ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता

A time when extreme joy is overshadowed by loneliness. A time I have see profound change within me and around the world which already existed. Only on this day, I have realized the change that already existed.

Today, is a very important day in my life as we are celebrating House Warming Ceremony at 50-44-1, P&T Colony, Seetammadhara, Visakhapatnam - 530013, Andhra Pradesh, India. The idea of renovating our house was parked for more than 10 years, If I remember correctly. Or probably it was my Dad's dream to renovate the home. Definitely, the force behind this idea coming into action is my beloved mother. She is the biggest influence on any major decision that has a significantly positive effect in the lives of me and my brothers. The idea started getting into action around September 2007 I guess. After taking a lot of resistance, twists and turns the idea got into action. When I returned from US, I had taken a good look of it while it was under construction and have participated in the Ganapathi Homam and placing of the Main Entrance Doors "Mukha Dwaram". It was sheer joy to be a part of that festivity. From the time, I came to Canada, during my conversations to India, most of the talk has been around the construction status of the house. Mom used to give me a detailed progress on how things are happening, how Vinod and Ajay are putting their best foot forward inspite of lot of difficulties etc.

On this day, 9th Nov 2009, the House warming ceremony is celebrated. I really was excited to hear all the auspicious music, the way the whole home is decorated with flowers, green mango tree leaves and banana stems and leaves. It all is so sacred and lively as much as I can imagine and much more than that. The house is named as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Nilayam.

Hearing all this over the phone, I felt really delighted. As I am in Canada, I really missed all the good joy and fun. Suddenly, a kind of gloom overtook my joy. I started feeling lonely and was very disappointed for missing all this fun. Lot of questions raised in my mind.

What is important in life?
Why did I miss such a wonderful event in life?
Why is Srimaye, Swapna and myself who are an integral part of this so far away from the joy of house warming?
Why did I not decide to attend this House warming ceremony?
When Swapna and Srimaye stay abroad, taking all the pains, why is it that they missed this festivity in the family which they are very much an integral part of?
Why is it that my brothers or mom did not feel that they should wait until I participate in the house warming ceremony, come what may?
If my Daddy was alive, will he agree to do the house warming ceremony without me attending to it?
Is it that I did not go and I am putting the blame on someone else for missing the ceremony?

So many questions, leading questions raised in my mind... that I was almost absent minded at work today. I managed to complete my work and reached home. I realized it is all in my own hands, my own decisions, my own thoughts, my own actions and my own deeds. So, at the end of the day, I have found answers within myself. I am neither sad nor over excited. I am just the way I am, Happy!!

I was constantly remember this song "Yeh jo desh hai tera, swadesh hai tera..." from SRK's film Swadesh. From the time I have seen this film, it has been my favorite song and will continue to be. I love the lyrics of this song and it is an apt time for a dedication of this song my own self. I love myself more than anyone for it always helps me in loving others. Sing.....

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

मिटटी की जो खुशबू , तू कैसे भूलाएगा
तू चाहे कहीं जाए , तू लौट के आएगा
नई नई राहों में, दबी दबी आहों में
खोये खोये दिलसे तेरे, कोई ये कहेगा

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....

तुझसे ज़िन्दगी , है ये कह रही
सब तोह पालिया , अब है क्या कमी
यूँ तोह सारे सुख है बरसे
पर दूर तू है अपने घरसे
आ लौट चल तू अब दीवाने
जहाँ कोई तोह तुझे अपना माने
आवाज़ दे तुझे बुलाएं , वही देस

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!
हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....

ये पल है वही , जिस में है छुपी
कोई एक सदी , साड़ी ज़िन्दगी
तू न पूछ रास्ते में काहे
आए हैं इस तरह दो राहें
तू ही तोह है राह जो सुझाए
तू ही तोह है अब जो ये बताये
चाहे तोह कीस दिशा में जाए वही

ये जो देस है तेरा , स्वदेस है तेरा , तुझे है पुकारा
ये वोह बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता !!

हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म हम्म ....


For those who would love to watch the video of this song... here you go...



Lyrics of the song Yeh jo des hai tera in English transliteration...

Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara…
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta) -2

Mitti ki jo khushboo, tu kaise bhoolaayega
Tu chaahe kahin jaaye, tu laut ke aayega
Nayi nayi raahon mein, dabi dabi aahon mein
Khoye khoye dilse tere, koyi ye kahega
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta

(Hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…)
Tujhse zindagi, hai ye keh rahi
Sab toh paa liya, ab hai kya kami
Yun toh saare sukh hai barse
Par door tu hai apne gharse
Aa laut chal tu ab diwaane
Jahaan koyi toh tujhe apna maane
Awaaz de tujhe bulaane, wahi des
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta
(Hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…hmm…)

Ye pal hai wahi, jis mein hai chhupi
Koyi ek sadi, saari zindagi
Tu na poochh raaste mein kaahe
Aaye hain is tarha do raahein
Tu hi toh hai raah jo sujhaaye
Tu hi toh hai ab jo ye bataaye
Chaahe toh kis disha mein jaaye wahi des
Ye jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara
Ye woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta
Hmm…hmm…hmm…

Absence of God's Presence

On the sunday July 3rd 2004, in Hindu newspaper there was a very interesting Sashi Tharror column on Albert Einstein. I was just imagining, how one would be looking when you hold a pipe in your mouth on The photo of Einsteine was amazing with a pipe. I don't smoke but I definitely would love to smoke it from a pipe. Just imagining, on a European holiday. Undoubtedly, very graceful and revered in style with the pipe in mouth, those sparkling eyes, deep thoughts and warm smiles. Wish I could draw this picture of myself. Coming back, to the article, at the end of this column on Einstein, there was a statement made by Einstein upon learning the death of Mahatma Gandhiji which states "generations to come may scarce believe that such a one as this, in flesh and blood, walked upon this earth". I was wondering, how far they think. Here is another interesting piece which talks of philosophy and Einstein.

Begin Article:

Title: Feeling is Believing

The professor of a university challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?" A student answered bravely, "Yes, he did".

The professor then asked, "If God created everything, then he created evil. Since evil exists (as noticed by our own actions), so God is evil. The student couldn't respond to that statement causing the professor to
conclude that he had "proved" that "belief in God" was a fairy tale, and therefore worthless.

Another student raised his hand and asked the professor, "May I pose a question? " "Of course" answered the professor.

The young student stood up and asked : "Professor does Cold exists?"

The professor answered, "What kind of question is that?...Of course the cold exists... haven't you ever been cold?"

The young student answered, "In fact sir, Cold does not exist. According to the laws of Physics, what we consider cold, in fact is the absence of heat. Anything is able to be studied as long as it transmits energy (heat). Absolute Zero is the total absence of heat, but cold does not exist. What we have done is create a term to describe how we feel if we don't have body heat or we are not hot."

"And, does Dark exist?", he continued. The professor answered "Of course". This time the student responded, "Again you're wrong,Sir. Darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in fact simply the absence of light. Light can be studied, darkness can not. Darkness cannot be broken down. A simple ray of light tears the darkness and illuminates the surface where the! light beam finishes. Dark is a term that we humans have created to describe what happens when there's lack of light."

Finally, the student asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?" The professor replied, "Of course it exists, as I mentioned at the beginning, we see violations, crimes and violence anywhere in the world, and those things are evil."

The student responded, "Sir, Evil does not exist. Just as in the previous cases, Evil is a term which man has created to describe the result of the absence of God's presence in the hearts of man.

After this, the professor bowed down his head, and didn't answer back.
The young man's name was ALBERT EINSTEIN

End Article:

A Prayer in Silence

A Condolence Letter to A Guru!!

I have never seen you so gloomy। You are experiencing
deep distress and I really cannot imagine how you would be feeling. I
am sure; It is the greatest loss to anyone to lose a mother. (I am
only guessing it after seeing you.) I could see only one thing in
your eyes. Deep sorrow. I have never seen so much sorrow in your
eyes looks like they have dried out of tears. Swamy, do not hold your
sorrow or keep it to yourself. Cry your heart out and let the sorrow
in you get exhausted. There can be no greater loss than this.

I could see absolute calmness in you. The calmness as serene as a
lake early in the morning. Get yourself a renewed energy. There is
divinity in you, which you have transmitted to many souls. Your mom
may not be present in the same form. You can always use your
highest connecting power;
you can connect to your mom anytime you want.
She will appear to you in forms that you wish to see her. Show your
smiling face to her and lift her soul to peace. You have all that
divine power. Give it to your family. You are an embodiment
of pristine divinity. Go to a Carnatic classical concert. Get
connected to her and be always happy. And I am sure that your
happiness will give her soul all the ultimate peace, which
pen-ultimately will give you the bliss.

There are many forms in which, I see you, My Lord.

A quote:
And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His
own, and the joy we share in our time of prayer.

I pray to the Lord that I should be readily connected and available to
you at times whenever you need me.

सदा आपके सेवा में!!

Srimaye's First Day At PlaySchool

On this day, 1st of October 2009, Srimaye enrolled into the playschool for the first time ever. Another series of great moments, wonderful days in the lives of Swapna and myself, which only Srimaye could bring and no one else for the uniqueness of her being our first child.

Swapna and I have been planning for this for more than months, but I actually haven't really done anything untill today. Prior to this big day, Swapna did inquire on when the admissions would happen, which school in the neighborhood is better etc.
In deciding upon the school, our choice was to put her in a school which would give her a holistic education rather than just ABCs or 123s. I wanted Srimaye to pick her communication skills and other soft skills which be with her for ever. Swapna went on finding about schools in the neighborhood that are good in whatever parameters she herself is convinced of. Public schools were ruled out as Srimaye will have to be four years to get into kindergarten and for preschool in public schools one of the parents have to accompany. Obviously, it was not our choice simply because it would steal the little rather very little personal time which Swapna gets. There was another school around 20 minutes away from home, The Royal Montessori which, in Swapna's inquiry turned out to be best school in the neighborhood. Knowing the weather conditions and also considering the duration of 20 minutes walk specially during winter times, we felt it was not feasible. The next option we had was the school which is adjacent to our apartment block right across the street. This is the "Kougar Kitten Playschool". This playschool is in the premises of "TL Kennedy Secondary School" run by Peel District School Board. The school is pretty good in large campus, which also has a huge football ground. Its single story building spread wide in vicinity with long corridors.

Srimaye's School Address:
Kougar Kitten Playschool
3100, Hurontario Street
Mississauga, Ontario - L5B 1N7
CANADA.

The school name wtih Kitten is so apt for the little Srimaye, who resembles cub from the family of tigres, with her very playful attitude, charming eyes, cute smile and adorable face. She radiates divine beauty and God's magnificence. DDD (Dad describing Daughter) would always be exaggerating to the world while it is always understating to Dads' themselves. I guess no dad is an exception to this.

Early morning Srimaye is the first to get up. As I have taken off from office for the morning session, I decided to wake-up late. Swapna did not get out of the bed though she was awake. So Srimaye was the one who got ready first in the home, this morning. She was all dressed in her pink full pants, sleeves pullover white in color with multi color thin pencil strips on it. She has worn her hood jacket and white shoes. We three had breakfast and as usual Srimaye was slow in eating. We searched for Srimaye's school bag and found her travel bag. So we decided to take it for the day. I payed to Godess Saraswathi on behalf of Srimaye. Ofcourse, Srimaye got her Aksharabhyasam performed Saraswathi temple in Basara. Before starting to school, Srimaye wanted to take her large dressed mamma teddy bear soft toy to preschool along with her. Swapna persuaded to leave the bear at home while Srimaye insisted. Srimaye, was given a choice of either going to school or playing with teaddy bear. She wisely has chosen to go to school. She put her back pack on and we all walked down to the school. Weather outside is cool and is just about to get chill in a couple of weeks. Though it was definitely cool, we could manage with one jacket or sweater. While crossing the road, we have see lots of parents dropping kids at the bus station, where the public school bus will pick up and drop off the kids. The school bus passed away and we crossed the road. I guess Srimaye felt it very cold, so she complained her legs were aching. So, I carried her untill we were near to Srimaye's pre-school. Then all three of us walked into the school. It was all emply and silent corridors as the secondary school kids are already in their classes. So, we walked and entered into to the play school section. It was a huge square room with yellow walls and very bright room indeed. Very vibrant with light and joy of kids playing and walking around. There is an inflow of parents coming and dropping kids off at the play school. There is a lady, busy greeting the kids and parents, taking registrations and doing many things same time with ease. She is Mrs. Gail Wrobel, Preschool teacher, Early Childhood Educator. Mrs. Wrobel, has given us a registration form to fill and submit. She showed Srimaye's cupboard and place to keep her things. She placed a name card "Asritha" back of Srimaye's shirt, this way she would recognize all kids. Seems to be very well experienced with all kinds of kids. We submitted the forms and got Srimaye enrolled. Mrs. Wrobel explained how they would teach the kids about different things in school. The whole of this week, they would teach the letter M and the sounds related to it "mmmmmmmm....". She mentioned that we should be showing the kind where ever and ask her to say the letters and sounds for instance in a grocery store, Mmmmm.... Milk, Mmmmm.... Meat etc. She also mentioned that they would teach personal hygiene, toilet procedures etiquette etc. Mrs. Wroble explained that parents have to get some homework done by the kid, so that the kid get accustomed to doing things. For example holding a pencil, and when doing the homework, parents should correct the kid. I thought to myself, that Mrs. Wrobel is underestimating Asritha, as she thinks that Srimaye doesn't know how to hold a pencil. I did not care to tell her, as I would want the teacher Mrs. Wrobel should be able to figure that out from the students. All said, Mrs. Wroble is a wonderful teacher. Srimaye was busy with her teacher and cared less to say by to us. We were happy for it, because few kids were crying as the parents let them at school. Today was also the birthday of one of the kids in Srimaye's class. I also got worried a little because some of the kids were already showing symptoms of flue. I chose not to pay too much attention to it. While we watched Srimaye from the pane on the door, Srimaye is already busy with her teacher, she went into toys room and got herself a toy shopping cart and a Dora soft toy. Swapna and I smiled wondering why she picked the shopping cart. Did we acquaint her so much with shopping? Lots of laughter!!
Wondering how days have gone by so fast and our daughter is already attending school, while both of us still feel that we are kind of newly wed. Swapna and I went for medical tests and we were somewhat early. So there was not much wait time. So, Swapna managed to finish the tests early and we walked out of the medical lab. Then we went to a hair stylist and got my hair done. Swapna liked the new look and I liked it very much. After coming to Canada, this is the first time, I felt it was a very decent and classy look that the stylist did. Earlier, I went to different saloons and I really did not like the way they cut my hair. Today, the style was impressive and so I tipped the stylist 30% and told him that I liked the hair cut. The stylist was delighted! Swapna said, you made his day, he looked very happy. And you are looking cool with this new hair style. Swapna felt like having coffee and everything suddenly became romantic. Romance is in the air, we felt like we were honeymoon couple, having nothing to do, but to just romance around in the cool weather. We walked holding each other talking. At one instance, a passer by stared at my office tag which was hanging over my pocket from my belt. I felt we were like a college students who bunked college to freak around. I tried not to hide my office card several times though I was on leave in the morning session. It was really pleasant spending time with Swapna. We continued our walk to Tim Horton's and ordered for some breakfast and coffee which we deliberately shared to make it more romantic than the combination cool weather and hot coffee. We walked slowly back to home and by then it was 11AM. We had spent time at home till 11.30AM.

Srimaye's school timings are from 8.45 AM to 11.45 AM.

So, at 11.30, Swapna went to pick Srimaye from school while i have take a bus to get back to my office. At work, I participated in the "United Way" campaign, to be a volunteer in collecting donations within Citi, for the various upbringing of the under developed and various other hundreds of welfare organization that are under the umbrella of United Way. Had a tuna sandwich and grilled turkey sandwich with orange juice for lunch. Then work went at a good pace, maybe because of the magic of spending the whole morning with Swapna. Returned late from office to home at around 10PM.

Swapna told me over the phone, that Srimaye's first day is wonderful. The teacher gave a feedback on Srimaye that Srimaye is very social and talkative. They would ask people to talk, but they never do while, Asritha is very good that way. Teacher also gave her some homework to complete. :-)

While blogging this, I also remember that Swapna wants Srimaye to be called as Asritha. So, with this enrollment into school, Srimaye is also being called as Asritha. And one of dream's (Swapna's) dream come true. :-) As of me, I am very happy for spending the day with Swapna, being there for Srimaye's first day at school, it was all just perfect because of God's Grace that is showered upon us.

While reading the book, You Can Win by Shiv Khera, I read this Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher as part of that book. It is one of those many many writings, poems, phrases etc list of things that have touched my heart. I waited since then, to share it again to the world in my own terms on the day when my kid goes to school. I am delighted to write this blog on this day. I will sign-off this journal with Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher. Enjoy!!

Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher

He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader…
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,

Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick…
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books…
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat…
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong…
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.

Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad…
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!

~ Abraham Lincoln ~
(The 16^th President of the United States of America 1861 – 1965)

Soup For The Soul

The excerpts from #1 New York Times Best Seller "Chicken Soup For The Soul" written and compiled by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. Not sure why it has to be Chicken soup for the soul, ignoring the so called vegetarians. I would prefer it as "Soup for the Soul" if it has to be named like that to include the so called "vegetarian souls". And in the first instance the title sounds catchy but doesn't actually makes any sense. Soul is beyond taste and soul is beyond hunger and nourishment or whatever it is. Soul exists even if humans don't exist. Soul has no impact on your deeds or actions. Soul is never good or bad. Soul is a Soul and no equivalent to it. The book is definitely very interesting. Enjoy the gist of it for my perspective.


We know everything we need to know to end the needless emotional suffering that many people currently experience. High self-esteem and personal effectiveness is available to anyone willing to take the time to pursue it.

LOVE

The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds the tides and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of LOVE. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire. ~ Tielbard de Chardin

Love: The One Creative Force

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. ~ Mother Teresa.

The simple truth every teacher or professor should teach or profess is Love.

All one remembers is LOVE

Tell the ones you love, 'I LOVE YOU!'

Heart Song: Ability to express Love is biggest strength.

Don't bug me! Hug me!!

A heart for a Hug!

Unconditional Love!

Simple way to make a difference in live of others is Give a Hug!!

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Make every day a Hugs Day!

Hugging is healthy. It helps the body's immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. Hugging is natural, low energy consumption, high energy yield and, of course fully returnable.

Hugging is practically perfect.

Who you are makes a difference

The most incredible thing is to give recognition.

Don't stop contributing because there are simply too many. Make a difference to each one individually one at a time.

It is more blessed to give...

Be Courageous

Tell the people who work for you, what good job they are doing

Influence Happy Attitude directly or indirectly

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ~ Martin Luther Kind. Jr.

A small act of kindness can save life!

Smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other. ~ Mother Teresa.

Smile - the unaffected, unplanned, natural connection between people

Smile is a spark that jumps across the gap between two hearts, two human souls

Love is an example of the magic moment that two souls recognize each other

Underneath all the layers we construct to protect ourselves, our dignity, our titles, our degrees, our status and our need to be seen in certain ways - underneath all that , remains that authentic, essential self. I'm not afraid to call it the soul

Healing Power: Rub hands together vigorously, separate them by two inches and feel the healing energy. The pair them off with a partner to feel the healing energy emanating from one to another. Everyone has healing energy and healing potential.

Appreciate with gratitude, the seemingly simple day to day activities your family does for you unconditionally.

Don't lose sight of your dreams and ambitions

All of us are walking around with some kind of birthday card we would like to give - some personal expression of joy, creativity or aliveness that we are hiding under our shirt.

Carpe Diem! Seize the day!!

Win with the power of sincere intention to make life extraordinary.

Confront with an aspiration to fully express your heart and your resistance to face the insecurity of emotional nakedness.

I felt more satisfied and at peace with myself than I had in a long time....
I needed to learn to open my heart and give love without requiring anything return.

Fear is excitement without breath ~ Fritz Perls

Do it trembling if you must, but do it ~ Emmet Fox

The dynamics that are required to make any relationship work: Just keep putting your love out there.

Just keep putting your love out there. We believe that we are hurt when we don't receive love. But that is not what hurts us. Our pain comes when we do not give love. We are born to love. You might say that we are divinely created love machines. We function most powerfully when we are giving love. Truth is, our well being is dependent on our giving love.

Aikido is the art of reconciliation. Whoever has the mind to fight has broken his connection with the universe.

ELICIT WISDOM

Slow down and smell the roses.

This moment is all that you have to make a difference in life

The goals we set for ourselves can be attained through faith in ourselves and trust in others, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Trust your intuition and accept the guidance of others who may have greater insight

Live with awareness of life and compassion for others

Slow down and take the time to really see. Take a moment to see what is going on around you right now, right where you are. You may be missing something wonderful.

Interview with elderly and the terminally ill do not report that people have regret for the things they have done but rather people talk about the things they regret not having done.

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than i have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice creams and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day.
One after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day, I'd live in my moments. Just moments!! ~ Nadine Stair (Age:85)

The touch of the Master's Hand changes the worth of everything.


The Master comes and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Money and fame don't automatically make people happy. It has to come from within.

Alchemist Book Review

Here is a review of the book "the
alchemist" which I have written for a book review contest in Polaris.
And it is adjudged the best and I got the first prize. Thought I
should share the review with you guys.


Bard's B'day Book Review Contest Entry Form

Name of the Book : THE ALCHEMIST

Topic : Fiction, Inspirational & Transformational

Book’s Theme : A magical fable about following your dream


“ When a person really desires something all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream”. To find our "Personal Myth" and our mission on Earth is the way to find "God", meaning happiness, fulfillment, and the ultimate purpose of creation.

Dreams, symbols, signs and adventure follow the reader like the echoes of the ancient wise masters’ voices in “The Alchemist”, a masterpiece that combines an atmosphere of medieval mysticism with the song of the desert. With this symbolic art piece Coelho state that we should not avoid our destinies, and urges people to follow their dreams, because to find our "Personal Myth" and our mission on Earth is the way to find "God", meaning happiness, fulfillment, and the ultimate purpose of creation.

The novel tells the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who has a dream and the courage to follow it. After listening to "the signs" the boy ventures in his personal journey of exploration and self-discovery, symbolically searching for a hidden treasure located near the pyramids in Egypt. In his journey, Santiago sees the greatness of the world, and meets all kinds of exciting people like kings, a merchant, the camel driver who were "teachers without realizing it" and alchemists. Through the journey, he discovers that "treasure lies where your heart belongs", and that the treasure was the journey itself, the discoveries he made, and the wisdom he acquired.

It tells you that everything is possible as long as you really want it to happen. That may sound like an oversimplified version of new-age philosophy and mysticism, but as Coelho states "simple things are the most valuable and only wise people appreciate them". It suggests that those who do not have the courage to follow their " Personal Myth" are doomed to a life of emptiness, misery, and un-fulfillment. Fear of failure seems to be the greatest obstacle to happiness. This is where Coelho really captures the drama of man, who sacrifices fulfillment to conformity, who knows he can achieve greatness but denies to do so, and ends up living a life of void. It is interesting to see that Coelho presents the person who denies to follow his dream as the person who denies to see God, and that "every happy person carries God within him". However, only few people choose to follow the road that has been made for them, and find God while searching for their destiny, and their mission on earth. What is certain is that the symbolism of the text is a parallel to the symbolism and the symbolic language of alchemism, and similarly the symbolism of dreams is presented as " God's language". It is also symbolic that Santiago finds his soul mate, and the secrets of wisdom in the wilderness of the desert. In the desert, Santiago meets his "twin-soul" and discovers that love is the core of existence and creation. As Coelho explains, when we love, we always try to improve ourselves, and that's when everything is possible". The novel skillfully combines words of wisdom, philosophy, and simplicity of meaning and language, which makes it particularly readable and accounts for relating to one's own self.


“The Alchemist", is an exciting novel that bursts with optimism. The Alchemist is interesting, memorable, entertaining, instructive, inspirational and majorly transformational.


It is interesting because it tells people what they want to hear, or rather it tells them that what they wish for but never thought possible could even be probable.


It is memorable as we can reflect, connect and discover ourselves while reading the book. It can be applied to our own lives.


It is entertaining as it takes you through a journey in the desert. It touches the heart of those earnestly seeking its own destiny on the journey of life.

It is instructive and inspirational because it teaches you the wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens, signs and symbols along life’s path while following your dreams. It gives the wisdom that “when something evolves, everything around that thing evolves as well”. The subject of love inspires a beautiful lyricism in Coelho's writing: "I love you because the whole universe conspired for me to come close to you."

It is most of all transformational because “it is about penetrating to the Soul of the World, and discovering the treasure that has been reserved for you.”


After reading The Alchemist, no person will be the same once they understand God's language. In the book Coelho says that Alchemist makes Alchemist. It helps you realize your mentors, "the Kings", who appear in one form or another, in the form of a solutions or a good idea. Everyone who understands this book will definitely pass the legacy and it continues. It is endless. The book continues to transform lives. It makes those who exist to live. Live your dreams.


Like Santiago, we are all in search of treasure, to find the meaning and purpose of our lives. We constantly make our lives better. The Alchemist makes you understand that there is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve! “The fear of failure.“ It says, “ When a person really desires something all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream”. This book reveals the distance between you and yourself. To find the treasure that lies within you, obstacles and problems are those clues that helps you to discover and realize your destiny. So let’s begin the journey.



Alchemist resolves the conflict between love and ambition strikingly. It say’s “When we love, we always strive to become better persons”. “True love never stops you from realizing your life’s goal”. This tale is inspiring, creative and captivating. It gives you a deep insight into the universal soul / force that provides you help to realize your dream when you ask for it earnestly and work for it passionately. It states that there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth.” We only limit ourselves. Only we place limitations on us. Dare to explore your life’s mission, to run after your dreams. For, today’s dreams are tomorrow’s realities. Paul Coelho’s writing is easy and simple yet posses the power to inspire and change your life forever reminding us “Don’t forget to follow your destiny through to its conclusion”. It is an ordinary fable revealing extra ordinary truths. If life is like a journey then the book “The Alchemist” is a real signpost to reach your destiny. After all, “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s real obligation”. The book is like an elixir and helps in reading signs and teaches the language that doesn’t depend on words. “If I can learn to understand this language without words, I can learn to understand the world”. The language of God. “To understand this one needs to find a man who understands this language. An Alchemist”. A Mentor who helps to understand that “intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life, where the histories of all people are connected, and we are able to know everything, because it’s all written there. I can now read the signs and learnt God's language. In the process “We make a lot of detours, but we’re always heading for the same destination.” Experience the magic of The Alchemist that helps you find a mentor and transforms the student into a seeker, a manager into a leader and a pessimist into an optimist. To some of the questions like “Why do they make things so complicated?” It provides answers “so that those who have the responsibility for understanding can understand. It’s only those who are persistent, and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the Master Work.” The Alchemist taught “the most important part of the language that all the world spoke – the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity. Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met”. A smile, “and that was certainly an omen – the omen he had been awaiting, without even knowing he was, for all his life”. It propels one to test the limits that one sets for oneself. “The world is only the visible aspect of God. And that what alchemy does is to bring spiritual perfection into contact with the material plane.” “Your eyes show the strength of your soul.” Dare! For the universe is there to conspire with you to realize your destiny. “The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it.” It reminds “no project is complete until its objective has been achieved.” The Alchemist is magical and it puts a lasting smile on the face by the end of it. “Life attracts life, life really is generous to those who pursue their destiny.” The book has life in it.



To all the questions like



Has a book ever changed your life?

Has a book raised your consciousness?

Has a book changed the way you feel?

Has a book encouraged you to do something?


There is only one answer and the answers is, Yes!


For those who understand the language of the world, The Alchemist is magical and puts a lasting smile on the face. :-)

Straight from the heart...!

I watched the movie 'Straight' Vinay Patakh. So to say, I am very fond of Vinay Pathak's movies for the reason that they are off-beat, real-life stories and mostly and only for multiplex movie goers. I like all of his movies that I watched. Dasvidhaniyan, Bheja Fry, Oh My God, Mixed Doubles This particular movie 'Straight' is regarding a man who is desperate to get married and is utterly confused on his sexuality. Along the story line there is a built in comedy track which runs in parallel just like any other Vinay Patakh's movie.

Apart from the story line there is a character Kamlesh who plays the role of a cook with a great talent for making people laugh in his acts. With this he makes Pinu (Vinay Pathak) come out of his complexities and take life easy. And laugh at the happenings in retrospect, which were once the most difficult times for Pinu. This is what is most appealing about the movie to me.

Many of the times this has been the case with me and there are so many of such small things which I always recollect and laugh to myself or share the lighter moments with people around. It has always given me a feeling of life being wonderful not just to myself but to those who I share this with. I thought these are good to get on to my blog now and soon. This is the kind of 'just for laughs' or 'college commedy' there are several instance which I would always love to share and have shared with many of my friends....

So here comes the lines Straight from the heart....

The Only slap Mom gave me...
At my age of 12 , I was playing with my elder brother. We had a running race in which, we need to touch start from one point, touch a Post Box at the end of the road and then come back to the starting point. My elder brother was leading and I was running behind him. While he touched the postbox and just started to return, I just couldn't control my speed and crashed into him straight head on. Two of my teeth went into my brothers head. The funny part is, If my brother was not there for me, I would have rammed into the post box. Thanks to my brother he saved me.

When we went to the doctor, the doctor asked me what is the matter?
I said my teeth are broken.
What happened?
I crashed into my brother and the teeth hit his head and broke.
The doctor said, OK you go wait in the waiting room and call your brother in. It sounded like GET OUT! LOL :-)


The electric shock during the preparation of a science exhibition model. As most of us know, in school all of us must have participated in science exhibition at-least in school level competition. In preparation for this, I did a very simple experiment, the water heater. I removed the leads from a couple of Eveready battries and connected them to a + and - wires. Now it is all ready for testing. I dipped the leads in a bowl of water. As the switch board was not reachable for me, I asked my brother to help me to plug the wires. Then he plugged them in and the switch has to be turned on. Just then it struck my mind that I am holding a steel bowl. So I said... WAIT!! This is a steel bowl, I may get a shock. Let me bring a plate. I ran as fast as I can, brought a plate, placed the bowl in the plate. Then I told my brother, OK, One, Two, Three, Now! ~!@#$%^&*()_+ mmmmmmmmm..........yyyyyyyyy.......ooooooooooo........eeeeeeeeeeeee...
I think my brother switched the connection off again. Thank God! He saved my life.
I realized I brought a steel plate. :-) LOL. My mom screamed from the other room... "you will kill yourself, stop the non-sense of your experiments!". That's the end of my interest in science as a subject. I really can not forget how much my brother and I rolled and laughed at my foolishness in bringing a steel plate to insulate a steel bowl.


Sorry for the interruption... Julie...
The first pet every I know in my home is the bitch named Julie at my home in Vizag. This is a very very Faithful and a cool country breed and is very powerful and intelligent. It is a pit everyone in the home is fond of. For those you know, there was a time when the street dogs were plenty and the municipality guys use to come at periodic intervals captive the street dogs and I guess they were mercy killed. I remember a time when the street dogs used to have gang wars and each gang used to have no less than 20 to 30 dogs. It used to be quite a dreadful fight and sight. Literally, 'Dog eat Dog' days for dogs. That time any pets having a home are really the blessed animals and so used to be Lords of Dogs. If I were to interpret the language of dogs, then may be Julie was one of the kind princess and had a really tough dogs trying to impress it and fight for getting into a relationship with Julie. One afternoon it so happened that I was going to the backyard of my house and I saw a nice white hound taking Julie for a jolly ride (you know what I mean). Both of them were quite in the middle of it. I didn't know what to do. All I know (at that time as a kid) is that I should protect Julie. So, I took a wicket went towards them slowly and banged right in the middle. Before hitting them do remember the faces and eyes of that dog and Julie even to this day. Both of the dogs ran apart and did not revolt against me. Had the dog revolted against me, I would have been a "kukka chaavu" as I was really a kid studying 2nd or 3rd standard. Least did I realized I am interrupting their love. I regret even to this day. Julie, Sorry for the interruption.


There are many such stories I would love to narrate all through my life. Will do them as and when I find time. This is for my own self.

Most people think that I am a very serious guy. That's because they don't know me at all. Those who know me well know that I am one of the most jovial and hilarious person to be with.

Celebrate Festival of Smiles!!

When there is a festival of lights, festival of colors which bring so much of delight, I felt why not a Festival of Smiles! for a Global Delight!!

Dedicating this day to THE MAN OF MULTI-MILLION SMILES!!

Your smile is Auspecious, Adorable, Attractive & Altruistic
Your smile is Bright, Beautiful, Boylike, Blissful & Blessing
Your smile is charming, childlike, Capitivating & Celebration
Your smile is Demonstrative, Delightful & Divine
Your smile is Enriching, Enthralling, Energizing, Enthusiastic & Enterprising
Your smile is Fun, Flashy, Friendly, Fascinating & Festivity
Your smile is Genuine, Glorious, Gorgeous, Great, Gratifying & Gifting
Your smile is Healthy, Healing, Happiness, Homely, Heartful & Heavenly
Your smile is Inspiring, Incessant & Inveigle
Your smile is Joyful, Jazzy & Jubilant
Your smile is Kind, Kempt & Kingly
Your smile is Lavish, Lively, Lovely & Lasting
Your smile is Miraculous, Mischevious, Marvelous & Multi-million$
Your smile is Nice, Naughty & Natural
Your smile is Outsmarting, Outstanding & Outshining
Your smile is Pleasing, Peaceful, Passionate, Princely & Priceless
Your smile is Quick, Quietening & Quenching
Your smile is Rhapsodic, Relieving, Revelling & Ravishing
Your smile is Sexy, stylish, Soothing, Sprited, Sacred & Surprizing
Your smile is Terrific, Touching, Transforming & Triumphing
Your smile is Unforgetable, Unfathomable, Undaunted & Upmarked
Your smile is Vibrant, Vitalizing & Vivifying
Your smile is Warm, wonderful, Winning & Wallowing
Your smile is eXamplary, eXotism & eXperiential
Your smile is Youthful, Yankee & Yummy
Your smile is Zealous, Zenithal & Zooming

I celebrate the Festival of Smiles on this day, 19th April every year, for the past 5 years!!

Come join me in celebrating The Festival of Smiles, on this day every year, by keeping a
Smile at all times!

I didn't realize, I had one of the best smile in the world, untill I read:
Confucius says "The Best smile in the world is of that of a person who has all his front teeth broken and is smiling"!

Best Wishes at All Times!
Ramji

Places I visited

Places I visited:

Hyderabad

Mumabi

Chennai

Bangalore

New Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

Mysore

Visakhapatnam

Vijayawada

Bhimavaram

Rajahmundry

Palakol

Srisailam

Shiridi

Tirumala

Bhadrachalam

Kothagudem

Madurai

Palani

Kanchipuram

Pune

Pandaripuram

Triayambakeshwar

Sripuram

Mantralayam

USA:
Los Angeles, Irvine, San Jose, San Francisco, Hollywood, Malibu etc in California

Boston, Northboro etc in Masachussats

Milford, Stamford etc., in Connecticut

New York City

King of Prussia in Pennselveniya

Niagara

Jersey City, Edison, Woodbridge etc., New Jersey

Niagara Falls, Toronto, Mississauga in Canada

Singapore:

Indonesia: Jakarta


Landed:
Taipai
Tokyo
Hong Kong
Wisconsin
Washington DC
Kuwait
Frankfurt
London

Celebraties I have seen or met

God Men:
Sai Baba in Puttaparthy

Pandit Ravi Shankar: Music and healing concert in Music Acadamy Chennai.

Sports:

Tennis:
Federer vs Djakovich, watched 1st Semifinal US Open 2008 in New York. Had a spare ticket and no one to go along with me.

Nadal vs Murray watched 2nd Semifinal US Open 2008 in New York

Venus Williams vs Serena Williams. Opening match of US Open 2007 in New York

Cricket:
Indian Cricket Team 2006: I have seen Sachin Tendulkar, Dohni, Harbajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid etc. at Hyderabad Airport

Sunil Gavaskar, Sadanad Vishwanath, Krish Shrikanth in various occassions

Vivian Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Coutney Walsh, Richie Richirdson etc from West Indian Cricket team at Vizag stadium in 1992

Film Personalities

Chirunjeevi at Puttaparthi

Pavan Kalyan (Traveled and interacted with him).

Nagababu at a restaurant

Venkatesh at the airport

Raghuvaran at a hotel

Kota Srinivasa Rao at a function

Brahmanandam: Interacted with him in a restaurant

Rajsekhar: Interacted with him in a restaurant

Tamil Comedian at a disco in Chennai

Sarath Kumar and Radhika at Hyderabad airpot

Naresh during a shooting in Vizag near my school.

Madhavan in Chennai airport

Vinod Kumar during a shooting

Boys Film Heros: Other than Siddharth in Bikes and Barrells in Chennai

Mohanlal: Joel and I were having drinks at Copper Chimney in Chennai. Mohanlal was having drinks in the same restaurant.

Paruchuri Goplakrishna: Often visits a producer in the same apartment block where we lived in Hyderabad

Allu Ramalingayya: At Peddamma Talli temple in Hyderabad

MS Raju: Mega Film Producer lived in the same building.

Captain Prabakar: In Chennai during elections in 2006

Nepolian: Tamil actor and politician is my neighbor in Chennai

K Vishwanath: Film director at a coffee shop in Hyderabad

Hollywood star Steven Segal at Puttaparthi

Political Personalities

Chandra Babu Naidu in Hyderabad Public Gardens during a IT Exhibition inaugaration

TN Seshan: I saw him at Malibu temple in US.

PN Sangma: Interacted with him while he was lobbying in Delhi University

Kapil Sibal: At Shivam in Chennai

Shivraj Patil: At Shivam in Chennai

Music:

A R Rehman: Have interacted with him in Delhi Airport

Janet Jackson: At US Open 2007

M Balamurali Krishna:

Bombay Sisters

Unni Krishnan

Shankar Mahadevan: He was the entertainer on Polaris Day 2006

Yesudas

OS Arun

S P Balasubramanyam: Met him several times.


I missed these world famous peronalities:

Mother Teressa: Mother Teressa visited visakhapatnam and most of my classmates went to see her. I did not go, as I wanted to play. After seeing the pictures of my friends and cousin with her, I regretted for not going to visit Mother Teressa.

MS Subba Lakshmi: I wanted to see her a lot as I am a staunch fan and a devotee of her Divine Voice. She lived in Kotturpuram and I lived in the same colony. But I did not know that she lived in Kotturpuram, untill I saw it in the news paper, after her death.

People I would definitely want to meet:

Vijay Mallya

Lallu Prasad Yadav