Srimad Bhagvad Gita: Why It’s A Perennial Source Of Divine Inspiration For Greatest Minds In The East And West?
( Srimad Bhagvad Gita has invited attention of great minds. )
One scripture which continues to amaze all curious conscious minds is, undoubtedly, Srimad Bhagvad Gita. It has invited attention of greatest intellectuals since time immemorial. One certainly needs to delve deep into actual purport of verses to realize why the best minds venturing on planet earth remain in awe of this scripture even when it’s primarily portrayed as icon of Hindu civilization.The great foreign minds like Aldous Huxley, Henry David Thoreau, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Carl Jung, Bulent Ecevit and Hermann Hesse beside great Indian minds like Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, Sunita Williams and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, to name a few, struck a deep chord with essence highlighted in this scripture. What’s amazing that it lends different perspective to great minds belonging to different eras and different fields. That’s the reason why commentary of Sri Adi Sankara differs from commentary of Sri Ramanuja even as both treated Bhagavad Gita as highest source of divine inspiration!
( Participants {From Left To Right}: R S Verma, Retd. IAS; Sanjay Mishra, Advocate; SC Upadhyaya, Senior Advocate and President of “Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being”; Sri Ram Yadav, Retd. IAS; Professor Janak Pandey, Former Vice-Chancellor Central University Of Bihar; N C Chaturvedi, Senior Advocate, and Mr. R R Upadhyaya. )
It’s natural for Indian minds to be in sync with messages of Lord Krishna in Bhagvad Gita, but if we closely study life-sketches of great foreign minds it would fill us with wonder to notice that even they too referred to teachings of Lord Krishna spread in this scripture!! Srimad Bhagavad Gita is amalgam of Upanishadic Philosophy popularly known as Vedanta. Now just ponder over the words of Erwin Schroedinger, the most celebrated Austrian Physicist known as the father of Quantum Physics and winner of Noble Prize for his invention of Wave Mechanics: ” Vedanta teaches that consciousness is singular, all happenings are played out in one universal consciousness and there is no multiplicity of selves.” The evidence of impact of Indian scriptures on these great ancient foreign minds gets revealed once we read such striking confessions on their part! Wilhelm von Humboldt ( 1767-1835) , Prussian Minister of Education, a brilliant linguist who gave birth to science of general linguistics, said about Srimad Bhagvad Gita; ” The Gita, the most beautiful, perhaps the only true philosophical song existing in any known tongue- perhaps the deepest and loftiest thing the world has to show.”
No wonder I was thrilled with excitement when I was invited to attend the lecture of Professor Janak Pandey, renowned scholar in fields of Psychology and Indian Philosophy, who also served as Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Bihar in past. The lecture was held under aegis of “Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being” on the eve of Gita Jayanti celebrated on Askhaya Ekadashi- a day dedicated to honour Srimad Bhagvad Gita. His speech was a lucid description of the beauty of Srimad Bhagvad Gita. I wished that he should have spoken for a longer duration but once again constraints of time played spoilsport. Yet I found his short speech quite thought-provoking, stimulating and rejuvenating. He raised an important question that why Srimad Bhagvad Gita continues to inspire West? After all, the West is champion of rationalism and scientific spirit!! Janak Pandey felt that it’s not surprising for us to flirt with verses of Srimad Bhagavad Gita since it serves our religious instincts besides enhancing our faith in glory of Lord Krishna. However, it’s very clear that neither religious ground nor issue of faith could be the real reason for Westerns to show their interest in it. In Srimad Bhagvad Gita there is certainly more than meets the eye! There is something which transcends the mind and intellect.
( Professor Janak Pandey Delivering His Keynote Address )
Professor Janak Pandey tried to solve this mystery in this brief speech as to why this scripture continues to haunt the imagination of Western minds. He highlighted his conversation with Michael I. Posner when he happened to deliver keynote address at UGC Centre of Excellence for Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Allahabad, few years back. Michael I. Posner is an American psychologist, the editor of numerous cognitive and neuroscience compilations, awarded with the National Medal of Science by U.S. President Barack Obama. Mr Posner revealed that he was a regular visitor to Gita Centre run in his city. He regularly visited the centre and listened the lectures there even as he barely commanded grip over Sanskrit. This helped him lot to carve out new psychological perspectives! At this juncture, it’s necessary to recall episode of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s meeting with an unknown stranger who was shedding tears while reading Bhagvad Gita even as he understood not a single verse! The point is that even when you understand not a single verse, it’s nothing sort of miracle that mere recitation of verses found in this scripture is highly rejuvenating ! The verses create emotional and intellectual turmoil within in a positive way even if we happen to intercept it in a passing way!!
Professor Janak Pandey referred to Sigmund Freud, father of psychoanalysis, who believed that a human being is bundle of desires. His theories led to modern branches of psychology in recent times. It’s really interesting that anybody who has read Bhagavad Gita would immediately realize that how Lord Krishna dealt with genesis of desires calling it interplay of three primary Gunas namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. In fact, Arjuna, rightly pointed out that “chanchalam hi manah krishna” ( mind is flickering in nature ). The actual purport is that Freud’s interception is quite limited even though Freud represents one of the the best minds in recent times! The various chapters of Gita are, in fact, different dimensions of advance psychology!
No wonder, as rightly pointed out by Professor Janank Pandey, Srimad Bhagvad Gita offers best scope for study of human nature. The West realized this quite well and thus applied fundamentals enshrined in Gita in their daily life! Unfortunately, the Indians lagged miserably behind their Western counterpart in terms of practical applications of enlightened principles spread in Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The Indians need to emulate approach of Westerns in this regard by introducing concepts mentioned in Gita in practical life. Let’s make it visible in our daily lives instead of keeping relevance of Gita alive only in intellectual discussions.
( Author of this post i.e. myself with Professor Janak Pandey. I found him to be extremely down-to-earth and having low profile approach. That’s sign of a genuine intellectual. Mr. SC Upadhayaya can be seen explaining certain point of view to Mr. Pandey and myself can be seen as an attentive listener 🙂 )
On this occasion, Mr. Rakesh Pandey, Professor, Department of History, Banaras Hindu University, also presented his scintillating views. Professor Rakesh Pandey, who was upset over growing influence of hatred and consumerism, said that unless we come to realize that man is essentially divine in nature, it would be hard for us to stop the regressive policies which have hit planet earth. Professor Rakesh Pandey said that concept of “sarva-bhūta-hite ratah” ( involved in welfare of all beings ) is not possible unless we have realized that “Īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe ‘rjuna tiṣṭhati” ( Lord alone resides in each being ). Professor Rakesh Pandey added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion when he said that true realization cannot dawn upon us if we do not absorb the sentiments expressed in the ultimate declaration of Sri Adi Sankara: “Brahma satyam jagat mithya jivo brahmaiva näparah” ( Brahman is the Reality, the universe is an illusion, the living being is Brahman alone ). In nutshell, this would alone ensure supreme devotion towards Lord the Devarshi Narada way!
The ever-increasing hatred would not stop in absence of true realization of one’s nature. The ultimate declaration on part of Sri Adi Sankara is bit difficult for average minds from point of view of grasping its actual purport, but there is no way out! You cannot wipe out hatred unless you realize that self in you is self in all the beings!! That man is “potentially divine” is the only escape route!
( Professor Rakesh Pandey, Department Of History, Benaras Hindu University, addressing the audience. He advocated the necessity of installing “Ishvara Bhava” ( feeling of divinity ) in each jeeva ( individual self ) )
Sri Ram Yadav, retd. IAS, who also addressed this event, eloquently expressed that verses of Srimad Bhagvad Gita serve as panacea for human beings chased by unspeakable problems. This scripture is going to stay with us in future generations since it has the capacity to elevate our spirit no matter what’s the nature of issue haunting us. For people who have given up hope of redemption, it’s Gita alone which offers solace to them when it says “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ” ( Abandon all types of dharma – come and surrender unto Me alone! Do not fear, for I will surely deliver you from all reactions.) ( Chap. 18, Verse 66 ). In fact, Lord is ready to bear all the responsibilities of such a seeker who shows tremendous faith in glory of Lord Krishna: ” Ananyas cintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham” ( But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form-to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have. ( Chap. 9, Verse 22 )
The event was also addressed by S C Upadhyaya, Senior Advocate, Allahabad High Court, who besides narrating the achievements of “Gita Mission For Cosmic Well-Being” in the capacity of its President also came to reveal that Madan Mohan Malviya gave 100% concession in fees to any student who successfully quoted even one verse of Gita with perfection. He said that Gita inspired giants like Bal Gangadhar Tillak and Mahatma Gandhi to enter into selfless actions ( nishkama bhava ). Senor Advocate N C Chaturvedi, R S Verma, retd. IAS, and coordinator of this event Advocate Sanjay Mishra also spoke about effectiveness of being in touch with verses of Srimad Bhagvad Gita!
( Sri Ram Yadav, Retd. IAS, said that Srimad Bhagvad Gita serve as panacea for human beings chased by unspeakable problems. )
Mr Devendra Kumar Tiwari, Ex Vice President of Allahabad High Court Bar Association, presented fascinating views while presenting vote of thanks. Mr Tiwari said that it’s attachment with “Karma” ( action ) and detachment towards “Phala” ( gains or achievements ) which is the essence of Srimad Bhagvad Gita. In other words; let’s be highly focused towards “Shashwata” ( eternal or imperishable ) and remain unconcerned about “Mithyatva” ( transience ). It would be extremely pleasing to state at this juncture about the soothing Shri Radha oriented bhajans sung by Mr. R B Tripathi, Assistant Registrar, Prayag Sangeet Samiti. Mr Tripathi who also played flute at this event happens to be President awarded (1968) artist is also top-notch Akashvani ( radio ) artist as well. I must say his music presentations provided a much needed conductive atmosphere for intense discussions on Gita or else I noticed many advocates either rushing towards their home or food plates!
I need to end this write-up by reiterating words from keynote address delivered by Professor Janak Pandey. Let’s follow the footsteps of Westerners who have learnt quite well how to bring into application concepts unleashed by Sriamd Bhagvad Gita. It’s a scripture aimed at making human being an “integrated personality” since Gita provides us divine inspiration, supreme goal, and art of manifesting these goals! It’s a scripture which makes one aware of one’s true persona, realize one’s true nature. It’s time to apply essence of Gita this way. That’s the reason why Sri Aurobindo boldly asserted “Bhagavad-Gita is a true scripture of the human race a living creation rather than a book, with a new message for every age and a new meaning for every civilization.” Perhaps this is why in coming generations, Srimad Bhagvad Gita, would continue to show perfect way to both India and the rest of the world!!
( I need to thank Professor Rakesh Pandey, BHU, that he referred to declaration of Sri Adi Sankara: “Brahma satyam jagat mithya jivo brahmaiva näparah” . His commentary on Gita is the best representative of Indian intellect. Sri Adi Sankara also highlights that Guru can be young and disciples in the last lap of their lives! )
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( The post has been written by Arvind K.Pandey, Freelancer, Reputed International Blogger and Advocate, Allahabad High Court )
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Other images of this event:
( This boy named Aditya Upadhyaya did excellent recitation of Chapter 14 of Sriamd Bhagavad Gita. Well done, Aditya!! God Bless You! )
( Dr Devendra Kumar Tiwari, Ex Vice-President Allahabad High Court Bar Association, Allahabad, presented vote of thanks, with a message to remain attached to Karma ( action ) and detached from results arising out of particular Karma! )
( A selfie with Mr R B Tripathi, Assistant Registrar, Prayag Sangeet Samiti. A top-notch radio artist who has received award at the hands of President of India in year 1968. On this occasion he mesmerized the audience with his singing and flute recital )
( A selfie with Mr Rakesh Pandey, Professor, Department Of History, Benaras Hindu University ( BHU ) 🙂 It’s a great honour to be with such a wonderful academician belonging to such an iconic institution! )
( A selfie with Mr Janak Pandey, Ex Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Bihar. Life is a short affair and if in this short journey you come to spend few moments with such top-notch intellectuals then it gives rise to deep satisfaction within 🙂 )
( The busy advocates in great number attended this lecture! I must appreciate this fact that despite being chased by tight schedules they managed to pay attention to such wonderful listeners with rapt attention 🙂 And serious faces of my nieces show that they are pretending hard to pay attention to ongoing developments 😛 )
( The Hanuman Temple at Civil Lines. At this place this event took place. )
( The statue of Swamiji who laid the foundation of this beautiful temple. )
( Awesome Statues Of Sri Radha-Krishna placed inside this temple. Jai Radha-Madhava! Be Their Glory Remains Always Intact 🙂 )
References:
Learn To Embrace Sex And Sexuality In A Positive Way
Aavartan: A research journal published from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, by Ishwar Saran Memorial Trust.
( First Published In Spring & Summer Edition Of Aavartan, 2014. It’s A Research Journal Published From Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh)
India is melting pot of most beautiful philosophies. On one hand we have lofty themes embedded in Advaitic domain, which expand our limited consciousness, and on the other, we have principles related with Kama, explored beautifully in Vatsayana’s Kama Sutra. However, having said that, I must say we have strayed away from these concepts, leading to disturbed living patterns at various level of human existence. Neither we have been able to act as Grihastha (householder) nor able to emerge as a perfect Yogi. At this point, it’s better to stick to distortions that have trespassed into healthy sexual beliefs.
One should not forget that sex is a powerful force, which can even shake the beliefs of yogis lost in deep meditation. The stories of Indra sending Apsaras to distract the sages are quite well known- a fact which mythological TV serials have cashed-in so well! Osho comes to describe the impact of sexual power in his inimitable style. He says, “Ninety percent of our thinking is sexual. Whatsoever you are doing outside, inside sex is a constant concern – you may not even be aware of it. You are sitting in a room and a woman enters: your posture changes suddenly. Your spine is more erect, your breathing changes, your blood pressure is different. You may not be aware at all of what has happened, but your whole body has reacted sexually. You were a different person when the woman was not there; now again you are a different person.”
That’s being the case, it’s really baffling average human being has been taught to remain in denial mode about it. Now that’s not only strange but also a dangerous state of affair. It leads to unhealthy suppression of one of the most basic instincts. Why do we forget that such unhealthy denial would prove suicidal for the greater good of human society? It would only lead to negative manifestation of sexual energies. Worse, self-proclaimed Gurus in field of spirituality have created huge mess by proclaiming that sexual beliefs are obstacle in attainment of realization. Kama has been portrayed as villain. That’s not true. Had it been villain, it would not have attained a dignified position as one of the aims associated with Purusartha (aims considered vital for human existence). The truth is not what these commercial Gurus are preaching. What we need to remember is that sex need to be enjoyed but not at the cost of cherished human values. It needs to be honoured but in a dignified way.
So now we come to an altogether different aspect. We are living in age of technological boom. Sexting is so common, pornographic materials are available at one click and women and men are now being hailed progressive in such matters, but still an enlightened understanding is missing. Mind you, bundle of information cannot ensure a conscious approach. We need a proper mindset, a proper approach to develop a mature understanding in this regard. This “mature understanding” is something which has not made its presence felt. It’s not going to come through titillating advertisement, wherein particular flavour of condom is being preferred. Nor it can be achieved by witnessing gyrating bodies in Bollywood movies. Most of the henious crimes we are witnessing have some sexual misconception as their primary cause. Imagine infants are being raped and even older women are also being raped! Rapes are not only about man exerting his power over woman in wrong way as preached by feminists, but it’s more about sexual miseducation.
Jeremy Seabrook, a prominent British author, expressing his concerns about sexual miseducation rightly states that “if it’s true that silence over sexuality risks blighting lives, it is certain that leaving instructions of the young in sexual matters to the free market is a disaster…..It is clear that new forms of ignorance can be conjured out of the very knowingness which the newly initiated into the secrets of sex they have gained.” If that sort of so-called knowledge about sex is lethal, one could easily imagine that restrictions imposed by society on having access to fulfillment of sexual desires would be cause of greater sorrow. That’s because digital era has made transfer of sexual knowledge and explicit images a very commonplace affair. So if you are not proving it smooth outlet, you are simply creating world of perverts. It’s hard to imagine how can tough laws ensure prevention of sex-related crimes? They can act as deterrent, leading to lesser number of crimes, but they cannot eliminate the desire.
Mahasatvaa Ma Ananda Sarita unfolds this dilemma more succinctly: “Because of the destructive idea propounded by some spiritual traditions, that spiritual fulfillment is only possible if one denies sex, there is a great lack of any kind of intelligent sexual education. And because our species’ survival depends on sex, of course our bodies make it a priority.” The message is loud and clear: Make room for sex in intelligent way. It’s better to channelize our sexual desires in conscious way, but, at the same time, not forsaking principles related with honourable life.
Ironically, in another arena, the law commission, the courts and law enforcing agencies do not see sex related crimes in wider aspect. They treat it as a sexual offence wherein a man is a “dangerous criminal” and woman the “most helpless victim”. Rape in my eyes is representative of the collective failure of the society! Rape is seen as one of the most heinous crimes, and, indeed, it should be the case. However, does that ensure one accused of such a crime be treated in barbaric manners. In a nation which cares damn about prison reforms, one can imagine that those found guilty of sexual crimes or under-trials are treated in most miserable way. They also conveniently forget that when laws were framed the situations were quite different. The attitude of women was not brazen as it has now become and when one says one is not suggesting that a woman’s modesty needs to be outraged simply because she dared to display bizarre traits. It’s being suggested to merely show the changes that have occurred with the passage of time, wherein vulnerability has increased due to many complex developments which until now were quite unknown to Indian society. Earlier, there was lesser generation of porn movies but now in USA almost 211 porn movies are being made in every week. Needless to state, the Asian countries offer great market. The point which I wish to prove is that in given scenario the way we look at sex and sex related crimes needs to change.
Sadly, the Indian landscape is marred by contradictions in this regard. It’s open to Reebok shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and Wrangler Jeans, but it tries hard to ignore the impact of permissiveness, and licentiousness too, these items have unleashed. Why there is so much ambiguity when it comes to having a candid opinion regarding the worth of sex in Indian society? It’s high time we have a proper mindset and clinical approach to deal with sex related crimes. Let’s not treat one guilty of sexual crime merely as “sick pervert” and treated to legal process in most cruel fashion, but subject him to greater reforms which help him emerge as good human being. We have borrowed from West so many lesser aspects, but failed to borrow their methodological approach encircling complex issues. One cannot emerge as good human being by merely highlighting on one’s T-shirt “Being Human” message. One need to go beyond such cosmetic gestures.
It’s not merely enough that sex education gets introduced. There has to be a greater space for assimilation of sexual beliefs besides channelization of sexual desires. After all, celibacy is abnormal and outdated in both progressive and orthodox societies! For progressive thinkers it’s akin to introduction of Hindutva! Against this backdrop, the only path that remains is to provide space to unleash sexual desires. Is Indian society really prepared for that? However, the harsh truth is that it has no other way left. So let’s have proper sex education; introduce state-of-the-art sex clinics in villages and smaller cities to deal with sexual disorders/sex related diseases, and, above all, improvise the legal mechanism to deal with sex related crimes. It’s still marred by archaic methods. It’s never too late to give way to better ways, ideas and beliefs. Let’s accept the new changes in a wise way before the damage becomes irreparable!
List of Articles In Spring and Summer Edition, 2014.
“Learn To Embrace Sex And Sexuality In A Positive Way”by Arvind K.Pandey; Aavartan, Spring & Summer Edition, 2014.
“Learn To Embrace Sex And Sexuality In A Positive Way”by Arvind K.Pandey; Aavartan, Spring & Summer Edition, 2014.
“Learn To Embrace Sex And Sexuality In A Positive Way”by Arvind K.Pandey; Aavartan, Spring & Summer Edition, 2014.
Spring and Summer Edition In PDF format:
Aavartan’s Spring And Summer Edition, 2014.
References:
Jeremy Seabrook: Article Titled “Sexual Miseducation”
Mahasatvaa Ma Ananda Sarita: Paradigm Shift; Nov-Dec.2010
Osho’s Literature
The Politics Of Rape In India
Mulayam Singh Yadav: Sometimes even wrong people say right things!
In early 80s one of the popular Hindi flicks revolved around a sensational theme wherein a girl accused a boy of attempting to rape her when she got caught during the seduction stage. As a result of that false accusation, the boy became victim of deep psychological disorder for lifelong. Similarly, a blockbuster Hindi movie released in early 90s shows the protagonist teaching a fitting lesson to her ladylove, who tries to take a revenge by feigning rape! The protagonist makes her very clear that a lady should not stoop down at this level wherein a sexual offence becomes a weapon to settle personal grudges. Not a long back ago the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to a girl who had feigned rape, which led to trial of two innocent youths. They had to ‘suffer the ignominy’ of being involved in such a serious offence!
The Supreme Court in his verdict, without mincing words, stated that ‘evil of perjury’ has assumed alarming proportions and, therefore, girl deserves no sympathy for maliciously setting the law in motion. “It was a settled position in law that so far as sexual offences are concerned, sanctity is attached to a victim’s statement and that the evidence of victim alone is sufficient for the purpose of conviction if it is found to be reliable, cogent and credible.” It’s ludicrous that an absurd hue and cry is being made over Mulayam Singh Yadav’s alleged rape remarks. Before entering into interpretation of his remarks, it would not be offensive to state that there are few takers, including myself, of type of caste-ridden politics played by Mulyam Singh Yadav, Lalu Yadav and Mayawati. They are icons of regressive tendencies in Indian politics, who never allowed their followers to truly embrace progressive ideals. That’s the reason why Uttar Pradesh is still struggling hard to emerge as a developed state!
One needs to be sufficiently cautious while interpreting remarks of Mulyam Singh Yadav. True, his statement “boys…make mistakes” need to be severely condemned as it trivializes the gravity of a serious offence like rape. However, that’s not the only remark he made. One of the flaws committed by Indian and foreign journalists is that they tend to rely more on sensationalism and as a result of that they misquote and misinterpret serious remarks. That’s not only against the spirit of ethics based journalism but such tendencies also lead to volatile situation in various circles of society. I am sure that an ace politician like Mulyam Singh Yadav would have got his intent right when he pointed out a disturbing trend in Indian society, wherein sexual offences have become a tool to serve vested interests.
If law makers are truly interested in equity based legal system then their prime task should be to make laws gender neutral!
The mainstream media eager to cash-in-on the controversial remark failed to highlight the other portion of his speech wherein he stated that “those filing false reports will also be taken to task” so as to stop the misuse of anti-rape law. The mainstream media, controlled by the feminist forces, very shrewdly suppressed this part of the alleged speech. He was demanding a change in anti-rape law not because “boys make mistake” but because its misuse has attained alarming proportions: “Boys and girls fall in love but due to differences they fall apart later on. When their friendship ends, the girl complains she has been raped.” This statement needs to be interpreted in light of scenario prevailing in present day Indian society marred by perverse tendencies even if one has no place for brand of politics played by likes of Mulayam and Mayawati! This time a wrong person has said a right thing. Why are we hell bent to ignore a harsh reality of present age wherein women are not hesitant to put at stake their own dignity if that suits their interests?
Interestingly, cinema is said to be the mirror of society. The filmmakers were far ahead unlike the lawmakers, having their mindset caught in time-warp, in anticipating the disturbing changes in approach of modern Indian women. Unlike the lawmakers who remained glued to perception of “abla nari” (a woman is too innocent and weak to commit any wrong), the filmmakers were bold enough to depict newer trends emerging among women fraternity (refer to movies like Undertrial, Aitraaz, Corporate and etc.). It’s a very recent phenomenon that Supreme Court has taken cognizance of misuse of dowry laws besides being worried about growing trend of perjury cases while dealing with sexual offences. However, it’s quite ironical and travesty of present day grim tendencies that new anti-rape law has no place for gender-neutral provisions. That’s quite shocking. That means law still believes that only men could be perpetrators! How long are the lawmakers going to behave like ostriches having their heads buried in sand?
Needless to state that nobody is suggesting, or rather no one wants that people guilty of sexual offences of serious types should remain above stringent punishment. However, at the same time, it’s also pertinent that fair sex involved in unfair practise of misusing laws should not be allowed to get off scot free. At the same time if law makers are truly interested in equity based legal system then their prime task should be to make laws gender neutral. What’s the point in nurturing illusions of medieval ages? They need to take clue from filmmakers, who are at least honest enough to portray real face of Indian society as it is (even if they do so to ensure flow of cash)! And the journalistic circle should better restrain themselves from viewing everything from political angle. That would augur well for the welfare of Indian society. The media should be more governed by truth than by falsehood, confusion, and twisted truth sponsored by the corrupt feminist forces! It’s really pathetic that biased mainstream media is averse to anything remotely serving the cause of men and is quick to nasty interpretations of well-meaning sentiments. And it’s even more sadder to notice that even social media remained concentrated on personal attacks rather than framing a more logical perspective!
Justice Dhingra: New Anti-rape law could be misused!
References:
The Times of India
New York Daily News
Supreme Court On Misuse of Rape Law
Pics Credit:
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.
Rape Allegation That Led To Suicide of Kurshid Anwar: A Resounding Slap On The Face Of Media!
Can Deaths Caused By Vain Media Trials Be Reversed?
(Also Appeared in Northern India Patrika On January 07, 2014)
The suicide by a prominent social activist Khursid Anwar, executive director of NGO Institute for Social Democracy and also a JNU scholar, has given rise to some pretty disturbing questions. Khurshid Anwar allegedly committed suicide in the aftermath of rape allegation by a Manipuri lady. This news got flashed on several news channels, followed by intense discussion on several social media networking websites including Facebook. Unable to bear this unwarranted media trial, this well known social activist committed suicide by jumping from his third floor residence in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, on December 18, 2013. As per suicide note found at his home it was not a rape but consensual sex.
This tragic incident reminds me of suicide committed by Sriniwas Siras, who happened to be a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. In this particular case, news channels were found guilty of invading his privacy by making public his homosexual affair in blown out of proportion way. The professor was granted relief by the Allahabad High Court, but he was not able to cope up with harassment in the form of bizarre media coverage. That made him to end his life. Of late, courts have regularly come up with strict reminders for media channels not to indulge in media trials when the case is in its trial phase. However, influential media houses have always adopted care-a-damn, leading to mockery of the sensitivity involved in any issue under trial. It’s true that need to control media trial remains a complicated issue but it’s an undisputed fact that there is no dearth of cases, wherein sensational media trial caused irreparable damage to one’s reputation. The media has always taken for granted “rights of the accused” and it’s high time to make clear demarcation between accurate reporting and reporting done with malicious intent to increase the sale or ensure high TRP ratings.
“Sensational reporting will take place because sensational incidents keep happening in India. The Supreme Court will not be able to stop it. Yes, reporting must be accurate. But to say it amounted to trial by media is only a pejorative expression. Neither the court nor any one has provided parameters to define what constitutes trial by media.” (Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhavan in The Times of India) However, media’s pervert justification of its breach of privacy and rights of accused would never be enough to clear the huge mess caused by its unwanted intervention. Two lives of reputed individuals came to meet untimely end because of media trial. Can it bring them back to life? Can it restore the loss of reputation?
In fact, senior journalist Saeed Naqvi has framed a perfect perspective regarding media trail: ” There is a tendency in journalism – it convicts a person on the day allegation is leveled against him, even before the court convicts him. That is sad. How can media reach a conclusion so quickly and start showing one as an accused? At least, it should wait for lodging of an FIR, completion of investigation” (DNA News Report) It’s really amazing that media always never takes into account serious repercussions involved in unfair trial. Is “mental trauma and public humiliation” in the wake of seriously flawed “media trial” is thing of lesser concern? It’s so evident in media trials that reporting is misleading and one-sided with scant respect for cross-checking of the facts.
This whole issue involves two other serious concerns. The first one brings to the fore love of the society to reach at conclusions in one go with a prejudiced mindset. It loves to criticize or, for that matter, endorse any issue even if there are no concrete material evidence to support its beliefs. The other aspect involves abuse of laws meant to protect sexual harassment of women. It’s simply not an issue pertaining to rights of men that laws meant to protect women have lead to harassment of innocent men. It’s so pathetic that moment an issue involving sexual harassment of women gets highlighted, the media enters in caricature of the accused, portraying him guilty. Worse, if you analyze the laws meant to prevent sexual harassment of women, it’s evident that men are virtually assumed to be guilty. Tragically, the attempt of the accused to prove himself innocent becomes further bleak in wake of such pervert media trials.
“The disconcerting answer is that it will not matter. In India, and several other countries where laws have been passed to punish crimes against women, the burden of proof has been consciously reversed: it is the accused who has to prove his innocence. This reversal is bad in principle, but probably necessary to create a level playing field for women in cases pertaining to sex crimes. But the new rape law has carried the reversal to a point where, if implemented as drafted, it will defeat the very purpose of justice . For once a man is accused, it leaves him with no way whatever of proving his innocence.” (Senior Journalist Prem Shankar Jha in The Times Of India)
In nutshell, both society and media have lost the ability to be governed by reason and logic. Both of them have given way to pervert pleasure of playing havoc with the dignity and reputation of individuals. However, it’s baffling that even legal jurisprudence appears to have adopted same line of action, more so in cases involving sexual harassment of women. It’s time for everybody to upheld logical thinking over thinking governed by rash emotions. That’s essential to stop the fragmentation of society, to create a value-oriented society.
Khurshid Anwar: Another Victim Of Media Trial!!
Activist Khurshid Anwar’s suicide: Was media trial responsible?
AMU’s ‘gay’ prof commits suicide
The Times Of India: Marriage Bill Is Anti-Men
This News Item Appeared In The Allahabad Edition Of The Times Of India On December 19, 2013.
It’s a matter of great satisfaction that prominent publications related with mainstream media have begun to embrace issues related with men in a fair way. The various bodies working for the cause of men across the nation have decided to ferociously protest against the recent amendments made in Hindu Marriage Laws which are not only anti-male but also do not augur well for the cause of society. I must appreciate The Times of India and its correspondents some of them whom I know personally quite well for being sympathetic towards issues sensitive in nature. The complicated issues cannot be dealt with in a proper way unless we know both the sides of story and this type of fair reporting allows us to be more informed about aspects which remain neglected owing to lack of dissemination. Right now some of the well known Men’s associations based in Bangalore, Pune, Nagpur and elsewhere are working hard to create awareness regarding misuse of laws, which they call legal terrorism. The activists right now are engaged in having dialogue with Members of Parliament with a hope to apprise them of with concerns of Men’s Associations. I am sure the day is not far when gender-neutral laws would get introduced to provide a better shape to Indian society now on the verge of disarray due to blatant misuse of power by the feminists, enjoying support of negative powers operating within the nation and in foreign lands.
Unleashing Magic Of “Triple S” Of Indian Cinema: Sahir Ludhianvi, Shakeel Badayuni and Shailendra!
Sahir: The Poet Very Close To My Heart!
(Also published in Northern India Patrika, December 22, 2013)
Once upon a time Hindi movie songs acted as anti-depressants. Now Hindi film music gives rise to depression! Modern songs devoid of meaning and set upon incoherent beats in the name of music give rise to headache instead of removing it! Earlier songs depicted certain philosophy, which added a new dimension in the script of the movie. The movies made by Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor effectively used songs to introduce new twist in the story. It’s altogether a different story in modern cinema. There are item numbers or poorly inserted hopelessly romantic numbers.
First, there is dearth of talented lyricists and, second, there is lack of good music directors. The bunch of music directors that we see are primarily technocrats, relying heavily on technology. Some will argue that we have talented lyricists but the ability to write one or two catchy one-liners doesn’t make anyone a lyricist! Listen the lyrics and it would be hard for you to decide whether it’s an English song, or a Punjabi song, or a Hindi song. Look at the music compositions. It’s either for the hip-hop generation or it’s for the night clubs. It’s not merely that times have changed and we need to adjust to new trends. There is something terribly wrong with the creativity involved in making of songs! Should we not assume that capitalistic traits have murdered real creativity? Overseas rights of distribution, heavy fees extracted from rights of satellite channels and numerous other equations enjoy greater concern than ensuring bliss!
I do not wish to appear stupidly nostalgic caught in the time warp. As an evidence of the creativity, which prevailed in 50s and 60s, I am presenting four songs of lyricists who have really inspired me a lot. Every time I come to hear a song written by them, it leaves me in state of intoxication. I am referring to trio comprised of Sahir Ludhianvi, Shakeel Badauini and Shailendra. These “Triple S” always stirred my emotions to no extent.
Shakeel Badayuni: Great Poets Are Always Down-To-Earth!
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Shailendra: He Always Lived A Simple Life. That’s Why He Emerged As Icon Of Simplicity!
2. Suhana Safar Aur Ye Mausam Haseen
Bimal Roy’s Madhumati (1958) is very close to my heart. Not only it strengthens our belief in re-birth, a prominent concept in Indian philosophy, but also it makes us believe in the power of true love. As per this movie the impact of true love transcend many generations. This movie is really a classic in world cinema. Right from the first scene till the last frame of this movie, it keeps the viewer in state of trance with its gripping presentation of the story and its enchanting music. I remember when I went to see this movie in a theater couple of months ago in a film festival, the theater was jam-packed. Not a single seat was available. And I saw many of the viewers sitting on the floor of the balcony and many others still having argument with the gate-keeper to move inside even as the movie had started. Shailendra and Salil Chaudhary made each song a masterpiece. Well, this time I wish to introduce first song of this movie “Suhana Safar Aur Ye Mausam Haseen”. Every time I move on a beautiful passage passing through the valleys, I always come to remember this song. Shailendra has borrowed the appeal present in poems of Wordsworth. Nature has come alive in this song where one can actually feel that clouds are kissing the earth! – “Ye Aasman Jhuk Raha Hai Jameen Par”. Notice the wonderful prelude of this song. It’s so impressive that it has virtually become part of my consciousness! Immediately you come to realize that this song features mountains! That’s the magic of these songs. One of my favourite past-time in school and college days was to identify the song after listening clip of prelude. Anyway, it’s time to listen the whole song! Also notice the way how great maestro Bimal Da has picturized this song!
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3. Aaj Purani Raho Se Koi Mujhe
That’s a song which speaks volume about the singing ability of Mohammed Rafi. It’s been so deeply and soulfully sung by Rafi that it leaves you speechless. Aadmi was released in 1968 which had music under direction of Naushad and songs were penned by Shakeel Badayuni. Naushad had a special place for Shakeel in his heart and he went out of the way to help Shakeel in his last days troubled both by financial crisis and bad health. The movie highlighted love triangle and fascinating performances on part of Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rahman and Manoj Kumar made it an unforgettable movie. The song makes it clear that one can be strong willed even if one’s heart and mind have been shattered by the cruel twists and turns of the fate. The song has tragic melody which not only depicts personal loss but also highlights that pain ultimately leads to realization of highest type- perfect union with the Lord! The camera work is wonderful in this song as it captures the roaring sea waves hitting the rocks! The song makes an appeal that someone who has begun a new journey should not be haunted by the past episodes of life!
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पुरुष अधिकारो से जुडी एक खबर जनसंदेश टाइम्स में!
पुरुष अधिकार से सम्बंधित ये खबर दो दिसंबर 2013 को जनसंदेश टाइम्स में छपी.इस खबर का सकारात्मक परिणाम रहा शहर में क्योकि छपने के कुछ अंतराल पर हाई कोर्ट के अधिवक्ताओ और कुछ बुद्धिजीवियो ने ये कहा कि ये बड़े स्तर की साजिश है हिन्दू परिवारो को तोड़ने की. सो ये समाचार पत्र बधाई का पात्र है और वो लोग भी जो इस मामले में भारत देश में पूरी तन्मयता से लगे हुए है. शायद लोगो को पुरुष उत्पीड़न का एहसास हो जाए!
पुरुष अधिकार से सम्बंधित ये खबर दो दिसंबर को जनसंदेश टाइम्स में छपी. विवाह कानून (संशोधन) विधेयक 2010 को लेकर पुरुष अधिकार संघटनो जिनमे सेव इंडियन फॅमिली फाउंडेशन और मेंस राइट्स एसोसिएशन प्रमुख रूप से शामिल है के द्वारा नई दिल्ली में सांसदो को अपनी आपत्तियों से पत्र के माध्यम से अवगत कराया जाएगा जो उनको व्यक्तिगत रूप से सौपे जायेंगे संसद के वर्तमान शीतकालीन सत्र में। इस बाबत ये महत्त्वपूर्ण खबर इलाहाबाद के इस प्रमुख हिंदी अख़बार में छपी जिसका प्रकाशन कई शहरो में होता है.
इस खबर का सकारात्मक परिणाम रहा शहर में क्योकि छपने के कुछ अंतराल पर हाई कोर्ट के अधिवक्ताओ और कुछ बुद्धिजीवियो ने ये कहा कि ये बड़े स्तर की साजिश है हिन्दू परिवारो को तोड़ने की. सही बात है क्योकि देखने में यही आ रहा है कि जितने घातक संशोधन हिन्दू विवाह अधिनियम में हुए है और वो भी पुरुष विरोधी किसी सुनियोजित साजिश का अंग लगते है. सबसे खेदजनक बात ये है कि हिन्दू हितु की रक्षा करने का दावा करने वाली संस्थाए और राजनैतिक पार्टिया इस मुद्दे पर आश्चर्यजनक रूप से खामोश और निष्क्रिय है. जबकि इसी मुद्दे पर अमरीका आदि देशो में कुछ सचेत हिन्दुओ ने इस बात को तीव्रता से महसूस किया है लेकिन हमारे यहाँ लोग अभी गहरी नींद में है इस मुद्दे पर.
सो ये समाचार पत्र बधाई का पात्र है और वो लोग भी जो इस मामले में भारत देश में पूरी तन्मयता से लगे हुए है. शायद लोगो को पुरुष उत्पीड़न का एहसास हो जाए.
Readers can read the content of whole letter on this post:
विवाह कानून (संशोधन) विधेयक 2010: सरकार को पुरुष संघटनो की तरफ से कुछ बेहद महत्त्वपूर्ण सुझाव
References:
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