World Cup Cricket 2011

Congrats India for bringing back home the world cup after 28 years!!!

(pic taken from net)*

Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010

Welcome to the Common Wealth Games Delhi, India
India warmly welcomes you to the 19th Common Wealth Games 2010

India back to limelight after the successful and staggering inauguration of the 19th Commonwealth Games which kick started on 3rd of October 2010. Followed by the spectacular ceremony, Indian athletes are already in a high on the third day today, listed second to Australia in the Medals Tally. Hope the coming days will see more cheer to Indian athletes and nation as well.

(pic from net)*

Ayodhya

WE are not complete without U and I. A very creative poster.
The verdict from Allahabad court was timely, apt yet diplomatic.

Coming straight to the point, Ram resides in the hearts of the people and not in Ayodhya. A temple in that very same place is not necessary as we worship him for centuries not because he is born in Ayodhya, but for his virtues and practices. Moreover it’s quite obvious; we don’t have any solid proof, to say that he is born in this particular 2X2 space. So no point in fighting each other and after all Muslim brethren here in India is again our own race and blood. Moreover the almost all ancestors of present day Muslims of India were Hindus and hence they are again our brothers and sisters in one way or other.

On the other hand our Indian Muslim brethren, can extend their support and do a bit for a peaceful co-existence. Unlike any other places, Ayodhya being sentimentally attached to Hindus for centuries, and the present mosque like structure was constructed on the remains of an old temple; a new temple for Ram coming up in place of this present structure is nothing wrong. The support from Muslim brethren would strengthen the bond and relationship of each other for centuries to come.

My Verdict

Demolish the temple and mosque to ground level. Let the Government of India take over the land. A huge public park with lots of trees is the best thing to do. Perhaps a public Hospital or a public Library is also a good idea. Even the above said leads one to God. Here in this country we have enough Temples, Mosques and Churches. We have a lot more to do to set straight the basic amenities of many under privileged millions in this country and yes of course God exist among them. It’s high time we need to work even harder for the progress of this nation and not just religion alone. Here we have to learn a lesson or two from China.

Jai Hind!

(pic taken from net)*

Guess whose resume is this?

EDUCATION /Qualification:
1950: Stood first in BA (Hons), Economics, Punjab University, Chandigarh ,
1952; Stood first in MA (Economics), Punjab University , Chandigarh ,
1954; Wright's Prize for distinguished performance at St John's College, Cambridge,
1955 and 1957; Wrenbury scholar, University of Cambridge ,
1957; DPhil ( Oxford ), DLitt (Honoris Causa); PhD thesis on India 's export competitiveness

OCCUPATION /Teaching Experience :
Professor (Senior lecturer, Economics, 1957-59;
Reader, Economics, 1959-63;
Professor, Economics, Punjab University , Chandigarh , 1963-65;
Professor,International Trade, Delhi School of Economics,University of Delhi,1969-71 ;
Honorary professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University ,New Delhi,1976 and Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi ,1996 and Civil Servant

Working Experience/ POSITIONS :
1971-72: Economic advisor, ministry of foreign trade
1972-76: Chief economic advisor, ministry of finance
1976-80: Director, Reserve Bank of India ;
Director, Industrial Development Bank of India;
Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, Asian Development Bank;
Alternate governor for India, Board of governors, IBRD
November 1976 - April 1980: Secretary, ministry of finance (Department of economic affairs);
Member, finance, Atomic Energy Commission; Member,finance, Space Commission
April 1980 - September 15, 1982 : Member-secretary, Planning Commission
1980-83: Chairman , India Committee of the Indo-Japan joint study committee
September 16, 1982 - January 14, 1985 : Governor, Reserve Bank of India .
1982-85: Alternate Governor for India , Board of governors, International Monetary Fund
1983-84: Member, economic advisory council to the Prime Minister
1985: President, Indian Economic Association
January 15, 1985 - July 31, 1987 : Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission
August 1, 1987 - November 10, 19! 90: Secretary-general and commissioner,
south commission, Geneva
December 10, 1990 - March 14, 1991 : Advisor to the Prime Minister on economic affairs
March 15, 1991 - June 20, 1991 : Chairman, UGC
June 21, 1991 - May 15, 1996 : Union finance minister
October 1991: Elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam on Congress ticket
June 1995: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha
1996 onwards: Member, Consultative Committee for the ministry of finance
August 1, 1996 - December 4, 1997: Chairman, Parliamentary standing committee on commerce
March 21, 1998 onwards: Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha
June 5, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on finance
August 13, 1998 onwards: Member, committee on rules
Aug 1998-2001: Member, committee of privileges 2000 onwards: Member, executive committee, Indian parliamentary group
June 2001: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha
Aug 2001 onwards: Member, general purposes committee

BOOKS:
India 's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth -
Clarendon Press, Oxford University , 1964; also published a large number of articles in various economic journals.

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Adam Smith Prize, University of Cambridge , 1956
Padma Vibhushan, 1987
Euro money Award, Finance Minister of the Year, 1993;
Asia money Award, Finance Minister of the Year for Asia, 1993 and 1994

INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS:
1966: Economic Affairs Officer
1966-69: Chief, financing for trade section, UNCTAD
1972-74: Deputy for India in IMF Committee of Twenty on
International Monetary Reform
1977-79: Indian delegation to Aid-India Consortium Meetings
1980-82: Indo-Soviet joint planning group meeting
1982: Indo-Soviet monitoring group meeting
1993: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Cyprus 1993: Human Rights World Conference, Vienna

RECREATION :
Gymkhana Club, New Delhi; Life Member, India International Centre,
New Delhi

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Dr. Manmohan Singh.....
(Prime Minister of India)

The Dalai Lama

Why is the big hue and cry in China when Dalai Lama enters Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh is and always an integral part of India and Dharamsala in Himachal will continue to be a Buddhist center.

Dalai Lama being such a great Messenger Of Peace is always welcome to Arunachal.

If the chinese premiers are allowed and invited over the years to visit India why not a Spiritual Guru to his ‘own place'?

A Guru who preaches World Peace and moreover who live and consider India his home for the last few decades after his exile in 1959 by the chinese from Tibet should never be restricted anywhere irrespective of nations.

It is not china but India will decide who all are allowed to enter this nation. Deployment of Military by china across the Sino-Indian border area reflects the arrogance and attitude the autocratic rulers of china posses.

It would be better if china remembers that muscle flexing is not the order of the day and neither India the same as it was in 1962…................

India being a democratic, socialist, secular sovereign nation, the people of India is free to follow any religion and practice per their wish and will. And hence being free thinkers, India may invite Monks, Priests, Mullahs and Pastors from all over the world to Indian soil and no nation, however influential or arrogant, has the right to question the secularist framework of this country.

Jai Hind!

Outstanding cricketing wonder Krishna Narayan

Have a look at this 4 year old wonder kid, Krishna Narayan playing awesome shots just like a trained cricketer. He plays each and every shot with great style and elagance. And yes; too perfect for his age. The senior Indian cricket team can watch this VDO before taking their opponents.

Hope he will be representing the nation the earliest

God Bless!

"Not My Job" :)

The best "Not My Job" award this year goes to that picture!!! lol

Not sure who clicked this. Got it through a forwarded mail. But it is a very funny yet serious snap that throws light to the attitude of a few who never go beyond their 'limits'. ;-)

Goa trip

Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area, located on the west coast of India with the Arabian Sea as its western coast. Panaji or Panjim is the state capital and Konkani the official language, though English is widely used here, than any other state in India.


Goa is very rich in bio-diversity, lovely beeches and a multi-cultural society which is totally different from any other state.


This is our team and we had this tour last year. Fl: Justin, Jana, Pat, Naga and Julian
Note: Whenever you come across a good picture here, don't think twice. Of course! it is taken by our awesome lens man and South Korean Manager, Justin :)


Beach side hotel - Miramar Residency Hotel where we stayed


At Miramar Residency Hotel restaurant at the end of the day!


A lovely scenery on the way......

The Portuguese under Vasco Da Gama first landed in Calicut (KERALA) in 1498, and had their major presence in trade in the initial stages, and slowly started influencing in the administrative level in many regions of Kerala and it continued for about 160 years. This had in fact, changed the cultural, socio-economic face of Kerala and they had extended their presence in many parts of India and finally made Goa their Head Quarters

These wonderful Portuguese style Villas are seen all the way on both sides of the road
(And this pic is not taken by any of us)

Many historic places around Goa, like the city of Margao still exhibit the influence of Portuguese culture. The Portuguese first landed in Goa with the intention of Trade, in the early 16th century, and later conquered it.

Fontainhas is a protected area in Panjim for its old architecture. People living in the houses can only renovate the insides - the outside look has to be left as it is.

Roman Catholicism reached Goa during the period of European colonization, and with the establishment of Goa Inquisition in 1560, by the Portuguese, a major portion of the Goan population 'became'(can also read 'converted') Roman Catholic and they are the majority in Goan population.

The Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the then ruling king of Goa, in 1510, with the help of a local ally, which led to the permanent settlement in Goa. The Portuguese ruled Goa for about 450 years, until it was took over by India in the year 1961.
In between the Portuguese had fight with the British in 1800’s for possession of territory and power as well.


The splendid Holy Spirit Church in Goa

Goa is very famous for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage structures and architecture all around Goa
A few centuries old festival, the Goan Carnival, is a must see and the largest tourist attraction. And the New Year’s celebration in Goa is the best in the country.
Old Goa is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its magnificent buildings and churches


The magnificent Se Cathedral Constructed in 1562 and art gallery

The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a local ruler, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Constructed in 1562, it originally had two towers, and one caved in 1776 and was never recreated.Many churches were constructed on the sites where century old temples existed!


The well-crafted and amazing interiors of the church


Basilica of Bom Jesus - This marvelous World Heritage Monument was constructed in 1594

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Old Goa, holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
It is said that the body of Francis Xavier was as clean and fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint still draw a huge number of devotees, both Christian and non-Christian alike, from across the world.

The body of St Francis Xavier died on 3rd December 1552; kept inside the Church

His body is kept for public viewing every 10 years; the last being held in 2004. Though it is kept in a well decorated coffer, it is open to the public everyday. The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country and abroad as well.


Murals of Goa - Art work inside Basilica of Bom Jesus


The interiors




Shri Mangueshi Temple, Goa built in 1543

Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva is a 400-year-old structure which stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant architecture. This temple actually had its origins in another village which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543 and was not in this form. The Hindus felt insecured and shifted it to the present location at Mangeshim. But then, by 1764 the Portuguese captured this present location as well, though by now, the initial religious zeal was not there and it remained untouched as the Portuguese had refined and become more 'tolerant'


Shantadurga temple built in 1728

Like Shri Mangesh temple, the original site of Sri Shantadurga temple is also not the present location. To avoid the increasing Portuguese missionary activities in Goa, the Hindus were afraid for the safety of the temples and idols. Hence, on a moonless night, leaving their homes and hearths crossed over the Zuari River to a safer region..


Our team in front of The Sahakari Spice Farm Fl; Pat, Naresh, Naga, Julian, me and Jana

A place for relaxation under the dense forest cover, an aroma of a variety of genuine spices coming from the trees grown around the farm, lots of knowledge, guidance on the tupe of species and treatment for various diseases, sumtuous lunch in traditional Goan style, and other modes of entertainment, all this and more to add to a cherishable day at Sahakari Spice Farm.


A small wooden bridge inside the farm


Pouring Medicine water on Justin's back








Naresh, Me, Julian and Naga


Back Home :)

A Better Tomorrow

A wonderful video sent to me by a friend. By thinking positive, our entire life can make a difference in the right direction and in everything we say and do.....Positive thoughts make positive changes in one and thereby see a positive change in the world; and to make the world a better place. And this VDO shows the sensible face of Will which many of us are not aware of.

How to make Puttu (Steamed Rice Flour Cake) ?

Puttu is a very tasty and tummy filling breakfast from Kerala. Made out of rice flour, it is cooked with the help of a Puttu maker. Puttu maker is a steamer which is cylindrical in shape. Instant puttu mix is also available these days. The more the coconut is used the more tastier. Puttu goes well with kadala curry as its side dish.

Raw Rice : 2 cups
Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup
Elachi powder/ cardamom powder : 1 tsp
sugar : 1/4 cup ( according to your sweet level)
salt : 2 tsp
water : To sprinkle

1.Soak the rice for three hours.
And leave it in a strainer and let it drain or if u have a thin cloth spread the rice in it or spread it in a plate.
3.When it’s dry grind them in a mixer to get fine flour.
4.Heat the powder in a pan for 5 minutes and keep stirring it while it’s heating.
5.Cool the fried powder.
6.Now add salt in some boiled water.
7.Sprinkle this water into the rice powder and gently fold the rice (don’t add lots of water).
8.Make sure the rice is in powder form and not in dough .
9.Now steam the rice flour in idli cooker ( put a thin muslin cloth in the idli cooker plate and put the rice flour in it).or you can use puttumaker instead of idli plates.
10.After that its done remove from heat and transfer it to a bowl.
11.Add sugar, shredded coconut and elachi/cardamom powder and mix it well.
12.Now!!! Get ready to gulp;)…….Serve it hot……

Serve with Kadala curry, Pappad, Cooked green gram, Banana and Sugar (and in the above picture, it is payaru curry and not kadala curry)
Enjoy ;-)



This is for lunch ;-)

The Veins

They are not just the 'veins' of papaya leafs, but of mother earth too. And hence, the clean sky high above and pure air all around...


The smiling rose


'Bug'ing a jackfruit


Wells were 'signs of wellness' a few years back(and fortunately even today in many places) and new kids in the block see a well only when they open their text book to read 'Jack and Jill' rhyme


My old cycle in the backyard still standing tall ;-)


Can u see a lamp somewhere there ??


Under the shade of.....


This is called Elephant lamp; made out of bronze, a pretty old 'treasure' which Ma preserves :)

Vedic Perspective On The Environment - by K.N.Sharma

The World Environment Day theme this year exhorts people to help combat climate change for our collective survival. It is interesting to know that the ancient Vedas have several references in them on environmental protection, ecological balance, weather cycles, rainfall phenomena, hydrologic cycle, and related subjects that directly indicate the high level of awareness of the seers and people of that time.

Ancient treasures of vast knowledge reveal a full cognizance of the undesirable effects of environmental degradation, whether caused by natural factors or human activities. The protection of the environment was understood to be closely related to the protection of the dyaus or heavens and prithvi or earth. Between these two lies the atmosphere and the environment that we refer to as the paryavaran. Many of the Rig Vedic hymns therefore vividly describe the Dyava Prithvi – that is, they describe Heaven and Earth together.

The Rig Veda venerates deities like Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Maruts and Aditya, that are responsible for maintaining the requisite balance in the functioning of all entities of Nature whether the mountains, lakes, heaven and earth, the forests or the waters. Seers recognised that changes caused due to indiscreet human activities could result in imbalances in seasons, rainfall patterns, crops and atmosphere and degrade the quality of water, air, and earth resources.

There are many hymns seeking the blessings of the five basic gross elements or the pancha mahabhoota of Nature: akashor firmament, vayu or air, agni, tejas or fire, apah or water, and prithvi or earth. People were careful to refrain from activities that could cause harm to Nature’s bounties. It was understood that the wellbeing of Mother Earth depended on the preservation and sustenance of the environment. For any inadvertent action leading to earth’s excessive exploitation the seers prayed for forgiveness – “Whatever I dig from thee, O Earth, may that have quick recovery again. O purifier, may we not injure thy vitals or thy heart”. The seers of Rig Veda speak on behalf of earth for its principle of replenishment – “You give me and I give you”.

The Rig Veda makes a clear reference to the presence of a protective layer – which we know now to be the ozone layer – that filters the harmful rays of the sun and protects the earth and praises the radiation that enters the atmosphere that is responsible for the health of the environment. In a hymn of the Rig Veda the seer prays to the Ashvins for their indulgence for protection against any excessive solar flares that also affect earth’s temperature.

All four major Vedas – the Rig, Sama, Yajur and Atharva Vedas – recognise the importance of maintenance of the seasons’ cycles that are likely to get altered due to the climate change owing to inappropriate human actions. It is remarkable that the people in Vedic times regarded Nature and the environment in a holistic manner and revered each of its constituents and entities by carefully preserving them. “Do not harm the environment; do not harm the water and the flora; earth is my mother, I am her son; may the waters remain fresh, do not harm the waters… Tranquillity be to the atmosphere, to the earth, to the waters, to the crops and vegetation.” This Vedic prayer invokes divine intervention to bless and protect the environment.

By K N Sharma

A beautiful article by K.N.Sharma which is published by TOI.

As usual, TOI continues their success story in finding out the gems for their Editorial contents. Kudos to both TOI and K.N.Sharma

Sketches by Ma - Part II

The_Morning_Fortune


The_Dancing_Flowers


Four_Lamps_Protecting_The_Core_
from_Surrounded_Outlanders


Four_Lotus_And_Stem

Thank You
Nara
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