Superb stuff for those who grew up during the 60s to the 90s in middle class India, here are some things that you can identify with……

Superb stuff for those who grew up during the 60s to the 90s in middle class India, here are some things that you can identify with…… 1. Though you may not publicly own to this, at the age of 12-17 years, you were very proud of your first "Bellbottom" or your first "Maxi" . 2. Phantom & Mandrake were your only true heroes.The brainy ones read "Competition Success Review". 3. Your "Camlin" geometry box & Natraj/Flora pencil were your prized possessions. 4. The only "Holidays" you took were to go to your 'grandparents' or your 'cousins' houses. 5. Ice-cream meant only - either an orange stick, a vanilla stick – or a Choco Bar if you were better off than most. 6. You gave your neighbour’s phone number to others with a 'PP' written against it because you had booked yours only 7 years ago and were still waiting for your number to come. 7. Your parents were proud owners of HMT watches. You "earned" yours after your school exams. 8. You have been to "Jumbo Circus"; have held your breath while the pretty young thing in the glittery skirt did acrobatics, quite enjoyed the elephants hitting football, the motorcyclist vrooming in the "Maut - ka - Gola" and it was politically okay to laugh your guts out at dwarfs hitting each others bottoms! 9. If you had a TV, it was normal to expect the neighbourhood to gather around to wait & watch the Chitrahaar on fridays or the Sunday movie. If you didn't have a TV, you just went to a house that did. It mattered little if you knew the owners or not. 10. Black & White TVs weren't so bad after all because cricket was played in whites. 11. You thought your parents rocked because you got your own (the family's; not your own own!) Colour TV when the Asian Games started. Everyone else got the same idea as well and ever since,no one came over to your house and you didn't go to anyone else's to watch TV. 12. You knew that Indira Gandhi was somebody really powerful and terribly important. And that's all you needed to know. 13. The only "Gadgets" in the house were the TV, the Fridge and possibly a mixer. 14. Movies meant Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh Bachchan. Rekha or Vyjayanthimala. Before the start of the movie you always had to watch the obligatory "Newsreel". 15. You thought you were so rocking because you knew almost all the songs of the Beatles, Jim Reeves Abba and Boney M. 16. Photograph taking was a big thing. You were lucky if your family owned a camera. A reel of 36 exposures was valuable hence it justified the half hour of preparation & "setting" & the "posing" for each picture. Therefore, you. have at least one family picture where everyone is holding their breath and standing at attention! Cheers to good old friends & times.💐 These were the days my friends & they will never come back again

Haha, this is called passion

Haha, this is called passion. Some employee from Google complained on LinkedIn that Mylapore dosa kitchen wouldn’t give dosa to go. The owner responded as below: Dear Tech Titans, We love our friends from Microsoft, Google, and the entire Silicon Valley stack. You folks write the code that runs the world. But at Mylapore, we write the recipes that feed the soul. We hear you—you’re busy shipping features, deploying builds, and fixing bugs. But just like you won’t skip a code review before pushing to production, we can’t skip our dosa policy just to please the runtime. Here’s why: In software, you can deploy hotfixes. In dosa-making, there are no hotfixes. Once it’s soggy, it’s game over. You work with elastic compute. We work with elastic batter—and it waits for no one. You want edge computing. We want the dosa edges crisp—and that doesn’t happen in a takeout box. You may have the cloud, but we’ve got the steam, griddle, and grace of generations who’ve passed down the art of making the perfect dosa. So no, we can’t pack a dosa to-go—not because we don’t love you (we do!), but because we love the dosa more. And some rules, like clean code and crisp dosas, are sacred. We invite you to take a break from pushing code and pull up a chair. Let us serve you a dosa hot off the tawa—with the same love your grandmother would’ve insisted on. Because while software powers the world, dosa powers the soul. With crispy affection, Team Mylapore

A married woman

A married woman said: “When I was angry I told my husband that I wish I hadn’t married you.” I thought he would get angry and start shouting but he stayed calm and just left the house. After 3 hours, he came home, and I felt like I was suddenly married to someone else, he was calm - he didn’t show any more emotions. He continues to live his life normally. Since then, I knew that I had ruined my life with just one sentence

*Satsang Guru story*

*Satsang Guru story* Can someone else’s experience or Guru story deepen your faith in the Guru? Yes, that’s exactly what happened yesterday. A lady who regularly attends my follow-up sessions made a request—she asked if I could take her to Gurudev. She happens to be an old devotee who has held on to her faith through many hardships over the years. A regular visitor to the Ashram, a satsang chorus singer, and above all, an ardent devotee of Gurudev. By her own admission, due to health issues and personal obligations, she hadn’t visited the Ashram in the past 18 years. But her faith and spiritual practice continued unwaveringly. She first made the request three months ago, but Gurudev was travelling abroad at the time. Later, when he returned, she had a small fall and was out of action for a while. But yesterday, when she insisted again, I decided to take her to the satsang. Archana and I picked her up from her home and drove to the Ashram. We requested the volunteers to help her sit in the special seating area on the left, and they kindly assisted right away. All along the drive, she kept remembering Gurudev and sharing stories of her earlier adventures—riding her moped to the Ashram and attending satsangs. As we helped her into the seating area, she kept asking, "How will I talk to him? I want to ask him for avichal bhakti." She was also a bit upset because her regular flower vendor hadn’t stopped at her home that day. So, we bought a beautiful garland of fresh mogra flowers near the Vajrahalli Metro station. She immediately paid for it in cash. We, too, were silently praying to Gurudev—this lady had walked to the Dhyan Mandir with a stick, an enthusiastic smile, and pure devotion despite her health and age. Yesterday’s satsang was quite eventful. The Goa Festival was happening, with television celebrities and corporate leaders in attendance. Thousands were singing and dancing in joy. Just after the Q&A and the joint photo session, Gurudev sang "Nammaru... Samb Sadashiv" and was playfully walking around, giving darshan as he exited. He was throwing flowers, dancing, and singing. We continued praying silently that Gurudev would notice her and bless her. Suddenly, the large LCD screen started showing those moments live. And then—HE not only recognized her instantly, HE walked up to her, took the garland she had brought, wore it himself, and then blessed her with the same garland. She held Gurudev’s hand and asked for what she had been waiting so long to ask. Gurudev blessed her. We couldn’t believe what was happening. And even afterwards, she was in disbelief. All the way back, she kept repeating: “HE did recognize me. HE did! HE knows me!” Yes, Gurudev does know, recognize, and remember each one of us individually. Yes, I am sure!

Why did Krishna not save the Pandavas when they played dice with Duryodhana & Shakuni?

Why did Krishna not save the Pandavas when they played dice with Duryodhana & Shakuni? Yudhishthira asked Shri Krushna’s advise before performing Rajasuyagna. So, Shri Krushna gave him a game plan of HOW to successfully perform the yagna. As a result, Yudhishthira became the Emperor or India. Yudhishthira didn’t bother to ask Shri Krushna’s advise before going to Dhruta sabha. Why should Shri Krushna stop him? Why should Shri Krushna advise him on what to gamble or not? How or why should Shri Krushna save Pandavas from their own folly? In the 80s there was an ad with a tag line - (chocolate) a moment on your lips, forever on your hips! Karma may give us a momentary high / pleasure, but its effects can impact us for a very long time. That one afternoon in Dhrut Sabha brought 14 years of misery for Pandavas and decades of misery for families of Kuru warriors who died in the war. One afternoon! One man’s pleasure!! Misery for millions afterwards!!! God isn’t there to save us from our follies! We all have free will to perform the karmas of our own choosing. Having chosen to act in one way or another, we can’t blame God for our actions or the fruits of our actions. For this reason, Yudhishthir does not blame anyone for his misery - just himself and his addiction to gambling. Lots of articles on the Mahabharata - http://www.pushti-marg.net/bhagwat/Mahabharata/Mahabharata.htm PS - कृष्ण (male) / कृष्णा (female) Krushna is the phonetic spelling of male name. Krishna is the female version of the name. Try typing krishna in google translate and you will see what I mean.

Acharya Satyendra Das made a shocking prediction about PM Modi, had become a historic moment

Acharya Satyendra Das made a shocking prediction about PM Modi, had become a historic moment When the results of Lok Sabha elections 2024 were declared on 4 June last year, a prediction proved to be true. In fact, before the results, Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, made a prediction. He had said that PM Narendra Modi has special blessings from Ramlala and he will become Prime Minister for the third time. Acharya Satyendra Das died on Wednesday 12 February. Last year, before the results of the Lok Sabha elections, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple predicted. Had made such a big prediction Acharya Satyendra Das had said that I have predicted that Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister of the country for the third time. The results of the election will come on June 4 and on June 4, it will also be approved that Narendra Modi is becoming Prime Minister for the third time. He had said in his prediction that PM Modi himself came after Ramlala's life prestige and Pran Pratishtha was also done by him. Ramlala is blessed and blessed by the Prime Minister of the country. This year too, he will win the election and take oath of Prime Minister for the third time. He will fulfill his resolve, our blessings are on PM Modi. Acharya Satyendra Das dies: Ram temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das passes away PM had kept special rituals for 11 days The chief priest further said that we ask Lord Shri Ram for the third time to become Prime Minister every day. Let us tell you that after 500 years, the wait for Ram devotees ended on 22 January 2024. Lord Shri Rama enshrined in the grand temple after the life of Lord Ramlala in Ramnagari Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief Yajman at this ceremony. He respected the idol of Ramlala. PM Modi also performed a special ritual of 11 days before the inauguration of Ram temple. Not only this, he slept on the ground till his life was completed. After the completion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Swami Govinddev gave PM Modi a charanamrit and broke his fast

True Tolerance

Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* May 29, 202​5 TRUE TOLERANCE The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 139 I first heard the short form of the Third Tradition in the Preamble. When I came to A.A. I could not accept myself, my alcoholism, or a Higher Power. If there had been any physical, mental, moral, or religious requirements for membership, I would be dead today. Bill W. said in his tape on the Traditions that the Third Tradition is a charter for individual freedom. The most impressive thing to me was the feeling of acceptance from members who were practicing the Third Tradition by tolerating and accepting me. I feel acceptance is love and love is God’s will for us. ********************************************** Obstacles in Our Path We live in a world riddled with envy. To a greater or lesser degree, everybody is infected with it. From this defect we must surely get a warped yet definite satisfaction. Else why would we consume so much time wishing for what we have not, rather than working for it, or angrily looking for attributes we shall never have, instead of adjusting to the fact, and accepting it? Each of us would like to live at peace with himself and with his fellows. We would like to be assured that the grace of God can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We have seen that character defects based upon shortsighted or unworthy desires are the obstacles that block our path toward these objectives. We now clearly see that we have been making unreasonable demands upon ourselves, upon others, and upon God. TWELVE AND TWELVE 1. P. 67 2. P. 76 * The cofounders of Alcoholics Anonymous referred to the alcoholic’s obsession as a “mental blank spot.” What is a mental blank spot but unconsciousness? Consciousness means the elimination of mental blank spots. The “strange mental blank spot” cannot occur when a person is spiritually fit, awake, aware, and conscious. It just is not possible. This repetitive mitigation of guilt keeps pain and pleasure balanced, so, the alcoholic can live with a facsimile of sanity and maintain appearances. “I got my sh*t together,” he thinks. This continuous cycle of action, beyond our conscious control, is what society terms addiction. It is the way the guilty can maintain balance. Maintaining this equilibrium eventually becomes the main object of the alcoholic’s life. Anything that becomes the main object of a life is an obsession. He seeks a very special kind of mindlessness, one that is in response to pain and is a method of escaping from the guilt brought on by playing God. The alcoholic who is dependent upon this in order to live with ease and comfort loses a piece of his mind as he forces counterfeit peace of mind, he knows he does not deserve— and so, he becomes a slave to whatever courses of action or substances he can incorporate into his life. It's a drinking lifestyle common to all alcoholics in all walks of life. Daniel J Schwarzhoff‎ - Recovered Alcoholics

HOW MUCH FAITH IS NECESSARY?

Good Morning!!! HOW MUCH FAITH IS NECESSARY? Around the Year with Emmet Fox May 29 Have faith in your own faith. Have faith enough in yourself to believe that you really have enough faith to move mountains. Is this a strange idea? Probably it is for many people, yet Jesus taught it. People are constantly saying that they wish they had more faith because if they had they could get better results. You have to realize, however, that this attitude of mind is extremely negative. It is affirming, although indirectly, that your faith is very poor— and you know what that means. Jesus said that the very smallest amount of faith (like a grain of mustard seed) is sufficient. If you have faith enough to pray at all, you have enough faith to start with. If you had no faith, you would not be praying. Have faith in your own faith, and that in itself will build it up more and more until the work is done. “be not faithless, but believing” John 20:27

Who are the top five archers in Ramayana and in Mahabharata according to you? From Ramayana top 5 archers are

Who are the top five archers in Ramayana and in Mahabharata according to you? From Ramayana top 5 archers are 1 Rama Defeated and killed demons like Maricha, Viradha, Kabandha, Tarakasura, Subhahu. Killed Khara, Dooshana along with 14000 rakshasas single handedly. Defeated Parshuram and destroyed his power. He killed Vali using a single arrow. Defeated and killed Ravana and Kumbhkarana. 2 Lakshmana Overpowered Ravana twice in plain archery once even with Brahma armour. Defeated and killed Indrajit and Atikaya. Overpowered Kumbhkarana in archery battle and was about to wipe out the entire rakshasa clan along with Ravana and Indrajit but was stopped by Rama. 3 Parshurama Defeated and killed Kartavirya Arjuna. He obtained all celestial missiles from Lord Shiva including Pashupatastra, Vaishnavastra, Narayanastra and Brahmashirastra and his divine parashu. He defeated a huge army of demons who were threatening Indra and the celestials. He broke the tusk of Gansehji using his axe and saved the world from power of Brahmastra using his Vishnu tatva 4 Kartavirya Arjuna He defeated Indra and the thirty gods riding on a single chariot. Defeated and captured Ravana who was the conquerer of the three worlds. Fought with Parshurama and overpowered him using the invincible trident of Datta. 5 Ravana He defeated Lakshmana twice in archery using infalliable weapons. Fought with Indra and defeated him in archery by breaking his bow. With his Brahma armour fought Rama for seven days and was able to withstand the arrows by which Rama had killed Khara, Dhooshana, Vali and other warriors. from Mahabharata era top 5 archers would be 1 Arjuna He was declared the foremost warrior in the three worlds and is considered a warrior next to Shree Rama according to Dhanurveda. Possessed all the celestial weapons. Defeated notable warriors like Bhishma, Guru Drona, Ashwathama, and Karna. Defeated the powerful Nivatakavachas, Kalakeyas, and Poulamas. Possessed all the 5 viddhis of archery. 2 Karna With his Vijaya bow he was the strongest kaurava warrior. Defeated and spared the life of Yudhisthira on 17th day. Gave Arjuna the toughest fight of his life, with Krishna saving him once from certain death. Defeated multiple group assaults on 17th day including Bhima, Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna all were defeated by him. And repeatedly baffled almost all weapons of Arjuna. 3 Bhishma Had all the knowledge of weaponry from Parshurama. Defeated Parshurama in his younger days. Was the most consistent and honorable warrior. Never used his full potential on the battlefield. Repeled many group attacks. He was the strongest warrior from kaurava side 4 Guru Drona Second strongest warrior from kaurava side after Bhishma. He had knowledge of Brahmashirastra, Brahmastra, Narayanastra and Vajrastra. Like Bhishma never used his full power in kurukshetra war. Managed to overpower Arjuna on few occasions because of latter being mild on him. Defeated group attack of Bhima, Satyaki, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha on 13th day 5 Ashwathama He had celestial weapons such as Brahmashirastra, Narayanastra and Vajrastra. He gave a very tough fight to Arjuna in virat war where all kuru warriors were defeated and stepped back. Ashwathama was the most destructive warrior from kaurava side who slew more than 3 akshauhini armies of pandavas. Regarding skills Abhimanyu is better than Drona, Karna and Ashwathama as he defeated them on 13th day inside the chakravyuh. But this is based on celestial weapons. Not much on skills. Karna would be above Bhishma, Drona and Ashwathama due to possession of celestial bow Vijaya. Krishna is a god while Pradyumna , Balarama Etc. Do not have Much relevance in The Core Story. And Parasurama was out of His Time (treta Yuga) so not Included

India's economy was bankrupt in 1991.

India's economy was bankrupt in 1991. The then Prime Minister Narsimha Rao called Finance Minister Manmohan Singh and asked how much money is there in the treasury, Manmohan Ji's answer was that only 9 days we can run the country, that much money is left. On this, Narasimha Rao ji asked how to deal with this situation? Manmohan Singh said that the value of the country's rupee should have to fall by 20%. Narasimha ji said, okay call the meeting of the cabinet and get approval. Manmohan ji got up and started going towards his room. After going a few steps away, he turned back and said to Narasimha Rao that if the cabinet convenes the meeting, we will not be able to take these tough decisions. All ministers will address the vote bank. Narasimha ji told Manmohanji that right now you go to your room. After 20 minutes, the secretary went to Manmohanji in his room by giving him a letter and in that letter.Narasimha Rao Ji had written, Done!! Later, when he asked that what had happened in 20 minutes that you had surprised everyone, including the Cabinet meeting, then Narasimhav ji had said that I had spoken to Atal ji and done it. Means you look at Atal ji was more than his cabinet, PM knew that Atal ji will speak in the interest of the country. It happens that after the announcement of the Nationalist Opposition and that drastic decision, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not organize a protest movement, but supported the immediate Congress government to bring the country's economy back on track. Gone those Politicians, gone those days… Thanks. @ Everyone.

"Do you still read such a book today in this age of science ?

One day, a gentleman wearing a dhoti and a shawl was reciting the Bhagwath Geeta in while sitting on the sea shore of Chennai. At that time a boy came there and said to him : "Do you still read such a book today in this age of science ? Look, at this moment we have reached the moon. And, But, you are stuck in this Geetha, and Ramayana." The gentleman asked the boy : "What do you know about the Geetha ?" The boy did not answer the question and said excitedly : "What will happen after reading all that. You know, I am a student of Vikram Sarabhai Research Institute, and I am a scientist. This Geetha lesson is useless." The gentleman laughed when he heard the boy's words. Just then two huge cars came and stopped there. Some Black commandos came down from one car and a soldier from the other car. The man dressed as a soldier opened the back door of the car, knocked a salute and stood by the car door. The gentleman who was reciting the Geetha, got into the car at a slow pace and sat up. The boy was shocked to see all this. He thought the man must be renowned person. Unable to find anyone, to ask... Then. the boy ran up to him and asked, "Sir, Sir, who are you ?" The gentleman said in a very calm voice : "I am Vikram Sarabhai." 😳 The boy seemed to play a 440 volt shock. Do you know who this boy was ? Dr. Abdul Kalam. After that Dr. Kalam read *Bhagwath Geetha.* Read Ramayana, Mahabharatha and other books. And as a result of reading this Geetha, Dr. Kalam promised not to eat meat for the rest of his life. He wrote in his autobiography, Geetha A science. The Geetha, the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha are a great proud pursuit of the Indians' own cultural heritage. *Worth sharing,* *Sending you good vibes to start your morning with positive energy*

Civilisations rise or perish on mindset’s of its citizens and the leadership.

A forward message. Someone penned this and is a food for thought. Civilisations rise or perish on mindset’s of its citizens and the leadership. Quote Silence in the Group Chat: A Social Experiment on the Modern Hindu Mindset It started off as a casual social experiment during a time of national tension. My old schoolmate Arpan and I, both alumni of one of Hyderabad’s most prestigious schools — batch of 2000 — decided to observe how our peers would respond to real-world issues. This group wasn’t ordinary. It was filled with bright, well-placed individuals: half were settled in the U.S. or Europe, the other half in India, mostly in high-paying jobs in the IT sector, holding management positions. The backbenchers — once dismissed — had turned into entrepreneurs and even politicians. We assumed that this was a group with perspective, curiosity, and the intellectual courage to engage. But we were in for a surprise. When the Pahalgam incident occurred, we brought it up for discussion. The first response: “No heavy topics, please.” The group only wanted funny memes, birthday wishes, and feel-good nostalgia. As the situation escalated into conflict and war, nothing changed. When we brought up issues like radicalisation and the root causes of terrorism, we were told — privately — not to "offend anyone" because “Muslims are also part of this group.” Even when drones flew in and ballistic missiles were launched, the chat remained numb. When we said Jai Shree Ram or Jai Hind, especially after India's military victory, there was no response. Not a single word of solidarity. When we criticized Pakistan’s actions, some responded not with concern or outrage, but with counter-questions about caste discrimination in India — a textbook example of false equivalence. That’s when it dawned on us: we weren’t dealing with a few passive individuals. We were staring at a collective psychological shift among educated, urban Hindus — one that has far-reaching consequences. The Psychology Behind the Silence 1. Post-Colonial Hangover Many of us are products of an education system that subtly — and sometimes openly — glorified Western thought while deriding native Indian values. Colonial narratives painted Indian culture as backward, hierarchical, and problematic. Even after independence, we continued to internalize these narratives, and today, many Hindus instinctively distance themselves from their own civilizational identity in an attempt to appear "progressive" or "neutral." 2. Guilt Conditioning Through Academia and Media From school textbooks to prime-time news, modern Indians are trained to view Hinduism through a lens of guilt — focusing largely on caste, patriarchy, and superstition, while ignoring its contributions to art, science, spirituality, and philosophy. This relentless focus on internal flaws conditions many to feel shame or discomfort when discussing anything Hindu-related in public — even something as simple as saying “Jai Shree Ram.” 3. Global Citizen Syndrome Many of our peers settled abroad or working in MNCs view themselves first as “global citizens.” In this worldview, pride in one's own nation, faith, or cultural identity is seen as parochial, even dangerous. Being politically correct and culturally vague is seen as sophistication. Expressing nationalist sentiment becomes socially risky, especially on WhatsApp groups where professional reputations might be at stake. 4. Fear of Social Isolation In elite social circles, being seen as “right-wing” or “too Hindu” can result in ridicule or exclusion. Therefore, even those who inwardly agree stay silent. Memes are safe. Birthdays are safe. “Jai Hind” may not be. This fear of isolation produces an echo chamber where everyone avoids controversy — even when truth is dying in silence. 5. Extreme Individualism Economic success has also brought with it a hyper-focus on personal growth: career, family, EMIs, vacations. Social consciousness, cultural responsibility, or national identity are seen as distractions or optional extras. “I pay taxes and vote — that’s enough,” becomes the default mindset. 6. Selective Moral Outrage Interestingly, many of these same people are quick to speak out against injustice — but only when it’s fashionable. Issues that align with Western liberal discourse (climate change, minority rights, BLM, Gaza, Ukraine) see active participation. But when India is under attack, or when Hindus face atrocities, the same voices go mute — out of fear, confusion, or indifference. The Larger Implication This silence — this inability to stand up, speak out, or even acknowledge — is not a side effect. It is the main feature of the crisis we’re in. When even the best-educated, most successful Hindus feel awkward expressing cultural pride or national solidarity, we are witnessing a civilizational disconnection. The tragedy isn’t that enemies exist. The tragedy is that the sentinels are asleep. Our social experiment revealed this quiet erosion. It’s not dramatic. It’s not violent. But it’s deadly. And if we don’t understand it, confront it, and rebuild our collective confidence — this silence will become the very sound of decline. Unquote

A good,short read!...

A good,short read!... The AC in my bedroom conked out in the middle of the night. Not sputtered. Not whimpered. It just gave up, like a resigned bureaucrat on a Friday afternoon. One moment I was wrapped in Himalayan bliss, the next I was drenched in Sahara sweat. And so I tossed and turned all night like a chicken being barbequed. By morning, I looked like I’d spent the night dancing in a steam room, and felt like I’d been at war—with a mattress and my melting dignity. The mechanic arrived late morning. Snooty fellow, eyes half shut with indifference and an air of casual brilliance, like he knew the secrets of the universe… or at least the secrets of split ACs. “It’s a good brand,” I told him hopefully, pointing at the machine like it was a pedigree dog that had soiled the carpet. “The best,” he nodded solemnly, opening the unit with the reverence of a surgeon unveiling a chest cavity. “Then what’s the problem?” I asked, hoping he wouldn’t suggest I replace it with some obscure cousin from a new brand he’d conveniently be selling on the side. “Air vents clogged. Filters dirty. Fins choked. All jammed with muck. Sir, there’s construction going on next door?” “Yes,” I said, “it’s been going on for the last two years!” “All the more reason,” he replied, with the wisdom of the Himalayas. “That you should have got it serviced regularly.” He tinkered for the next hour while I hovered like a parent outside an operation theatre. Then, like Lazarus from the tomb, the AC sprang back to life. Cold, sweet air whooshed out, almost like a sigh of relief—mine, not the AC’s. And as I sat under the newly sanctified breeze, I couldn’t help but think: Aren’t we a bit like that air-conditioner? We go through life with dust collecting in our systems—stress, deadlines, family drama, cholesterol, WhatsApp forwards from that hatred filled friends. Slowly, our vents get clogged, our filters don’t work, and our emotional fins seize up. Then one day we snap. Tempers flare. Health breaks down. Relationships stall. Spiritual life flattens. And someone gently tells us, “You need servicing.” Not a vacation to Bali, though that sounds lovely. But simple, quiet servicing—like regular walks, fewer gulab jamuns, annual health check-ups, forgiving that ex-friend, meeting close friends and a little conversation with the Divine each morning—not a rant, not a chant, but a chat. You see, our lives are surrounded by constant construction—of expectations, responsibilities, ambitions. And in all this dust, we forget to clean our vents. My AC’s working fine now. Whisper-cool. Just like the soul after a bit of prayer and the body after a morning stretch. Hope your vents aren’t clogged, dear. If they are—well, you know what to do. Service due, sir. Service due…!

How Donald Trump Lost India on the Geopolitical Chessboard

How Donald Trump Lost India on the Geopolitical Chessboard Unfortunately, US President Donald Trump pre-empted Modi's speech with his own. After having crossed the strongest of red lines for India - interference or mediation between India and Pakistan for "Kashmir", which is an internal state of India, part of which is illegally occupied by Pakistan - he doubled down. That happened because his ego made him take credit for what he called a "ceasefire" - while India called it an "understanding". As Modi's speech clearly showed, the US administration had no role to play in that sequence of events. After completely ruining the India-US relationship, he threw another lighted match into the mix—a trade carrot that would be offered if India and Pakistan complied with his ideas. This equivalence between India and Pakistan was another red line. With that, Trump just detonated years of U.S.-India defense diplomacy with one reckless outburst after another. Declaring that trade should be used to pressure India was the last straw. With that single remark, he confirmed India’s deepest strategic fear: that the U.S. is not a partner, but a power that plays favorites—and is ready to weaponize even alliances. If trade can be used as a tool of coercion, what’s stopping the U.S. from using defense systems as leverage in wartime? For Indian planners, it’s a chilling prospect: being dependent on a volatile partner who might pull the plug mid-conflict. And, there is enough history of that. India remembers Kargil. In its hour of need, when Indian troops were locked in a bloody war in the Himalayas, the U.S. denied India access to GPS data. That betrayal still echoes in South Block. Now, Trump has reminded New Delhi that even advanced U.S. platforms can become liabilities when the going gets tough. Trump’s comment bruised egos and torched trust. Years of bipartisan effort to anchor India-U.S. defense ties now lie in ruins. The cost? Billions in lost defense deals, a strategic reset in New Delhi, and a glaring signal to Indian policymakers: America, under Trump, is too erratic to rely on. America without Trump is the return of the Deep State. India may now be set to create an entirely different coalition. Please check our earlier newsletter on the development of geopolitical alignments to understand the significance of the US and India's break. Henceforth, the way this alignment will move is something to watch now. Looking at the speech, these 7 Principles stand out from PM Modi's statements for the world. Retaliatory Decisiveness: Terror attacks will be met with military action, on India’s terms, at India’s timing, and with complete force. Precedent-Shattering Response: The doctrine draws a new red line: no more strategic restraint. Airstrikes, drone raids, and deep targeting of infrastructure are fair game. No Safe Havens Doctrine: India will strike at the roots of terror—training centers, financing hubs, ideological nurseries—even inside hostile states. No State-Non State Differentiation: No separation between terrorists and their state sponsors (read: Pakistan). If the state harbors them, it shares the punishment. No Nuclear Blackmail Tolerance: India refuses to be deterred by nuclear threats. Such bluffing will not shield the terror infrastructure anymore. Permanent Posture of Deterrence: The doctrine is not an eventbut a standing policy. Military and intelligence preparedness has been institutionalized to respond to and uphold it henceforth. Geopolitical Signaling: India has clarified that dialogue, trade, and diplomacy will be conditioned upon eliminating terrorism and reclaiming PoK from Pakistan. There is no other discussion to be had with Pakistan. The Indians, on the other hand, were given these powerful and distinct messages. India has officially ended strategic restraint: India will no longer seek permission. Decades of tolerating terrorism and waiting for global approval while sharing meaningless dossiers to Pakistan are over. Domestic unity across politics and society is the new strategic weapon: Electoral wins and popularity defines the executive power. Modi invoked this as a factor behind the success of his doctrine. India’s defense infrastructure is self-reliant and globally credible. Self-reliance will be the key to India's future battle readiness. Made-in-India weapons were battle-tested and succeeded. Women-centered symbolism (Sindoor): The nature of Islamist violence is that it singles out women to humiliate, rape and torture them. The symbolism of Sindoor as the source of power has become a nationalist sentiment—a cultural and civilizational marker now defended militarily. PoK is no longer just a diplomatic talking point—Modi clearly stated that future talks will only be about PoK and terrorism, not bilateral issues. When he says "talks about PoK", Modi meant how and when Pakistan will return it back. Peace is no longer pursued passively: When he said that the path to peace goes via "Shakti" or power, he asserted something important - that power will precede dialogue, not follow it. India is redefining itself as a global anti-terror standard-setter, not a follower of UN processes or Western diplomacy. One must understand that the United Nations was created for dialogue, peace, and frameworks between Nations. The battle against terrorism is outside the purview of the UN. The Modi Doctrine clearly lays this out. India has redrawn the global rules of engagement. By launching retaliatory strikes without waiting for UN approval, New Delhi has established a bold new template for sovereign self-defense one where nations reserve the right to strike first, across borders, when attacked by non-state actors. Modi has heralded the emergence of a new global norm with Operation Sindoor: When terror crosses borders, sovereignty does too. Modi shattered the charade of global diplomacy on terrorism. He bypassed international mediation because the world’s hypocrisy on terror sponsorship had become impossible to ignore. You seem, it wasn't an oversight or an action in haste. For years, the West cloaked Pakistan's role in terror under strategic ambiguity. That ambiguity became a weapon used not against terrorists, but against India. Modi has now flipped the script. No more waiting rooms of diplomacy. No more tolerance for “good terrorist, bad terrorist” games. India acted unilaterally, struck surgically, and named and shamed Pakistan with battlefield precision and irrefutable proof. This wasn’t just a military maneuver, it was a geopolitical declaration: India will no longer outsource its security to a compromised global conscience. Israel, a pioneer of hot pursuit and targeted assassinations, will see Modi’s Doctrine as the next evolution in counter-terror warfare. India hasn’t just acted it has authored a new doctrine of unapologetic, cross-border retaliation. One that terror-hit nations across the world will now invoke as precedent, not aberration. The message is clear: The era of patience with terror sanctuaries is over. From this point on, terrorism will not be managed, it will be dismantled at source. No explanations. No excuses. No apologies. And, with this, for the first time in the last 1000 years, someone outside of the Western world has set the direction of the global geopolitical framework. And, it may very well be the first that backs humanity in all its honesty

*HUMAN HABIT*

*HUMAN HABIT* *A woman from Pune keeps Paying guests. She has her own ancestral house, which has 10-12 large rooms.Each room has 3 beds. They also serve delicious food, which is loved by everyone. Many working people & students live in there as PG's.* Everyone gets breakfast & dinner, with packed lunches for those who need it. But this woman has a strange rule. Food is cooked there for only 28 days in a month. Everyone has to eat out for the remaining 2-3 days. Cooking is not allowed in the kitchen there either. The kitchen is also open only for 28 days. Remaining days, it's closed! I asked the lady as to why this strange rule! Why is your kitchen open only for 28 days? She said we only charge for food for 28 days. So the kitchen runs only for 28 days. I asked. "Why don't you change this strange rule?" She said, "No, rules are rules! Again, one day, I asked her why this strange rule of 28 days. This time, she answered: "You don't know, brother, initially this was not the rule. I used to cook & feed them with love. But their complaints never stopped. Sometimes this deficiency, sometimes that deficiency, always dissatisfied, always criticizing... So, out of frustration, I made this rule of 28 days. Eat here for 28 days & eat out for the remaining 2-3 days. In those 3 days, they remember me. The value of flour & lentils is known. You know how expensive but inferior food is available outside? They understand my value in these 3 days. So now, in the remaining 28 days, they do not complain & enjoy the food that is served to them. The habit of too much comfort makes a person dissatisfied & lazy. *Similar is the situation of some people living in the country at present, who always find some or the other deficiencies in everything in the country.* *According to such people, nothing positive is happening in the country & will never happen.* *Such people should spend a few days in Pakistan, Afghanistan or Sri Lanka, so that their intellect will come to the fore and they will know the importance of our country!*

Empowering the mind and mindset

Empowering the mind and mindset Friday, 16 May 2025 | Ravi Valluri 1 2 3 4 5 Share TT TT 0 What is the difference between the brain and mind? The brain is a very important organ of our body, while the mind is the consciousness. Our thoughts, feelings and emotions emanate from the mind. “On your marks, set, go!” The gunshot fired and the cauldron rose rambunctiously as Usain Bolt scorched the track, adding to his ever — increasing tally of medals. In three successive Olympics, this panther among humans has, in a hundred seconds, secured three golds each for the 100 meters, the 200 meters and the 400 meters medley relay. He is a phenomenon, in the pantheon of Mohammed Ali and Carl Lewis. What makes them intrepid performers? It is the power of their mind; a mind that is ‘Ajatashatru’, a person who does not have an enemy. Contrast this with other performers. Why is their mind prepared for mere mediocrity? Several celebrate athletes settling for mere 4th to the 10th positions and not for ascending the podium. And that nation is satiated with paltry silver and bronze medals. Several sportsmen freeze at the arena of the world stage. Their minds are not resilient enough to face the vagaries of competition or to overcome the challenges posed by opponents. Athletes need to possess the single-minded pursuit, the talent, the eye and the mind of an Arjuna. He was a successful archer as he honed his skills and had immense faith in his Guru-Dronacharya and his sakha — Lord Krishna. He was rewarded by both. Lord Krishna blessed him with a divine vision to capture the SOHAM Swaroop, the Vishwarup Darshan. Dronacharya equipped his favourite tutee by filling his arsenal with all the weaponry at his disposal. The elasticity, malleability and humility of Arjuna’s mind enabled him to conquer his fears and his opponents, by fortuitously overcoming the cobwebs in his mind. The fabled archer’s mind was Ajatashatru and thus became his ally. Let us posit this with what India underwent in Paris. Well, we were positioned 71st on the medals table. The largest contingent ever which represented India returned home with distressing results. We hardly witness the pathos of a loss among our athletes after losing their bouts. The pain, the agony, the suffering, the torture and torment, the dispirited look on their face and self are hardly visible. True, the spirit and motto of the Olympics as coined by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 was and is Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger), and one should play in the spirit of sportsmanship. But the drive to excel and stand at the podium is dismally missing. The impetuous passion to climb, if not clamber to the podium, draped in the tricolour and the national anthem played in the background invokes positive emotions in the minds of countrymen and augurs well for the nation. It has a spiralling effect in various fields and it makes economic sense to prevail over the opponent. What makes the minds of those athletes tick, where we fail? We obviously do not possess the wherewithal. India is not a sporting nation; parents are not supportive of their children taking up sports, as Indians possess a negative mindset towards sports. More importantly, there are very few visionaries who can spot and harness talent. How many politicians are there in this country to construct a state-of-the-art stadium at Gachibowli in Hyderabad to support a game like badminton? The Indian Railways have provided the much — required silver (or bronze) lining. Amidst gloom, India won 6 medals, a silver and five bronze medals at the Paris Olympic games held in 2024. Manu Bhaker won the first medal for the country as she bagged a bronze medal and became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. The mindset of this woman of substance was akin to Ajatashatru as she turned around gruelling situations into triumphant ones. These mindsets indicate the indomitable spirit which should be embraced by all sportspersons. The mindset and approach of the Ministry of Sports need to be altered radically. The administration of this department needs a vigorous overhaul. Indian Railways and Indian Defence Forces should be actively involved in revamping the moribund organiation along with the participation of the private sector to provide an adequate corpus of funds through their Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Most sportsmen find relaxation with the latest gizmos and listening to music and in the entertainment industry. Perhaps it will be a profitable exercise to begin the rigorous schedule by practising yoga, and pranayama, and then resume with their normal routine. The day should end with the practice of Sudarshan Kriya and meditation. This will make the bodies and minds supple. Several East Asian countries and China follow a regimen of spiritual teachings like Vipassana to enhance the quality of performance of their athletes. China takes several pages from the works of Tsung Tzu to learn the craft of war to train the minds of their sportspersons. This dynamic approach produces champions. “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes,” said Buddha. It is a matter of honour to climb the podium. Let us begin our preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 yesterday to become truly Ajatashatru. (The writer is the CEO of Chhattisgarh East Railway Ltd. and Chhattisgarh East West Railway Ltd. He is a faculty of the Art of Living. Views are personal)

Some of the Shortest Stories Ever Written

Some of the Shortest Stories Ever Written 1. Ernest Hemingway’s Six-Word Story Legend has it that Hemingway once wagered he could write a story in just six words that would outdo all others in emotional impact. He won the bet. For sale: baby shoes, never used. ⸻ 2. O. Henry’s Shortest Tale Winner of a contest for the shortest complete story (with setup, climax, and resolution): The chauffeur lit a cigarette and leaned over the gas tank to see how much fuel was left. The deceased was twenty-three. ⸻ 3. Fredric Brown’s Horror Masterpiece Often cited as the shortest horror story ever written: The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door. ⸻ 4. The British Short Story Contest The rules demanded mentioning God, the Queen, a hint of sex, and some element of mystery. The winner wrote: “My God!” cried the Queen, “I’m pregnant, and I haven’t a clue who the father is!” ⸻ 5. The World’s Shortest Autobiography In another contest, an elderly Frenchwoman submitted just one line: “I used to have a smooth face and a wrinkled skirt; now it’s the other way around.” ⸻ Below are additional mini-stories—each under 55 words—written by various authors. ⸻ Jane Orvis, “The Window” Ever since Rita was brutally murdered, Carter has sat at the window. No TV, no books, no letters. His entire life is framed by what he sees through the curtains. He doesn’t care who brings food or pays the bills; he never leaves the room. Joggers pass by, seasons change, cars come and go, Rita’s ghost lingers. Carter doesn’t realize there are no windows in a padded cell. ⸻ Larisa Kirkland, “The Proposal” A starry night—the perfect moment. Candlelit dinner in a cozy Italian place. Little black dress. Gorgeous hair, sparkling eyes, silvery laughter. Two years together—true love, best friends, no one else. Champagne! I get on one knee. People are watching? Let them. A dazzling diamond ring. Cheeks flushing, a beaming smile. “What? No?!” ⸻ Charles Enright, “The Ghost” As soon as it happened, I rushed home to tell my wife the dreadful news. But she didn’t seem to hear me. She didn’t even notice me. She gazed right through me, poured herself a drink, and turned on the TV. The telephone rang; she picked it up. I saw her face collapse. She burst into tears. ⸻ Andrew E. Hunt, “Gratitude” The wool blanket he’d just received from a charity warmed his shoulders, and the boots he’d found in the dumpster that morning fit perfectly. The streetlights soothed him after the biting cold. The curve of the park bench felt so familiar to his tired back. “Thank you, Lord,” he thought. “Life is simply wonderful.” ⸻ Brian Newell, “What the Devil Wants” Two boys watched Satan walk away, his hypnotic gaze still clouding their minds. “Hey, what did he want from you?” “My soul. And you?” “A coin for the payphone. He had to make an urgent call.” “Wanna grab something to eat?” “I’d like to, but he took my last cent.” “Don’t worry. I’ve got plenty.” ⸻ Alan E. Meyer, “Bad Luck” I woke with every part of me throbbing. A nurse stood by my bed. “Mr. Fujima,” she said, “you’re lucky to be alive after the Hiroshima bombing two days ago. You’re in a hospital now; you’re safe.” Barely conscious, I whispered, “Where am I?” “Nagasaki,” she replied. ⸻ Jay Rip, “Fate” There was only one way out. Our lives were too tangled—rage and bliss knotted together—so we left it to chance: heads, we marry; tails, we part forever. The coin flipped, clinked, spun, and landed on heads. We stared at it, baffled, then both asked at once: “How about best two out of three?” ⸻ Robert Tompkins, “Seeking Truth” At last, his search ended in a remote village. In a tattered hut by a small fire sat Truth—older and uglier than he had ever imagined. “Are you Truth?” he asked. She nodded. “What should I tell the world? What’s your message?” The crone spat into the fire and growled, “Tell them I am young and beautiful!” ⸻ August Salemi, “Modern Medicine” Blinding headlights, a sickening screech, pain so savage it swallowed everything…then a warm, beckoning blue light. John felt suddenly free, young, wonderfully happy as he moved toward the glow. Darkness and agony slowly returned. His eyes fluttered open to bandages, tubes, a cast. Both legs gone. His wife was weeping. “They saved you, darling!” ⸻ Enjoy these micro-tales for their ability to capture entire worlds of emotion in just a handful of words. Sometimes, less truly is more.

*Let’s go, Dad.*

*Let’s go, Dad.* ------------------------------------------ Anton Chekhov writes in one of his stories : At the bus stop, an old man and a young pregnant woman were waiting together. The man kept staring at the woman’s round belly, intrigued. Then he gently dared to ask: *"How far along are you?"* The young woman seemed elsewhere, lost in thought. Worry was written on her tired face. At first, she didn’t answer. Then, after a few seconds of silence, she murmured: *"I’m at twenty-three weeks..."* *"Is this your first child?"* he asked. *"Yes,"* she replied, her voice barely audible. *"Don’t be afraid,"* he added. *"Everything will be all right, you’ll see."* She placed a hand on her belly, looked straight ahead, her eyes shining, fighting back tears. *"I hope so…"* she replied. The old man continued: *"Sometimes we let ourselves be overwhelmed by worries that, in truth, don’t deserve it..."* *"Maybe…,"* she whispered sadly. He looked at her more closely, with more compassion. *"You seem to be going through a hard time. Your husband… is he not with you?"* *"He left me four months ago."* *"Why?!"* *"It’s complicated…"* *"And your loved ones? Your family, friends ? No one to support you?"* She took a deep breath. *"I live alone with my father… He’s ill."* A long silence. Then the old man asked: *"Is he still the pillar you once knew as a child?"* Tears rolled down the young woman’s cheeks. *"Yes ..… Even now."* *"Even in his condition?* *What’s wrong with him?"* *"He no longer remembers who I am ..…"* She spoke those words just as the bus arrived. She stood up, took a few steps… Then changed her mind, came back to the old man, gently took his hand, and said tenderly: *"Let’s go, Dad."*

Indian Railways

Over 13,000 trains run daily across India, carrying more than 2 crore passengers. But only one train quietly stands out. Not because of speed, luxury, or technology, but for something humane. This train, known as the Sachkhand Express, is the only train in India where passengers are served free breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout a journey that lasts nearly 35 hours from Maharashtra to Punjab. Sachkhand Express (12715) operates between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, covering around 2,000 kilometers and connecting two of the holiest Sikh sites in the country. If you travel in this train, you’ll be served a fresh home-style meal, without anyone asking for money. You might get kadhi-chawal, sabzi, and fresh rotis, served with a warm smile. These meals aren’t cooked in a railway kitchen, instead they’re prepared at nearby Gurudwaras and brought on board by volunteers. It’s all part of the Sikh tradition of langar, where anyone, rich or poor, local or stranger, is offered food with respect and free of cost. This beautiful act of service has been going on since 1995, and passengers have been receiving free meals for nearly 30 years now. The food is not served at just one place, it is offered at several stations along the journey. While there is no official list, many passengers have received meals at stops like Aurangabad, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Delhi, and Ludhiana. And, since the meals are not from the railway’s pantry, you need to carry your own plate or tiffin box to receive the food. Volunteers usually walk along the platform or get into the coaches with containers full of fresh meals, offering them to whoever is willing to accept. In a time when everything is about give and take, this train reminds you that kindness can travel thousands of kilometers too. What began as a humble offering by the Sikh community has become a part of this train’s identity. So next time you hear someone talk about Indian Railways, tell them there’s one train which offers more than a journey. It’s a moving example of generosity, faith, and shared humanity.

What boon did Lord Rama give to Hanuman?

What boon did Lord Rama give to Hanuman? After conquering Lanka, Lord Rama was sitting with his family members in Ayodhya. Shriram was getting emotional remembering the help done by Hanumanji. He said, 'Hanuman helped me in times of trouble, but I didn't give him anything.' He told Hanumanji, I gave the kingdom of Lanka to Vibhishan. Sugriva was made the king of Kishkindha and Angad was made the crown prince. Today I want to give you something too. That's why you can ask for desired groom. Hanumanji was the embodiment of selfless devotion. He humbly said to Shriram, Lord you love me very much. You have infinite grace on me. What will I do by asking for more? But Shriram was eager to give something or the other to Hanumanji that day. Suddenly Hanumanji said that, God you have given one post (step) to everyone. Can you give me the position too? Shri Ram could not understand anything, yet he said, Hanuman, which post do you want? Hanumanji got up from his place and held the feet of Lord Rama. Hanumanji said, I should keep serving these two posts every moment, this is the boon I need. Tears started flowing from Shri Ram's eyes and he hugged Shri Hanuman ji and gave him a boon that he should continue to serve him throughout his life.

What boon did Lord Rama give to Hanuman?

What boon did Lord Rama give to Hanuman? After conquering Lanka, Lord Rama was sitting with his family members in Ayodhya. Shriram was getting emotional remembering the help done by Hanumanji. He said, 'Hanuman helped me in times of trouble, but I didn't give him anything.' He told Hanumanji, I gave the kingdom of Lanka to Vibhishan. Sugriva was made the king of Kishkindha and Angad was made the crown prince. Today I want to give you something too. That's why you can ask for desired groom. Hanumanji was the embodiment of selfless devotion. He humbly said to Shriram, Lord you love me very much. You have infinite grace on me. What will I do by asking for more? But Shriram was eager to give something or the other to Hanumanji that day. Suddenly Hanumanji said that, God you have given one post (step) to everyone. Can you give me the position too? Shri Ram could not understand anything, yet he said, Hanuman, which post do you want? Hanumanji got up from his place and held the feet of Lord Rama. Hanumanji said, I should keep serving these two posts every moment, this is the boon I need. Tears started flowing from Shri Ram's eyes and he hugged Shri Hanuman ji and gave him a boon that he should continue to serve him throughout his life.

The Peace That Comes With Aging' by Giovanni Aldo

The Peace That Comes With Aging' by Giovanni Aldo There is a quiet peace that begins to settle over us with age, a gentle softening of the urgency we once felt to be everything, do everything, prove everything. We stop sprinting toward a finish line we never defined and start noticing the beauty of the walk itself. Aging is not about fading; it’s about unfolding. With each passing year, we shed layers that were never truly our, expectations, insecurities, masks we wore to belong. What remains is something more honest more resilient, and far more at ease. There’s a grace in choosing simplicity over spectacle, in finding richness in stillness, and in valuing depth over noise. We learn that not every hill is worth the climb, and not every opinion needs an answer. We learn to listen more, to others, yes, but also to ourselves. And perhaps the most profound peace comes from realizing we don’t need to chase joy. We only need to slow down enough to let it catch us.

Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill once raised his glass and said: “I prefer not to wish anyone health or wealth — but only luck. Because most people on the Titanic… were both healthy and rich. But very few of them were lucky.” It makes you think. Did you know a senior executive survived the 9/11 attacks because he took his son to his first day of kindergarten? Another man lived because it was his turn to grab doughnuts. One woman survived because her alarm didn’t go off. Someone else was late because of a New Jersey traffic jam. One missed the bus. Another spilled coffee and had to change clothes. Someone's car wouldn't start. Another returned home to answer a phone call. One parent was delayed because their child was being unusually slow. One man simply couldn’t catch a cab. But the story that struck me most? A man who wore new shoes to work that day. On his way, his feet hurt. He stopped at a pharmacy to buy band-aids. That’s what saved his life. Ever since I heard that, I think differently. Now when I’m stuck in traffic… When I miss the elevator… When I forget something and have to turn back… When my morning just doesn’t go as planned… I try to pause and trust: Maybe this delay is not a setback. Maybe — it’s divine timing. Maybe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. So next time your morning falls apart… The kids are slow, the keys go missing, you hit every red light — Don’t stress. Don’t snap. It might just be luck in disguise.

A short story

I ruined my life in 1 night. I was in a relationship for over 5 years. I always tried to convince me that i really love her but deep down i didnt.I remember the first night where she slept in my arms, she was so happy… I never found the courage to end the relarionship, because i always look at it through her eyes and how she would feel if i break up. Cheating was and will always be the end of a relationship . So i hoped for a long time she cheats on me. Well guess what happenend, i went out to have a few drinks with coworkers. A few drinks too many. I ended up cheating on my then girlfriend, with a married woman. The woman was known to have an open marriage. It doesnt matter tho. Shortly after i broke up with my ex. (I never regretted the break up, i hope she findstrue love as soons as possible) I completely betrayed my ex and myself just to get out of the relationship. Marriage was always holy to me, and cheating disgusting. And this will stay the same. 9 months later and i still feel like dying everyday. 29 years of beeing a wonderful human being thrown out of the window in 1 night.

HAPPY, JOYOUS AND FREE

Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* May 24, 202​5 HAPPY, JOYOUS AND FREE We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free. We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us. But it is clear that we made our own misery. God didn’t do it. Avoid then, the deliberate manufacture of misery, but if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 133 For years I believed in a punishing God and blamed Him for my misery. I have learned that I must lay down the “weapons” of self in order to pick up the “tools” of the A.A. program. I do not struggle with the program because it is a gift and I have never struggled when receiving a gift. If I sometimes keep on struggling, it is because I’m still hanging onto my old ideas and “........the results are nil.”

Happy Mother's Day 💐

🙏🏼 Good Morning 🌞 Happy Mother's Day 💐 *Sunday Story* *The Black Telephone* When I was a young boy, my father had one of the first telephones in our neighbourhood. I remember the polished, old case fastened to the wall. The shiny receiver hung on the side of the box. I was too little to reach the telephone, but used to listen with fascination when my mother talked to it. Then I discovered that somewhere inside the wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was "Information Please" and there was nothing she did not know. “Information Please” could supply anyone's number and the correct time. My personal experience with the genie-in-a-bottle came one day while my mother was visiting a neighbour. Amusing myself at the tool bench in the basement, I whacked my finger with a hammer, the pain was terrible, but there seemed no point in crying because there was no one home to give sympathy. I walked around the house sucking my throbbing finger, finally arriving at the stairway. The telephone! Quickly, I ran for the footstool in the parlour and dragged it to the landing. Climbing up, I unhooked the receiver in the parlour and held it to my ear. "Information, please," I said into the mouthpiece just above my head. With a click or two, a small clear voice spoke into my ear. "Information." "I hurt my finger..." I wailed into the phone, the tears came readily enough now that I had an audience. "Isn't your mother home?" came the question. "Nobody's home but me," I blubbered. "Are you bleeding?" the voice asked. "No, "I replied. "I hit my finger with the hammer and it hurts." "Can you open the icebox?" she asked. I said I could. "Then chip off a little bit of ice and hold it to your finger," said the voice. After that, I called "Information Please" for everything. I asked her for help with my geography, and she told me where Philadelphia was. She helped me with my maths. She told me my pet chipmunk that I had caught in the park just the day before, would eat fruit and nuts. Then, there was the time Petey, our pet canary, died. I called, "Information Please," and told her the sad story. She listened and then said things grown-ups say to soothe a child. But I was not consoled. I asked her, "Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully and bring joy to all families, only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of a cage?" She must have sensed my deep concern, for she said quietly, "Wayne, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in." Somehow I felt better. Another day I was on the telephone, "Information Please." "Information," said in the now familiar voice. "How do I spell fix?" I asked. All this took place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. When I was nine years old, we moved across the country to Boston. I missed my friend very much. "Information Please" belonged in that old wooden box back home and I somehow never thought of trying the shiny new phone that sat on the table in the hall. As I grew into my teens, the memories of those childhood conversations never really left me. Often, in moments of doubt and perplexity, I would recall the serene sense of security I had then. I appreciated now how patient, understanding, and kind she was to have spent her time on a little boy. A few years later, on my way west to college, my plane was put down in Seattle. I had about a half-hour or so between planes. I spent 15 minutes or so on the phone with my sister, who lives there now. Then without thinking what I was doing, I dialed my hometown operator and said, "Information Please." Miraculously, I heard the small, clear voice I knew so well. "Information." I hadn't planned this, but I heard myself saying, "Could you please tell me how to spell fix?" There was a long pause. Then came the soft-spoken answer, "I guess your finger must have healed by now." I laughed, "So it's you," I said. "I wonder if you have any idea how much you meant to me during that time?" "I wonder," she said, "if you know how much your call meant to me. I never had any children and I used to look forward to your calls." I told her how often I had thought of her over the years and I asked if I could call her again when I came back to visit my sister. "Please do," she said. "Just ask for Sally." Three months later I was back in Seattle. A different voice answered, "Information." I asked for Sally. "Are you a friend?" she said. "Yes, a very old friend," I answered. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this," She said. "Sally had been working part-time the last few years because she was sick. She died five weeks ago." Before I could hang up, she said, "Wait a minute, did you say your name was Wayne ?" "Yes," I answered. Well, Sally left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. "Let me read it to you." The note said, "Tell him there are other worlds to sing in. He'll know what I mean." I thanked her and hung up. I knew what Sally meant. *Reflection* Never underestimate the impression you may make on others. (Story by Paul Villard. Originally published June, 1966, in Readers Digest)

Being a mother

Being a mother Is wearing your heart outside of your body For the rest of your life, maybe more It’s joy, worry, heartache and fear all mixed in like a wonderful kaleidoscope of love So many colours Being a mother Is bearing the weight of a thousand rocks On your shoulders, every day Yet we would bear those rocks and more, gladly Given the choice Again and again Being a mother Is laughter and noise and messy kisses It’s soft hugs and salty tears to wipe away Motherhood is joy like you’ve never known before With pain and confusion Am I enough? Not being a mother Is the hardest journey for some women to take They would walk on glass, for eternity To hold that little soul in their arms Such grief Such loss Having a mother Is a blessing not bestowed on all She is your safe place, your anchor, your home When she is gone, the world is amiss and you’d give Anything you have and more For one more hug For the mothers, the daughters, the aunties, the carers, the foster parents, the teachers and anyone who takes a child into their hearts. You are blessed, you are loved And you should be celebrated today And every day I see you. Let us see one another ❤️. Donna Ashworth Art by the wonderful Katie m. Berggren #katiemberggren From To The Women 📕: https://amzn.eu/d/4codcsy

LOVERS OF ENGLISH

LOVERS OF ENGLISH I met a Surgeon who named his son Naïf (pronounced Knife). I said what an apt name! Then I came to know the following: 1. Lawyer’s daughter - Sue. 2. Radiologist’s son - Ray. 3. Ophthalmologist’s daughter - Iris. 4. Florist’s daughter - Rose. 5. Mechanic’s son - Jack. 6. Archaeologist’s Son - Doug 7. Thief’s son - Rob. 8. Gymnast’s son - Jim. 9. Jeweler’s twin daughters - Ruby & Pearl. 10. Ornithologist’s Son - Robin. 11. Orthopedician’s Son - Boney. 12. Barber’s son - Harry. 13. Solicitor’s son - Will. 14. Accountant’s son - Bill. 15. Horticulturist’s - Daughter Ivy. 16. Gardener’s son - Pete. 17. Monarch’s son - Prince. 18. Dramatist’s Daughter - Oprah. 19. Sanitation Engg’s Son - John. 20. Highway Engg’s Son - Miles. 21. Dietician’s daughter- Olive. 22. Actor’s son - Oscar. 23. Photographer's - Son: Click. 24. Gastro-physician's Daughter: - Enema 25. Homeopath's Daughter - Arnica. 26. Teacher's son - Mark 27. For a Desi Touch to the above, Diamond Merchant’s son - Hiralal.

Did Drona know that Arjuna was capable of defeating him in archery? If so, why did he still teach him?

Did Drona know that Arjuna was capable of defeating him in archery? If so, why did he still teach him? Drona actually wanted his son Ashwathama to be most powerful warrior, even surpassing himself. BTW, Drona already had a soft-corner for Arjuna, even before the training began., because, One day Drona called them apart and making them touch his feet, said to them with a swelling heart, 'I have in my heart a particular purpose. Promise me truly, ye sinless ones, that when ye have become skilled in arms, ye will accomplish it.' "Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these words, the Kuru princes remained silent. But Arjuna, O king, vowed to accomplish it whatever it was. Drona then cheerfully clasped Arjuna to his bosom and took the scent of his head repeatedly, shedding tears of joy all the while. Whilst training the Kuru princes, Drona assigned a task to them, to fetch water from nearby river. He gave narrow mouthed vessels to all except for his son,. as a result, Ashwathama always returns first and Drona taught him several secret techniques, whilst others were busy with the task. Arjuna came to know about this and one day used Varunastra to fill the pot, and continued using this technique. As a result, Arjuna and Ashwathama received more special training compared to others. His devotion towards archery made him the favourite student of Drona. And in the intervals so gained, Drona used to instruct his own son in several superior methods (of using weapons). Jishnu (Arjuna) came to know of this, and thereupon filling his narrow-mouthed vessel with water by means of the Varuna weapon he used to come unto his preceptor at the same time with his preceptor's son. And accordingly the intelligent son of Pritha, that foremost of all men possessing a knowledge of weapons, had no inferiority to his preceptor's son in respect of excellence. Arjuna's devotion to the service of his preceptor as also to arms was very great and he soon became the favourite of his preceptor. Drona had instructed his chef not to serve Arjuna food in the dark, hoping to prevent him from discovering a technique in archery known as Sonic Archery, shooting arrows without sight. However, one day while Arjuna was eating, wind blew out the candles. Arjuna, undeterred by the darkness, thought how he could continue eating in such condition. This led him to wonder if the same concept could be applied to archery, and he began practicing shooting arrows in the night. When Drona learned of this, he was deeply impressed by Arjuna's relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Recognizing Arjuna's potential, Drona promised to do everything in his power to help him become the greatest archer in the world. And Drona, beholding his pupil's devotion to arms, summoned the cook, and told him in secret, 'Never give Arjuna his food in the dark, nor tell him that I have told thee this.' A few days after, however, when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose, and thereupon the lamp that had been burning went out. But Arjuna, endued with energy, continued eating in the dark, his hand, from habit, going to his mouth. His attention being thus called to the force of habit, the strong-armed son of Pandu set his heart upon practising with his bow in the night. And, O Bharata, Drona, hearing the twang of his bowstring in the night, came to him, and clasping him, said, 'Truly do I tell thee that I shall do that unto thee by which there shall not be an archer equal to thee in this world.'

One of the most important information required for destroying any traget through missiles or any air based system,

One of the most important information required for destroying any traget through missiles or any air based system, is the position coordinates of the target with very high accuracy. The Americans used to introduce errors in the their GPS signals so as to deteriorate the accuracy of the coordinates. This is specifically done during war situations. That was the reason, India took a decision to launch its own Satellite Navigation and positioning system, about 15 years back. This Indigenously developed Satellite system has been put in the orbit by ISRO, almost a decade ago. Earlier named as IRNSS and now known as Navic. It provides very precise coordinates of any point and is also being used for navigation, control and guidance. Other than American GPS System, there are Russian, Chinese and European navigation satellite systems.

The first and most devoted follower of Lord Ram on earth was Bivishan

The first and most devoted follower of Lord Ram on earth was Bivishan. He took the side of Lord Ram during the Ram vs Ravana war.His inputs contributed very important role for the killing of Ravan by Lord Ram. We all accept the story and it is clear that Bivishan was sided with Dharma so a pious man. But we peculiarly find that no mother in Bharat names her son as Bivishan, even though he was a pious person. On the other hand Karna of Mahabharata era never left the kouravya camp or company of Duryodhana. Inspite of persuasion by Mother Kunti and Lord krishna,he never accepted even the role of elder brother of of Pandava clan and future kingship after war. He knew that he was sideing with Duryodhana, the symbol of Adharma. Yet he never left him till he died. But again we peculiarly find that "karna or karan " is a very house hold name in every nook and corner of Bharat. Massage is nobody likes a "gaddar" what ever may be his role as Dharmik or Adharmik. India is now fighting 2.5 front . Besides Chaina and Pakistan,this 0.5 front is most dangerous like Bivishan.

Why did Shiva help Ashwathama just before the last night before the great battle?

Why did Shiva help Ashwathama just before the last night before the great battle? Shiva helped Aswathama for valid reason Aswathama failed to enter Pandava,Panchala camp protected by Mahadev. He was depressed and attempted to offer himself in the altar to the three eyed lord. Mahadev appeared before him and said. Beholding him stand immovable and with uplifted hands and as an offering up to himself, the divine Mahadeva appeared in person and smilingly said, "With truth, purity, sincerity, resignation, ascetic austerities, vows, forgiveness, devotion, patience, thought, and word, I have been duly adored by Krishna of pure deeds. For this there is none dearer to me than Krishna. For honouring him and at his word I have protected the Pancalas and displayed diverse kinds of illusion. By protecting the Pancalas I have honoured him. They have, however, been afflicted by time. The period of their lives hath run out." Section 7 Sauptika parva kRRitastasyaiSha saMmAnaH pA~nchAlAnrakShatA mayA | abhibhUtAstu kAlena naiShAmadyAsti jIvitam || 63|| Bori critical Edition Sauptika parva section 7 Shiva told Aswathama that he protected Pancalas and others to keep his word to Krishna who was dearer to him. He assured him that the life span of Panchalas and others at the camp ran out and hence they could be killed by Aswathama. So Shiva helped Aswathama carry out his task because the people inside the camp,including UPA Pandavas completed their lifetime on earth. My answer is based on story of Vyasa Bharat 23.3K views View 66 upvotes View 1 share

MASTER, NOT SLAVE

Good Morning!!! MASTER, NOT SLAVE Around the Year with Emmet Fox May 16 One philosopher has defined life as adaptation to environment. He said that anything that was alive would try, to survive by adapting itself to the conditions in which it had to live. There is of course a great deal of truth in this view. Life is tenacious and extraordinarily resourceful in fitting itself to unsuitable conditions. When we come to humanity, however, the Bible teaches us that man does not have to adapt himself to outer conditions but that he has the power of changing or adapting outer things to fit him. This is the vital distinction between materialism and spiritual Truth. You have within you the divine Spark— the Indwelling Christ— and by awakening and developing this, your spiritual nature, you can mold conditions to fit your needs. Man has free will, the power of reason and intuition. By learning to use these faculties he gains his dominion. It is the Bible that says that God has given man dominion over all things. “The Lord will give strength unto his people. . .” Psalm 29:11

O Krishna, I am not capable of calling myself a devote....

O Krishna, I am not capable of calling myself a devote..... But please accept me, help me, purify me. And never let me forget you 25/12/2024 Shringar sandarshan Mere prandhan radharaman lal

*"Seva at the Border"*

*"Seva at the Border"* *Forwarded As Received From A Regimental Officer Who Belongs To This Area* Pharwal village district Gurdaspur lay quietly between the Ravi River and the Pakistan border, a land of wheat fields and brave hearts. Tensions along the border is rising. Every villager felt the weight in the air. At the Gurudwara Sahib, the sacred heart of the village, the elders and youth gathered and bell tolled softly by Baba ji (Granthi) “Waheguru has placed us here, near the border, for a reason. If our soldiers are to fight, we will stand behind them with every breath. This Gurudwara will become our langar bunker — we will feed the army like it's our *own family* .” The villagers broke into teams, each with a clear role — to be activated as n when required. Over all in charge Retd SM *Langar Command Team* Led by Bebe Chanan Kaur and, prepared to convert the entire Gurudwara kitchen into a 24-hour langar center. Massive degchis (cooking pots) were cleaned and readied. Food stocking carried out. *Food Prep Volunteers* Each assigned tasks: kneading dough, rolling rotis, cutting vegetables, boiling milk. *Farming to Ration Team* Landowners pledged portions of their crops — wheat, mustard, vegetables, and milk — to be redirected for army support. "Our fields are the Army’s too," Slogans were painted on walls: > “Desh sewa, dharam sewa hai” “Langar chalega jab tak jawaan ladenge” The spirit of seva and sacrifice buzzed louder than any war drum

A BRAND NEW CHAPTER “Silam Parama Bhusanam”

4. A BRAND NEW CHAPTER “Silam Parama Bhusanam” A milestone – Breakthrough in 2010 “During my misadventures I spent numerous nights famished without any food, sleep and other essential amenities. There were innumerable afternoons and evenings spent traversing miles and miles endlessly for my sustenance. It appeared a road to nowhere. Frankly speaking I was blindfolded and hurtling into a precipice. As the daughter of a rickshaw puller, I never had the opportunity to attend school as I belonged to a poverty-stricken family and was at the bottom rung of this feudal and caste-ridden society. I yearned for books to pursue education, but lady luck ignored and seldom smiled at me. My parents pawned whatever little jewellery my mother wore on her frail body to ensure that I could pay my examination fees in order to earn to secure a graduation degree which I had finally managed after several swedges. My caring mother in her life endured monumental pain and agony to provide basic amenities for the family and me. At a tender age of 14 in sheer desperation in order to pursue my dreams I bolted away from home. It was a daunting task which stared at me. However, in a few years I could somehow manage to complete my studies during daylight, metamorphosed into a dishwasher in the evenings where lecherous eyes peered lasciviously at my body and transfigured into yet another personality at a call centre at night. I was leading three gut wrenching lives in a day. In some ways I was a schizophrenic while multitasking. I was genuinely concerned about my safety as prurient men passed salacious comments and was often physically touched and literally molested by debauched men of all ages. I learnt martial arts to overcome the demons in my mind and could combat perverted and promiscuous men with aplomb.” “All that I can say is that this is a brand-new chapter in my life where I have walked hours to travel places so that I could save rickshaw fare to learn martial arts to protect my modesty, study and reach the summit. Today, I am here at the VLCC Femina Miss India 2010 podium to fuel spirit in my parents’ and younger sister Supriya’s life and to demonstrate to the world that everything is achievable if a person is committed to oneself and cherishes the realisation of a dream. It is not merely holding aloft this trophy and showcasing the crown but beyond the realm of achievement. The quintessential idea is to live life kingsize and in my case it was to emerge as a queen, overcoming various Gordian knots on this stage of the world.” These were the cathartic words of Vrushali in her acceptance speech to a thunderous applause as the crowds rose up in unison. “To some I may look as a buxom beauty, to others I appear in their fantasy dreams to satiate their carnal appetite in dreams, while for those grappling with vicissitudes of life I may be a beacon of hope or inspiration. Few would know that, I belong to the family of the Nishad community (the one’s who row the boats of the devout on various rivers of this majestic country), whose father was compelled to pull rickshaws to earn a measly earning. But I was possessed by a dream to upend the pyramid break glass ceilings and carve a niche for myself in this glitzy world of razzmatazz where grey turns into dark as I look for luminosity in the tenebrous canvas of life,” added Vrushali. The euphoric crowds continued to hail the achievement of this well-endowed woman of substance, from the lower strata of a caste ridden society in the new emerging India. A lady who belonged to a bijou town but scorched the ramp. This also occurred in 2010 “I never thought think I would ever fall in love again. I know that everyone says that after a heartbreak, but the difference is that I decided not to be heartbroken. Indeed, those were depressing moments after being robbed of something precious my dear love. However, I’m not cynical or pessimistic or sad. I’m just someone who once felt something bigger than anything else I’d ever felt and when I lost it, I honestly believed that I would never have that again. But... I was a mere 25 then and life is long. And I’m feeling right things now. The frame of my mind is that which I haven’t had in a long, long time,” said Karan. Three characters in the tale Parshati Singh was a blue-blooded winsome young woman who hailed from the valorous state of Rajasthan. She was royalty. Her father Raja Dhrupad Singh was now a successful and affluent hotelier. Arjun Dubey twice born from the most populous state in the country, Uttar Pradesh was the son of a ripped bureaucrat. Like several members of his brood, he too received an education at estimable educational institutions in India and overseas. And had acquitted himself honourably. Karan Kumar was born in an indigent family which could scarcely survive on a meagre park of land for sustenance. The family from the lower lode of the social ladder could barely keep their body and soul together in unendurable debilitating social and economic conditions. Meanwhile in the sylvan surroundings, crowned by salubrious weather and an idyllic setting the three were to meet. They were strangers from varied backgrounds. But destiny had plotted that they were seated next to each other at the peerless Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration at Mussorie. Parshati Singh wearing a marigold-coloured saree. She wore royalty and beauty on her sleeve. The prepossessing young woman was promptly the cynosure in the Sampoornanand auditorium. She was sandwiched between a fidgety Karan Kumar on her left and Arjun Dubey on her right. Karan Kumar was overawed by the place and occasion, his mind was cannonaded with both efficacious and antipathetic thoughts, and there was a nervous flow of energy like a flaccid being, moving through his veins. Karan’s mind was flooded with emotions of gratefulness and gratitude towards his parents, who despite their humble background played a pivotal role in shaping the career of their son who joined the coveted service in the country. He was among lakhs of contenders who grappled hard to clear the exalted examination, and the strapping youngster was selected braving all odds. Overnight he became the toast of the Teli community to which he belonged and was felicitated at a number of functions, which was featured prominently in several vernacular newspapers and media. A few months ago – an inexplicable encounter Vrushali was to read and see about the attainment by Karan Kumar and so did Karan about Vrushali’s achievements. The Nishad and Teli communities of the villages and towns of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Bihar feted the two young achievers and they became iconic and inspirational figures of their respective communities. Supriya, accompanied Vrushali for the felicitation function. The organisers of the function asked Karan to address the gathering and galvanize the youngsters to pursue education and carve a niche for themselves in the society. “Shri Ram Manohar Lohia, a Gandhian and freedom fighter and was known for his anti-caste mobilisation through his Socialist Party. Lohia ji appreciated that caste, more than class, was a stumbling block in India’s progress. It was Lohiaji’s prognosis that India had suffered reverses throughout her history as people had viewed themselves as members of a caste rather than citizens of a country in a generic manner.” spoke Karan with passion. “This country was deprived of fresh ideas, because of the narrowness and stultifications of thought at the higher echelons, which comprised mainly of the upper castes. I do not proscribe to the prevalent caste system, where we are addressed as Telis, Sahus and Nishads and believe in an alloyed manner that almighty God has created man as his manifestation. We are all humans. But unfortunately, our dreams and aspirations were suppressed by the powerful. But in this age of globalisation and technology our time has arrived to make tectonic changes and contribute to the society. Look at Vrushaliji’s meteoric rise by scorching the ramp. Who would have thought that a daughter of a Nishad would one day be crowned as VLCC Femina Miss India 2010 in this country? This indicates we are not inferior in any manner and the country is on the cusp of a significant change,” an evocative Karan spoke to a rambunctious crowd. Vrushali and Supriya were indisputably impressed with the impassioned speech made by Karan which fired their imaginations. Both the sisters were smitten by the rendition by the civil servant as their hearts fluttered. Coup de grace “So, the trouble is that, you know, you have rapes, you have these brutal men who are raping women. Of course, Hindus are raping girls, Muslims are raping girls, everybody’s raping girls, and so there’s no question of it belonging to only one community. But what is new over here is that, aside from the fact that the girl was not just raped and killed, she was held in a temple—according to the police reports, held in a temple, drugged, raped and then bludgeoned to death. There’s a sort of ritualistic, Satanistic part to it, which is terrifying, you know. But leaving aside the criminals, the fact that people are marching in support of the rapists—men and women, you know, are marching in support of the rapists, marching, demanding the charges be withdrawn. This is what is frightening,” Vrushali quoted Arundati Roy the noted social activist and author. The eyes of women and young girls belonging to the Nishad and Teli community welled up as they heard the VLCC Femina winner speaking in a charged manner. Several young women for once had decided to pursue their dreams. This was to be their brand-new chapter in the drudgery of their lives. The soul-stirring speech of Vrushali stirred Supriya to complete her master’s in history, which she was pursuing through a correspondence course. She was not as well-endowed or charismatic like her sister, but was sedulous and unflagging by nature. Though she was always overshadowed by her more voguish and illustrious older sister. Supriya was nevertheless galvanised by achievements and the thought process of the police officer from the Teli community and decided to traverse the same path. She shared her unfulfilled dreams to be a bureaucrat with Karan Kumar. The son of the chauffer encouraged her to channelize her energies to become one. Back to the academy Karan looked at Parshati and was bewitched and awestruck by the lady sitting to his right, as he nodded his head apprehensively. The alluring bureaucrat was neatly attired in marigold saree, and her swanlike neck was adorned with a pearl necklace from the land of the Nizams. Further she embellished her look with sparkling diamond studs on her ears, as she merely nodded with a streak of arrogance. To her right was Arjun Dubey, neatly accoutred in an exquisite black bandh gala. He spoke flawless English with an impeccable accent and struck an animated conversation with Parshati as Karan looked on. Parshati and Arjun were to share several common interests like books, swimming, polo, cricket, soccer, and their peregrinations in India and overseas. Soon the Director of the academy entered Sampoornanand Hall and all the probationers rose to the National Anthem with the eyes transfixed at the motto of the institute “Silam Parama Bhusanam”, Character is the highest virtue. This was a brand-new chapter in the lives of 700 odd probationers of various civil services and Parshati Singh IFS, Arjun Dubey IAS and Karan Kumar IPS stepped out of the Sampoornanand Hall with great expectations. The glaring disparity between the superabundant and the hoi polloi was apparent as they formed separate groups while sipping a cup of tea. Karan Kumar was a proverbial rebel, a dreamer and visionary who entered the civil services to break glass ceilings and upend the pyramid. The marginal farm land owner and chauffer’s son was unsettled as he saw the English speaking and the affluent civil servants ensconced in a separate corner. “You know Parshati, the guy who was sitting next to you is an OBC. These guys make it through quota backdoor while we slog it out on meritocracy...,” Arjun remarked. The royal woman-turned-bureaucrat was amazed at the triumphant performance of Karan Kumar. A few days later all the probationers had once again assembled in Sampoornanand Hall where they were handed a series of instructions by the faculty and the administration. It was a public forum where the probationers spoke on a variety of subjects. And then Karan rose to speak … on how it all began. “I hail from a very poor family. My father owned hardly an acre of land and we grappled for survival. He left everything as we moved from Munger to Delhi where he became a chauffeur. He was the chauffeur of our batch-mate Arjun Dubey’s mother’s vehicle. I am not ashamed to admit it. My eyes well up in tears and are moist as today my parents luxuriate in the success of their son once I cracked the civil services examination. It will not be out of place to point out that my father drove me to Mussoorie in the very car once owned by the Dubey family,” Karan spoke with panache but with a characteristic Bihari twang. A section of uproarious officers much to the consternation of an elite group were ecstatic and in raptures. Parshati Singh stood up and began to clap vociferously and soon the entire assemblage joined her much to the consternation of Arjun Dubey. She finally met a person who though not blue-blooded like her, was unparalleled in several ways. He was swarthy looking, but handsome in an atypical manner, sagacious and well-informed. This occurred in Dwaparyuga in the court of King Dhrupad But seeing Karna, Draupadi during her Swayamvara exclaimed loudly, ‘I will not select a Suta to be my lord.’ Then Karna the tutee of Parushurama and an exalted archer was exasperated and in a state of vexation, cast a glance at his favourite deity the Sun God, and threw aside Lord Agini’s bow which he had upraised and taken aim, ready to shoot the eye of the rotating fish which was perched on the ceiling of the majestic hall of King Dhrupad’s court. धृष्टद्युम्न उवाच|| दुर्योधनो दुर्विषहो दुर्मुखो दुष्प्रधर्षणः | विविंशतिर्विकर्णश्च सहो दुःशासनः समः ||१|| युयुत्सुर्वातवेगश्च भीमवेगधरस्तथा | उग्रायुधो बलाकी च कनकायुर्विरोचनः ||२|| सुकुण्डलश्चित्रसेनः सुवर्चाः कनकध्वजः | नन्दको बाहुशाली च कुण्डजो विकटस्तथा ||३|| एते चान्ये च बहवो धार्तराष्ट्रा महाबलाः | कर्णेन सहिता वीरास्त्वदर्थं समुपागताः ||४|| In Mahabharata, though Karna who was known as Radheya, a mere charioteer’s son, a Suta Putra, he was invited to participate in Draupadi’s Swayamvar along with preeminent Kshatriyas Kings which included Duryodhana, Durvisaha, Durmukha among others. King Dhrupad had obviously invited Karna to participate in the Swayamvar or else he would not have been seated among nobility and blue-blooded kinsmen. It also indicates that Dhrupad did not quite consider Karna unqualified for the Swayamvar. This was a brand-new chapter in Karna’s life. Karan Kumar of the Teli caste, whose father was a chauffeur was not invited to the Swayamvara at the Sampoornanand Hall because of his inherent talent. His passport was not meritocracy but the caste he belonged to and that was the brand-new chapter of modern-day India. Some intriguing relationships It was one of those inexplicable relationships. Parshati was smitten and indisputably impressed with Karan Kumar. He was fascinated by her class, nobility and intelligence. But she was hesitant to carry forward the relationship as His Eminence, her father, would not have permitted such a relationship. Yet, the two were extremely matey and enjoyed each other’s company. He was a budding police officer but a flotsam and jetsam in the eyes of her estimable family. Friendship in the exotic valley of the Queen of Hills between the two was slowly but surely developing into an intimate relationship. Meanwhile there was a third angle to the triangle in form of Arjun, who despised Karan as he was not one of them. He lived in the same Narmada Hostel building in the academy and partook food at the same dining table. That was commensality, a defining moment during Kalyuga in modern times. And he did not regard it as a brand-new chapter. “Some politicians of peerless pedigree have been known to share a meal with women like Ramavati of the Dalit community to garner votes and bureaucrats too were compelled to follow suit rather unfortunately,” regurgitated the pandit from Uttar Pradesh in his elastic mind. He had read exhaustively about the elasticity of the Brahmanical mind which made them dominate Indian politics and bureaucracy for a long time and was not willing to concede space to the lower lamina of the society. There were two more edges in this pentagon in form of Vrushali and Supriya. Both were interested in a fellow backward class mate, Karan Kumar. Sometime in 2018 in Washington A distraught Parshati held a wailing Abhimanyu in her hands as she saw her husband Arjun Dubey being wheeled in to Evergreen Health in Kirkland at the University of Washington Medical Center. He was bleeding profusely after being felled by bullets. Arjun Dubey was in a precarious condition. Abhimanyu, her son had been born with a congenital impairment in his heart. Sampoornanand Hall At Mussoorie, 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Washington, around the same time a lady walked up to the podium tentatively and addressed freshly inducted officers to the prestigious civil services of India. “I rise to speak about Barack Obama’s rare personal account about how he has been affected by racism, during a town hall meeting on race and policing.” “The former President of America spoke of how when he was a child growing up in Hawaii a female neighbour once refused to travel by a lift with him.” “‘She was just worried about riding the elevator with me,’ Mr Obama candidly remarked.” “The remarkable former President talked of that sense of being feared as a black man that continued as he grew older.” “‘Over time you start learning as you're crossing the street, suddenly the locks start going on doors,’ Mr Obama added.” The young lady officer who was selected to the preeminent Indian Administrative Service named Supriya, spoke with candour and conviction. A few faculty members who taught at the academy in 2014 recalled a similar kind of impassioned speech made by an officer named Karan Kumar. A Few Years Back, 2013 While Vrushali clambered the ladder of the fashion industry, Supriya painstakingly prepared for the Civil Services Examination. They had both secretly nursed an interest in the Indian Police Officer. Vrushali scorched the ramp and also made a foray in the tinsel world. There was a sudden inflow of wealth in the Nishad family living in a village in the vicinity of Pratabgarh . Meanwhile Karan on completion of their respective probation period, made a formal proposal to Parshati Singh. He was always bewitched by her brains and beauty and smitten with love. Parshati too was attracted to the intellectual acumen of the police officer and his emotive speeches and writings about the impoverished and unequal conditions of the backward communities in the northern parts of India. The two married much to the consternation and indignation of Raja Dhrupad Singh. The Rajput communities of Rajasthan and Bihar were outraged. This was a brand-new chapter in the emerging India. Arjun Dubey who always fancied himself to be the rightful suitor of Parshati was dismayed by the turn of events and established contact with Parshati’s father to seek retribution. Karan Kumar’s parents too were astonished with the decision taken by their son and the former chauffeur was left helpless in the defining moment. Vrushali in Mumbai was appalled as Karan Kumar whom she considered as one of them chose to marry someone from the upper caste. Parshati was excommunicated by her family and community as the tearful foreign service officer left for Paris on her maiden assignment. Karan was allotted Tamil Nadu cadre and posted as Superintendent of Police at Dharmapuri. The two had celebrated their honeymoon at Carlton Hotel, Kodaikanal unmindful of all the chatter and clangour about them. At Dharmapuri Jail Sometime in the first week of May 2013, a group of robbers reportedly broke into a firm in Dharmapuri district and robbed the cash stored in the locker. The financial firm provided loans to women’s self-help groups. According to some sources, employees at the firm, who arrived for duty on May 6, found the doors broken open and cash missing from the locker. On receiving information, the Bommidi police registered a case and suspected the role of the firm’s staff in the incident. The staff, which had left after work the previous day, were found to have deliberately left the main grill gate unlocked with a plan to carry out the heist. Inquiries with around ten employees at the firm led to the police zeroing down on the suspects. The role of Salem Central Prison Warden, Perumal was suspected in the burglary, and a special team of police picked the 28-year-old as he emerged out of the prison in Salem. This incident triggered a flutter as news spread that Perumal was kidnapped. The Dharmapuri police, however, revealed that he was taken for an inquiry. The police also detained a thirty-year-old Senthil, a staff of the financial firm, and Ilavarasan, the car driver, in connection with the case. “They along with notorious thief Saravanan, who was then in the Salem Central Prison in connection with a different case, had executed the burglary. We also suspect the role of the prison warden,” the police said. The police had recovered Rs 10 lakh from the suspects of the Rs 1 crore stolen and plans were afoot to take Saravanan in custody to inquire into the incident. Further investigations revealed that a senior police officer had actually masterminded the case. This information was revealed to the prying media by the District Magistrate Arjun Dubey. News Channels, social media, newspapers and magazines had all reported about the heist and soon the culprit was found behind bars. He was none other than Karan Kumar, the Superintendent of Police of Dharmapuri who had pleaded guilty. The castigated and maligned police officer was suspended and imprisoned for the misdemeanour. He was sentenced to a jail term. The Year, 2014 District Magistrate Arjun Dubey, though not wearing battle fatigues or khakhi became the toast of the town for his scrupulous pursuance of the case, through the Deputy Superintendent of Police, an officer named Selvan. The twice born officer was feted at various functions for his exemplar performance in the arrest of Karan Kumar, though it led to a turf war between the IAS and IPS officers. It was at Mumbai that he addressed a large gathering of people and encountered Vrushali who was now the toast in the fashion world and an emerging starlet of the film industry displaying both talent and her curvaceous body. At Dharmapuri Jail “Dear Karan, I had always pined for you, but you never paid attention to my entireties as you were attracted to Parshati. We travelled different paths. But for once I seek redemption from utter humiliation. And for once I invoke caste and kinship feeling to avenge the opprobrium I faced. The person who is drawing all media attention and arrested you molested me. I know he is now the husband of your former wife who deserted you upon the purported crime you committed, which I am sure would have been for a motive, not to merely make money but for a purpose which I am sure a lofty purpose,” was a WhatsApp message sent by Vrushali. Karan Kumar, the suspended IPS officer was mortified reading the message. The chauffer’s son was aware of the roving eye of his batch mate, the twice born IAS officer Arjun Dubey. He recalled those romantic moments during honeymoon time at Carlton Hotel with Parshati. During one of those love making nights, Parshati whispered something sensational which rattled Karan. “I have a confession to make dear hubby. I do not wish to live with a guilt all my life. Prior to our marriage in some weak moments at Mussoorie, I had shared some passionate and physical moments with Arjun.” Once Karan was suspended and jailed, there was whopping pressure on Parshati to seek separation from her husband which she had done and was readmitted by Raja Dhrupad Singh and her clansmen in the feudal society to which she belonged and the twice born Arjun Dubey tied the nuptial knot with his love. Sampoornanand Hall, 2018 “Our struggle has reached a decisive moment. We call on our people to seize this moment so that the process towards democracy is rapid and uninterrupted. We have waited too long for our freedom. We can no longer wait. Now is the time to intensify the struggle on all fronts. To relax our efforts now would be a mistake which generations to come will not be able to forgive. The sight of freedom looming on the horizon should encourage us to redouble our efforts. It is only through disciplined mass action that our victory can be assured. We call on our white compatriots to join us in the shaping of a new South Africa. The freedom movement is a political home for you too. We call on the international community to continue the campaign to isolate the apartheid regime. To lift sanctions now would be to run the risk of aborting the process towards the complete eradication of apartheid. Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way. Universal suffrage on a common voters’ role in a united democratic and non-racial South Africa is the only way to peace and racial harmony,” continued Supriya, quoting Nelson Mandela as the rapturous assemblage rose in unison . In Washington at the same time The life of chauffer’s son like his namesake life 5000 years ago, the charioteer’s son was filled with vicissitudes. But this Karan, the IPS officer requited himself something which Radhey could not do. This was a brand-new chapter in Karan’s life. There was a wry smile on his face as he surrendered to Washington Police. “I may lose Arjun whose life is hanging tenuously as he was fatally wounded, but I thank you once again for the 90 lacs you sent for Abhimanyu’s treatment,” Parshati was to inform Karan as she met him in prison. This was a defining moment and a brand new chapter in the lives of Parshati, Karan and Abhimanyu.