Warrier's Collage on Gandhi Jayanti 2021

Welcome to Warrier's COLLAGE On Saturday October 2, 2021 a) Gandhi Jayanti* https://youtu.be/ih_sTdV9xCQ (IOC, 2020) b) Raghupati Raghav Rajaram https://youtu.be/VunpME4RXac (Link Courtesy : V T Panchapagesan Chennai) *Know More : See H1 for "Know your Gandhi" Good Morning Don't miss Warren Buffett's message at H5 Nice Day M G Warrier A Messages 1) Dr Charan Singh charan singh (@CharanSingh60) Tweeted: Unity in Diversity - 26 जपु तपु सतु संतोखु पिखि दरसनु गुर सिखह सरणि परहि ते उबरहि छोडि जम पुर की लिखह भट कीरत, On seeing Guru, devotees get feeling of meditation, contentment, austerity & charity Surrender to Guru frees one from clutches of Yama 1395, SGGS https://twitter.com/CharanSingh60/status/1443682844673404957?s=20 2) K Balasubramanian Coimbatore Let me describe an incident that gave me immense pleasure (with fear) but without smile In the year 2002 or so I was walking along a road in Mulund west and saw a mentally (mad) beggar sitting under a tree throwing stones on whomsoever pass by his side. I could see that he was hungry. I passed by on the other side of the platform to a nearby shop and purchased a pocket of buns. The shopwalla immediately warned me against going near that beggar...With fear I approached him showing the bun on my hand ...He didn't throw stones but was in aggressive mood. I went almost 6 feet near him, dropped the pocket of buns and moved away as if I had not noticed him...After walking 100 steps turned back. I saw that beggar eagerly eating that buns. That made my day, but that memory is still in my mind even after 2 decades. 3) V Babusenan Thiruvananthapuram It seems to be a good thing that apparently pious people have, for the sake of some diversion, taken an interest in stealing and allied subjects. I request them to kindly read the following story which is said to have actually happened around three centuries ago in Kerala : Alleppey ( the present Alappuzha) is a coastal town with a seaport. One rainy night, a rich man opened the front door of his mansion hearing hard knocks. There stood a sailor with a few China jars. (Continued at H1) 4) M G Warrier Mumbai Rich man's worries at 91, about future of his assets.... See H5. 5) Mahatma : Vathsala Jayaraman Gandhiji always used the path of truth and non-violence. He sacrificed his own life for the sake of his country. Gandhi inspires an alternative vision of politics and resistance at a time when oppression is not only getting more overt and physical but also more insidious. His ideology of nonviolence is a good point to start from. It may not succeed, but it opens a world of possibilities and encourages us to think outside the box. His life also illustrates how radical ideas are first dismissed, only to be tested and embraced later. (Continued at H1(b)) B Current Affairs 1) Making parties constitutional : Faisal C K in The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/making-parties-constitutional/article36764952.ece (Access more articles by Faisal C K @ : https://m.thewire.in/article/politics/farmers-protest-statism-swatanta-party?utm=authorlistpage) My response : Letters October 1, 2021 Reforming political parties This refers to the piece "Making parties constitutional" by Faisal C K (The Hindu, October 1). While there could be differences in perception about modalities, there would be near consensus on the need for reforms in the functioning of all political parties in India today. The historic reasons for the freedom availed by political parties in India to function in the way they have been doing since independence are no longer valid. The natural evolution into "professionally managed entities" is overdue for many of them. The reforms, illustratively, should include transparency in membership, sources of income and uses of funds raised, rules for shifting membership from one party to another and so on. There should be a universally accepted constitutional body to recognise political parties which can contest elections and basic requirements, consistent with extant constitutional provisions, for candidates contesting elections at various levels. M G Warrier Mumbai 2) Tata Sons gets Air India https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/tata-sons-wins-bid-for-air-india-report-7530061.html/amp Air India's Homecoming 👍🙏-Warrier 3) Happiness is within : Times of India Blog : A response Dear Reader, Your comment on the article ' Happiness Within!' is now live on timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog. ' reading this article my thoughts went back to bertrand russell\'s collection of essays \"conquest of happiness\" i read during 1960\'s, and a more recent book \"happy at heart\" by a senior cardiologist dr tiny nair. happiness, naturally, has been a subject most discussed from time immemorial. for personal reasons, i have been linking happiness with hunger and poverty which have been accompanying mankind all along. i prefer to attribute major responsibility for all unhappiness to mismanagement of resources by the greedy among those who are entrusted with governance. unfortunately, in any system of government, the rich and the powerful write and enforce laws. we can only wish, the current pandemic has worked as an eye opener for those who have been trying to make us believe that unhappiness is the result of divine intervention. caring and sharing can do wonders in spreading smiles on the faces of the poor and hungry. finally, our attitude to results of work and expectations from others have a role in our level of happiness. keep writing and remain positive.' C Indoor Gardens https://indoorgardening.com/what-is-indoor-gardening/ Excerpts : "The idea of indoor gardening is essentially just growing plants indoors. There are, however, many different purposes for indoor gardening and multiple styles and techniques that can be used. The reasons for indoor gardening can be strictly practical, purely for enjoyment, or maybe for a little of both. Whatever your reasons for indoor gardening, there is a lot to know about what your specific garden will need. No doubt, the possibilities are endless when planning out your garden." D Readers' Contribution 1) Fear : Vathsala Jayaraman “If you expect life to be easy, challenges will seem difficult. If you fear that challenges may occur, life will be easier.” Fear is a tricky human emotion. It can keep you small and at the same time keep you safe. Sometimes employees are teased beyond a limit by the abusive boss. Instances are not uncommon, when the employee gathers the fear and defends themselves so courageously not withstanding the fear. Fear tells us we are in danger. Therein lies the clue. What do psychologists advise? 'Love your fear.' That's all it needs. It only grows when you let it consume you and that usually happens when we forget how helpful our fear is trying to be. It really wants our best. There is the positive side of fear and benefits of fear. But is fear really a bad thing? What is the message being communicated by fear? Fear is not necessarily a bad thing; it is one of the inbuilt human survival instincts. Our biggest fear is the fear of failure and as a result we push ourselves hard and set high targets. Persevering through and in spite of fear stems from a determination to succeed and make a difference in your life and those of other people. (Continued at H3) E Collage Books : On Indoor Gardens "7 Best Indoor Gardening Books for New Plant Parents - Growfully" https://growfully.com/best-indoor-gardening-books/ Excerpts : "It started with one little peperomia, picked up on a whim at Trader Joe’s. Then it turned into browsing plant sales on Facebook Marketplace and in local plant groups. And just a few weeks later, I had six houseplants sitting on my shelves. I loved having some indoor greenery, but quickly realized I was in over my head when it came to understanding their watering schedules and lighting needs." F Leisure 1) Doctor's handwriting* Patient : Doctor, the medicine you had written on the left side top of my prescription is not available in any pharmacy in Mumbai. Doctor : That is not medicine, I was trying to see if my pen was writing or not, just doodling. Patient : _What!!!??_ With this terrible handwriting, I had to go to 52 shops to check it out. one medical man said that he will get it for me tomorrow. Another said, this company is now closed, shall I give you similar medicine from another company? Third one said, there is a huge demand for this medicine, you will get only in Black. the fourth one made me jump out of my skin; he said, this medicine is for cancer, who has cancer at your place? 2) Life's Lesson* My wife taught me a lesson I will never forget* I went on an important trip for three days, and immediately after my arrival, I called to check on my wife and son, because I am not used to their separation, and they are not used to my absence. We have been married for three years. But unfortunately she did not answer my calls, and this went on for all the three days. My phone did not leave my hand, as I was calling her without exaggeration, every quarter of an hour or half an hour, and no one answered. I was so much worried, I thought I will go insane. I contacted my brother and sister to check on their conditions, they told me they are fine. (Continued at H4) *Received from S R Badrinarayanan Cheñnai via Group mail G Quotes about Indoor Gardens https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2020/05/best-inspiring-gardening-quotes-grow/ Like : “No single sort of garden suits everyone. Shut your eyes and dream of the garden you’d most love then open your eyes and start planting. Loved gardens flourish, boring ones are hard work.” — Jackie French 10. “If you’ve never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden.” — Robert Brault H 1) Gandhi Jayanti, 2021 a) Know your Gandhi https://www.livemint.com/news/india/the-gandhi-you-know-and-the-one-you-don-t-11569940339387.html Excerpts : "A lawyer at last and back in India, but without the skills to practise Indian law Two days after he was called to the Bar in 1891, and three busy and educative years in London later, Gandhi sailed for India and tried to establish a practice. It was a long haul as he hadn’t practised or apprenticed in Britain. He was well-versed in Roman law, which helped him later on in South Africa, but in court in India, he found himself at a loss. He was painfully shy and afraid, said Gandhi, and unfamiliar with Indian laws, having studied in England. He tried setting up a practice in Bombay, but eventually gave up and moved to Rajkot where his family’s connections helped him secure work such as drafting memos and documents." b) Mahatma : Vathsala Jayaraman Gandhi demonstrated to a World, weary with wars and continuing destruction that adherence to Truth and Non-violence is not meant for individuals alone but can be applied in global affairs too. Gandhi's vision for the country and his dreams for the community as a whole still hold good for India. He got the community to assimilate and reflect true values of humanity and to participate in tasks that would promote the greater good. These issues are still relevant to what free India is and represents. The main cause of worry today is intolerance and hatred leading to violence and it is here the values of Gandhi need to be adhered to with more passion. He is relevant not yesterday or today but for ever! The state and people of India are a product of what Gandhi did many years ago. Without Gandhi I have no idea what type of country India would be. Many of his followers have descendants who are still preaching his cause, and many people of today live the life that he wanted. A philosophy is really valid only if it helps us here and now to cope with the multiple challenges of life, otherwise it merely becomes an academic and archival exercise for students and research scholars. Philosophy is a vibrant and dynamic exercise that helps us maximise our inner and outer capacities during our life on earth, Enforcing peace would only be temporary, perpetual peace can be achieved only when it comes from inside. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi with his deep commitment to ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (pursuit of truth) showed that one can live by the precept of the Christ. His life had greatly influenced the scientists too. Einstein's own words, speaking of Mahatma Gandhi said“A leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority; a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor on mastery of technical devices; but simply on the convincing power of his personality; a victorious fighter who has always scorned the use of force; a man of wisdom and humility ; armed with resolve and inflexible consistency, who has devoted all his strength to the uplifting of his people and the betterment of their lot ; a man who has confronted brutality with the dignity of a simple human being, and thus at all times risen superior. Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth". This method of bringing about socio-political change peacefully through moral persuasion rather than through the use of force is called satyagraha. Even General Smuts, who always exerted iron-handed control, is said to have remarked“I do not like your people and I do not care to assist them at all. But what am I to do ? You help us in our days of need. How can we lay hands upon you ? I often wish you took to violence like the English strikers and then we would know at once how to dispose of you. But you will not injure even the enemy. You desire victory by self-suffering alone and never transgress your self-imposed limits of courtesy and chivalry. And that is what reduces us to sheer helplessness”. This philosophy of Mahatma is spoken of not as fear or helplessness, but as successful tactics or strategy to bring about transformation in opponents-an admirable tantra of defence mechanism. Thus we see the two facets of Gandhi’s personality – the spiritual inner-self forever devoted to the pursuit of truth and the outer-self which found expression in this world as his deep love of humanity and as his untiring efforts towards its betterment. Apart from these personal qualities he had another deep idea that has relevance even today : He felt that no individual, no group nor nation, whether poor or rich should be without gainful employment. Just as the poorest eking out a living can be redeemed when provided with an opportunity to work and earn a living, even the rich either through inheritance or in a nation with easily accessible mineral deposits, would benefit greatly if they work hard regularly in their chosen fields of interest . That was the Charka in 1930, but it will be something else relevant to present situation. 1930s. Even today no one can remain merely a consumer. All of us should be engrossed in creative effort–this will give 'meaning' to our lives. Thus we see that science and spirituality both tell us that we should work to sustain the positive universal evolution, or, in other words, follow karma and 'dharma’ according to the Hindu scriptures. This incessant effort towards peace –which is essential for this positive evolution–is the essential teaching of Mahathma. Gandhiji said a strict 'No' to the following seven' 1.Politics Without Principles. 2.Wealth Without Work. 3.Commerce Without Morality 4.Education Without Character 5.Pleasure Without Conscience. 6.Science Without Humanity. 7.Worship Without Sacrifice. Don't you think that these essential principles hold good for ever, not only to India but to the entire Universe, notwithstanding any technical development, space researches and globalization ? vathsala Jayaraman . 2) Continued from A2 He explained, in broken Malayalam, that he was the captain of a ship bound to China and that the jars contained toor dal. He feared that a storm was brewing and, if it happened, he had no choice but to throw them away in the sea. He requested the house owner to keep the jars in the house and promised that after a few months, he would take them away. The latter agreed. Months and years rolled on but the sailor did not come. Meanwhile, the owner of the mansion, who was a prominent exporter of hill produce, suffered a fate similar to that of Antonio of Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice.' The inmates of the big house were literally starving when, one day, the lady of the house remembered the toor dal in the China jars. She went to the cellar and opened one jar. It was, no doubt, filled to the brim with toor dal. But dal was only on the top and beneath it were gold coins. In utter amazement she ran to her husband who was a very honest man. After some initial hesitation, they decided to take some coins to meet their urgent needs. Later they took more and invested in fresh business. They prospered in business. Yet they did not forget to replace the coins they had taken and fill the top of the jar with toor dal. . At last the man came and took back the jars. Out of gratitude, he gave them an empty jar saying : "This is a misshapen jar. You must have noticed it. Please don't get offended. It is a special jar. You make mango pickles in it. You will find it the best in the world" 3) Continued from D1 Fear heightens your senses and awareness; it keeps you alert and helps in better preparation. We may not eradicate fear.But we can transcend and rise above fear. When we have to make do or die decisions, fear inspires intense focus. Fear keeps you alert, it keeps you surviving and progressing, it is a thermometer that lets you know you are moving into a hot area and doing something beyond the normal. It is fear that highlights the distance between where we stand and the goal to be achieved.Fear prompts us to consider various options, analyze them and evaluate the best course of action. Sometimes it may be too high and far fetched goal.Fear provides an opportunity to dissect the most extreme, worst case, risky and dangerous outcomes and identify a perfect course of action that is feasible under the situation. The quote given below captivated me a lot. “Fear is a gate; you control the password to unlock the fear gate. Overcoming fear is not one off event instead it is a step by step process where as you unlock one small fear gate, you gain confidence to unlock another gate and another one. Thereby increasing confidence and moving away from your comfort zone towards higher possibilities.” Instead of avoiding fear, we pass through all gates of fear.Actually these entries are examinations to make a thorough study of all impediments,obstacles and threats. Presence of fear when undertaking a big goal tells you are stretching yourself and getting out of your comfort zone.It is rehearsal to leave a comfortable zone and entering an adventurous field. It is fear that points to our shortfalls , the inadequacy of our skills and make us think about more of spade work we have to do before actually proceeding on a task.It acts like an alarm clock giving due signals. Vathsala Jayaraman 4) Continued from F2 I did not believe them, and I called my wife's mother, and she told me the same, I asked her to tell my wife to call me. But I waited for so long, and no one called. The three days passed like three months, and sometimes I get in the midst of wanting to explode from anger. I wondered why she is not answering my calls, and sometimes the Sheitan whispers terrible things to me. I returned to my country, and as soon as my feet touched the ground, I rushed to my home. Because of the intensity of my fear I knocked the door, and rang the bell at the same time, until my wife opened the door. To my surprise, she was fine and very elegant, and she welcomed me with all her heart and soul. Behind her was my child, his eyes dancing with joy, he ran to hug me. I was confused, I did not know what was the reason as to why she was not answering my calls. Soon my anger replaced my surprise. I asked my wife about the reason for this childish behavior, and that I almost cut off my trip. My wife replied calmly: "Did you contact your mother?" I answered her, but I did not understand why she asked me that: "I do not know maybe, but I called your mother to ask about you." She said: "What you felt in these days which you did not hear from us, is the same feeling your mother feels when you forget to call her for so many days. You do not call her, unless she takes the initiative to call you. She too gets worried of you when you do not call her for a long time. I tried so much to alert you on this issue, but you are ignoring it. I did not find a better way than this to make you understand my point, O my dear husband." I bend my head downward because what she said touched my heart. She gave me my car keys and whispered in my ear: "Your God is waiting for you." I went to my first love, "my mother" after my wise wife taught me a lesson I will not forget for a lifetime. I am grateful to her that she made me come back to my senses, before it is too late, and then I will come to regret it. I thank God for this wise and brave wife, and for her mother, who raised her the best way, and for my mother who chose this wife for me. Thank you God for Having Mercy on me and Waking me up from ignorance. Your mother is your God do not forget to call her, even once a day, and this is the least. Because her heart waits for you, prays for you, and thinks about you all the time. Her love for you prevents her from calling you all the time for fear of disturbing you. Inform your husband, wife that their mothers are the treasure of their lives. Do not distract them from their mothers. Help your husband, wife to obey their parents. This obeying will come back to you and you will see it in your children. 5) Warren Buffett's letter to shareholders (February 2021) https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/full-text-of-warren-buffetts-annual-letter-to-shareholders/articleshow/81246505.cms Interesting to glance through. Warren Edward Buffett, 91, is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Networth : US $ 10,000 Crores (2021). Still struggling to make both ends (his own perceptions and his family's/shareholders' expectations). Listen to him : https://youtu.be/sWVVazhSFuE (January 2021) Let's wait to listen to him next year 🙂