Nanak were not allowed to enter into the temple but later permitted through the message of God to the pujari in dream.

After Quit India call by Gandhiji on 8/8/1942, he was arrested on 9/8/1942 and was sent to Agakhan Palace Jail, Pune. Mahadev Desai, Kasturba, Sarojini Naidu, Dr Sushila Nayar joined with him. 

Viceroy decision to join India in WW-II without the consent of the local provincial Government created a tug of war between Congress/Gandhi and the Viceroy Linlithgow. British were going closer to Jinnah and away from Congress/Gandhi. Gandhi started thinking to go on fast unto death. British, this time decided to counter Congress moves using Muslim League and Jinnah. 

Mahadevbhai knew that if Gandhi goes on fast, British may leave him to die. This was the worry of Mahadevbhai. He can't imagine death of Gandhiji. He couldn't sleep that week properly. He used to wake up at 1-2 AM and feeling uneasiness on bed for 2-3 hours that week. 

On 15th August 1942 morning, he woke up late and missed the morning prayer. When he was shaving in front of a mirror, Sarojini laughed at him. He was cheerful that morning but suddenly Sarojini started calling Dr Sushila Nayar to attend Mahadev.  Dr. Sushila Nayar tried some treatment but failed. Gandhi also came rushing and holding his hand and looking at his eyes shouted loudly, Mahadev utho (wake up), Mahadev..... Mahadevbhai  died of sudden cardiac arrest.

After some days, when Dr. Sushila Nayar asked Gandhiji, a person like you, completely detached, and knowing well that Mahadevbhai was no more, why did he call him, Mahadev utho? 

I was confident that if Mahadev looked at me at least for once, he would have woke up and stood up. He has never disobeyed my commands. If my words reached to his ears, he would have stood up fighting against the death, Gandhiji replied. 

Gandhiji performed holy bath to the dead body and used the same towel for drying himself after a bath. Mahadevbhai's body was cremated in Agakhan Palace itself. Gandhi used to go to the place and used the ash for tilak everyday. Gandhi didn't cry that day, but after 6 months, when Durgabehn (wife of Mahadevbhai) came to the jail and touched his feet, he broke down. He uttered "Mahadev", though he was on fasting and in silence. Gandhi's light, Mahadevbhai has gone out of his life. It was an irreparable loss.

Salute to the Great freedom fighters of our Great India.

Jai Hind.

Punamchand
5 November 2015

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Great India-1

Great India-1

His name was Abdul Kadir Bawazeer, a Gujarati of Arab origin. He was popularly known as Imam Saheb, as he served as Imam in South Africa. Gandhiji was also addressing him as Imam Saheb. He was a trader by profession and had a good life of luxury. 

He used to accompany clients to Gandhi's office in Johannesburg. Gandhi initially found him obstinate, but liked him more and more as he came closer. He had no education but had complete confidence in his arguments and judgment. He proved himself as steadfast as a rock in Gandhi Satyagraha. 

When Gandhi moved to Phoenix, he left all his luxuries and went with Gandhi. His wife (Haji Saheba) and two daughters (Fatima and Amina) lived a simple and vegetarian life in Phoenix Ashram with Gandhi. They were great support to Gandhi in press work. He was Gandhi's best friend in South Africa. 

In 1914, when Gandhi decided to returned to India, Imam Saheb also moved to India, though South Africa had practically become his home. They built a house near Gandhi Ashram and settled in Ahmedabad. 

When his daughter Amina got  married, Gandhiji wrote the kankotris (invitation cards) as inviter, identifying him as Imam's "sahodar" (brother). Aminaben married to Shri Gulam Rasul Kureshi.

Under the influence of Gandhi, GRK also participated in freedom struggle. He was arrested and sent to jail in Visnagar. When Aminaben went to meet him with her two children, they were waiting outside the jail, standing under a banian tree. The family meeting was allowed once in a month. The door of the jail opened and GRK came out. His son, Hamid was only 5-6 years old. When he saw GRK with unshaven faced, with a beard, little boy hid behind his mother. 

"I want to join freedom struggle with you", Aminaben demanded before her husband. 

Yes, you can, GRK replied. 

Who will take care of our children, if I go to jail? Aminaben asked. 

Leave them under the banian tree, the society will look after them, he replied.

That was the spirit of our freedom fighters and their trust over the Indian Society during Gandhian days.

Hamidbhai and Pratimaben's son (Great grand son of Imam Saheb) Shri Akil Abdul Hamid Kureshi is the sitting judge of Gujarat High Court.

Our Salute to the great freedom fighters of Great India.

Jai Hind.

Punamchand
4 November 2015

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