Srimad Bhagavad Gita: It’s More Than A Scripture! It’s Realization Simplified!!
Srimad Bhagavad-Gita: It’s Realization Simplified!
You rarely get a chance to listen about glories of Lord in Kaliyuga. It’s manifestation of grace, sign of good fortune, and blessings of great souls that you come to hear about tales of Lord from people dealing in supreme knowledge found In Indian scriptures. That’s how I felt while attending a seminar held at Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, which dealt with discussion pertaining to Srimad Bhagvad Gita in light of human values, spiritual values and equality among all religions.
Many distinguished speakers expressed their views which included Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, Honourable Governor of West Bengal; Vibhav Bhushan Tripathi, former Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh; Justice Rajesh Tandon, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Uttarakhand; Justice Sakharam (retd); Dr Devendra Kumar Tiwari, Advocate, Allahabad High Court, Allahabad, and Shri Rishikant Pandey, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad. The event was held under aegis of “Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being” which is being run by Shri Satish Chandra Upadhyay, Advocate, Allahabad High Court. The event was also attended by Shri Janak Pandey, former Vice Chancellor, Bihar Central University and Shri R K Ojha, President, Allahabad High Court Bar Association, Allahabad. However, it was pretty unfortunate that constraints of time did not allow Janak Pandey to express his views. Mr. R S Verma ( retd IAS ) presented the vote of thanks on this occasion in a heartfelt way.
Pandit Keshari Nath Tripathi: A profound and influential speaker on matters pertaining to Indian scriptures!
I had never heard Mr Keshari Nath Tripathi before but I have been quiet aware of his oratory skills. He is a profound and influential speaker on matters pertaining to Indian scriptures besides, of course, being legal expert of great stature. His keynote address did not disappoint us. It was an engrossing talk related with significance of Bhagavad Gita in modern times. He hailed it as scripture that in essence dealt with significance of knowledge from various level of thoughts. He referred to fact that knowledge of cosmic affairs is better than earthly knowledge pertaining to life sciences. In other words, he was referring to supremacy of metaphysics over physics! That’s not surprising since ancient Hindu scriptures like Upanishads have talked about distinction between Para Vidya ( Higher Knowledge ) and Apara Vidya ( Lower Knowledge). It’s not inappropriate if one excels in earthly knowledge but it’s better that if having attained human life one devotes it to study of higher knowledge.
In regard to supremacy of this higher knowledge one needs to recollect words of Swami Vivekanand: ” Western Scholars are now striving to understand this ideal which is enshrined in our Sanskrit literature and philosophy, and which has been the characteristic of India all through the ages.” I must say this term “knowledge”, especially “Higher Knowledge” is not interchangeable with term “education”. Education nowadays is a medium to generate money than imparting refined knowledge which draws you towards your “real self”
Mr Keshari Nath emphasized upon the fact that had life ended on what we treat as “death” the terms like “Moksha” ( liberation ) would have sounded defunct. However, that’s not the case. There is life after death and if that’s the case one is bound to find meaning in Srimad Bhagvad Gita. In his eyes, it’s quite striking about Srimad Bhagavad Gita that it does not try to disown antithetical views. It tries to assimilate views contradictory to the views expressed by Lord Krishna. That’s the supreme beauty of Srimad Bhagvad Gita which with Upanishads and Brahma Sutras constitute Prasthanatrayi Texts in Hindu Philosophy. He gave example of Mahabharata Age that each day at the end of war fought at Kurukshetra, the army heads belonging to Pandvas and Kuaravas visited camps of each other. Mr Keshari Nath sounds well that relevance of this scripture is not limited to mere troubled times but it’s also a scripture meant to improve the affairs of life in stable period. He ended his speech on this thought-provoking idea that one needs to ascertain what really Parabrhman is all about whenever Lord highlight his supremacy by hailing himself or his “I” as Parabhrahman?
Assistant Professor Rishikant Pandey: He finds its amazing that Srimad Bhagvad Gita got portrayed as ultimate treatise of different branches of Indian philosophy!
Professor Rishikant Pandey referred to the philosophical dimensions present in Srimad Bhagvad Gita. He finds its amazing that same scripture got portrayed as ultimate treatise of different branches of Indian philosophy! Sri Adi Sankara treated it as epitome of Advaita ( Non-dualism ). Sri Ramanujacharya perceived it to be the ideal scripture for followers of Bhakti Marga ( path of devotion ). In modern times, thinkers like Bal Gangdhar Tilak and Swami Vivekananda popularized it as scripture hinting at supremacy of Karma ( action ). Quoting an episode from the life of Swami Vivekananda he said it was a scripture which is associated with deeper realization than mere academic interception. Swami Vivekananda once met a person whom he noticed was reading Gita holding it upside down. When he inquired about it, the man gave a wonderful answer: “It’s a scripture not meant for casual reading! It’s only about intense realization.” Professor Pandey referring to religious tolerance said that all religions need to seen as various routes to reach the same destination. He appreciated the insights of Lord Krishna by stating that Krishna never asks anybody to discard his/her style of worshiping, but, on the contrary, He strengthens faith of devotees in whatever path they select!! However, it’s better if the seekers learn to appreciate the “Will of Lord” instead of acting on par with their whims and fancies.
Vibhav Mani Tripathi, constitutional expert and former advocate general, said that whether one chooses Bhakti Marga or Nishkama Karma Marga ( Selfless Action ) the final resting point gets revealed with dawn of Higher knowledge.
Vibhav Mani Tripathi, constitutional expert and former advocate general, reiterated precepts shared by Professor Pandey in a finer way. He said that whether one chooses Bhakti Marga or Nishkama Karma Marga ( Selfless Action ) the final resting point gets revealed with dawn of Higher knowledge. In other words, there is no liberation or realization without one embracing Higher knowledge. No wonder in eyes of Lord Krishna a “Gyani Bhakta” ( a knowledge-oriented devotee ) is most dear to Him! “Nahi Jnanena sadrusham pavitram iha vidyate-certainly, there is no purifier in this world like Knowledge” ( Bhagvad Gita 4.38 )
Justice Rajesh Tandon talked about the relevance of this scripture in light of his experiences. He said that increasing cases of violation of human rights could be curbed if one gets in tune with human values highlighted in Srimad Bhagvad Gita! We need better human values since their absence has ensured that poor people reel under unspeakable issues!! Justice Sakharam also referred to increasing relevance of this scripture by drawing parallel to verses found in Mundaka Upanishad! Dr Devendra Kumar Tiwari while speaking about objectives and mission of “Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being” informed that real inspiration came from Swami Harihar Ji Maharaj. He informed us that besides creating awareness about this Holy Text at worldwide level, the Gita Mission was also involved in public welfare schemes like planting saplings!
Sawmi Hari Har Maharaj Ji: Spreading the message of Lord Krishna is the ultimate goal of life! He is known for establishing Geeta Centers across the globe!
I can’t end this write-up without sharing with readers interesting insights shared by Satish Chandra Upadhyay, President, Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being. He informed that during one of his conversations with Swami Harihar Ji Maharaj he was surprised to know that Srimad Bhagvad Gita had something to offer about state of mind of judge! That sounds interesting since right now Supreme Court is very seriously involved in improving its collegium system. Srimad Bhagavd Gita states that a person interested in emerging as perfect justice should be owner of detached mind, ferociously concerned with nothing else other than cause of justice. We all know that Srimad Bhagvad Gita has laid great emphasis on equanimity! Gautam Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will.” That’s what we need in an ideal judge!!
Mr Upadhyay said that Srimad Bhagvad Gita has given birth to psychological theories prevailing in our times. It provided inspiration to great souls like Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo. In fact, one can’t achieve the “supramental consciousness” mentioned by Sri Aurobindo if one has no clue about ideas expressed in Srimad Bhagvad Gita! Mr Upahdyay rightly stated that ultimate meaning of “Adhyatma” or spirituality is to get situated in one’s “Great Self” lying in our inner being. That would make us “Sthitpragya” ( attainment of equanimity when one gets in tune with Higher Self ). Let’s hope all seekers attain this state as early as possible to make journey of life a fruitful affair!
Writer of this post, Advocate Arvind K. Pandey, with Advocate Satish Chandra Upadhyay, President, Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being.
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Pics Credit:
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More pics related with the event:
The event was organized at Mehta Auditorium , Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad.
Justice Rajesh Tandon, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Uttarakhand, delivering his lecture.
Justice Sakharam addressing the audience.
Dr Devendra Kumar Tiwari with Advocate Satish Chandra Upadhyay, President, Gita Mission For Cosmic Well- Being!
Writer of this post with his long time friend Advocate Shashikant Kushwaha. He is known for spreading Hindi at Allahabad High Court. I must say he is a selfless worker- a genuine follower of Nishkama Karma Yoga. This time too I found his name was missing from the card of the programme even as he was one of the key persons involved with this event. And I noticed that he did not create ruckus about it!!
Hindi Is Strengthening Indo-Israel Relations Even As Indians Flirt With English!
Aavartan Research Journal In Tandem With Gorakhpur University Organized A Seminar In Gorakhpur For The Promotion Of Hindi. It Was Attended By Students Of Tel Aviv University, Israel, along with Dr. Genady Shlomper – Hindi Instructor at Tel Aviv University. Pic Source: Aavartan
( First published in Northern India Patrika, October 11, 2014)
Last month Aavratan, a reputed research journal, organized a seminar in coordination with Deen Dayal Upadhyay University situated in Gorakhpur. This Gorakhpur based research journal in the past has published excellent papers revealing lesser known facets of critical issues. The seminar was dedicated to promotion of Hindi- the official language of India. The star attraction of the event was the presidential speech by Dr. Genadi Shlomper, who happened to be Hindi Instructor at East Asia Department, Tel Aviv University, Israel. It was a pretty interesting experience to hear from Dr.Genadi about his involvement with Hindi during formative years of his career. It was evident from his speech that even if Hindi has failed to emerge as national language of India, it has emerged as an International language like its counterpart Spanish and English.
His insights proved to be an eye-opener for huge crowd which had gathered there to listen a foreign visitor throwing light on worth of dealing in Hindi! After all, despite constitutional obligations Hindi has failed to get status of national language. Even in routine life of an average Indian enjoying upper middle class stature Hindi enjoys position of illegitimate wife! Indians have beaten Englishmen in exhibiting their love for Victorian ideals and, of course, for English. Besides Dr. Genady, listeners also had a wonderful opportunity to hear Israeli students pursuing Hindi language course at Tel Aviv University. Offir Mizrahi, Tal Gorsky, Matan Massika, Yakir Dahari, Alexandra Fer and Adi Fischer who were visiting various parts of India to understand the essence of Hindi in more refined manner had so many interesting tales to narrate regarding their experiences which they gathered during their current visit.
Dr Genady Shlomper, who is credited with introducing Hindi in Israeli Universities, loves to visit India so as to enable his students have first-hand-experience of Indian culture. That in his eyes would make his students grasp the intricacies associated with Hindi language in a better way. Informing about the curriculum associated with Hindi he said that at initial stages more stress is laid on making students familiar with script and grammar rules. The students who wish to pursue Hindi more seriously can get enrolled in third year of three-year graduation course. At this stage it needs to be informed that a student has to learn at least one Asian language as one of the subjects in first two years. However, he made it clear that government does not get involved in framing the curriculum. Above all, the students who wish to learn languages are primarily guided by career concerns instead of being charmed by the intrinsic beauty of ay language. Interestingly, Hindi is easy to grasp but once Israeli students become face-to-face with grammar the enthusiasm gets a big jolt!
Writer With Professor Dr. Genady Shlomper And Hindi Students Of Israel At Gorakhpur University. Pic Source: Genady Shlomper
Dr. Genady, who got fascinated with Hindi since Tashkent days, said Universities in Russia in those days had no course specifically meant for Hindi learning. However, Urdu was being taught as one of the languages. He had no other option left other than to select Urdu. In those days there were also no books for learning these languages and students had to rely on lectures delivered by Professors in class. Finally, during one of his visits to India he managed to get hold of books related with Hindi. One of the reason he selected Hindi was that in eyes of his mentors it provided greater opportunity for career growth. Even in our times as India is on the verge of emerging economic superpower, learning Hindi widens the scope of landing your dream job. More and more foreign companies are entering in Indian markets to promote their brands. That means increased role of translators in the grand scheme of things primarily controlled by Capitalism!
Dr Genady finally moved to Israel from Russia to ensure a better future for himself. Ironically, students accompanying Dr. Genady had some bitter truths to share pertaining to materialistic world in the process of unfolding their love for Hindi. Yakir Dahari, a die-hard fan of Hindi movies, hit hard at the prevalent corruption in Israel. Citing India’s war against corruption, led by Anna Hazare, Yakir informed that youths in Israel have also waged a war against corrupt institutions, which had resulted in ouster of influential people from public domain. Adi Fisher, a married Israeli student, says that living a decent life has become a herculean task. She has delayed the birth of child so as to ensure better days! In fact, costly living standards have forced the youths to share the home built by their parents since owning a separate house in limited income is virtually impossible. In lighter vein, Alexandara’s sweet gestures on Bollywood numbers along with other Israeli students gave clue about the rocking presence of Indian movies in distant lands! It was an unique experience to see them singing a gem from classic era: Babuji Dheere Chalna Pyar Mein Zara Sambhalana!
The Students Had The Opportunity To Visit Various Places In India Rich In Cultural Terms. Right Now They Are At Sangam, Allahabad! Pic Source: Genady Shlomper
Israel continues to inspire Indians in one more way. Its aggressive stance against countries trying to sabotage its sovereignty appeals a lot to sentiments of Indian people who wish India to adopt similar line of action. Dr. Genady had to face barrage of questions in this regard much against his desire to be above controversial issues. He was interested in being seen as a professor involved in promotion of Hindi instead of being seen as a political analyst. He cleverly avoided all such disturbing questions but not without mentioning that not all Israelis agree with tough stand of Israel government against enemy nations. There are serious differences making it clear that opinion of people differ from the ones who rule the government. Whatever be the truth, Indian students who had gathered to interact with Dr. Genady were keen to know from him the elements that have gone into the making of an average Israeli committed to defend Israel at any cost! The questions from students give a clue about it. One student asked: Are students trained that way from the beginning? Another asked: Is the curriculum framed that way which ensures the rise of ferocious nationalists?
Dr. Genady is convinced that Hindi is going to strengthen its impact in coming days. It’s going to make its presence felt in a big way in International arena. What he does not realize that in India it’s losing its charm. Newer distortions like “Hinglish” and mindless aping of global values have made Hindi attain an object of ridicule in fast-growing middle class. It’s really unfortunate that Indians feel more pride in speaking wrong English than speaking flawless standard Hindi. That’s the reason why speaking courses in English are hot favourite among Indian students. It’s amazing that even after so many years of India’s independence the Central government is clueless about true status of Hindi in India. It continues to create ambiguity between “national language” and “official language”! The southern states continue to see introduction of Hindi not as something inspired by love for country but something arising of politics of language! That makes it obvious that foreign scholars like Dr Genady Shlomper might be a source of inspiration to embrace Hindi in a substantive way, the will to respect Hindi has to come from Indians alone. Indians alone need to develop an atmosphere conductive for growth of Hindi in significant way both in Indian landscape and in foreign lands.
This write-up first appeared in Northern India Patrika, a news daily published from Allahabad, on October 11, 2014.
Reference:
A Brief Meeting With Dr. Genady Shlomper- Hindi Instructor In Israel!
हिंदी सिर्फ हमारी ही नहीं है: इजराइल के हिंदी प्रेमियों के संग गुज़ारे कुछ यादगार लम्हे!
Gorakhpur: A City That Showed Israeli Students Ideal Merger Of Cultural And Literary Values (Photo Feature)
Journeys, whether long or short, always teach you something. For writers like us they are the best means to rise above writer’s block. Last month I happened to visit Gorakhpur, situated in underdeveloped eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, to attend a seminar organized by Aavartan Magazine devoted to quality research pertaining to social and environmental concerns. This research journal in the past has published excellent papers which have revealed lesser known facets of critical issues. This time Aavratan organized a seminar in coordination with Deen Dayal Upadhyay University situated in Gorakhpur. The seminar was dedicated to promotion of Hindi- the official language of India. The star attraction of the event was the presidential speech by Dr. Genadi Shlomper, who happened to be Hindi Instructor at East Asia Department, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
It was a pretty interesting experience to hear from Dr.Genadi about his involvement with Hindi during formative years of his career. His insights proved to be an eye-opener for huge crowd which had gathered there to listen a foreign visitor throwing light on worth of dealing in Hindi! After all, despite constitutional obligations Hindi has failed to get status of national language. Even in routine life of an average Indian enjoying upper middle class stature Hindi enjoys position of illegitimate wife! Indians have beaten Englishmen in exhibiting their love for Victorian ideals and, of course, for English. Besides Dr. Genady, listeners also had a wonderful opportunity to hear Israeli students pursuing Hindi language course at Tel Aviv University. Offir Mizrahi, Tal Gorsky, Matan Massika, Yakir Dahari, Alexandra Fer and Adi Fischer who were visiting various parts of India to understand the essence of Hindi in more refined manner had so many interesting tales to narrate regarding their experiences which they gathered during their current visit.
The photo feature specifically deals with places which I came to visit along with Israeli delegation comprising of students. We were mainly interested in seeing places around Gorakhpur rich in cultural terms. That included Gorakhnath Temple, Kushinagar associated with cremation of Gautam Buddha and Maghar which marks the spot of Kabir’s cremation. Gorakhpur has literary significance as well since great literary personalities like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’ were associated with this city. Ageyeya was born in Kushinagar district.
Overall, it was a rewarding trip since it enlightened both head and heart. It’s time to let pictures tell the whole story about the various episodes of this beautiful journey. Interestingly, Dr. Genady was reluctant to tour this city since the place lacked desired cultural value. However, at the end of visit, he appeared to be overwhelmed after witnessing glorious facets of Indian history at such isolated places in this region especially temple and tomb of Kabeer standing adjacent to each other!
It’s always a good thing for a human soul to have glimpse of the world outside from a train’s window 🙂
An important place! The Non-cooperation movement started by Mahatma Gandhi ended abruptly due to violent clash between the freedom fighters and Britishers at this place! That led to death of many policemen posted at police station when it was set ablaze on fire by the protestors.
Small Indian railway stations always fascinate me 🙂 Such a cute name: Gauri Bazaar 😛 😛
Gorakhpur Station. Felt Happy On Being Land Of Great Yogi Gorakhnath Ji 🙂
Another View Of Gorakhpur Station 🙂
A View Of Gorakhpur City 🙂
Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gorakhpur.
That’s U.G.C. Guest House Where We All Stayed During Aavartan’s Program Organised In Tandem With DDU University, Gorakhpur.
That’s how the day began for all of us each day during three day stay in Gorakhpur 🙂 All Of Us Enjoying Breakfast 🙂
Dr. Genady Making Alexandra Rehearse Her Lesson Before The Start Of Program At University 🙂
Ofir whose Hindi was better than others in discussion with Mr. Genady 🙂
Seminar Organized By Aavartan And DDU University In Progress At University’s Hindi Department 🙂
The Event Also Witnessed Release Of New Edition Of Research Journal Named Aavartan 🙂 Along With Professsors From Gorakhpur Univesrity One Could Also Notice Dr. Genady Shlomper, Vaibhav Mani Tripathi And Editor-In-Chief Of This Journal Dr. Shafique Ahmed!
Mainstream Hindi Newspapers Gave Proper Coverage To This Event 🙂
In My Eyes This Billboard Explains Why Hindi Never Gets Proper Place In India! This Poster Was Displayed Not Very Far From Gorakhpur University 😛
But I hope these beautiful souls from Israel will keep loving Hindi 🙂 From Left: Matan Massika, Adi Fischer, Yakir Dahari, Tal Gorsky and Ofir Mizrahi.
Inside Principal’s Office At Government School At Bhathat, Gorakhpur For Right Reasons 😛 Myself Right Behind Adi, Alexandra and Vaibhav Mani Tripathi Ji. Vaibhav Ji Played An Instrumental Role In Organising Most Of The Programmes During This Tour.
Highly Disciplined Students Of Patel Smarak Inter College Garlanding Israeli Hindi Students 🙂
Our Students Were Really Very Excited To Meet Foreign Students 🙂
Students Listening Very Consciously Speech Of Dr. Genady 🙂
This Inter College Has Lots Of Trees On Its Campus 🙂 A Good Job On Part Of College Administration!!
Greenery Prevailed On Road Leading To Bhathat From Gorakhpur!
Places Close To Bhathat Are Famous For Making Images Of Terracotta!
Beautiful Terracotta Images 🙂
Great Art 🙂
Terracotta’s Lord Krishna 😛
Shiva Carved With Help Of Terracotta 🙂
This Cute Ganesha Looked Very Charming 🙂
They are the makers of these beautiful images from terracotta! Hope Lord keeps these blessed souls truly happy 🙂
Outside Gorakhnath Temple 🙂
This Magnificent Temple Belongs To Nath Sampradaya Started By Yogi Matsyendranath 🙂
Beautiful Statues Of Various Yogis Inside The Temple 🙂
Impressive Statue Of Lord Shiva Placed Inside The Temple 🙂 Om Namah Shivay 🙂
That’s Bheem Ji In Sleeping Mudra Inside This Temple 🙂
That’s Lord Gorakhnath Maharaj 🙂 Jai Gorakhnath Baba Ki 🙂 Hope His Blessings Always Shows Yogis The Right Way 🙂
Beautiful Night Scene Inside Gorakhnath Temple 🙂
Gorakhpur Lies In Underdeveloped Part Of Uttar Pradesh But It Can Still Boast Of Good Hotels Offering Delicious Food 🙂
It would take a long time to erase memories of this togetherness with Mr. Genady And His Students 🙂
River Rapti 🙂
At Maghar 🙂 That’s Cremation Site Of Saint Kabir 🙂
We reached there during evening hours. Deep silence greeted us 🙂 -)
That’s Samadhi Site Of Saint Kabir!
Inside The Kabir Temple Built By The Hindus!
That’s Placed Inside This Temple 🙂
All Of Us In The Company Of Saint Kabir Ji 🙂
That’s Description About This Temple’s Origin 🙂
That’s The Structure Built By The Muslims Adjacent To This Temple Which Bears The Tomb Of Kabir!
Tomb Of Kabir Ji Placed Inside This Structure! It was relatively more peaceful site than temple where one could trace many visitors!
Before We Move To Kushinagar Let’s Taste This Shuddha Chane Ka Sattu 😛 😛 😛
Dr. Genady Dealing With Queries Of Students Of Buddha PG College Situated In Kushinagar! The Students Did Ask Thought- Provoking Questions!!For Instance What’s The Future Of Hindi In This Age? Dr. Genady Citing Increased Role Of Foreign Companies In India Expected Better Growth Of Hindi In Coming Days.
For Queries Posed By Alexandra In Hebrew All I Came To Say : I Don’t Know What You Say 😛 😛 😛
Found No Opportunity To Have Conversation With Fischer! However, I realized After Listening Her Speech At University That She Was Pretty Sensitive! And Yet As We Parted Ways At Railway Station On The Last Day She Made It Known: “Aapse Milkar Bahut Khushi Hui”. Me Too Felt The Same For Her 🙂 But With Realization That Modern World Is Not Made For Sensitive Souls!
At “Pathik Niwas” in Kushinagar 🙂 Shuddha Hindi is sometimes tongue twister 🙂 Anyway, this restaurant did not give the impression that it was run by government 😛 It was clean and service quite good 😛 😛 😛
All Of Us At Hotel Pathik Niwas In Kushinagar 😛
Hotel Pathik Niwas Exhibited Good Images Of Lord Buddha 🙂
Another Image Of Buddha At This Restaurant 🙂
However, I Noticed This Beautiful Krishna Painting At Anand’s House Who Is Teacher In Gorakhpur!
Standing Before Ramabhar Stupa In Kushinagar. It’s The Place Where Guatam Buddha Was Cremated Kushinagar is associated with Parinirvana of Gautam Buddha!
Inside Ramabhar Stupa 🙂
Ruins Of Stupa Inside Ramabhar Temple!
Tol Gorsky And Monk Under The Same Umbrella 😛
A Huge Peepal Tree Inside Japan-Sri Lankan Temple In Kushinagar!
Standing Before Japan- Sri Lankan Temple 🙂
Inside View Of Sri Lankan- Japan Temple! This is used as place for meditation. I saw many people meditating at this place.
Inside Mahaparinirvana Temple which hosts Reclining Buddha!
Standing Outside Mahaparinirvana Temple In Kushinagar 🙂
That’s Reclining Buddha! At This Place He Breathed His Last With Words “Behold now, brethren, I exhort you, saying , decay is inherent in all component things ! Work out your salvation with diligence”
This Reclining Statue Built Of Chunar Sandstone Was Discovered By Carlleyl in 1876.
This Huge Bell Placed Inside Mahaparinirvana Temple Always Manages To Capture The Attention Of Visitors 🙂
The Structures Unearthed During Excavation At This Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Mahaparinirvana Temple 🙂
Dr. Genady Capturing The Best Moments 🙂
I Came To Witness This Monk Lost In Meditation 🙂
Vaibhav Ji Leading From The Front 😛 Hope They All Remain On Right Track 😛 😛 😛
This Huge Tree Inside Mahaparinirvana Temple Caught My Attention 🙂 😛
That’s The Temple Built By Myanmar. It’s Called Burmese Pagoda!
Standing Before Burmese Pagoda In Kushinagar 🙂
Beautiful Entrance Of This Temple 🙂
Must Thank To Lord That I Found Myself In Land Of Buddha 🙂 Luckily, I have Also Been To Sarnath!
Glad To Be In Company Of Such Lovely Ancient Structures!
It’s Time To Bid Adieu 🙂 Glad That Our Togetherness Ended On A Happy Note 🙂
Hope We All Remain Together 🙂 India Has Always Been Close Ally Of Nations Like Russia And Israel! They Came And Sang For Us Some Popular Bollywood Songs To Mark Their Respect For Hindi. And So It Would Not Be Out Of Tune To Attribute This Song To All Of Them ” Jaaiyein Aap Kaha Jaayenge Ye Nazar Laut Ke Phir Aaayegi :-)” 🙂 🙂 🙂
Departure Makes One Sad! But We Seem To Be Smiling 🙂
Noticed These Children Of Lesser Gods Inside My Train’s Compartment! Beautiful Faces Mired In Pain!!
Reached In My Own Land! Journeys Always Make Me Feel We Depart To Meet Again 🙂 Hope To Find Beautiful Faces Once Again In Some Different Land In Some Different Time Period 🙂 🙂
Must Not Miss This Article In Hindi To Know More About This Indo-Israel Connection 😛
हिंदी सिर्फ हमारी ही नहीं है: इजराइल के हिंदी प्रेमियों के संग गुज़ारे कुछ यादगार लम्हे!
Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
I have no hesitation in admitting that Allahabad (ancient name Prayag) redefined my beingness.It made me down-to earth, allowing me to view life in its true shades. Although I tried my best to capture all the shades of Allahabad, I am sure I would have missed some beautiful locations. I hope future writers would explore these untouched places in a colourful way. However, in the last part of the photo feature, I have shifted my attention from modern landscape of Allahabad to areas which still remind of the ancient times. Infrastructural bottlenecks prevented me from using state-of-the-art technology in capturing the images and that made me bit depressed. However, now in the aftermath of the publication of photo features, I feel pretty satisfied that I still came to do some good work. These photo features are a tribute to great city Allahabad- my birthplace. A city that taught me how to emerge successful in rising above contradictions to have glimpse of the Absolute!
Such roads making their way through dusty colonies of Allahabad remind me of Varanasi! This road connects Anand Bhawan area with Katra. Katra is very poular among middle class section of Allahabad. It’s also most favourite destination of students; after all, it lies close to Allahabad University 🙂
Katra resembles Varanasi city in its style and mannerism!
It was cold and foggy when I came to visit Katra but observe the rush at this place. On ordinary days, this popular crossing at Katra is so full of people that traffic policemen are reduced to caricature of sorts while managing them!
This road needs no introduction for Allahabadis 😛 It’s University Road 🙂
One of the eminent hostels associated with Allahabad University. It’s named after Sir Sunder Lal, who in 1906 became the the first Indian Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University! He was by profession an advocate, who later also served as High Court Judge.
Right in front of one of the gates of Allahabad University-Oxford of the East !
One of the things which separates Allahabad University from Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi, is the quality of roads spread in University area 😛 😛 .. The streets adjacent to Benaras Hindu University are so much in love with potholes that while walking you have to look downwards all the time with fear ha..ha ..ha ..That’s not the case in Allahabad 😛 😛 😛
On The Campus Of Allahabad University 🙂
Once upon a time I always ventured on these beautiful roads situated on the Allahabad University’s Campus 🙂
A beautiful park on the campus of University..Notice no love birds are present 😛 😛 😛
In my days it was not a Central University. Today, it has attained the status of being a Central University!
Road adjacent to Allahabad University…When you move ahead on this road arrives Prayag Railway Station!
Loitering on these University Roads was one of the main activities during College days!
Don’t be confused 😛 We are still inside University’s Campus 😛 😛 😛
Notice the activities on main University Road. Streets remain the same but faces of students get changed!
Main Katra Market!
A prominent Goddess Kaliji temple at Katra, Allahabad!
This time Lord Hanuman Ji is resting inside the Temple : -)
One of the street crossings at Katra 🙂
A glimpse of life at Katra!
Lonely Road in Allahabad 😛
The most prominent Sports Complex in Allahabad! It’s named after movie superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who hails from this city 🙂
Maharana Pratap Crossing 🙂
It’s getting dark 🙂
CMP Degree College in Allahabad- a constituent college of Allahabad University. It has produced great students in past. And so it really saddens me when I hear about stories of violence, disruption of studies on its campus. I had been student of this college and we remember that in our batch most of the students came to score more than students of Allahabad University in prominent subjects like Philosophy, English Literature, Physics and etc. !
And under this great tree Philosophy and English Literature students often had great discussions. Long Live This Cute Tree 😛 😛 😛
At this place it was so hard to control the tears..At this place I found some great teachers like Anand Srivastava Sir (Philosophy), K K Ghatak Sir (English Literature), K C Srivastava (Ancient History) and many others who imparted so many values to young and fresh minds like us! In fact, they were generous enough to give additional lectures in staff room during lunch hours!
Road that led to English Lectures in those days 🙂
The park in which my science department friends played cricket during Chemistry hours 😛
I hope new students who become part of this great college would keep its standards high. I am happy to notice that most of my friends from this college of that batch, from both Arts and Science Wings, have done exceptionally well in their post college lives! And I should not hesitate to state that I also fell in love with someone at this place 🙂
This cute Krishna Temple in Meerapur area makes me smile. That’s because this area has prominent Shakti Peeths of Allahabad: Lalita Devi Temple And Kalyani Devi Temple!
Entrance gate of Krishna Pranami Temple 😛 ..Name itself is so cute 😛
Goddess Lalita Devi Temple In Meerapur Area! It’s one of the Shakti Pithas in Allahabad!
Goddess Lalita Deviji 🙂
Actvities like Ved Paatha always takes place inside Lalita Devi Temple 🙂 Sadly, I could not get a better image 😦
Outside Kalyani Deviji Temple 🙂 Beautiful structure 🙂
Inside View Of The Kalyani Deviji Temple 🙂
Another view of Kalyani Deviji’s temple 🙂
And life goes on at its usual pace outside Kalyani Deviji’s temple!
Road Adjacent To Ewing Christian College!
On the way towards Muthiganj 🙂
Life in another part of Allahabad away from the glamour of elite areas like Civil lines 🙂
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Allahabad. It was established by by Swami Vijnanananda in year 1908! He was a monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna!
Front View Of This Important Spiritual Center in Allahabad 🙂
It has got its own wonderful library! No wonder this Mission is so popular among students!
Meditation room inside this Mission having images of Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada Deviji, Swami Vijnanananda ji and Swami Vivekananda ji!
Books For Sale Inside The Temple 🙂
Close Look At The Books 🙂
Havana Taking Place On Occasion Of Vivekananda’s Birth Ceremony At The Mission 🙂
Swami Nikhilatamanandaji, current head of this center in Allahabad, giving lecture on relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s views in modern times!|
Very Conscious Listeners 🙂
Swamijis at Ramakrishna Mission are very well-informed, highly educated and down-to-earth people!
This tea stall has photo of Sri Anna Hazare 😛 😛 😛
Sri Krishna Selling Jewellery 😛 😛 😛
Khusro Bagh in Allahabad…A place that gives glimpse of Mughal architecture. It has “tombs of Khusrau Mirza (died 1622), eldest son of emperor Jahangir, Shah Begum, Khusrau’s mother (died 1604), a Rajput princess and Jahangir’s first wife, and that of Princess Sultan Nithar Begam.” (Text borrowed from Wiki)
This place cultivates best varieties of Guava. This park is about to get the status of National Eco-Knowledge Park!
It has been renovated to attract tourist 🙂 I am happy that it is close to my house 😛
Peace prevails here 😛
Besides Guava trees a large number of mango trees are found here!
As informed earlier such parks in Allahabad are often occupied by students preparing for competitive exams…See how they are engaged in studies 🙂
Eco-friendly Hanumanji inside Khusro Bagh 😛
One of the tombs situated inside the Khusro Bagh!
Green house plantation inside the Khusro Bagh!
Very old Banayan Trees inside Khusro Bagh…If you sit under them you are bound to engage in deep meditation 😛
Very Beautiful Scene Inside Khusro Bagh…Leaves Everywhere…A Very Striking Image Both Philosophically And Aesthetically 🙂
It was a delightful sight for me to see cricket match going on at such a romantic place 😛
Cricketers giving a pose 😛 😛 😛
I had a hard time bringing this squirrel under the lens 😛 😛 😛
Such Scenes Make You Fall In Great Romance With Nature 🙂 🙂 🙂
Another Tomb Inside Khusro Bagh!
A flower fallen on ground yet it has such a bright smile 😛 ..We should be like this flower: Broken and dejected yet always smiling 🙂 🙂 🙂 Anyway, it’s called flower of Semal Tree (Bombax cieba)
Khusro Bagh Has Awesome Sight 😛
PINKISH BLISS 😛 😛 :P…
That’s commonly called Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba). In India it’s called Semal and we often notice this tree along the road in Allahabad!
Noticed this depressed motor bike inside Khusro Bagh 😛 😛 😛 “Girls don’t trust me” 😛 😛 😛
May Lord always give such unfortunate souls enough to eat! I wonder why state-governments do nothing for these abandoned souls? It’s really a sad scene!
And these are fortunate souls, who came to take a dip at Sangam during Kumbh Mela..Now they are happily returning back to their respective places! They come from distant lands, facing all sorts of hardships!
Unlike women from cities, these rural woman are quite tough both physically and mentally! The city women are usually bit lazy types 😛 😛 😛
Varanasi sees foreign visitors throughout the year but in Allahabad foreign visitors come only during special occasions like Kumbh Mela, International Conferences and etc. Here they are seen waiting for train at Allahabad Junction!
Hope they had nice experiences in Allahabad 🙂 🙂 🙂
A Bird’s Eye View Of My Locality From Rooftop Of My House 🙂 🙂
This pic is especially for the likes of Sucheta ji and Carmenji living in foreign lands 🙂 I hope Suchetaji, living in USA, comes to notice at least one cute activity taking place on Indian roof 😛 😛 Kids from my family having a great time on the rooftop 🙂
Allahabadis love flying kites 🙂 View of the beautiful sky over my roof 🙂
And these are students of the year 😛 😛 😛
Kids engaged in serious discussion right in the middle of the street! Kids have become so serious nowadays 😛 😛
This corner at my locality remains quite busy during festivals 🙂 🙂
A Railway Over-bridge close to my locality!! And notice one guy walking in the middle of the railway tracks! That’s why tragedies take place!
Sports Stadium Belonging To Railways!
And evening prevails 🙂
On the road near Baluva Ghat! This area is in old Allahabad!
Activities Near Baluva Ghat. Well, ghat in India signifies that we are close to the bank of a river!
Lord Hanumanji in the making 😛 😛 😛
Ma Yamuna ji ..She is very dear to Lord Krishna 🙂 And I am really disappointed to see so much garbage on its banks..Let’s not forget that it’s a very busy place owing to religious ceremonies taking place throughout the year.
Who has allowed black beauties (read buffaloes) to take dip in Sri Yamunaji 😦 😦 😦
Scenes around Baluva Ghat made me feel I have traveled back in time!
Black Beauties Have Now Attained Regular Moksha (liberation) 😛 😛 😛
Myself at Khusro Bagh 🙂
India is land of great rivers and great mountains. It’s our duty to keep them clean. Why are we so casual in keeping them in good shape? Hope Sri Yamunaji remains evergreen in this nation. Just see what we have done to her in Delhi area! Let’s not the same happens to her in Allahabad. Jai Sri Yamunaji..Pranama to Everybody: Sri Radha Krishna, Gopas, Gopikas And Cows 😛 😛 😛
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Reference:
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One)
Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Many find Allahabad a very tough place to live an honourable life. That’s because even though it came to enjoy a wonderful divine legacy, it never ensured a desired vibrancy for average souls. It never created any scope for living a truly fun-filled life, being all the time involved in dry intellectual activities. Lack of proper encouragement on the part of city towards its vast pool of talented brains have now given way to brain drain sort of affair. Many great souls remained an unsung hero in this city. However, what’s amazing is that it keeps on producing great souls at a regular interval! In nutshell, it’s a city of true beauty, real romance and mysticism. The city teaches you how to remain true to life in a real way, making it very clear to any conscious soul that life is not a bed of roses and it is meant to discover new mysteries of nature. Naturally, average souls running after money, fame, beautiful girl, big house, big car and many other cosmetic affairs would always feel disappointed to be part of this city. Having said that, I hope this city learns to truly honour its exceptional souls and also learns to be bit more blissful!
That’s one of the major Lord Hanuman Ji’s temples situated in the heart of the city.. Anyway, it’s so ironic to see love birds engaged in romantic talks at this place 😛
The Streets Of Civil Lines Make People Of Other Areas Jealous 😛
Hard to forget this guy…During university days, I came to buy so many great classics, costly magazines at very reasonable rates..And this person made way for all sorts of desired adjustment. He proudly told me that someone from Times of India also came to click image of his magazine corner…This shop is hot favourite among students! Although Internet has affected the sales, it was good to anticipate the great spirit of his father, also seen in the pic, who digested the change in philosophical way. Now that’s called wisdom!
Quite a romantic place to have tea! It’s adjacent Company Garden!
When I say it’s a romantic place I really mean it too..Just close to this tea shop in Civil Lines area we have many beautiful plant nurseries.. So the air is full of fragrance 😛
Allahabad’s museum inside Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred Park or Company Garden). This museum displays the vehicle which carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi for immersion at Sangam and many other articles of great historical significance!
This park established in the memory of great revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad is now favourite place for morning walkers living in the heart of city.. In the noon time, one notices new- age romance 😛 Anyway, it’s a great place for an outsider wishing some isolated hours!
At such places, like this old man, one gets lost in deepest memories hidden in subconsciousness!
Company Garden has the honour of having this wonderful Government Public Library. This majestic building built in Gothic style was designed by R. Roskell Bayne. This building is of immense significance since here only Legislative Council for the North Western Province and Oudh held its first meeting on January 8, 1887. Let’s not forget that Allahabad was capital city of United Provinces from 1902 to 1920! Anyway, I am happy that in my college days I was the most frequent visitor! Even now also I can be seen here 😛
It’s not that one notices only romance in parks..In Allahabad most of such parks are occupied by serious students preparing for competitive examinations!
And those students who are not studying inside Company Park are seen ferociously involved in Cricket match 😛 ..This is the biggest park of Allahabad.
Just see the vastness of the park that many teams are playing at the same time 😛 😛 😛
Saint Joseph’s college which lies adjacent to Company Garden 😛
That’s the road which connects Company Garden with Civil Lines-the heart of city dominated by glamour and modernity!
The Mall Culture In Civil Lines!
Well, this new age glamour does attract me but not for long!
Statue of Subhas Chandra Bose Amidst Mall Culture 😛
Laxmi Book House is first choice of any journalist! By the way, how many times do you notice cinema hall and prominent magazine/newspaper corner close to each other 😛 😛 😛
Palace Theater enjoys a great place in the memories of all good cinema lovers. It’s one of the oldest theaters in the city. However, its old charm has given way to this new modern appearance ! My choice also witnessed drastic changes from “Thodi Se Bewafai” (1980) to ” Ship of Thesus” (2012) at this Palace Theater 😛 😛 😛
However, this historic cinema hall in old Allahbad, Niranjan, failed to start again. This hall needs to be renovated at the earliest. Two prominent movies which I came to see here when they got released were Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi(1982) and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).
Indian Coffee House enjoys a special place in hearts of all literary class. It has witnessed many great literary and political figures carving a niche for themselves at global level since late 50s!
Resting place of capitalist forces 😛
Worried about your future 😛 Consult this astrologer at Civil Lines under this tree 😛
A Tree taken aback by pomp and show at Civil Lines 😦
Public Service Commission – an office where my father worked as an officer. And we lived in the residence situated on the huge campus of this office. Later, we shifted to Lucknow branch of the same office! Allahabad is city devoted to prominent government offices in Uttar Pradesh. Civil Lines area is mainly occupied by such government institutions.
Allahabad is also known for coaching institutes!!
And that’s the place where I work: Allahabad High Court 😛
Greenery is in abundance at Allahabad High Court 😛 😛 😛
Nearly all newspapers have their offices in Civil Lines area. However, Northern India Patrika’s office holds a special place in my heart. This is one of the oldest newspapers in India which started in year 1868. It was then named Amrita Bazar Patrika. Today, all good news editors and journalists are by-products of this newspaper. Today it’s financially not that successful but editors like V.S. Datta have kept its standards high. V.S Datta, senior-most journalist from Allahabad, is its editor since early 60s. And when my first article appeared in print in this newspaper in year 1995 he was the one responsible for its publication. I owe a lot to him for all my accomplishments as a writer/journalist. May Lord give him long life and good health!
A Journalistic road..The road running parallel to Patrika House!
Lawyer’s Hanuman Temple 😛 😛 😛 It’s situated close to Allahabad High Court. Most of the lawyers first have Hanumanji’s blessing and then proceed towards their respective chambers 😛 😛 😛 …
Geeta Niketan Temple In Tula Ram Bagh!
These areas are so over-crowded that one thinks twice before paying a visit ! This place is called Kotha Parcha. Courtesy Telephone Department that I have to come here quiet often to buy phone related instruments 😦
One of the busiest rail bridge!
Pathar Chatti Ramleela Committee’s Venue which hosts many programmes related with cause of Hindus! It’s situated in Ram Bagh area of Allahabad.
This Hanumanji’s temple in Rambagh is also quite well-known temple in Allahabad 🙂 Hanumanji rocks in Allahabad 😛
Cute Street At Rambagh!
It’s a place which gives rise to new doctors 😛 😛 😛
Allahabad has proper roads, any doubt? 😛 😛
Theosophical Society in Allahabad. ” Blavatsky portrayed the Theosophical Society as being part of one of many attempts throughout the millennia by this hidden Hierarchy to guide humanity – in concert with the overall Intelligent Cosmic Evolutionary scheme – towards its ultimate, immutable evolutionary objective: the attainment of perfection and the conscious, willing participation in the evolutionary process.”
Roads teach you a lot!
This place bears testimony to meeting of Rishi Bharadwaja with Lord Rama…However, this park is nowadays chosen spot of lovers 😛 ..Anyway, meeting of Sri Rama, Sri Vishnu’s incarnation, with Rishi Bharadwaja would always remain one of the most significant moments in the history of Prayag!
Sometimes some places in Allahabad give you the feeling that you are moving in Kashi 🙂
That’s the ancestral home of India’s first prime minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru which Indians know as Anand Bhawan. It played a significant role in Indian freedom movement. That’s why visitors never miss this place 🙂
Hope new generation gets right message from being at such places. This place also has a famous planetarium.
Places like Anand Bhawan are not picnic spots but these places are now best remembered for spending few hours in fun-filled way..Anyway, historical legacy has ensured survival of these small shopkeepers selling eatables!
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Reference:
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One) Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
Swami Vivekananda: A Spiritual Powerhouse Who Really Understood The Potential Of Youths!
Author of this post with Swami Nihilatmanandaji, President, Ramakrishna Mission, Allahabad. Absolutely Overwhelmed That I Received His Blessings!
(These are excerpts from the speech delivered by Arvind K.Pandey at Jagat Taran Girls Degree College, Allahabad, on January 12, 2014 in a programme organised by Kritisankalpa Society to celebrate birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Other notable speakers who expressed their views on this occasion included Swami Nikhilatmananda, President, Ramakrsihna Mission, Allahabad; Justice Rajesh Tandon, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Uttarakhand; Justice. Palok Basu (Retd.), Allahabad High Court; Dr. Milan Mukherjee; Devendra Tiwari and Senior Advocate Ashok Mehta.)
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Today we find that youths are at the receiving end of so many challenging issues.The transition phase has introduced them to complex living patterns, which has left them high and dry. They not only remain the most exploited lot but also remain frustrated and depressed. That’s because pressure to perform is at its peak in materialistic times. They are unable to choose right means of survival. Worse, imposition of outdated patterns of living by the silver hairs has made youths a sorry figure. Against this backdrop, the values shared by Swami Vivekananda seem to be last ray of hope as they infuse within the being supreme confidence and positive feelings.
Swami Vivekananda truly recognized the potential of youths. He always believed that “strong, vigorous, believing young men, sincere to the backbone” can change the face of globe. “A hundred such and the world becomes revolutionized.” However, when we look at the state of affairs prevalent in their lives, it leaves any thinking soul quite worried and sad. Very recently, police entered inside the campus of Allahabad University and students got beaten black and blue with laathis as if they were hardcore criminals and not innocent students. If you hear about the experiences of these youths, you would be in great pain to hear about their exploitation. Acharya Manu rightly states that silver hairs alone do not constitute wisdom but in Kaliyuga the white hairs have become confirmed sign of knowledge! No wonder they are always in conflict with younger generation. They are more often than not involved in quashing the innovative spirit of youths, leading to dissipation of enthusiasm from the lives of youths.
Swami Vivekananda believed that each soul is a “potentially divine soul” but misguided silver hairs with their outdated notions have turned these younger souls, bubbling with optimism, into a potentially destructive soul. Swami Vivekananda possessed a revolutionary spirit who had dared to ask uncomfortable questions from older lot. He rightly believed that “each generation should be inspired afresh” and “men should not be taught to imitate a personal ideal, however great”. One of the fatal errors committed by older generation is that it tries to impose its views all in name of sharing experience.
Some of the well-made flicks like Three Idiots, Rang De Basanti, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Paan Singh Tomar, to name a few, capture well the conflicts generated by old minds in the lives of youths. It’s evident that optimism and energy found in youths deeply impresses any conscious thinker of Vivekananda’s stature interested in creating new order of things.” My faith is in the younger generation, the modern generation, out of them will come my workers. They will work out the whole problem, like lions.” It’s another thing that in a nation which prefers argumentative tradition-something highly praised by Amartya Sen-the youths get tamed on one pretext or another.
Swami Vivekananda’s Thoughts Would Never Lose Their Lustre..
The lives of youths seem to have got trapped in ills of modernity. Or, why else are we seeing advertisements related with prevention of AIDS on National Youth Day? Isn’t this sad reminder of the fact that there has been erosion of values among the youths? Or is this indicative of fact that things have gone out of control since what was once upon a time treated as immoral has gained some sort of acceptance in Indian society? Whatever it is, it indicates crisis of values. We also need to accept that priorities of youths have changed and their role models have also changed. Their role models are the ones which do not inspire them to be do good and be good. They are the ones which encourage them to earn name and fame within short span of time. So what’s the role of a spiritual powerhouse amid this new set of perceptions?
Even if we take into account new changes that have hit the lives of youths, there is still much space left for spirituality. That’s because materialism cannot give them real peace of mind. It cannot quench the thirst which exists inside our soul. No wonder youths have been hit hard by giant dragon called depression. Let’s also not forget that India is land of discovering inner peace. It’s not the land to multiply external source of happiness. And so likes of Swami Vivekananda would always be influencing our lives. They are the ones who keep us above from the realm of negativism. Youths are depressed because external world has limited means of satiating one’s desires, wherein seekers are more than suppliers! On the other hand, the inner world is infinite in nature and the competition to own this inner world is less. So people in race of inner peace have greater chances to remain happy than the majority which is in the race to conquer external world.
Swami Vivekananda’s views will always remain relevant among youths since they enable the youths to rectify their approach towards life. They rejuvenate our dull spirit, by making us shift attention from the external world to inner world and in the process this great truth gets revealed: “The aim of life is to realize God…He alone is real and everything else is false…Religion is realization.” And once you attain realization you come to feel every moment that” all power is within you, you can do anything and everything.”
Other notable speakers who expressed their views on this occasion included Swami Nikhilatmananda, President, Ramakrsihna Mission, Allahabad; Justice Rajesh Tandon, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Uttarakhand; Justice. Palok Basu (Retd.), Allahabad High Court; Dr. Milan Mukherjee; Devendra Tiwari and Senior Advocate Ashok Mehta.
P.S.: This post also appeared in Northern India Patrika On January 18, 2014.
Ship Of Theseus: Moving Swiftly In The Ocean Of Perspectives (Movie Review)
Ship Of Theseus: A Nice Take On Perspectives!
I curiously awaited the screening of the movie “Ship of Theseus“, which had managed to elicit great remarks from leading directors of Indian cinema landscape. The film festival in Allahabad, organised by Dainik Jagran, provided me an opportunity to watch this movie. In eyes of Shekhar Kapoor, the movie marked the arrival of “a brilliant new filmmaker” while Shyam Benegal could not resist himself from stating that it’s a “rare film that engages your mind, emotions and senses in equal measure providing the viewer a cinematic experience that is both hugely entertaining and stimulating”. The movie was inspired from the dilemma whether or not the object remains same if its components undergo total replacement. In this movie the promising young director, Anand Gandhi, has interconnected three different short stories, each dealing with a different issue, but underlying theme remains the same. The first one dealt with visually impaired photographer, who lost her intuitive ability to capture striking images after a successful cornea transplant operation. The second story depicted an ailing monk, questioning life and death via his ongoing fight for rights of animals meant for conducting experiments during preparation of medicines. The third and the final story highlighted corrupt practices prevalent in medical world, wherein a stockbroker tries to place in dock persons involved in organ trade racket.
I am not the sort of person to go entirely by the rave reviews by big names from the world of cinema. In fact, even the sentiments of well-known directors fail to impress me. “Seeing is believing” has always been the principle which defined my approach, especially while anticipating the worth of a movie. And thus, contrary to the general consensus, I found the acting of Aida El-Kashef ( Aliya in movie as visually impaired photographer) and Farza Khan (Aliya’s live-in-boyfriend in the movie) absolutely horrible. The exhibition of emotions was synthetic and loud. Great movies do not begin that way. The agony that should have hit her, in the aftermath of loss of her intuitive abilities, never got reflected in her mannerism. The saving grace came in the form of crispy thought provoking dialogues: “Does reality exist when no one is looking?” It’s the deep concerns which the characters portray compensates the poor acting.
The movie gained substance with the arrival of crazy monk Maitreya (Neeraj Kabi). Not only humour element got elevated but even the thematic shortcomings got balanced due to superb acting skills demonstrated by Neeraj Kabi and Vinay Shukla ( Carvaka in the movie). This part of the movie successfully conveyed that contradictions rules the lives and a perfect life is healthy assimilation of contradictions. A person should not be too rigid while pursuing noble cause since it comes in the way of fulfillment of goals. It might also limit one’s ability to make better choices. The rigidity displayed by Maitreya is in the eyes of Carvaka- the lawyer who believed in learning arguments of both the sides- was not very different than fundamentalism exhibited by a suicide bomber! This lawyer, follower of Pastafarianism, induces great deal of pragmatism when he tries to create a fitting place for the contradictions. Anyway, Maitreya does impress us all when he places reasons above crude sentimentality!
Ship of Theseus: The First Story Marred By Poor Acting!
Well, it’s crude sentimentality which always makes its presence felt in Indian movies. It’s not always the case that movies devoid of melodramatic elements manage to evoke mass attention. The average Indian cinema lover’s connection with melodrama is so intense that a director’s take on critical issue without this element is akin to self-goal in football! Anand Gandhi, at least, need to be credited for the fact that he manages to tell the story for Indians without being in awe of sentimentality! The last scene of the story showing the monk’s decision to live the life fully proves one thing quite well that healthy compromises for an elevated cause is not a bad thing. Well, the monk didn’t talk of Krishna’s Bhagvad Geeta but I feel the realization of monk is on par with view of Lord Krishna who in Bhagvad Gita stated that “every profession is world is tainted by some flaw”. So the summum bonum is: Healthy compromise should not prick the conscience!
The stockbroker’s case in the movie is pretty interesting but I need to differ from the reviews which have appeared in mainstream media and elsewhere that humour element in this part delight us. That’s not true. The humour appears as some sort of forced entry into a well structured plot. It also baffles me that reviewers have ignored some greater aspects related with this part of the movie wherein an young stockbroker trails the missing recipient of the stolen kidney! The reviewers failed to remember the heated conversation between stockbroker and his maternal grandmother, who happens to be progressive thinker, confined to ideological orientations spread in progressive literature churned out by the leftist. The impression she generates, and which irritates this guy working for American companies, is that one can pursue a noble cause only when one is in tune with such literature. The young stockbroker hits hard at her this “fallacious notion” when he tries to ensure justice for the poor labourer. The another myth which gets shattered ( and I really found it pretty interesting) is that fight for greater cause leads to its perfect attainment. Ask a real life hero and you would realize that he/she often feels cheated. The people for whom he/she comes to fight often leave their saviour in the lurch. The stockbroker wanted justice in real terms for this unfortunate labourer whose kidney got stolen for a rich foreigner ( the recipient). The labourer retracts from his promises after his petty interests get fulfilled. The protagonist has to remain contend with limited achievement.
In real life also we find that similar dilemma occurs. For instance, the moment one tries to make the purpose of education an extension of values, one has to face stiff resistance for all quarters of society, which feels that only purpose of education is to earn huge money, no matter if it means adoption of unethical means. The film does not end with a specific message but it does symbolically shows via the passage through the cave that life is full of immense possibilities, which allows nurturing of different perspectives. Hope we come to choose the one which best serves the cause of not only humanity but also our own personal causes close to heart!
The Crazy Monk Who Added New Dimensions In The Philosophical Paradoxes!
References:
Pics Credit:
The Tragic Transformation Of Public Service Commission Into Yadav Service Commission!
Students Alleged That Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Has Turned Into Yadav Selection Commission!
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission is a constitutional body, which has been assigned the task to make selections in various governments department at a State level. One expects it to discharge its duties in impartial and sound manner. However, of late, this prestigious constitutional body has become like a caged pigeon in the hands of its incompetent officials, who are acting at the behest of political masters. The latest reservation policy row provides insight into the mindset of officers working at this prestigious office. The implementation of caste-based quotas at the preliminary level of many important examinations, mainly to benefit certain “caste”, without worrying about the collateral damage caused by it is an ominous sign. It’s supposed to act in neutral manner so as to ensure that the selections take place in a fair way. However, the new mantra for it seems to be that “foul is fair”. The appeasement of political masters is more important than selection of meritorious candidates through right process.
This government agency some decades back enjoyed a good reputation of conducting examinations, and later, making final selections in honest way. It had such an impressive track record that many other government agencies sought its help in making proper selections in their own departments, granting it the authority to conduct examinations. However, the scenario inside the office has changed dramatically in last few years, especially in the regimes of Bahujan Samjwadi Party and Samajwadi Party- the political parties which were in control of Uttar Pradesh in last few years. Their casteist approach demolished the reputation of this prestigious body. In their regimes, the key positions went to officers who played havoc with the selection process.
The students who ensured that controversial reservation policy gets scrapped are absolutely right in demanding that a high level inquiry committee should be formed to take note of the irregularities made in selections during last few years. The students need to be appreciated for their act of seeking relevant information in this regard under Right to Information Act. At present two officers from Yadav community are holding key positions in this office. Isn’t it highly shameful that students now treat Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission as ” Yadav Selection Commission”? Most of the bright students after completing the graduation go in for examinations conducted by Public Service Commission since selections to most of the the key administrative posts are made by it. Don’t these corrupt officials realize that by making selections in such arbitrary manner they are causing irreparable damage? First, they are destroying the future of genuine applicants, and second, they are paving way for incompetent people to act as government servants in future. What sort of decisions such government officials would make who got selected through such flawed process?
The reservation was introduced by makers of the Constitution for a specific period to enable marginalized castes attain a dignified position in the society. The sentiments of people, who introduced reservation, were really aimed at the welfare of weaker sections of society. However, that’s not the case now. It’s the most effective tool to destabilize societal structure. It’s the instrument to remain in power. It’s a weapon in the hands of dirty political minds to ensure that they remain relevant in political landscape. It’s high time courts and conscious citizens teach fitting lesson to corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats, who are demolishing the image of constitutional bodies.
Reservation should not be a tool to kill the future of bright students!
कवि और कविताये: समय से परे होकर भी यथार्थ में नए आयाम जोड़ जाते है!
अदम गोंडवी: सही मायनों में जनकवि
कविताओ में बहुत ताकत होती है विचारो के प्रवाह को मोड़ने की, उनको एक नया रूख देने की। ये अलग बात है कि कवि और कविताओ की आज के भौतिकप्रधान समाज में कोई ख़ास अहमियत नहीं, इनकी कोई ख़ास “प्रैक्टिकल” उपयोगिता नहीं। लेकिन उससे भी बड़ा सच ये है कि कविताओ की प्रासंगिकता सदा ही जवान रहेंगी। कवियों को समाज नकार दे लेकिन उनके अस्तित्व की सार्थकता को नकारना समाज के बूते के बस की बात नहीं। उसकी एक बड़ी वजह ये है कि कवि और कविताएं इस क्षणभंगुर संसार और पारलौकिक सत्ता के बीच एक सेतु का काम करते है। ये समाज के विषमताओ के बीच छुपे उन जीवनमयी तत्वो को खोज निकालते जो सामान्य आँखों में कभी नहीं उभरती। इसी वजह से कम से कम मुझे तो बहुत तकलीफ होती है जब कविताओ और कवियों को समाज हेय दृष्टि से देखता है या उपयोगितावादी दृष्टिकोण से इन्हें किसी काम का नहीं मानता। खैर इसे कुदरत का न्याय कहिये कि उपेक्षा की मौत मरने वाले कवि और लेखक भले असमय ही इस संसार को छोड़ कर चले जाते हो उनके शब्द अमर होकर धरा पे रह जाते है। उनके शब्द समय के प्रवाह को मोड़कर नया रास्ता बनाते रहते है। मोटरगाडी में सफ़र करने वाले तो गुमनाम हो जाते है लेकिन जीवन भर गुमनामी और उपेक्षा सहने वाले कवि/लेखक अमर हो जाते है। उनकी आभा धरा पे हमेशा के लिए व्याप्त हो जाती है।
आइये कुछ ऐसी ही कविताओ को पढ़ते है जो गुज़रे वक्त के दस्तावेज सरीखे है।
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अदम गोंडवी की ये कविता मजदूरों के अहमियत को पाठक के मष्तिष्क पटल पर वास्तविक रूप से उकेरती है । उनके यथार्थ को यथावत आपके सामने रख देती है। २२ अक्टूबर १९४७ को गोंडा जिले के आटा गाँव में जन्मे इस क्रन्तिकारी कवि ने समय के पटल पर कुछ ऐसी रचनाये रची जो संवेदनशील ह्रदय में सकारात्मक वेदना को जन्म दे देती है। वैसे इस कविता में देश में व्याप्त दुर्दशा का भी चित्रण है लेकिन प्राम्भिक पंक्तिया मजदूर पर आधारित है जिसको पढ़कर मुझे रामधारी सिंह “दिनकर” जी की ये पंक्तिया स्मरण हो आई:
‘‘मैं मजदूर हूँ मुझे देवों की बस्ती से क्या!, अगणित बार धरा पर मैंने स्वर्ग बनाये,
अम्बर पर जितने तारे उतने वर्षों से, मेरे पुरखों ने धरती का रूप सवारा’’
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वो जिसके हाथ में छाले हैं पैरों में बिवाई है
उसी के दम से रौनक आपके बंगले में आई है
इधर एक दिन की आमदनी का औसत है चवन्नी का
उधर लाखों में गांधी जी के चेलों की कमाई है
कोई भी सिरफिरा धमका के जब चाहे जिना कर ले
हमारा मुल्क इस माने में बुधुआ की लुगाई है
रोटी कितनी महँगी है ये वो औरत बताएगी
जिसने जिस्म गिरवी रख के ये क़ीमत चुकाई है
-अदम गोंडवी
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बशीर बद्र ने वैसे तो जीवन के कई रंगों का जिक्र किया लेकिन रूमानियत के रंग में डूबी इनकी ग़ज़लों को जगजीत सिंह ने स्वर देकर एक नयी ऊंचाई दे दी।ये ग़ज़ल मैंने पहल पहल जगजीत सिंह की आवाज़ में सुनी जिसे बहुत ही सधे स्वर में जगजीत जी ने गाया है। और अब पढने के बाद बहुत भीतर तक उतर गयी बशीर साहब की ये ग़ज़ल।
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सर झुकाओगे तो पत्थर देवता हो जाएगा
इतना मत चाहो उसे, वो बेवफ़ा हो जाएगा
हम भी दरिया हैं, हमें अपना हुनर मालूम है
जिस तरफ भी चल पड़ेंगे, रास्ता हो जाएगा
कितनी सच्चाई से मुझ से ज़िन्दगी ने कह दिया
तू नहीं मेरा, तो कोई दूसरा हो जाएगा
मैं ख़ुदा का नाम लेकर पी रहा हूँ दोस्तो
ज़हर भी इसमें अगर होगा, दवा हो जाएगा
सब उसी के हैं हवा, ख़ुश्बू, ज़मीनो-आसमाँ
मैं जहाँ भी जाऊँगा, उसको पता हो जाएगा
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रमाकांत दूबे जी का नाम शायद लोगो ने कम सुना हो लेकिन इनके द्वारा ग्रामीण लोक में बसी आत्मा में रची ये कविताये कही भी पढ़ी जाई अपना असर दिखा जाती है। ३० अक्टूबर १९१७ को जन्मे इस कवि ने अपनी जड़ो का कभी नहीं छोड़ा और आज़ादी से पहले और आज़ादी के बहुत बाद तक जो भी समय ने दिखाया उसे वैसा ही शब्दों में रच डाला। यकीन मानिए इन पंक्तियों को २०१३ में पढ़ते हुए ऐसा कभी नहीं लगा कि इनको चालीस साल पहले रचा गया होगा। इसकी प्रासंगिकता की अमरता पर हैरानी सी हो रही है। यूँ आभास हो रहा है किसी ने चालीस साल पहले ही २०१३ में क्या व्याप्त होगा ये देख लिया था। इसीलिए तो मुझे ये कहने में कोई संकोच नहीं कि कवि संसार में रहते हुएं भी संसारी ना होकर समय से परे रहने वाला एक विलक्षण जीव होता है।
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खाके किरिया समाजवाद के खानदानी हुकूमत चले
जैसे मस्ती में हाथी सामंती निरंकुश झूमत चले
खाके गोली गिरल परजातंतर कि मुसकिल इलाज़ हो गइल
चढ़के छाती पे केहू राजरानी, त केहू जुवराज हो गइल
– रमाकांत दूबे
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अदम गोंडवी: जो उलझ कर रह गयी है फाइलों के जाल में गाँव तक वह रौशनी आएगी कितने साल में!
कुछ अच्छी कवितायेँ आप यहाँ पढ़ सकते है: कविता कोष
Pic Credit:
In Conversation With Well- Known British Author Jeremy Seabrook On Education System
JeremySeabrook: Never Missed To Say Right Words Always!
In the long writing career, spanning over nearly two decades, I got many chances to interact with enlightened minds and share with them a piece of my mind in matters pertaining to critical issues. A long back ago when I was regular contributor for The Statesman’s Viewpoint Column ( Calcutta Edition), I came in touch with Jeremy Seabrook who was then writing for one of its popular columns.
This conversation related with falling standards of education system took place after I came to read his article” Learning Revisited” published in The Statesman on March 14, 2005.
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My Viewpoint:
Your write-up is an eye-opener, allowing one to reckon with the hidden facets of education. I am appalled at the manner in which institutions offering so-called gems of knowledge, which in reality are antithetical to creative tendencies lying latent within the recipients, have solidified their base. One reason for it could be that parents are now no longer interested in “value-oriented” teaching methods, simply because it stands in the way of attaining ‘name and fame’. No wonder this could be the reason behind the mind-boggling network of coaching factories, which are making huge profit in the name of offering conductive atmosphere for cracking the entrance tests.
This attitude of parents has brought a sea change in the attitude of present day students, who weigh everything in materialistic yardsticks or, in other words, in rupee:dollar ratio. After all, who has time for values in the fast-paced life of ours! The real quest for supreme knowledge would always remain a distant dream in absence of change of mindset, especially the parents. Well, it’s never too easy to change mindset without giving way to measures mired in transparent means. What has guaranteed failure of projects in this regard has been wide gap between theory and practice besides infrastructural bottlenecks. Let’s realize that mere propaganda is not going to solve this issue.
Unfortunately, this is what both Left and Right wings are used to. Their stances, diametrically opposite to each other, have wiped out the vigour of those wishing to make worthwhile contributions, so much so that if one does not yield to their outdated notions one is bound to invite troubles of all sorts. The message is clear: Rise above ideological fanaticism to stop the degradation of education system, something so imperative to prevent the innocent minds turning into robot.
Vivekananda rightly remarked that ” education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and run riot there, undigested, all life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas”. Will anyone please translate this into reality?
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Jeremy Seabrook: One Of The Great Writers Who Inspired Me To Keep Writing!
Jeremy Seabrook’s Viewpoint:
Many thanks for your helpful and kind e-mail. Indeed, education has become not an end in itself, noble and worthwhile, but an instrument for material gain and industrial conformism. In this sense, of course, the educational system is only an emanation of the society that produces it, and an expression of the social values and mores of which it is a symptom. Intervention for change involves a complete change in the social and moral structures of globalism-no small thing, but a project we should not abandon simply because of its apparent attainability.
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About Jeremy Seabrook:
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My first book was The Unprivileged, 1967, the story of my own family, a path breaking oral history from the late 18th century to the 1960s. This was followed by City Close-Up, a portrait, through the words of the people, of Blackburn in Lancashire.
In the 1970s, I wrote What Went Wrong? Working People and the Ideals of the Labour Movement; a book which, when published in the USA, was sub-titled Why hasn’t Having More Made People Happier?
Mother and Son, a memoir, appeared in 1980, and an indictment of Thatcher’s Britain,Unemployment, in 1982.
Work on India and Bangladesh followed, notably, Notes from another India and Children of Other Worlds, a comparison of child labour in nineteenth century London and present-day Dhaka in Bangladesh. My book, Love in a Different Climate, described how male same-sex relationships in India differ from those in the West.
I have contributed to most major newspapers in Britain over the years, and have written for Granta. I am a regular contributor to New Internationalist – which has published three of my books in the last decade, most recently Consuming Cultures: Globalization and Local Lives. I write for Race and Class and Third World Resurgence, based in Penang, Malaysia.
Courtesy: http://jeremyseabrook.net/biography.html
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More About Jeremy Seabrook:
“He became an associate honorary fellow at the University of Bradford’s Department of Peace Studies 1995 to 1998 and an associate at the Institute of Race Relations, UK, from 2004 onwards.
He has made several documentaries for BBC radio and TV on social, environmental and developmental issues.
Since 1963, Seabrook has written for publications including: New Society, the Guardian, the Times, the Independent, New Statesman, New Internationalist, Race and Class, Third World Resurgence, Third World Network and others.
He has also written over 40 books, including;
Travels in the Skin Trade – looking at the psychology of western men who travel to southeast Asia for sexual adventures (Pluto Press).
A World Growing Old – the implications of an ageing population, north and south (Pluto Press).”
Courtesy: The Guardian
What will be her future?
References:
The Statesman ( Kolkata Edition)
Indowaves's Blog 
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