Pride of the Indian Flag

As India celebrated its 76^th Independence Day yesterday, we, as Indians, must take a moment and remind ourselves of the significance of our National Flag. While saffron signifies strength and courage of our country, white signifies peace and green, the fresh color of growth and fertility of our land, it is also important to know the importance of the Ashoka Chakra, also called the DharmaChakra (Wheel of Duty). There are 24 spokes in the Wheel of Duty. Each of the spokes mean something and we must observe these qualities in our everyday lives, wherever we reside, as these human qualities will take the country towards progress.  Below is the true significance of the Wheel of Duty which is easy to understand:

Spoke 1: Chasity (to inspire simple living)

Spoke 2: Health (maintain healthy body and mind)

Spoke 3: Peace (to observe peace and harmony in the country)

Spoke 4: Sacrifice (readiness to sacrifice for the country)

Spoke 5: Morality (maintain morality in professional and personal life)

Spoke 6: Service (readiness to serve the country)

Spoke 7: Forgiveness (a sense of forgiveness to all humans and God’s creation)

Spoke 8: Love (to love your country and all God’s creation)

Spoke 9: Friendship (to have friendly relations with all citizens)

Spoke 10: Fraternity (to build a sense of brotherhood)

Spoke 11: Organization (to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country)

Spoke 12: Welfare (to participate in country and society welfare)

Spoke 13: Prosperity (to participate in country development)

Spoke 14: Industry (to be part of industrial progress)

Spoke 15: Safety (to always protect the country)

Spoke 16: Awareness (to be aware of the truth and not believe in rumors)

Spoke 17: Equality (Equality in a society)

Spoke 18: Artha (optimum utilization of money)

Spoke 19: Policy (Faith in country’s policy)

Spoke 20: Justice (Justice for all)

Spoke 21: Co-operation (to work together)

Spoke 22: Duties (Obey your duties)

Spoke 23: Rights (Not to abuse it)

Spoke 24: Wisdom (this is knowledge beyond books)

If every citizen takes up the responsibility to observe and implement these qualities in their daily lives and we teach our children to do the same, the Country can only get better and we would only speed up the process of progress. A simple gesture such as prioritizing health, morality, forgiveness, being aware and many more, not only contributes to the individuals’ personal and professional development but also takes care of the country. After all it is true that little drops of water can make a mighty ocean. No one’s efforts or acts are considered negligible. So let us pledge to contribute our share towards the development of our Country.

Everyday routine

My brain is constantly thinking. The moment I open my eyes in the morning, “what do i have to accomplish at work? I have ……. audit report review, then ………invoices to be raised and ……..convince auditors to clear points 1, 2 3…whooooffff. What should i make for breakfast now? It is now 5:30 am so i should take about an hour to finish preparing breakfast and lunch for hubby and me. Hmmm, so while i make the chapathis (“indian bread”) the rice is kept to cook and the burner beside it is available to heat the curry? All this while i freshen up.” “What am i wearing to work today? Something that does not require ironing? Whatever”

I guess this is what all women have to deal with everyday. 🙂

I am going to be just fine i tell myself. I am strong and active, good for me!

Health being priority

Why is it so difficult to lose some of those extra kilos? My husband has always been so very supportive when it came to putting in that extra effort to look more toned and feel fit and healthy. But it all end up in the way I think and feel about myself. I used to be that totally disciplined girl who woke up on time, ate on time and gave the required time for studies and play. I was that healthy and fit gal who not only looked fit but also thought fit. But things changed. It was career that took the lead once I was out of college. And then I always had this excuse of “No time”. Did I really not have the time or was i just finding an excuse to be lazy? I don’t know. But the result of that is not a very healthy me.

I finally took the stand of moving on in my job. A job which would help me provide that “time”I was looking for to be able to prioritize other aspects of my life. So here I am today, doing the best I can to look and feel good. I am not the crash diet or any diet sort of a person. But I believe in feeling healthy and at the same time eating right and in a controlled way to achieve the results. I was so very happy yesterday when i finally achieved the beginners level of 60seconds of low planks. That was truely tough. The first time i tried it I was in pain the next day but not any more….wow. Felt so good. That motivated me to do more and many more. I plan to join swimming classes soon…an additions to my health regime. I dont plan to overdo anything but just in moderation. And I am going to do this. Everything is possible! This is a challenge to myself because it is about me and I am unique. And so is each and everyone out there, unique and an achiever is their own way.

God belongs to all

It is the weekend and while i sat chilling out with my husband I remembered one of the many stories of Lord Vishnu and Narada, the “Naarayana Narayan” chanting God. The word narada means the one who gives/ spreads the name of Lord Narayana (one of the many names of Lord Vishnu). Narada is considered as a wise and at the same time a mischievous devotee of Lord Narayana.

So, moving on to one of the many stories of Narada. Once Lord Vishnu and Narada were taking a walk and Narada happened to be very happy and proud of himself. Lord Vishnu being the knowledgeable one who knows everything without anyone having to tell him asked, “what keeps you so happy and proud today?” Narada was shocked at the statement wondering how did the Lord know what he was thinking, but pleased to inform the Lord, “I am happy because i am your favourite devotee and proud because I am the only favourite devotee of the Lord. I worship my Lord day in and day out, without pausing, chanting and spreading your name and greatness in all three worlds.” (Just to help throw some light on what the three worlds mean in Hindusim, the first is called the “Bhuloka”, the physical and material world we all live in, the second is called the “Antarloka”, the mental and emotional world occupied by the angels, spirits and divine being called devas and the third is called the “Brahmaloka”, the spiritual world of the Lords/ Gods of Hinduism.

Not sharing the same level of emotions as Narada, Lord Vishnu says, “Lets go down to Bhuloka, I want to show you something.” Lord Vishnu and Narada disguise themselves as middle class beings and appear before a hut that belonged to a poor peasant. The duo remain hidden behind a bush watching the activities of the peasant through the day. To begin with, the peasant woke up at 5:00 am to get ready to work hard at the fields which was his only source of income. Before leaving his house he paid his respects to Lord Vishnu by chanting his name faithfully, bid his wife farewell and walked towards his fields. He worked very hard under the burning sun through the day, ploughing the fields with the help of his oxen. As he worked, irrespective of the heat and sweat and rough life he lead each day he never forgot to chant the name of the Lord. When night fell, the duo decided to take shelter in the peasant’s hut. Lord Vishnu, now disguised, knocked at the peasant’s door. The peasant worried, opens the door to find the young man with his friend stand at his door asking for shelter for the night. The  peasant welcomes the duo without hesitation. Once settled, the Lord said, “We are on our way to the nearby village but were late and couldn’t reach our destination before nightfall. We apologize for having to trouble you and your family for the night. We are unsure of the way at night.” The farmer said, “All guests are God’s own form. You are most welcome to our house anytime. Please forgive us for not being able to please you as per your standards.” The Lord requested, “We have travelled long hours. Could we have some food to eat?” The farmer went into the kitchen where his wife was cooking for the family, “Dear, we have guests and they are young men who are tired and hungry. Make some extra food to serve them while you cook our dinner tonight.” His wife hesitated and said, “But we do not have any extra food to prepare. No grains left to cook. What shall we do?” To this the farmer thinks to himself for a moment, while the Lord and his friend secretly listen to the farmer and his wife’s conversation. “We shall manage by drinking just water for this night. It is our duty to please our guests and to keep them satisfied. Cook whatever is left, for our guests tonight.” The farmer’s wife agreed with a smile and the guests were fed well and to their satisfaction. The farmer arranged for the guests to sleep while the farmer and his wife chose to rest in the kitchen, next to the stove. The next morning the duo wished the farmer and his family goodbye and left. Once at a safe distance from the hut the duo disappeared to their world in Brahmaloka. Once there Lord Vishnu, who was back to his usual God form asked Narada, “Do you still consider yourself the only favorite devotee of mine after experiencing the life of the poor peasant on earth?” Narada laughed, “Are you saying he, the peasant, is your favorite devotee? Hahahahaha hehehehe hahahah. You must be joking my Lord.” Lord Vishnu was now serious, in a wink of an eye the two were in the middle of a nowhere with just one big mountain before them. Lord Vishnu, with his magical powers caused a pot full of oil, completely filled to the brim, to appear in his hands. He forcibly placed the pot on Narada’s head and instructed him to walk one entire round of the mountain with the condition that not one drop of oil was to spill out of the pot. If he did spill the oil he was to be punished. Narada was determined to pass the test Lord Vishnu had planned for him. Very carefully and steadily Narada began to walk, focused completely on balancing the pot on his head, to prove whatever that is that the Lord wanted to prove out of this. Narada was successful in completing the task that was assigned to him and he walked a complete circle without spilling a single drop of oil. Lord Vishnu smiled and then broke the silence by asking, “In the one round you walked how many times did you chant my name?” Narada was confused. He said, “My Lord, I was completely focused on the pot and the ultimate result and nothing else was on my mind while I walked since I wanted to please you by executing the task with perfection. I was not able to chant your name even once.” Narada now understood what the Lord wanted to convey to him. Lord Vishnu said, “Your task was very simple and you didn’t chant my name even once but I have given a much difficult task to the peasant in this life of his. He is expected to work hard throughout his life as a peasant for his livelihood. And in return he has nothing much to look forward to or expect, yet he thinks of me and praises me every now and then thanking me for what he has been given. So who is to be considered the favorite one? You or the peasant?” Narada answered confidently, “Neither of us. All those who praise the Lord is His favorite and protected and taken care of by you. You belong to all.”

 

My first baby

 

 

I still remember the day i held her in my arms for the very first time. She was my first. It was a very long wait until i finally held her, soft and warm, a life. My first baby, my family, my dog, Jeera.

I got her after a lot of fussing. I really love animals and very badly wanted to own a pet. I was given a lot of options, but i just wanted a dog, only a dog. My dad got in touch with many of his friends and contacts to find out if anyone was looking out for a home for their pets or if they knew someone who was wanting to give their pets or just born puppies, a home elsewhere. He finally found a friend who was willing to help.

The day was fixed. My dad and I waited patiently at a place decided by his friend, to receive her. I was told she was born to a police dog. I felt proud but also upset with the fact that the pup would have to be separated from her mother. That didnt feel good, but i promised to take good care of her, though nothing could replace her mom’s love surely. And there she was,finally, a yellow Labrador puppy, tiny paws and eyes and tail, Oh my god, she was just adorable. I was hesitating because i had no idea what it would feel like to hold something like her. The moment she was pushed towards me and I had no choice but to hold her, she felt so soft, warm tummy, slippery cos of her soft delicate skin and also for the fact that she would just not stay still while i held her. We finally bid my dad’s friend goodbye and i was instructed to get home with the puppy while my dad had to get back to work since it was very much a working day for him. I quickly followed his instructions, boarded an auto rickshaw, instructed the driver and sat still, holding her in a very awkward way as i was not used to this thing. I realized that at that moment she was not very happy with the wind blowing into her face and ears as the rickshaw was moving with a lot of speed since she kept snuggling under my armpits trying to cover her face from the wind.

Time flies and so did her age and behavior with time. Jeera and I never got a chance to see her live with us till her peak age. I am not sure but i think they are considered very old once they reach the age of 15 years? She was just 3 or 4 years when she took her final breath on the 29th of September 2013. The very same day when i had my mom pass away. A lot of things have changed since then, for my family and me. I have now learnt to respect the life that exists in these beautiful animals. They not only live their entire lives making us happy but also sacrifice their lives for us in some way or the other. The next time we have a dog, she will only be respected and loved unconditionally , something that we would like to give back considering what my first baby, my first dog, taught and sacrificed for us. That life is short and spending that to make many other lives happy when we have the chance is considered a good life well spent.

 

 

Heaven in my homeland

I was born and brought up in the city and so, had not been well connected with my home land for many years. If I remember correctly, the last time I visited my hometown, Kutta in coorg, was when I was in school, probably 6th or 7th grade. Even now I remember those wonderful days when I visited the place during my summer vacations. Who knew that the next time I visited the place, which would be after 15-20 years, I would discover the place in a way I never ever imagined.

Different parts of coorg are located as different levels along the mountainous region of the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka, bordered by other breathe taking places such as Mysore, Hassan, Kannur, Kasargod and Wayanad. We are considered the “warrior clan.” But the rate at which this clan seems to vanish is unimaginable. However, I chose to hold on and not be a part of this vanishing bunch.

The drive-in is a kaccha road, sand and stones, with leaves fallen from trees bordering the path, standing through many years of varied seasons with unexpected and fluctuating weather conditions. Nearing the portico, a variety of colored and a few fragrant flowering pots were displayed, freshly watered and shining under the burning sun. The sound of the motor vehicle drew the inhabitants of the beautiful majestic house that stood tall and proud of its people, to us. We were greeted with a lot of joy. After all it was not everyday that my grandparents got to see me, their only grand daughter of the family of Kolera, since my uncle was not yet married at that time and my aunts were not of the Kolera family after marriage since once the girl is married she acquires her husband’s family name. My grandfather was a “thota kare”, literally translated to mean “estate man”, meaning agriculturist. The locals of coorg have estates of coffee which is usually handed down from generations, within their families. So usually, at least one family member is surely taking care of the estates they own while others move to cities in search of better life or remain in coorg helping with other chores. It was hot and humid, like any other hill station during summer.

The way leading to the living room of the house was a flight of four stairs, with flowering pots on either sides. Unlike modern doors today, the door was a four partitioned wood door which could be opened or latched individually, independent of each other. Usually, the lower two doors were latched while the upper two were kept opened to allow the morning sun and positive energy into the house. My grandmom unlatched the lower two doors to allow us to enter the living room. The living room was furnished with simple cane furniture holding cushions seats which were covered with neatly ironed and made wrinkle-free fresh cushion sheets. While my parents chose to sit and relax I chose to go further into the house. I loved the house and the way it made me feel. The living room was simple but equipped with all the necessary items for a living room such as television, chairs, center table placed on a soft  floor carpet and lots of windows for some good air circulation. Opposite to the entrance door, at the other end where the living room ends, was another doorway leading to a second living room space. On either sides of this doorway were doorways leading to two small bedrooms before entering the second living room space. On either sides of this second living room space, towards the left and right, were ways leading to two other bedrooms. One was ours while the other belonged to my uncle.

The second living room was is my favorite. The smell that lingers in the air of this room had the power to calm my nerves down completely. The room had four wooden carved thick block of pillars supporting the roof. The north west corner of the house was of special importance which fueled the current atmosphere of that room. The corner holds the sacred lamp of the people of coorg, called the “Thook bolcha” literally translated means “the hanging lamp.” This lamp is representative of our goddess Kaveri. My grandmother lights this lamp every morning, once she wakes up and is then put out once the sun sets and the routine is followed each day. Beside the spot where the lamp is placed are placed two pairs of guns. The people of coorg are considered the “warrior clan” and ancestors seemed to have links with hunting in the forests and using guns for protection at their times and hence the relevance of these in our homes. These are also usually handed down from generations and are polished on certain festive occasions. The smell of the camphor and incense sticks filled the air making the room feel holy and calm. I bowed my head with joined hands to pay my respects to the Goddess and walked onto the doorway leading to the next room which was the dining room.

The left corner of the dining room leads to the worship space and the attic. Further down the doorway lead to the portico at the back of the house, a place where family could sit after a meal, chatting with each other or relaxing or just spending some time with self. The path along the portico lead to the biggest kitchen which housed a second dining room, similar to the ones we see in those cowboy movies, and the air with the smell of the wild greenery outside and the honey and the marmalade trees and the smell of burning wood used for cooking and heating water and the sound of churning butter out of fresh fat milk.

It is a custom to visit our ancestral home before the girl of the house is married off. I was visiting the place after 20 long years (or maybe more since I don’t remember the exact last visit). I have my grandmother and my dad with me. Lot of thing had changed in our lives. I was now standing in front of the same pathway along the kaccha road, we walked along, to take a look at our home, nothing was the same now. The pathway seemed too long and barren and dull. No flowering pots, no trees, just sand and stones and dry leaves that flew along with the wind from nowhere. The end of the pathway was reached. The house was in ruins, nothing was left of it except partially broken walls and dust surrounding it. The legal case was still on and so everything that was being done on the house was stopped. I had tears in my eyes. I never ever expected to see this house in ruins. Nothing could be done to bring back to what it was, the way my ancestors had built it. It was heart breaking. But I promise and hope to make it mine someday, once the legal battle is done. And I will do all I can to restore it to make my ancestor proud of what they left us.

My very first baby step

Hi All,

This is my very first baby step towards blogging. I am truly excited and really hoping to be able to reach out to as many of you as possible with this step.

To tell you all something more about me, I am a qualified chartered accountant by profession and working for a reputed organization in my field. But with all this I still feel that this is not enough. The sky is the limit, right? But how do I get to that very ‘sky’ and ‘stars’ is something I still have not figured out for myself. I have been doing what I have been doing in my profession for the last 7 years and always feel that something exciting is going to happen today and then it never happens. Through this ‘baby step’ that I have taken I would like to explore, learn, communicate ideas, thoughts and experiences and maybe this way I will finally be able to figure out what’s that something which will lead me to that very sky and stars.

Hoping to interact with as many as I could no matter what profession, skills, talents and part of our world.