tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135410652024-03-18T08:34:02.026+05:30Echoes of the Grey HillsVasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-5020009511328500352024-02-25T20:26:00.009+05:302024-03-17T19:03:46.988+05:30Ram Temple Ayodhya and Power Politics: A Historical Analysis in the Style of Romila Thapar<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Ayodhya Tapestry: Weaving Together Faith, History, and Politics</h3><br /> In the intricate tapestry of Indian politics, where the warp of history intertwines with the weft of contemporary governance, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya emerges as a vivid thread, highlighting the confluence of faith, identity, and power politics. As we delve into this narrative, it's impossible not to reflect upon the perspectives of eminent historian Romila Thapar, whose scholarly work, although increasingly marginalized in public discourse, offers a nuanced understanding of India's past and its echoes in the present.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div>
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<div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Romila Thapar’s Lens: Deciphering the Past, Understanding the Present</h3><br />Thapar, a historian who has navigated the complex waters of Indian history with an admirable blend of scholarly rigor and a critical eye, has often been at odds with the mainstream narrative, especially concerning her interpretation of historical events like the attack on the Somnath temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. Her contention, grounded in Persian writings and local chronicles of the time, alongside debates in the British Parliament, suggests that such invasions were less about religious fervor and more a manifestation of political power struggles. This perspective seems contentious which I particularly don't ascribe to, invites us to look beyond the surface of historical events and understand the multifaceted motivations that drive human actions.</div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Architectural Manifesto: Ram Temple as a Symbol of Political Ascendancy</h4><div><br /></div><div>This lens of analyzing history not just as a sequence of events but as a reflection of power dynamics is particularly relevant when we consider the recent inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The timing of the temple's inauguration, coinciding with the peak of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity towards the end of his second term, is hardly serendipitous. It is, as Thapar might argue, a declaration of the political importance of an emergent powerful leader, woven into the fabric of India's ongoing narrative.<br /><br />Modi, ruling over a continent-sized country, has skillfully made Varanasi his electoral fortress, thus anchoring his political saga in a city of immense religious significance to Hindus and just 200 kms away from his bastion of Varanasi. The emotive appeal to the reconstruction of the Ram Temple, framed within the narrative of a resurgent Bharat emerging from the shadows of the <a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2019/11/ayodhya-verdict-interesting-legal-points.html" target="_blank">Babri Masjid movement</a>, is a masterstroke of blending religious sentiment with nationalistic fervor. It's a testament to how temples, and by extension religious symbols, are not just places of worship but potent instruments of political authority and identity.</div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">A Thousand-Year Vision: Modi’s Narrative of National Rebirth</h4><br />The Prime Minister's vision of scripting the next thousand-year story of India, with the Ram Temple as a cornerstone, is not merely an architectural endeavor but a symbolic reaffirmation of his political stature and the ideological underpinnings of his governance. It reflects a conscious effort to mold the collective memory of the nation, to anchor it in a narrative that champions cultural resurgence as a vehicle for political consolidation.<br /><br />In this context, Thapar's analytical framework invites us to question and explore the layers beneath the surface of what might seem like purely religious or cultural milestones. It encourages a deeper understanding of how historical narratives are constructed and employed in the service of contemporary political agendas. While one may not align with all of Thapar's viewpoints, her approach to history - as a dynamic interplay of power, politics, and identity - provides a valuable lens through which to view the unfolding of events like the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.</div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">History in the Making: The Role of Religious Symbols in Power Dynamics</h4><br />In the grand theatre of Indian politics, where the past is perpetually interlaced with the present, the Ram Temple stands not just as a symbol of religious devotion but as a monument to the enduring legacy of power politics. It's a reminder that in the quest for political dominance, the manipulation of historical narratives and religious sentiments remains a potent tool, wielded with strategic precision by those in power. As we navigate this complex landscape, the insights of historians like Romila Thapar offer us a contrarian view, indicating us towards a more nuanced understanding of the forces that shape our world</div></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-66971822121664378402024-02-03T11:17:00.007+05:302024-02-25T18:33:36.070+05:30Echoes of Innovation: Remembering Mr. Bijon Nag's Visionary Legacy<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Summer of '96: First Encounters with a Visionary</h2><div><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em;"><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji" style="color: #374151;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I</span></span>n the warm embrace of the summer of 1996, I had the serendipitous pleasure of crossing paths with Mr. Bijon Nag, a figure whose presence was as commanding as his contributions were pioneering. Nestled within the verdant suburbs of Khar in Mumbai, we both found ourselves residing in the company guest house—a choice that spoke volumes about Mr. Nag's character. Despite the allure of luxury that a five-star hotel could offer, he opted for the modest accommodations of our guest house. It wasn't just a place to stay; it became a melting pot of interactions, a hub where employees from diverse backgrounds converged during their transit visits. And there I was, an extended resident for nearly half a year, which gifted me the opportunity to engage with Mr. Nag more frequently than most.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTILKPVOV0Wv2IjF3fCDcKbkOff0I9DXKuBTWQ8A5aFzASsXaLyDiti1oH5faxLr8-74yEsUNtHcaMHQEoIRLNp-i2K6yMZefb9Zl4n258uZuxVj1gEJbCkt3PEqC2GNQ300zP-ciY3SYu8f8ngae4LFu8iSUkUFci5GqpU6cYWoSOX80VGYb/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-03%20at%2011.05.33%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mr.Bijon Nag IFB Chairman tribute" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTILKPVOV0Wv2IjF3fCDcKbkOff0I9DXKuBTWQ8A5aFzASsXaLyDiti1oH5faxLr8-74yEsUNtHcaMHQEoIRLNp-i2K6yMZefb9Zl4n258uZuxVj1gEJbCkt3PEqC2GNQ300zP-ciY3SYu8f8ngae4LFu8iSUkUFci5GqpU6cYWoSOX80VGYb/w240-h320/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-03%20at%2011.05.33%20AM.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em;"><br /><br />Our encounters often unfolded in the cozy living room, following a hearty Bengali dinner with other colleagues that always included his beloved '<i>Macher Jhol</i>'. In these moments, enveloped by the comfort of good food and the company, Mr. Nag would share stories in his deep, sonorous voice -stories that lingered in the air long after the night had deepened.<br /><br />Mr. Nag was not just a storyteller; he was a visionary who brought precision engineering to India. His sojourn in Germany in the early seventies was not just a visit but a voyage of discovery that led to the introduction of fine blanking technologies back home. His ventures didn't stop there; he foresaw a future where convenience and luxury meshed seamlessly in Indian households. This vision materialized in the form of India's first fully automatic front-loading washing machines, produced in collaboration with Bosch. This premium innovation leapfrogged over the existing semi-automatic models, capturing the market's imagination and earning its top spot, much to the delight of us in the marketing department. The <a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2009/06/voila-wom.html" target="_blank">word of mouth</a> alone catapulted our product to unparalleled success.</p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Revolutionizing Indian Kitchens: The Microwave Odyssey</h3><div><br /></div>But Mr. Nag's ambition was boundless. He aimed to capture the '<i>share of the kitchen wallet</i>,' an endeavor that saw the introduction of microwave ovens into the Indian market - a market still nascent and ripe for revolution. Tasked with introducing this groundbreaking technology to the bustling, upwardly mobile crowds of Mumbai, I found myself at the forefront of change. The task was daunting; we had to shift perceptions, proving that the microwave was more than just a reheating gadget - it was a culinary marvel capable of cooking full-fledged meals.<br /><br />Imagine the scene - me, a novice in the art of cookery, thrust into the limelight, conducting live demonstrations from the storied halls of Akbarallys in the south to the bustling outlets of Vijay Sales in the North. The journey was dotted with memorable interactions, including a chance meeting with the iconic film actress Helen in Bandra, as I endeavored to debunk myths and showcase the microwave's versatility.</div><div><br /></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Beyond Cooking: Educating and Inspiring a New Culinary Era</h4><div><br /></div>The challenge of finding a cookery expert in Mumbai turned into an unexpected opportunity for me. Drawing upon my experience working with Mrs. Ujwala Mandgi in Bangalore, where we had prepared a cookbook as part of our pre-market launch activities, I found myself donning the chef's hat. There I was, in the guest house kitchen, demonstrating the wonders of microwave cooking - from fluffy upma to sumptuous gobi aloo sabzi and even cakes - each dish a testament to the appliance's potential.<br /><br />Our marketing efforts were not just about selling a product; they were about educating, engaging, and inspiring our customers to explore new culinary possibilities. The company's foresight extended beyond microwaves; soon, clothes dryers were introduced, leading me to the pleasant hills of Coonoor for field tests with the Uthup (famous singer) family, amidst the chilly embrace of the Nilgiri hills. Dishwashers followed, marking yet another innovative leap in our journey.<br /><br />Behind all these groundbreaking ventures was Mr. Bijon Nag - a visionary whose legacy transcends the products he introduced. His passion, foresight, and relentless pursuit of innovation have left an indelible mark on both the industry and the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mr. Nag, your vision continues to inspire and resonate within the halls of innovation and beyond.<p></p></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-363697096043829722023-11-20T11:04:00.004+05:302023-11-21T19:57:22.636+05:30Kapil Dev: The Forgotten Hero of Indian Cricket in World Cup 23<p>In the world of cricket, legends are born, records are shattered, and memories are etched in the hearts of fans. But what happens when the glitter and glamour of showbiz and politics overshadow the true heroes of the game? Well, it seems like we got a taste of just that during the World Cup 23' as Kapil Dev, the man who led India to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1983, was conspicuously absent from the VIP box. Instead, it was a star-studded affair, with film stars showing off their antics and politicians occupying prime seats.</p><br />As the World Cup unfolded, it felt like a Bollywood awards show meets a political rally, with the VIP box resembling a chaotic circus. The likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh (the reel hero who represented him on screen) were seen waving, blowing kisses, and even attempting a few signature dance moves. Meanwhile, politicians jostled for the spotlight and basked in the occassional limelight projected on screen boards. The whole spectacle made us wonder if we were at a cricket match or a Bollywood extravaganza!<br /><br />Amidst all the glitz, lights, and glamour, it was easy to forget the real heroes of Indian cricket – Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath, the captain and vice-captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team. They were the Jai and Veeru of Indian cricket, the dynamic duo who etched their names in history, but sadly, they seemed to be forgotten in the midst of all the hullabaloo.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9939pL3TdOuaLB8mcCEXF03VruN-To5fSetk1ccM46VDZJoRX4sqzh5Cy_rAIJ44UvLnb2h96NPizonfWIIJLXU1c0A-mLBfMIYG-O3-YrVu7KCKeF0KB1VrBmMFFUU58mCuWG47FFbMfGm_dGZE_tnEVF3nR2C87iaz-A_NIIYN7ktRNSPI/s1080/Kapil%20Dev%20caricature.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9939pL3TdOuaLB8mcCEXF03VruN-To5fSetk1ccM46VDZJoRX4sqzh5Cy_rAIJ44UvLnb2h96NPizonfWIIJLXU1c0A-mLBfMIYG-O3-YrVu7KCKeF0KB1VrBmMFFUU58mCuWG47FFbMfGm_dGZE_tnEVF3nR2C87iaz-A_NIIYN7ktRNSPI/w374-h374/Kapil%20Dev%20caricature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has certainly embraced change when it comes to cricket stadiums. In their quest to make the game more entertaining and engaging for the masses, they've introduced cheerleaders, light shows, dance performances, and even DJs spinning tracks during breaks. While these changes have added a new layer of entertainment to the cricketing experience, one can't help but wonder if they've overshadowed the substantive part of the game.<br /><br />Cricket is a sport that has always been known for its rich traditions and history. The sound of leather hitting willow, the tension in the air during a close run chase, and the roar of the crowd when a wicket falls – these are the moments that make cricket special. While cheerleaders and light shows are fun, they should complement, not overshadow, the core essence of the game.<br /><br />The '<i>Jai Ho</i>' chants and the dazzling display ironically reminded me of the 'Jay' who is running the show in BCCI now, not the Jai's of yore. Cricket is not just about the here and now, it's about respecting the past, celebrating the present, and nurturing the future. Kapil Dev and his teammates wrote a glorious chapter in Indian cricket history in 1983, and their legacy should always be acknowledged and honored.<br /><br />So, as we continue to embrace change and modernize cricket stadiums, let's not forget the legends who laid the foundation for the game we love. Let's celebrate the Kapil-Mohinder era while enjoying the Bollywood-style entertainment. After all, in the world of cricket, it's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation that truly makes the sport a timeless classic.Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-1865242922861509972023-11-17T10:58:00.001+05:302023-11-17T10:58:34.908+05:30Nana Patekar's Viral Video: The Price of Stardom and the Selfie Hunters' CircusGreetings, fellow internet wanderers, and welcome back to our hilarious corner of the web! Today, we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind of chaos that surrounded the recent "Nana Patekar viral video" incident. You know, the one where our beloved star, Nana Patekar, had to defend himself against an unexpected intruder in the form of an over-enthusiastic fan. Strap in, folks, because this is one wild rollercoaster ride through the world of celebrity fandom! <br /><br /><br />It's no secret that our Indian celebrities have to pay a hefty price for their stardom – the constant nagging of fans and the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. But this time, the price Nana Patekar had to pay came with a viral twist! The video was enough to send social media into a frenzy, with everyone and their aunties chiming in. Many slammed him for his "inappropriate behavior," but let's not jump the gun here, folks. <br /><br /><br />No one seemed to notice the little leech-on-a-celeb, aka the kid who decided to latch onto Nana Patekar without so much as a by-your-leave. Just because a star is in a public place, apparently, it's enough for selfie hunters to throw proper decorum and politeness out of the window and pounce on them. And of course, the star is supposed to oblige because, well, they are our entertainment providers, right? <br /><br /><br />When Nana Patekar finally slapped the boy, it was as if a bomb went off on social media. But guess what? Nobody bothered to question the boy's inappropriate behavior. I mean, come on, people! Who wants a random child hanging onto them like a backpack without consent? That's not a bonding experience; it's a restraining order waiting to happen! <br /><br /> <br />Nana's subsequent statement did little to help his cause. But let's be honest, when you're bombarded by the paparazzi, and fans are climbing all over you like you're a human jungle gym, I doubt even Mother Teresa would maintain her composure! <br /><br /><br />The Indian public often raises their stars to dizzying heights, only to turn around and bay for their blood, holding them to the highest standards of accountability. They seem to forget that these stars are "one of us," common people who happen to be good at pretending to be someone else on screen. They can be just themselves and get annoyed by the silly things around – like random kids clinging onto them like they're a lifebuoy in the middle of a storm. <br /><br /> <br />Social media, especially X (you know the one), was flooded with multiple tweets that all seemed to emphasize one thing: everyone wants a slice of the tamasha because it's free entertainment. It's like we've resurrected the <i>Roman Coliseum</i>, and the star is the gladiator while everyone else in the stands is baying for some celebrity blood. "Are you not entertained?!" they seem to shout while refreshing their Twitter feeds. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgogkjiG_kY4EH8003lVreJaW9RTF3nGRZUhyyk0zJv1JO1foYZcPyMCx_2fJuCbovMPHbjBpFZyxHK1G0KcfhgzmPuRnk-xMkD2ULwBfqNlgPBDq2A_ZqU21NtVSYkUGQf6luKpLiIgCN2aWte_5iKU4KkVREhep2kYQOSE6I9UoOgQh4yPz/s1080/nana%20patekar%20viral%20video.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nana patekar viral video image" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgogkjiG_kY4EH8003lVreJaW9RTF3nGRZUhyyk0zJv1JO1foYZcPyMCx_2fJuCbovMPHbjBpFZyxHK1G0KcfhgzmPuRnk-xMkD2ULwBfqNlgPBDq2A_ZqU21NtVSYkUGQf6luKpLiIgCN2aWte_5iKU4KkVREhep2kYQOSE6I9UoOgQh4yPz/w320-h320/nana%20patekar%20viral%20video.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br />
In conclusion, folks, let's cut our stars some slack. They may be famous, but they're still human beings who deserve their personal space and sanity. The next time you spot a celebrity in the wild, remember, they're not there for your amusement; they're just trying to buy some groceries or enjoy a meal in peace. And if you see a kid latching onto them, maybe consider helping the poor star out instead of snapping a viral video! After all, we're all in this circus of life together, aren't we?Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-69776098477672317522023-08-27T18:15:00.007+05:302023-11-05T19:20:54.017+05:30European Vacation 2023 Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zyA68wfd3hjbPuYC_wrapTc970UsHip-p5xmSZscTVmoZIfO8E2XaOjxGxy_ZXWEowCP192Gbt8w7DpX4MNvfN1PYhUQQ3jW4GmP2e--fpiRRkg2RDw4KpREM2LzQvARWy3mr8Jd3_dOnZe4RetwspQebm2U3qfk5TZ7kcCxb4UJON4-gyjS/s1024/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-27%20at%206.09.07%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zyA68wfd3hjbPuYC_wrapTc970UsHip-p5xmSZscTVmoZIfO8E2XaOjxGxy_ZXWEowCP192Gbt8w7DpX4MNvfN1PYhUQQ3jW4GmP2e--fpiRRkg2RDw4KpREM2LzQvARWy3mr8Jd3_dOnZe4RetwspQebm2U3qfk5TZ7kcCxb4UJON4-gyjS/w363-h272/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-27%20at%206.09.07%20PM.jpeg" width="363" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>As the wheels of our Mercedes bus, earlier the proud carrier of the Czech football team, hummed along the road from Paris to Engelberg, we found ourselves at the threshold of Switzerland in the border town of Basel. Basel, a name synonymous with the stringent banking regulations that govern the financial heartbeat of the world, offered us a brief respite from our journey. <br /><br />These highway havens, with their mini shopping complexes, are a traveler's oasis, complete with cafés and a plethora of shops brimming with everything from gourmet snacks to fine liquor. Operated by brands like Autogrill, they offer a slice of luxury with their complimentary washrooms—a rare find in a continent where a euro is often the price for relief. <br /><br />As we veered off the Rhine's path, our bus nestled into the forecourt of a rest stop. Here, amidst the hum of transient lives, I encountered a cultural crossroad.<div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdDkZVmugk3cxT2FVtYTkw-cWznd16xIeJKHrA7pw4hCC67WuNTdyxXGQtM_yZbihr2UZBTblyWpZ7qO08XaLktRhvwLRaw9cJzW38qwJ-WOeq_3azBVpZP4UjQQM4G1172aGzoBsbrHnNbEEEeSgFDorr0VMj_Ch2cgC3vyINGHr3qi5i6Xx/s1024/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-27%20at%206.09.35%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdDkZVmugk3cxT2FVtYTkw-cWznd16xIeJKHrA7pw4hCC67WuNTdyxXGQtM_yZbihr2UZBTblyWpZ7qO08XaLktRhvwLRaw9cJzW38qwJ-WOeq_3azBVpZP4UjQQM4G1172aGzoBsbrHnNbEEEeSgFDorr0VMj_Ch2cgC3vyINGHr3qi5i6Xx/w371-h278/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-27%20at%206.09.35%20PM.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br />At this Basel town store (above), I picked up a can of beer costing three Euros and proceeded to pay the counter manned by a lady with African features but brownish skin color. She nonchalantly refused to accept the Euros and insisted on a Swiss franks. In many parts of Switzerland, the traded currency is Swiss franc even though Euros are accepted. While I was keen to get rid of the coins I was carrying. So I returned the beer can to her and had almost walked out of the door when the guy standing behind me said ‘Hey, just hang on a minute’. This guy appeared pretty normal, most probably one of the many motorists from Switzerland crossing the border.<br /><br />After paying the cashier he carried the beer can along with his other stuff and handed it over to me. I gladly accepted and handed over the money. Nodding his head he said ‘No No No’….’ Enjoy your beer’ and just walked away. I was just dumbfounded! Beer is an important part of German culture and is considered their national drink. I experienced a bit beer hospitality too!</div><div><br /></div><div>This act of kindness from a stranger, a fellow patron who, with a simple gesture, reminded me that humanity knows no borders. He purchased the beer and, dismissing my attempts to pay, gifted it to me with a smile, embodying the generous spirit often found in the heart of Germanic beer culture. I stood there, momentarily stunned, a recipient of unexpected generosity<br /><br />Later that evening, we checked into our hotel in Engelberg, located atop a hill overlooking the Swiss Alps nestled at the foot of Mount Titlis. We were slightly delayed as there was an unexpected stopover for checking as we entered the Swiss border. A police car just tailed the bus and without sirens or any communication conveyed the driver somewhat telepathically conveyed the driver to follow the car to a Garage. Here they tested the vehicle for structural integrity while they inspected all documents including the driver’s permit & license (who was a Czech national, a burly man who smoked whenever there was a break). This unforeseen delay was a reminder of the meticulous Swiss attention to detail, from the structural integrity of our vehicle to the credentials of our Czech driver, a man as sturdy as the mountains around us.</div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">As dusk painted the sky, we arrived at our hotel, perched
like an eagle's nest on the hillside overlooking the Swiss alps. The hotel itself was an architectural
marvel, connected by tunnels and lifts, a perfect blend of nature and design.
My family and I, among the first to disembark, quickly settled our luggage and
proceeded to the dining hall, where tables awaited, marked by colors for
different tour groups.<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div><br />Apparently, there was another Indian group checking in from another agency that night. As I were the first to enter the dining room, the lady receptionist at the lobby stepped forward and asked ‘Are you the driver from Kesari group?’ As I was squirming for a reply and looking for a way out, the hotel floor manager in a dark suit with a tie standing nearby overheard the conversation and took me to the side. Apologetically he said ‘ Sorry sir, the lady mistook you for the driver as you have some European features!’ much to my chagrin and bemusement!</div></div><div><br /></div>This humorous twist of fate, where I found myself mistaken for a driver by the lady at the reception, a case of mistaken identity that was swiftly and graciously corrected by the floor manager. His apology, tinged with a hint of humor, was a gentle reminder of the diverse tapestry of European features and the amusing misadventures that travel often brings.Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-83645457473726353372023-01-08T17:13:00.018+05:302023-09-24T11:25:57.395+05:30What makes Singapore successful?<p>Singapore is well known for many reasons, be its charismatic leader Lee Kuan Yew or its spotless clean surroundings, its reputation as a global financial hub, its impressive high rises, and tourist attractions all count among its charm. It was hard to miss all these vibes when I visited Singapore recently, and I wondered what makes them so successful? and soon after i got the answer in one of the incidents I encountered there.</p><p>Among the things I and my wife decided was to explore Singapore independently by taking off some time from the fixed tour schedule. This meant that we went on our own in the city buses and underground trains exploring malls, and roadside shops, and eateries. The buses are frequent there and it is easy to catch a bus around the corner (as owning a car is an expensive affair). The buses are somewhat similar to the Volvo buses that ply in Bangalore but much less crowded. Also, there is no conductor and you have to deposit the money and collect your tickets in a ticket vending machine next to the driver.</p><p>Before I get to the incident I pondered over the title and began watching Youtube lectures of Lee Kuan Yew (some call him a benevolent dictator) to understand his mindset. Here is what i realized</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How Lee Kuan Yew steered Singapore from ‘a third world
island into a first world oasis in a third world region’?</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>He brought pragmatic solutions to the island nation,
learning from the mistakes of world leaders like Nehru, Neyrere, Sukarno
and others. One of the lesson he quickly learnt (in the 1960s) was that their
policies of state intervention in developing their economies rather than
bringing free market forces was failing them.</li><li>He did not risk his country’s future on theories but practical ideas that worked. He did not
want to create a new economy based ‘on to port trade ‘ with their neighbours.
He drew heavily from the ‘leap frogging’ strategy adopted by Israel . The fallout
of the cultural revolution in China which peaked in 1979 has a fortuitous
effect in bringing big IT investments in S’pore bypassing Taiwan and Hongkong. That helped start a economic miracle</li><li>His reconstruction of S’pore was based on the pillars of
economic viability (based on return on capital RoC maxim), industrial peace-political
stability and English as the working medium. </li><li>To attract first world entrepreneurs and their cohorts to
set up base in the island, he put in place upto date facilities in telecom
& transportation, aiports and container terminals, personal and public
security, first world health facilities, and a living environment equal to the
first world. He also brought about peace between worker unions and their
management to improve productivity</li><li>He then made people change their habits & behaviour to
match the first world infrastructure. This meant no spitting and chewing gums,
clean public toilets, and no litter. He also took up 'greening' of the island with
trees, palms, shrubs, flowers and creepers (which was one of the first thing
that struck me while we travelled around the island). He involved the whole
population in planting and caring for them</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTewoqzDThwoniFMEPc7s_KFhO91_B8X-8cIZ3qRaP5gxNrCI6nlJvEb5WsWjKip3I2MAekEJIFVYXCqLECiLNiXR3SgjiIdTRn2ybgv3F6y7VZTXPHqn0jwE6h85MyuGvXifQYUM9QbbC1Mx9Nz0i1xhmhYeNc5WkjsrNtBcNJUX5VYma6Q/s720/Dec%201%2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Singapore flyer" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="541" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTewoqzDThwoniFMEPc7s_KFhO91_B8X-8cIZ3qRaP5gxNrCI6nlJvEb5WsWjKip3I2MAekEJIFVYXCqLECiLNiXR3SgjiIdTRn2ybgv3F6y7VZTXPHqn0jwE6h85MyuGvXifQYUM9QbbC1Mx9Nz0i1xhmhYeNc5WkjsrNtBcNJUX5VYma6Q/w240-h320/Dec%201%2022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>The incident</b></p><p>On the second day of the guided city tour, we left the group after dinner and decided to try the Singapore Flyer (a giant city wheel ride akin to that in London) on our own. The glass capsules give you a thrilling all-round view of the city and it is especially colorful at night (tickets cost us SD40 pp). After the 30-minute ride, we decided to take the underground train back to the hotel. It was around 10 in the night and we walked across the road and entered the downtown terminal, one block away. After a 500-meter walk inside the terminus cross to the far end, we had to go underground to catch the driverless automated trains.</p><p>Regular passengers carry passes or general tickets (of designated value) from the automated machines (GTMs). However, we did not have the tickets and without one the barriers wouldn't let us go underground. So I approached the Passenger Service Centre next to the entrance and inquired, operator said I had to take the $20 value tickets per person to go further. I told him that our visit was unplanned and buying the tickets did not make sense as we could hire a taxi for all three of us at that price. The man quickly understood my predicament and asked me to wait while he checked with his superior in the cabin. In no time he allowed us get inside through another gate, told us to go down the escalator, and gave us directions on how to go and take tickets at the nearest counter. </p><p>The efficiency of the operator was astounding, in no time he had created an opportunity for us to travel by the MRT underground train. We did as were told and were able to catch the next train in a few minutes. This time it worked out a lot more reasonably at around $2 per person. We dropped off at a station called <i>McPhersons </i>and then took the city bus to the hotel. Even at 11 in the night bus was near full capacity. Everywhere the operators (whether it is the Bus drivers or MRT staff) were helpful, polite and efficient. It is embedded in their daily lives and attitudes there which makes an incremental and significant difference in the success of this tiny island nation.</p>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-80324785309901291232022-02-06T14:13:00.013+05:302023-11-10T09:36:47.873+05:30Pakistani demand for Indian goods and services<p>The unfolding events in Pakistan reveal a fresh attempt to reinvent itself through a new national security policy (NSP), yet it seems to be taking two steps forward and one step back with its prerequisites for lasting peace with India, a century-old conundrum<span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="color: #0f0f0f; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p>Pakistan's current leadership, with the military's influence not far behind, appears to be urgently navigating out of an economic crisis and a deteriorating geopolitical stance, once considered a strategic asset. However, the NSP might fall short of being the solution they need.<div><br /></div><div>It's worth noting that fostering better relations with India could be a lifeline for Pakistan, providing essential goods and potentially injecting millions into its faltering economy through trade. Having good relations with India will not only provide essential lifeline like vegetables (my earlier article <a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2019/02/qayamat-se-tomato-tak.html" target="_blank">Qayamat se Tomato tak </a>on the subject) and some other commodities but also potentially add millions of dollars of economic trade value to its failing economy. Despite India offering Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, the latter has yet to capitalize on it. Inquiries at the trade desk of Pakistan's High Commission in India would likely highlight these missed opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">India & Pakistan; the trade prospects</h3><p>I have been in 2 management roles where i see huge economic opportunity with our estranged neighbour. The first I saw when i was with <i>Milagrow,</i> whose founder late Rajeev Karwal was in touch with a company called <i>Dawlence </i>in Pakistan. This struggling company wanted to utilise his turnaround skills in consumer durable industry and replicate what he had successfully done with LG in India earlier. A lot of things could have happened including a possible visit of mine to Pakistan if not for a deep freezing of relations in 2008 (post Mumbai attacks). As i have written earlier, India struggles with Pakistan as the proverbial <i><a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2019/02/pulwama-attack-another-story-from-betal.html" target="_blank">Vikram Vs Betaal</a> </i></p><p>Currently in my executive role at <i>Homeomart.com</i> I see large number of Pakistani visitors regularly seeking homeopathic remedies for their health and wellness. In the illustrated image below, one of the visitor is seeking the service more as a 'favour for neighbour' because he believes that we are antagonistic to him. The reality is that neither DHL or India Post is ready to offer intermediary services to make this workable. A turnaround in relations could possibly mean Homeomart investing in Pakistan to tap its burgeoning market but that is a distant reality subject to its future relations with India and the economic climate it creates there. With various religious extremists groups created by ISI running loose there, it looks a bleak prospect</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc8qrl37OomPuZWbjzeRj96xz6tbUvTqhegYAKcUbgtZ0vbaK88TFLtplEon3XPELullRiQI0u3mw22SlN3WMEM-C8JJ8ihPbgbTBhQGugyZpitOVo8rM3G00qg_9zrL2fglPKLlpmKxzvMcAl87heP97H5fMbT5KCw49vkfuy0T0sk2FXDw=s773" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pakistani customer seeking Indian ecommerce service" border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="773" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc8qrl37OomPuZWbjzeRj96xz6tbUvTqhegYAKcUbgtZ0vbaK88TFLtplEon3XPELullRiQI0u3mw22SlN3WMEM-C8JJ8ihPbgbTBhQGugyZpitOVo8rM3G00qg_9zrL2fglPKLlpmKxzvMcAl87heP97H5fMbT5KCw49vkfuy0T0sk2FXDw=w463-h295" title="Pakistan demand for Indian goods and services" width="463" /></a></div><br /><p>Pakistan economy can improve drastically if it opens its borders to Indian companies. There are many factors that can work to galvanize the trade ties (as opposed to 'Galwan'ize' which China did to hit on its own foot). If Pakistans scans its neighbourhood, it is only the Indian economy that can provide many advantages</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Physical Proximity to one of the world's fastest growing markets. Quick flow of goods and services. </li><li>Cultural proximity can cut communication issues and build trust that can help businesses grow</li><li>Overlap of interests. For instance Pakistani love of music, films, cuisine, even a medical thing like homeopathy has a lot of <i>cultural commons</i>.</li></ul><p></p><p>Your economic turnaround starts at your door steps Pakistan, as the saying goes 'modesty begins at home'. </p></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-26466931816145715572021-12-12T11:33:00.023+05:302023-11-10T14:15:52.013+05:30Malgudi Days Story – the unknown faces behind its success and the village now<div>If you put a timeline to it, it has nearly been 4 decades since Malgudi days catapulted into India’s collective imagination on the teletube. But no traces of it can be found in this tiny hamlet on the edge of western ghats as I passed through it recently. I was on a trip to Shringeri from Manipal and after climbing an arduous Ghat section, the main road took us through Agumbe which was basically a stretch of a one kilometer road that meandered through houses and some tea stalls on either sides. There was are no traces of Malgudi except for the familiar sight of old world tiled roof houses one of which was ‘Dodda Mane’ (of which I will come to shortly).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGfWh4eKsQpEvDc1Z37dDIp_beyPAlSaHbuEu8tQAdS7Y84efR-n2myr6pfre26NB1VeJ88nQKH0TmA3rJrXTg1FUjBrMaXvEiqo7z3kuMOASNCHM_0Kk8YGVZwvwnrPv6squVBpXVeDavgXMiF56tN15NBy1tavgShpVkx3tl5yyPCQfvMw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malgudi village now Malgudi days summary" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGfWh4eKsQpEvDc1Z37dDIp_beyPAlSaHbuEu8tQAdS7Y84efR-n2myr6pfre26NB1VeJ88nQKH0TmA3rJrXTg1FUjBrMaXvEiqo7z3kuMOASNCHM_0Kk8YGVZwvwnrPv6squVBpXVeDavgXMiF56tN15NBy1tavgShpVkx3tl5yyPCQfvMw=w400-h225" title="Malgudi days" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br /><blockquote><b>Agumbe, the village that became Malgudi days (the iconic TV serial) - old charm, the sleepiness, the rustic ambience </b></blockquote><br /><br />Agumbe received more recognition for ‘Malgudi Days’ serials than the highest average annual rainfall it receives in India after Cherrapunji. Agumbe beat Nanjangudi town which the director of this TV serial dallied and courted for a while for his ‘Malgudi days’ before zeroing on this town on the edge of western Ghats. The search for this fictional town of Malgudi actually began in Mysore and surrounding areas. Mysore where RKN lived and wrote this masterpiece initially conceived of this heritage city but by the time Shankar wanted to flesh it out on the small television canvas it could no longer fit the bill of an idyllic place as urbanization had taken over <br /><br />While Shankar was searching in the old Mysore region, it was Anant Nag (his elder brother) who asked him to check out Agumbe. Story goes that Anant Nag discovered the old world charm of Agumbe when his car broke down in one of the treacherous hair pin bends of the steep ghats in the vicinity of Agumbe. He could have probably gone there for help and was impressed by the beauty of the malnad heartland <br /><br />Some people say the word Malgudi comes from two old locality names in Bangalore, Mal as in (Malleswaram) and Gudi (Basavangudi). RKN may have liberally borrowed from the people living in these localities to smoke out his characters. Many of the old houses and streets here still show some traces of the Malgudian world. “ Malgudi is a town habited by timeless characters, who could be living anywhere in the world…….It is where we all belong and where we wish we lived” RKN once said.</div><div> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvB8nX1MuBWT9UBXXclJEb-iYT7QWCrmB_AAYubojun5Nd5kEtvdWQdaVes2poMjkjQi8e_RmoVqG-DSQYS87cngFkZo_TIwECbZRPKh3yannvX9IAFnGbvXPLZr48aVXxZ1YdDtsZaLVYsL4xzJ-tT0_wExrRoUm0dsbUCWq6eHUU5WixKP3/s1792/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-10%2013.49.47%20-%20Create%20an%20image%20that%20depicts%20the%20essence%20of%20Malgudi%20Days%20as%20described%20in%20the%20blog%20post.%20The%20image%20should%20showcase%20a%20picturesque%20village%20scene%20inspired.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Malgudi days image chatGPT" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1792" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvB8nX1MuBWT9UBXXclJEb-iYT7QWCrmB_AAYubojun5Nd5kEtvdWQdaVes2poMjkjQi8e_RmoVqG-DSQYS87cngFkZo_TIwECbZRPKh3yannvX9IAFnGbvXPLZr48aVXxZ1YdDtsZaLVYsL4xzJ-tT0_wExrRoUm0dsbUCWq6eHUU5WixKP3/w431-h246/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-10%2013.49.47%20-%20Create%20an%20image%20that%20depicts%20the%20essence%20of%20Malgudi%20Days%20as%20described%20in%20the%20blog%20post.%20The%20image%20should%20showcase%20a%20picturesque%20village%20scene%20inspired.png" width="431" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>AI (ChatGPT 4.0 rendered image created to capture the essence of Malgudi Days as described in the blog post</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The unknown faces behind 'Malgudi days', the TV serial that captured the imagination of the global television audience</h3><br />There are many known people who contributed to the success of Malgudi days. It was Ananth Nag (brother of Shankar Nag) who prodded a disinterested Shankar to take up the project. Producer TS Narasimhan (of Banker Margayya fame) who was related to R K Narayan joined hands, Vaidyanathan came up with his signature tune “<i>Taa Naa Naa Tana Nana Naa</i>” are well known names behind the scenes. <br /><br />Some of the lesser known names like Ramesh Bhat (production assistant), John Devraj (art director) and town planner gave Agumbe some makeover like water fountain and colonial ‘Robert’ statue also take credit <br /><br />However names like <i>Kasturi Jayrao </i>of Doddamane of Agumbe may not appear on the credit scroll. But without her, the whole idea of hosting 100 plus crew of Malgudi days in this hamlet with no lodges, hotels, or even a telephone exchange would have been impossible. It was Kasturi Jayrao who encouraged Shankar Nag who came scouting around and took lead in hosting them in her Dodda mane where a few episodes like “<a href="https://youtu.be/xWv3dzLHCYo " target="_blank">Naga</a>’ were shot (Go to 7 minutes 12 seconds to see the house). She persuaded others in the town to do so and as Ramesh Bhat puts it, every house in Agumbe hosted 2 or 3 crew members.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpXEZDNqxQWkVs8AdZzGL8_XGGfiDQRoVk1803XbfhNZppXVp_l5djRJx2Mh9j0-FQp5mR96Cw5TiDLyo5K0cJ1e5GOCftm2x0hvxKzIDS4rd9FlAAfF6r2OaDb75DC3qRS28jKV7brXqV7I6DOAcvighoyyOGj7uxnIiBuOEYWf8MVc8I-w=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="House where Naga episode of Malgudi days TV serial was shot" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpXEZDNqxQWkVs8AdZzGL8_XGGfiDQRoVk1803XbfhNZppXVp_l5djRJx2Mh9j0-FQp5mR96Cw5TiDLyo5K0cJ1e5GOCftm2x0hvxKzIDS4rd9FlAAfF6r2OaDb75DC3qRS28jKV7brXqV7I6DOAcvighoyyOGj7uxnIiBuOEYWf8MVc8I-w=w320-h240" title="Malgudi Days TV serial location 1" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />The whole town did it with no commercial arrangement, no money was taken for lodging them. They lent their brassware’s and other household items for recreating 1940s scenes in the serial. Some of these houses were converted into make believe Post Office and Police station of Malgudi. The crew even jokingly put up name boards like “Taj Continental’, ‘Ashoka Palace’ on the houses they were hosted to identify who was put-up where and what food parcel was to be served. <br /><br />The town practically had no facilities , even for ration and other essentials, they had to go down the ghats to Hebri regularly <a href="https://youtu.be/HSpIGm55ubM" target="_blank">recalls Ramesh Bhat</a> (noted actor and product assistant). The Malgudi village is still more or less the same even now devoid of any modern trappings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKHbydYfk2_wGLUHAMT4QeWEH-NO8PMvtDWczpep8-5wKq8-4_Opi91PXCDfVT5kv2M4oWT6iDs-5lD-1HTGbCnB9-BUyNHo2_p6zNF_6BcoqDWAcF581sPW5lE58MDiumSukDbd7E05X1BzGUfAJbehhNttqiowI19R4cGVrFUjy3bQp9aw=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dodda Mane Agumbe Malgudi days house" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKHbydYfk2_wGLUHAMT4QeWEH-NO8PMvtDWczpep8-5wKq8-4_Opi91PXCDfVT5kv2M4oWT6iDs-5lD-1HTGbCnB9-BUyNHo2_p6zNF_6BcoqDWAcF581sPW5lE58MDiumSukDbd7E05X1BzGUfAJbehhNttqiowI19R4cGVrFUjy3bQp9aw=w320-h240" title="Malgudi days Village house" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Dodda Mane (meaning big house) is a colonial two storied tiled house with lovely inner courtyard. Its exquisite wooden carvings and stone pillars first set the imagination of shankar Nag rolling. The lady of the house Kasturi Jayrao actually set in motion a series of events that went to become 39 episodes beginning 1985 until a road accident snuffed out Shankarnag’s life in 1986.</div><div><br /></div><div>As per Manjunath Nayaker who played <i>Swami </i>in Malgudi days, most of the shooting (Swami's home) took place in this house of Shankar Rao at Handalasu which is a small Village/hamlet in Tirthahalli Taluk in Shimoga
District of Karnataka State (below)</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwHb-vghZSX89aMZ12tdF-WRMqlBuZmHhNaNHtgNSa6YydQvciS76Ny2Pgxo7hQ7aG-2vbnWW5-SREfMsH6VeB0FGNxRPtK8mVK4uwlAcJdIm-lEq-gaq2jp3QQymoLuYDYz_ZAUtZivr5sbOulciT0lQ2zhjbnauw8LXjKF8aQpOnH4dYXg=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="swamis house in malgudi days" border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="1920" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwHb-vghZSX89aMZ12tdF-WRMqlBuZmHhNaNHtgNSa6YydQvciS76Ny2Pgxo7hQ7aG-2vbnWW5-SREfMsH6VeB0FGNxRPtK8mVK4uwlAcJdIm-lEq-gaq2jp3QQymoLuYDYz_ZAUtZivr5sbOulciT0lQ2zhjbnauw8LXjKF8aQpOnH4dYXg=w399-h339" title="location where Malgudi days TV serial was shot" width="399" /></a></div><br /><div><b><br />The extent to which Shankar Nag went to recreate Malgudi days</b><br /><br />The three seasons of 13 episodes each, set in a 1940s British India, was created to meticulous detail. colonial props were created, background characters pulled in from surrounding villages, vintage cars like Austins were borrowed from friends….elephants, a road roller and such other stuff brought from Bangalore. Shankar even created the freedom movement by showing ‘andolan kartas’ in mundane scenes <br /><br />The biggest challenge was to recreate the railway station of Malgudi. Since it had no station, Shankar Nag went to the nearby tiny railway station in Arasalu village, then a meter gauge line. Here he had to shoot a bored Swamy standing on a bench in the classroom and watch the train go by through the window. The problem was there was no railway station in Agumbe, so he tore down the school window, took it 78 kms away to Arsalu and recreated the scene masterfully with just the window separating Swamy and the train at Arsalu on opposite sides. The train could not be halted for the shoot, so the first and second shot was taken on opposite platforms. First when the train arrived in the morning and the second one in the opposite platform when it came back 20 minutes later <br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">A tribute to the Malgudi Days (the iconic television serial) facilitator on the first death anniversary</h4></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1lsBTRc0OMzam8CyYW4AEiMvurEQxu50i8iD6XLgP4WWT23IZeNw3Jd71bYyBbwtGbKVQA9LJG53M4aPG9kmY0hjp9_0RikYpYDK5KwctfT6d_aclR4je920l7txg-o7MT6yrB1Ol2gbr0ksOerCPadoqzgsfjt9jM0ElO46Cd_jwEWpZUA=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lady behind the success of malgudi days TV serial" border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1lsBTRc0OMzam8CyYW4AEiMvurEQxu50i8iD6XLgP4WWT23IZeNw3Jd71bYyBbwtGbKVQA9LJG53M4aPG9kmY0hjp9_0RikYpYDK5KwctfT6d_aclR4je920l7txg-o7MT6yrB1Ol2gbr0ksOerCPadoqzgsfjt9jM0ElO46Cd_jwEWpZUA=w320-h240" title="Malgudi days TV serial" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><br />By some strange coincidence, it was the first death anniversary of Kasturi Jayarao when i visited Doddamane last Sunday (5th December 2021) . Her photo adorned the entrance and a few dozen friends & relatives of the lady were having ‘Tithi Oota’ in the adjacent makeshift tent. I met one of her relatives who said that all youngsters/progeny of the three sq km Agumbe, with its about 500 strong populace, have spread out across the world and it is only the elders staying back. <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsSHN1-L47qTy-k3TfJJQVbzq26LFAALWCe3-3xIdVNnl1cjfgHRAcyLAT6z1222UdAt7QfB_rOFc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>He graciously invited me for lunch and I politely told him that I was coming back from Shringeri after having lunch at the peetha. However I was hungry for more information about the stories surrounding Agumbe and Malgudi days. The grand daughter of Kasturi Jayarao who could have provided this was busy over seeing the function in the house. So I quietly took leave hoping to be back for more some day. <br /><br />This blog article is a tribute to Kasturi Jayarao and countless others behind the scenes who quietly made the wonderful world of ‘Malgudi days’ come to life</div><div><div><br /></div>
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<td width="99">Location</td>
<td width="281">Shimoga district, Karnataka, India</td>
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<td rowspan="2">Famous for </td>
<td width="281">Snakes, known as 'Cobra Capital' of India </td>
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<td width="281">The Cherrapunji of South India</td>
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<td rowspan="2">Nearby places</td>
<td width="281">Shringeri Sharadamba Temple (25 Kms)</td>
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<td width="281">Manipal (47 Kms)</td>
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<td rowspan="3">Where to stay</td>
<td width="281">Seethanadi Nature camp, Hebri (15 Kms away)</td>
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<td width="281"><a href="mailto:seethanadi@junglelodges.com">seethanadi@junglelodges.com</a></td>
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<td width="281">Fares - 750 Camp tents, 1500 Cottages, fare includes coracle ride down the seethanadi river</td>
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<td>Where to party</td>
<td width="281">Pubs & Bars like (Eye of the tiger) in Manipal</td>
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</table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-36136842554059678382021-10-17T13:43:00.005+05:302023-11-05T19:29:52.310+05:30Space Force. Intergalactic Fashion and Earthly Mishaps In a recent snippet that tickled my fancy in the Economic Times, it seems the Pentagon has decided to boldly go where no military has gone before. Virginia has become the unlikely docking station for our newest celestial protectors, the U.S. 'Space Force Guardians.' Decked out in uniforms that seem to be the lovechild of 'Star Trek' chic and 'Spaceballs' parody, these men in blue with oversized buttoned up flaps are Earth's newest line of defense against extraterrestrial ne'er-do-wells and the latest orbital shenanigans courtesy of our neighbors in the Chinese space program.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLccgw4ttZa2gt4qejqG9fhJlzt_F7mSuUI2GmCiwMS93a7oemncQk6gaYMXcbuxN6SBiiReCJWyF1lQ400j3lFRbC1D78-k1jjO9UfZE_Bw9AYDPKFOVzPo9SSPc5f7MVPaij/s1194/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-17+at+12.54.29+PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="space force guardian uniform" border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="981" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLccgw4ttZa2gt4qejqG9fhJlzt_F7mSuUI2GmCiwMS93a7oemncQk6gaYMXcbuxN6SBiiReCJWyF1lQ400j3lFRbC1D78-k1jjO9UfZE_Bw9AYDPKFOVzPo9SSPc5f7MVPaij/w329-h400/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-17+at+12.54.29+PM.jpeg" title="US Space force" width="329" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><br />One has to wonder, do these Guardians carry a 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' in their utility belts? Because, let's face it, if you're going to navigate the cosmos and fend off alien marauders, you'll want to do it with a bit of Douglas Adams' wisdom in your pocket—or at least know where your towel is.<br /><br />The American spirit of 'go big or go home' is alive and well, it seems, even if sometimes the 'big' is more about style than substance. Take, for instance, the SEALs' legendary takedown in Abbottabad. They came loaded with all the sci-fi trimmings you'd expect—if Q from James Bond had a garage sale, it would look like their equipment room. But in a plot twist worthy of a space opera, one of their stealthy Apaches caught a case of the hiccups and ended up a lawn ornament in bin Laden's backyard.<br /><br />And then, in a moment that would make MacGyver proud, they realized they'd forgotten something between the laser sights and night-vision goggles—a humble measuring tape. So, in a scene that surely baffled the meticulous planners, a SEAL had to play human ruler next to the body to estimate bin Laden's height. Because nothing says "precision military operation" quite like using a 'nap-time next to the bad guy' technique for biometrics.<br /><br />So, as we look to the stars and dream of space cowboys, let's not forget the down-to-earth humor in our very human, sometimes comical, endeavors. Whether it's space sentinels in snazzy uniforms or SEALs improvising without a tape measure, one thing's for certain: the final frontier might just be the most entertaining saga of them all.<p></p></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-68078018674372478302020-11-08T12:34:00.009+05:302023-11-05T20:12:43.635+05:30US Elections 2020. Trumped by the Vote: A Comedic Recap Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between, gather 'round as we recount the grand spectacle that was the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election—a saga so steeped in drama that Shakespeare himself might have said, "Bit much, innit?"<br /><br />At the center of this whirlwind of democracy was none other than the incumbent President, Donald J. Trump, the man who turned the Oval Office into a Twitter pulpit and diplomatic relations into episodes of reality TV. Trump, a maverick in a red tie, approached the election with the confidence of a man who's just found a coupon for a free haircut and knows exactly what he wants: "Just a little off the sides, please, but leave the top. It's perfect."<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZRR_DHtrAkOJo4-uhNWP_KdVzkwzhqmzWOcKdgfLBaaLKLEhlrSlu8-L2Nckpi3aNE_JQBgnLGXEmbmGYCyzzkkKCK7_g6yKBgsWYe5YLFM43550R7PQ_ao_-q5WvhRaCS9B/s852/US2020+Trump+Biden.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="852" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZRR_DHtrAkOJo4-uhNWP_KdVzkwzhqmzWOcKdgfLBaaLKLEhlrSlu8-L2Nckpi3aNE_JQBgnLGXEmbmGYCyzzkkKCK7_g6yKBgsWYe5YLFM43550R7PQ_ao_-q5WvhRaCS9B/w527-h330/US2020+Trump+Biden.JPG" width="527" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Finally Trump'ed up campaign comes to an end after giving some anxious moment to the republican camp</i>. </span></div><br /><p></p>In the midst of a global pandemic, Trump's rallies were less about social distancing and more about social gathering. The term 'super-spreader' became synonymous with both the virus and misinformation, and masks were often treated like the dress code at an informal beach wedding—optional and largely ignored. <br /><br />Then came the debates, a series of verbal jousts where Trump, armed with barbs and quips, faced off against Joe Biden, who often looked like he was wondering whether he'd left the stove on at home. The debates were less about policies and more about endurance, as viewers played a drinking game with the phrase "Will you shut up, man?" Spoiler alert: everyone lost that game.<div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">The antics of Trump have etched themselves indelibly into my
memory, living there rent-free. Consider the moment during his visit to
Gujarat, India, at Modi's invitation, when he attempted to pronounce
'Vivekananda' - the revered Indian reformer and activist. His tongue tripped and
tumbled over the name, transforming it into something that sounded suspiciously
like "Weee Vik aa nan mundaaa."<o:p></o:p></p><br />Cutting to the chase, election night arrived with all the certainty of a groundhog's shadow. As the votes were tallied, Trump's lead began to wane, and the President did what any reasonable adult would do: he took to Twitter to declare victory prematurely and accuse the other side of stealing the election. It was like calling "shotgun" before your friend has even bought a car. <br /><br />The days that followed were a blur of lawsuits, recounts, and tweets—so many tweets. Trump's legal team, led by the ever-composed Rudy Giuliani, held a press conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping—because nothing says "I'm taking this seriously" like standing next to a sex shop and a crematorium. <br /><br />As the legal battles waned and the Electoral College cast its votes, Trump's tenure as President was given an expiration date, but not before he pardoned a cornucopia of cronies and possibly contemplated pardoning himself—a move as unprecedented as it was on-brand. <br /><br />In the end, the 2020 U.S. Election was a masterclass in political theater, with Trump playing the lead role in a performance that was part King Lear, part reality TV, but all-American. It was a time when satire became redundant because reality had beaten it to the punchline. <br /><br />So, let's raise a glass to the 2020 election: the year politics became so bizarre, comedians had to check if they were accidentally reporting the news. And to Donald Trump, the man who left the White House with the same subtlety he governed—kicking, screaming, and tweeting into the wind.</div></div></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-40260685565475740922020-06-02T18:09:00.008+05:302024-03-17T19:21:01.865+05:30From Russia with Love: Kindred Spirits United by India's Charm<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">As the world huddled in the quiet isolation brought on by COVID-19, a ray of camaraderie shone through the stillness, bridging the distance with a message from Ekaterina, a soul from the snow-laced expanses of Russia. Her words, infused with care, reached across the digital divide - a poignant testament to a shared affection for a land that, even amid global solitude, remained vivid in the hearts of those who adore it from afar.With nostalgia woven into every word, her message unfolded - a poignant tapestry of concern for the beloved nation she holds dear in the wake of the pandemic's surge.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br />
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Her sentiments are a reminder of the timeless allure India holds, reminiscent of a bygone era when Raj Kapoor, the eternal showman, twirled his way into the hearts of the Russian people with the cinematic treasure "Mera Naam Joker." How intriguingly fate intertwines our stories, blending the past with the present, art with affection.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ekaterina's concern, as touching as the black and white memories of cinematic yesteryears, reflects the depth of affection that Indophiles across the world harbor for this land of vibrant diversity. Consider Iliya Padukova, the Ayurvedic doctor from the historic streets of St. Petersburg, whose devotion has led her and her fellow pilgrims to the serene hillock in Kerala, year after year for a dozen years - each visit a homage to the spiritual call of Swami Ayyappa.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUq1Z-Ey6YnfC0uB_jKiw0zMI-yc2dB7kS9V7ddTrxiUCTIskwDfK5oCyrss2eLPqwH99VdeqHUJoQYflC2l4ETLMjgaM8EhGAJiP99K7UP0W0eGuGxDx-RQnQT5hJYaP5cegizCFp7VJpYB-a2W-JrWPcaigANCnOVQyw-bxYjp-gn3qmE6i/s906/russian%20pilgrims%20in%20india.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="russian devotees in sabarimala kerala India" border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="906" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUq1Z-Ey6YnfC0uB_jKiw0zMI-yc2dB7kS9V7ddTrxiUCTIskwDfK5oCyrss2eLPqwH99VdeqHUJoQYflC2l4ETLMjgaM8EhGAJiP99K7UP0W0eGuGxDx-RQnQT5hJYaP5cegizCFp7VJpYB-a2W-JrWPcaigANCnOVQyw-bxYjp-gn3qmE6i/w395-h336/russian%20pilgrims%20in%20india.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">And it's not just the pilgrimages that signify this bond but also the profound resonance of India's spiritual heritage in the hearts of many Russians. Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, an ambassador of the Russian Iskcon movement, spoke of a thriving community - fifty thousand Hare Krishna devotees - each a vibrant thread in the colorful mosaic of global unity</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVlR6GJz7wOiY5kv0GTyDGp6h-4a9cWCJGCPaH8n75T2nE8TSCOR43I9HIKlsIvrq-3Zd_hRoMZfbQ-yXGCAoDEGPyZ4S82t45traUR0fbnJmnDMUNJAZ-omnuw5_kvp0aCqlz8RAoquYJD46tWJiUp4aTzaNUpDKDxff1SSditQ_YC-Z_T03/s874/russian%20hare%20krishna%20devotees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="russian hare krishna devotees vedic marriage ceremony" border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="874" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVlR6GJz7wOiY5kv0GTyDGp6h-4a9cWCJGCPaH8n75T2nE8TSCOR43I9HIKlsIvrq-3Zd_hRoMZfbQ-yXGCAoDEGPyZ4S82t45traUR0fbnJmnDMUNJAZ-omnuw5_kvp0aCqlz8RAoquYJD46tWJiUp4aTzaNUpDKDxff1SSditQ_YC-Z_T03/w414-h325/russian%20hare%20krishna%20devotees.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Such is the power of India's cultural embrace - it knows no bounds, transcending the physical, dancing over oceans, whispering through mountains, to touch lives far and wide. A myriad of Katias and Iliyas stand testament to this timeless bond, a dance of souls intertwined by love, respect, and shared humanity. As the world watches and waits for the tempest to pass, these heartwarming tales of cross-border camaraderie stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that even in times of trial, the human spirit prevails, boundless and eternal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-58660416161038226232020-03-21T09:13:00.000+05:302020-03-21T09:14:29.029+05:30Kamal Nath MP Govt Falls <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Congress party came to power in Madhya Pradesh (MP) on the election plank</div>
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15 months back. Soon enough Shivraj Singh Chaohan had the last laugh with another 'Operation Kamal' after he weaned away 22 legislators rendering a ironic wedge in the 'name-sake' of the old congi fox.<br />
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-13605541337561370012020-02-02T21:05:00.002+05:302023-11-05T19:46:37.661+05:30Indian auto rickshaw. Epic rides and catchy messagesIf you've ever set foot in the bustling streets of India, you've likely encountered the chariot of the common man: the mighty auto rickshaw. These three-wheeled wonders are the unsung heroes of Indian transportation, navigating the urban jungle with the grace of a ballet dancer and the stability of a toddler on a sugar rush.<br /><br /> An auto rickshaw ride is less a commute and more a roller coaster without the safety regulations. The rickety journey is a symphony of bumps, rattles, and honks, where every pothole is a drumbeat and every sudden brake a cymbal crash. It's a full-body workout, an impromptu game of Twister as you contort to avoid the loving embrace of fellow passengers or the occasional curious cow or goat peeking in.<br /><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWydJuWvBRJJ1CW-wAi5qJ1YHlhX7-JiuCp7zcuGJSsj9A23JloDpKZOQlBauPmKr26kJMoWalqhrz865GtUZX5OtnrLUzMwXRv6ygqvBOT6iE33Xdu_ohv7MhiCZ4pn4gRaJ/s1600/back+off.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Indian auto rickshaw with funny message" border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1143" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWydJuWvBRJJ1CW-wAi5qJ1YHlhX7-JiuCp7zcuGJSsj9A23JloDpKZOQlBauPmKr26kJMoWalqhrz865GtUZX5OtnrLUzMwXRv6ygqvBOT6iE33Xdu_ohv7MhiCZ4pn4gRaJ/w400-h300/back+off.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><i>Saw this fella hitching a ride yesterday. Funny way to say back off.</i></div><br /><br />Now, let's talk about the captains of these vibrant vessels - the auto rickshaw drivers. They are the sultans of swerve, the wizards of the three-wheeled steed. Haggling over the fare is their favorite sport, and they play it with the zeal of an Olympic athlete. The quoted price is often a 'suggestion', subject to a mysterious algorithm that factors in your accent, the weather, time of the day and possibly the alignment of the planets.<br /><br />But it's not just about the ride; it's about the razzle-dazzle. Auto rickshaws are decked out with more bling than a pop star's Christmas tree. From psychedelic seat covers to flashy tassels that swing with the rhythm of the road, these autos are a mobile discotheque. The rearview covers don't just reflect the world—they challenge it, adorned with stickers like one above<br /><br />The dashboard is a shrine to every deity, celebrity, and talisman known to man, creating a protective bubble against the evil eye and traffic tickets. Fairy lights twinkle like stars around the driver, who sits enthroned amidst this splendor, a king in his court of chrome and vinyl.<br /><br />And let's not forget the music. Each auto rickshaw is a rolling jukebox, blasting the latest Bollywood hits or sometimes a forgotten '90s local pop song, adding a soundtrack to the already sensory-overloading experience.<br /><br />In the end, the Indian auto rickshaw is more than just a mode of transport; it's a carnival on wheels, a microcosm of India's chaos and color, a testament to the spirit of 'jugaad'—the uniquely Indian art of winging it with flair. So the next time you hop into one of these tri-wheeled rockets, remember: you're not just going places, you're part of a grand tradition of adventure, negotiation, and unexpected disco parties. Buckle up (figuratively, because seat belts are still a fantasy in this realm), and enjoy the ride!
</div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-73740841464477119382020-01-26T19:21:00.005+05:302023-12-03T13:02:35.697+05:30Shaheen bagh protests a guided missile?<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">The name sound familiar to military watchers. The inimical enemy across the border displays its pathological hatred for India by naming its missiles on the invaders of past. So after a round of names like Babar, Ghaznavi, Ghouri etc it named a new class of missile by the name of 'Shaheen'. This missile is supposed to have more teeth, a longer range (which practically cover all of India including southern part of the country) and is touted as a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile. The enemy for a change was inspired by a species of Falcon found in the mountains of Pakistan. Nontheless Shaheen (the missile) brought many Indian cities under its destructive capability when it was test fired in the first half of 2019<br />
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<br /><br /></div>Now lets come to a protest by the same name in the national capital that is grabbing news headlines for the past 3 weeks. It is supposed to be a spontaneous movement by some disgruntled women of a minority community (just 10 to 15 local women are claimed to have started this on the afternoon of 14 December 2019). However as things unfolded it seemed to be a well planned conspiracy at work to destabilize the Govt and its legitimate policies
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The significance of the name Shaheen</h2><div><br /></div>
The name 'Shaheen' is just not a type of bird of prey, Some would say Shaheen also means "God of all Falcons" or just "God" at times, it really depends on the use and connotation. On the other hand a similar sounding 'Shahin' is a Muslim Girl name and it is an Arabic originated name with multiple meanings<br /> <br /> The word 'Shaheen' has historical significance too, Naseem Hijazi the Pakistani Islamic historian and novelist wrote a historical novel by the same name. It details the situation of the Muslims in Granada in 1492 when they were about to be expelled from Spain. The novel goes on to depict the causes of destruction of Muslim power in Granada<br /> So this is one of the unique and popular names with impressive meaning. You can find Shahin name meaning in Urdu and English, as well as other languages.
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<h3>
Why Shaheen Bagh protests are strategic in nature?</h3><div><br /></div>
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There is a pecular religious and historical persecution overtones to the name of the park where the protests are held. That it was started and now led by a group of Muslim women gives credence. The flames ignited here spread to other muslim dominated areas of Delhi like Turkman Gate, Jaffarabad and Seelampur, Khureji, Kardam Puri, Old Mustafabad and Bhajanpura. Many of the women protesters are hijab and burqa wearing Muslim women homemakers<br /> <br /> Their misguided ire is just not against the Citizenship amendment act (CAA) and National registry of Citizens (NRC) but also opposing the government's "anti-labour policies". They have also protested against JNU attack that occurred recently which is being projected as 'state sponsored violence' <br /><br /> Creative artworks, innovate slogans like "Hum kagaz nahin dikhayenge" (we won't show our papers) or famous Urdu Nazm 'Hum Dekhenge' created by students from JNU, Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Jadavpur University and Hyderabad Central University do the rounds here. Ironically the 'Us Vs Them' cannot be lost in translation here amidst the shero shayari and recall of Muhammed Iqbal. <br /><br /> For the casual observer the Shaheen Bagh, has turned rampantly communal and is now caught pushing dangerous secessionist agenda (second partition). People like Sharjeel Imam who is an activist and former JNU student and reporter is the symptom of this malaise<br /> <br /> The Hindu reports “The peaceful flame of resistance has now spread to other communities in and beyond the national capital and across the country”. It further add 'As on Wednesday, January 22, at least 20 Shaheen Bagh-inspired sit-in protests have been reported in the country'</div>
Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-81771191574311861972020-01-12T19:18:00.017+05:302024-01-14T20:38:32.404+05:30Whispers of Ancient India: Discovering the Enchanting Ramchandrapura Math and its Bovine Heritage<h3 style="text-align: left;">Journey into the Heart of Karnataka: Ramchandrapura Math in Focus</h3><div><br /></div><div>Imagine embarking on a journey to a place where the whispers of ancient India blend seamlessly with the serene beauty of nature. Welcome to the enchanting Ramchandrapura Math, tucked away in the Shimoga district, amidst the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka. This idyllic spot is enveloped by dense forests and cradled by the tranquil backwaters of the Linganamakki Dam, which gracefully arches over the Sharavati River. A stone's throw away from the quaint town of Hosanagara, or "new town," lies this sanctuary, a mere 6 kilometers journey into the heart of India’s natural wonder.<br /><br />Ramchandrapura Math is not just a place of spiritual pursuit; it's a living testament to the preservation of India's vanishing bovine heritage. Here, amidst the verdant landscapes, lies a project of passion and preservation – the Goshala. This haven is home to 37 distinct breeds of Indian cattle, both milch and draught varieties, each one a vital thread in the rich tapestry of India's agricultural history. It stands as a beacon of hope against the backdrop of governmental mismanagement in cow breeding, as highlighted by the National Commission on Cattle. This private initiative breathes life into a tradition on the brink of extinction.<br /><br />'Amruthadhara', the unique cattle shed at Ramchandrapura Math, is more than just a shelter. It's a mosaic of India's native cattle breeds, the largest of its kind in the nation, a modern-day Gokula reminiscent of ancient Indian lore. Its significance was globally recognized in April 2007, when it became the focal point of the World Cattle Conference, underscoring the importance of traditional cow rearing in India.<br /><br />The Math itself is cradled in an awe-inspiring landscape, where the Sathashringa hills and the gentle embrace of the Sharavathy river create a setting of unparalleled beauty. This harmonious land, where wild animals once coexisted peacefully with cows and deer, captured the attention of Sri Shankaracharya, leading to the establishment of the Raghuothama Mutt. Here, the profound teachings of the Advaita philosophy echo through the hills.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cultural Immersion: Exploring the World of Havyaka Brahmins</h3><div><br /></div>Our journey was further enriched by an intimate glimpse into the world of the Havyaka Brahmins, thanks to our friends Ganapati and Aparna Hegde from Dallas, US. This community, with its roots in ancient Kannada, traces its lineage back to the 32 Brahmins of the Kadamba king Mayursharma's era (345-360 A.D.). Renowned for their expertise in 'havana' or sacrificial rituals, their culture and traditions are a bridge to a bygone era. The havyaks speak a very old and traditional precursor of present day Kannada. Their descendancy is traced to 32 Brahmins brought to his Banavasi kingdom by <a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2020/01/banavasi-kadamba-madhukeshwara-temple.html" target="_blank">Kadamba king Mayursharma (345-360 A.D. covered in previous blog</a>). They are considered experts in performing 'havana' or oblations to deities and sacrifices. The name therefore 'Havik' or 'Havyak' means connected with 'havana' or sacrificial rituals<br /><br />Our arrival at Ramchandrapura Math was greeted by the evening symphony of birds and the solemn chants of young monks, immersed in the daily recitation of sacred scriptures. The math resonated with the timeless wisdom of shlokas, creating a spiritual ambiance that's both tranquil and profound.<div><br />After a day of exploration, we retreated to our modest cottages, anticipating a dinner that promised simplicity yet richness in taste, aligned with the satvik principles of the Havyak Brahmins. The absence of onions and garlic only accentuated the natural flavors of the meal.</div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Goshala: A Sanctuary for India's Indigenous Cattle Breeds</h3><div><br /></div><div>The following day presented an opportunity to visit the Goshalas, an incredible sight directly opposite the Ramchandrapura Math complex. Spanning across what seemed like a narrow ravine, possibly carved out by a dry riverbed or stream from the Sharavathy backwaters, the scene was picturesque. As we crossed over, we were greeted by the serene figure of Lord Sri Krishna, flute in hand, overlooking the serene setting. Flanked by rows of cowsheds on either side of a quaint temple, the Goshalas were a sight to behold.<div><br />Here, in this serene sanctuary, we encountered around 500 cattle, each one a living representation of India's indigenous cow breeds. These cows, some of which we captured in the video below, were tended to by a dedicated team, ensuring their well-being and preservation. The complex was a self-contained ecosystem, housing a Cow Products Unit, a Gobar Gas Generator, and Cattle Feed Sheds, all integral to the sustainable management of this unique endeavor.<br /><br />Our visit to Ramchandrapura Math and its Goshalas was more than just a journey; it was an immersion into a world where tradition, nature, and spirituality converge. It was a vivid reminder of the intricate tapestry of India's heritage, a heritage that continues to thrive in the heart of Karnataka, preserved by the dedication of those who cherish it. This enchanting destination, nestled in the Western Ghats, is not just a haven for India's native cattle breeds but a beacon of cultural and spiritual richness, inviting all who seek a deeper connection with India's timeless legacy.<br /> <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"> Various indigenous Cow breeds found in Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt Gaushala Hosanagara</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"> GIR<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Saurashtra, Gujarat<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: A high milk-yielding breed, extensively
used for hybrid varieties both in India and internationally, notably in Brazil.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> SAHIWAL<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Recognizable by its prominent red color.
Originates from the Sahiwal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> KANKREJ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Bhuj, North Gujarat, Rajasthan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Bullocks are strong and hard-working.
Among the largest cattle breeds in India.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> RED KANDHARI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Marathwada, Maharashtra<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Bullocks are good for draught work. Cows
are good milkers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> NIMARI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Dual-purpose breed for milk and draught.
Animals are copper-colored with patches of white.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> MALVI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Bullocks are useful for ploughing. Cows
are average milkers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> KHILLARI<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Southern Maharashtra, Northern Karnataka<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Bullocks are hardy and known for being
fast workers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> HALLIKAR<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Hassan, Mysore, Tunkur districts of Karnataka<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Draught breed used for road and field
agricultural operations. Related to Amrit Mahal but thinner and with lower milk
yield.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> BARAGURU<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Bullocks are good for work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> KASARGOD<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Kerala<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Known for excellent milking ability,
producing mineral-rich milk with a high feed-to-milk ratio.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> PONGANUR<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Andhra Pradesh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: The breed's milk has a high fat content.
It's among the world's smallest humped cattle breeds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> MALENADU GIDDA<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Found in: Coastal and hilly areas of Karnataka<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Characteristics: Small, dwarfish cows. Known for low milk
yield varieties</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Owsr47KMkLo?si=SujXboTmuevZoyPY" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe> </p><p class="MsoNormal">The Ramchandrapura Matha also houses a small counter at the office (video coverage in next blog post) where several excellent cow products (gavya utpanna) are sold.</p></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"> Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt Gaushala Hosanagara: Traveler's
Checklist</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> Location</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Place: Ramchandrapura Math<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Distance: 6 Kms from Hosanagar town, approximately 66 Kms
from Shimoga.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> How to Reach</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Travel Options: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Overnight train or
bus from Bangalore/Bengaluru to Shimoga/Shivamogga (300 Kms, 6 hours journey).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Cab via NH48.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> Accommodation</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>- Where to Stay: Cottages provided by Ramchandrapura Math.</li><li>- Booking Advice: Advance booking recommended due to high
demand on certain days.</li><li>- Cost: Rs.600 per day for a clean cottage with hot water
facility.</li><li>- Note: The cottages are not tourist resorts, so
expectations should be set accordingly.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> Nearby Attractions</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>- Humcha Village: Located 22 kms away, known for historic
Jain temples.</li><li>- Kodachadri: A paradise for trekkers and nature
enthusiasts, 30 kms away.</li><li>- Jog Falls in Gersoppa: India's second-highest waterfall,
44 kms away, with a drop of 253 m (830 ft).</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <b>Contact Information</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Ramachandrapura Mutt Hosanagara: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Contact Number:
Telefax # 081852 56050<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> - Address: </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Jagadguru
Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam – Shree Samsthana Gokarna<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Shree
Ramachandrapura Math<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Post Haniya –
577418,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Hosanagara
Taluk, Shimoga District,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Karnataka, India</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> Administrative Office</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Address:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - ‘Shree
Ramashrama’, #2A, J.P. Road,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Girinagar 1st
Phase, Bangalore – 560085,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> - Karnataka, India<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">- Telefax: 080 26724979<o:p></o:p></p> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Cp4zmZX54prpEqxnqXIIBsZTKS1FSaOKOwiLkyWHf_BwRRzU_MBlVfgwPRVwI38mb5g_IcgjRlLeiJswvmUE4ndPQtI_cQsgYT-n3EoAZ-578BEbnvxye6vp7NeuVijOCRk/s858/ramchandrapur+math+cottages.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Cp4zmZX54prpEqxnqXIIBsZTKS1FSaOKOwiLkyWHf_BwRRzU_MBlVfgwPRVwI38mb5g_IcgjRlLeiJswvmUE4ndPQtI_cQsgYT-n3EoAZ-578BEbnvxye6vp7NeuVijOCRk/w400-h244/ramchandrapur+math+cottages.JPG" /></a><br /><br />List of branches of Sri Ramachandrapura Math in Karnataka<br />1. Sri Ramachandrapura Matha, Hosanagara Taluk (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/ramachandrapura-matha-hosanagara/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />2. Sri Ragoottama Matha, Gokarna (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/raghoothama-matha-gokarna/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />3. Sri Ragoottama Matha, Kekkaru, Honnavara Taluk (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/raghoottama-matha-kekkaru/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />4. Sri Ramachandrapura Matha, Thirthahalli (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/ramachandrapura-matha-teertha-halli-tirthahalli/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />5. Apsarakonda Matha, Kasaragodu (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/apsarakonda-matha-kasaragodu/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />6. Sri Ramadeva Math, Bankuli, Siddapura Taluk (Profile) <br /><br />7. Sri Ramachandrapura Matha, Peraje, Bantvala Taluk (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/ramachandrapura-matha-peraje-mani/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />8. Sri Ramashrama, Girinagara, Bangalore (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/sri-ramashrama-girinagara/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />9. Sri Ramakrishna Kalika Matha, Ambagiri, Sirsi (<a href="http://hareraama.in/about/branches/kaalika-matha-ambagiri/">Profile</a>) <br /><br />10. Sri Ramashrama, Chadaravalli, Sagara Taluk (Profile)<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com4Hosanagar, Karnataka 577418, India13.9153869 75.0640349999999913.8999744 75.043865 13.9307994 75.084204999999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-13419867483266333982020-01-05T22:39:00.005+05:302024-01-14T20:27:37.971+05:30Banavasi Kadamba Madhukeshwara Temple<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">On a crisp fall day in 2019, my friend Ganapati and his wife Aparna, all the way from Dallas, graced us with their presence, and with them, an opportunity arose to finally visit the enchanting Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple.<br /><br />After a restful night in Sirsi, following our earlier exploration of <a href="https://vasantp.blogspot.com/2020/01/sri-ramachandrapura-mutt-gaushala.html" target="_blank">Ramchandrapura Matha</a> in Hosanagara, we set off for a short, scenic drive to Banavasi. This quaint town, nestled along the banks of the Varada River, welcomed us with its lush greenery and an aura of unspoiled, rustic beauty.<br /><br />Stepping into the Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple was like entering a different realm where history and artistry intertwine. The priest, with his eloquent narration (captured in the video below), wove a tapestry of Pampa's beautiful poetry that was as melodious to the ears as the temple's stone art was mesmerizing to the eyes.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple as per ASI (Archeological Survey of India)</h2>Drenched in history, the Madhukeswara temple, according to the Archeological Survey of India, has evolved from its original dedication to Madhava, a form of Vishnu, during the Kadamba period. It has witnessed extensive additions and alterations, a story told through more than twelve inscriptions and architectural features dating from the Western Chalukyas to the Sonda kings.<br /><br />The temple's east-facing design features a square garbhagriha with a circumambulatory passage, enshrining the Madhukeswara linga on a decorated yonipitha. Its two sub-shrines, dedicated to Mahishamardini and Ganesa, and a large hall with massive square pillars, speak volumes of the Western Chalukyan era. The superstructure, a blend of Vijayanagara-Sonda styles, rises in a stepped pyramidal Kadambanagara style, adorned with stucco figures of Nandi, the ten incarnations of Vishnu, the twelve forms of Aditya, and other deities.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="299" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTvd6uoTKgGXxtKaPou8jUzPcpe7Xct1vfvrpFmyBSIqkD7hJwBR6YPqqaPQvLi1GbardUF5sUI-qMU/embed?start=true&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe> </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">The temple's roof, flat at the center and sloping along the periphery, and its dhvajastambha, or flagpole, in front, add to its grandeur. The contributions of the Sonda kings are evident in the sub-shrines along the prakara wall, housing various deities and sculptures.<br /><br />Notably, the temple grounds house a remarkable inscribed Naga sculpture, dating back to the 2nd century AD. This artistic creation, alongside a stone cot donated by Raghunatha Nayaka in AD 1628, showcases exquisite carvings, each inch a testament to the craftsmen's skill.<br /><br />Banavasi is not just about the Madhukeshwara Temple. It's a treasure trove of history, with other temples like Adikadambeswara and Adimadhukeswara, each modest yet rich in ornamentation and stories. This journey to Banavasi was not just a visit to a historical site; it was a walk through the pages of time, where every stone and sculpture whispered tales of a glorious past.
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Banavasi Tourist Fact File</h3>
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<td width="159">Place </td>
<td width="352">Banavasi, 40 Kms from Sirsi, around 175 Kms from Hubli</td>
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<td>How to reach there</td>
<td width="352">From Bengaluru or Mumbai take a overnight train to Hubli. From there you get plenty of daily KSRTC buses to Sirsi or hire a cab. From Goa you can come via Karwar-Kumta route.</td>
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<td>Where to Stay</td>
<td width="352">Stay in Sirsi town, Hotel Madhuvan &Samrat are two decent options. While Samrat (managed by planters association) is in the city, Madhuvan is on the outskirts and in a quite, green surroundings. We stayed in Hotel Madhuvan.</td>
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<td>Nearby places to see</td>
<td width="352">Marikamba Temple in the town, Sahasralinga (12 kms from Sirsi). We also visited Gauswarga (a large cattle shed) about 35 kms away where many Indian varieteies of cows are rescued and sheltered</td>
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-87381053953966003082019-11-10T13:58:00.011+05:302023-12-03T12:28:47.317+05:30Deciphering the Ayodhya Dispute Verdict: Interesting legal points<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Supreme Court's Landmark Judgment: Key Takeaways</span></h2><div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
Yesterday the Hon. Supreme court delivered a land mark 1045 page verdict ending decades long acrimonious dispute on Ram Janmabhoomi and Babri Masjid issue. What i find particularly interesting is the fact that <br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>The court makes a distinction between the <b><i>Structure</i></b> (mosque) & the <b><i>Land</i></b> and goes with the logic that the title belongs to the land and Hindus had a better claim to it.</li>
<li>It concluded that even though the mosque belonged to the Muslims it was not <i>Sui Generis</i> (it was built over another structure). It went by ASI report that the earlier structure was not a Islamic one but a Hindu like.</li>
<li>The court found no evidence of Muslims having prayed there (at the disputed structure) between 1528 - 1856 whereas Hindus have been going there to pray</li>
<li>It goes to the period before 1528 that is around the 12th Century when a temple was built here and takes into account the entire period upto date. In terms of <b><i>length of occupation & extent of use</i></b>, it concludes that Hindus have a better claim on it than Muslims</li></ol><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Implications for India's Religious Harmony and Legal Framework</h3><div><br />The judgement also brings into focus the point made by a Supreme Court judge Mr Ganguly who said 'What would have been the outcome of the Supreme court had Babri Masjid not been demolished'?. What stops people from demolishing other disputed structures like Kashi Mathura, Gyanvapi mosque and then creating a <i>fait accompli.</i> The Supreme Court Judges have addressed this kind of scenario very succinctly <br /><br />They invoke the places of <u>Worship act of 1991</u> that was enacted under the Narasimha Rao regime when Advani was doing the rathyatra. This particular act provides status quo on all religious places as they existed during 1947 and provide necessary protection in their as is status. Section 4 of this act places the responsibility of the state government to preserve the religious character of all places of worship as they existed in 1947. Any of the court proceedings with respect to any of these places will cease to exist and be closed as per the current Ayodhya SC verdict. Supreme Court order makes an exception under section 5 of this act in respect of Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Masjid issue as it was an ongoing case<br /><br />In a visionary and smart move The court has further embedded the 1991Act in in the <i>basic structure of the constitution</i> so as to prevent reenactment or changes to the law. This protects the Act from any amendments in future. It quotes the Bommai Vs Union of India judgement and the definition of secularism in the basic structure of constitution to buttress this move.<br />
A picture i took earlier this week brought this whole issue to fruition in my mind<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAl-8QG_eVwpg6iTdpQYAEzieGIqE7aHWnKv3kdkmnEO5Qn1qpQw3o8MglFm7JVhJU4UGvBngnN2bZY1G4esh0wbqvFptCaclmQUYtXTulGZ-bXGolgPC0SVTqnImoVm3qEC_/s1600/Ayodhya+verdict.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ayodhya court verdict" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAl-8QG_eVwpg6iTdpQYAEzieGIqE7aHWnKv3kdkmnEO5Qn1qpQw3o8MglFm7JVhJU4UGvBngnN2bZY1G4esh0wbqvFptCaclmQUYtXTulGZ-bXGolgPC0SVTqnImoVm3qEC_/s640/Ayodhya+verdict.jpeg" title="Ramjanmabhoomi" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was at S.J Industries (a Tiles showroom) at Honaga Industrial Area in Belgaum (Karnataka, India). </div>
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All our Gods seem inherently at peace with each other here, they occupy the same rack before being picked up by customers to various places of worship. A 786 inscribed tile sits next to that of Sri Hanuman ji. Apparently there is nobody disputing it!<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Unpacking the Historical Context of the Ayodhya Dispute</h2><div><br /></div>
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The Ayodhya verdict, delivered by a five-judge bench of India's Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, brought an end to a centuries-old dispute over a 2.77-acre plot in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This land, claimed by both Hindus and Muslims, has been a focal point of religious, legal, and historical debates.<br /><br />Originally addressed in a trial court, the case escalated to the Allahabad High Court, which controversially divided the land equally among three parties: Ram Lalla (the idol representing infant Lord Rama), Nirmohi Akhara (a Hindu religious group), and the Sunni Waqf Board (a Muslim organization). The High Court's decision, based partly on archaeological evidence suggesting a Hindu temple beneath the Babri Mosque, was challenged in the Supreme Court.<br /><br />From August to October 2019, the Supreme Court conducted 40 days of consecutive hearings, marked by intense debates and attempts at mediation. This period became the second-longest hearing in Indian legal history, following the landmark Keshvananda Bharti case.<br /><br />On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the entire disputed land should be given to a trust for the construction of a Ram temple. The judgment clarified that Ram Lalla was a juristic person, but the land itself, Ram Janma Bhoomi, was not. The court found that the Babri Masjid was not built on vacant land and acknowledged the Hindu belief that Lord Ram was born at the site. However, it emphasized that land titles cannot be decided solely on faith. The Sunni Waqf Board was denied adverse possession claims but was granted an alternative 5-acre site to build a mosque.<br /><br />The verdict, spanning 1045 pages, was significant for not revealing the individual authorship of the judges, including a separate but concurring opinion on whether the disputed structure was Lord Ram's birthplace. The decision also dismissed a related claim by the Shia Waqf Board. <br /><br />In essence, the Supreme Court's judgment attempted to balance historical, religious, and legal aspects of the dispute, marking a pivotal moment in India's history of secularism and religious freedom.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKIuhb8KFm-VCCI1sON5malL3G7N-YfnZggIcwE1O0_r-SXeYpD7wCJoIvajP6oDpM57hZcKqLcqwyYpKffur49V3avcn4_zml-dEeSrv8cXloiyoRmDJZBSYsNikR0VmiNkDiuCQ6cjd6r3i9F7k0EEHE9K_ZIDAnhBytD4Ohp9NIpAK0jXm/s1472/ayodhya%20dispute%20legal%20verdict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ayodhya temple dispute and legal verdict" border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1472" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKIuhb8KFm-VCCI1sON5malL3G7N-YfnZggIcwE1O0_r-SXeYpD7wCJoIvajP6oDpM57hZcKqLcqwyYpKffur49V3avcn4_zml-dEeSrv8cXloiyoRmDJZBSYsNikR0VmiNkDiuCQ6cjd6r3i9F7k0EEHE9K_ZIDAnhBytD4Ohp9NIpAK0jXm/w480-h352/ayodhya%20dispute%20legal%20verdict.jpg" title="Ayodhya Ram Temple and SUpreme Court of India" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
The Ayodhya Legal Verdict - Deconstructing the main Legal Points </h2>The Ayodhya Verdict deconstructed into its main legal points is complex, involving numerous legal principles and precedents. Here's a simplified overview:<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act 1993: The court ruled that Hindus have a possessory title to the outer courtyard of the disputed site due to long and unimpeded worship. The Central Government was directed to form a trust or similar body to manage the land.</li><li> Juristic Personhood of Deities: The idol of Rama Lalla (Infant Lord Rama) is considered a juristic person, meaning it has legal standing. However, the site itself, Ram Janmbhoomi, is not a juristic person.</li><li> Shebait (Caretaker) Rights: The court addressed the rights and responsibilities of a de facto shebait, someone who acts as a caretaker for a deity. Nirmohi Akhara, a religious group, was not recognized as the shebait for the inner courtyard.</li><li> Limitation Act and Article 142: The court discussed the concept of dispossession and its legal implications. Nirmohi Akhara's suit was deemed not maintainable under Article 142 due to issues with the timing of their claim.</li><li> Continuing Wrong under Limitation Act: The court distinguished between the source and effect of a legal injury, ruling that ongoing effects of an injury do not constitute a continuing wrong.</li><li> Declaration of Title: The court held that a formal request for possession is not required when seeking a declaration of title over a property.</li><li> Criminal Procedure Code-Section 145: Proceedings under this section do not determine the title or possession rights of disputed land.</li><li> Mosque Validity under Islamic Law: The court refused to interpret religious doctrine, focusing instead on the faith and belief of worshippers.</li><li> Places of Worship Act 1991: The court upheld the Act, emphasizing its role in maintaining secular values in India.</li><li> Juristic Personality: Legal personality is distinct from human nature and is recognized by the law for entities like idols.</li><li> Section 13 of the CPC 1882-Resjudicata: The court applied principles of res judicata, ruling that previous judgments on similar issues are binding.</li><li> Evidence Act-Expert Evidence: The court evaluated the Archaeological Survey of India's report, emphasizing that expert opinion must be carefully considered but is not conclusive.</li><li> Evidence Act-Section 81: The genuineness of official government documents was presumed under this section.</li><li> The Limitation Act 1908-Article 47: This provision was deemed inapplicable in this case due to the absence of an order regarding possession under Section 145.</li><li> Legal Consequences of Past Regimes: The court stated that it cannot enforce rights or remedies for actions or injuries under previous sovereigns without their recognition.</li><li> Article 142 of the Constitution: The court discussed its power to apply principles of justice, equity, and good conscience in cases where the law is silent.</li><li>'Complete Justice' Concept: The court emphasized its role in achieving equitable and just outcomes, even when the law is not explicit.</li><li> Adverse Possession: The court discussed the criteria for claiming adverse possession, notably peaceful, open, and continuous possession.</li><li> Doctrine of the Lost Grant: The court explained this doctrine, which presumes a valid grant in cases of long, uninterrupted, and peaceful enjoyment of a right.</li><li> Evidence Act Section 110: This section covers the presumption of title based on possession.</li><li> Final Holding: The court found the High Court's three-way land division legally unsustainable. It directed the central government to form a trust to manage the land, hand over a suitable plot for mosque construction to the Sunni Waqf Board, and ensure the right to worship at the disputed site.</li></ol><div>
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</div>Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-55922879398808379242019-06-23T17:16:00.002+05:302019-06-23T17:18:26.856+05:30Funny pet video; dog smells a rat in false hopes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-49571677908253139292019-04-16T13:37:00.002+05:302019-04-17T10:07:40.167+05:30Tiger woods what a Comeback<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tiger Woods winning the Golf masters in 2019 is probably at the top of the greatest sporting come back in history. Why?<br />
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<li>He came back to win a world title after more than 10 years! This is unprecedented for a 43 year old sportsman in any form of the game. Tiger woods had last won a major golf title (US open) in 2008</li>
<li>He went through a series of mishaps and unfortunate personal events that could have shattered the will & resolve of any person. But it didnt, sample this; after winning the US open in 2008 he went through a highly publicized extra marital affairs with several women, suffered a divorce in 2010, arrested for DUI i.e., driving under the influence of intoxicants, crippling health issues which made him undergo several surgeries</li>
<li>Just 2 years before this golf crown, Tiger woods was not even able to hit a 60 yard shot. He underwent a spinal fusion surgery which meant his spine went through a welding process. He couldn't barely walk, sit, lay down or do anything physical.</li>
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And that's when everyone wrote him off before the Master's 2019</div>
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-24030330381569945002019-03-20T07:45:00.004+05:302023-11-19T20:13:53.576+05:30China's Veto on Maulana Masood Azhar: Unmasking the Geopolitical GameChina's recent decision to block the proposal to designate JEM chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a terrorist at the UN Security Council has sent shockwaves across the international community. It stands as the lone dissenting voice among the 14 other countries that supported this crucial move. While China has couched its veto in technical terms, the underlying reality is deeply concerning.<br /><br />Here are some key insights into China's motives:<br /><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Backing Pakistan at Any Cost:</b> China's unwavering support for its all-weather ally, Pakistan, is evident. Pakistan's association with terrorism as a state policy in India is well-documented, and China's stance appears to prioritize this alliance over global efforts to combat terrorism.</li><li><b>Leverage on CPEC & OBOR</b>: China may be using this move as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with India regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative. India has expressed concerns over these projects, and China's veto could be a way to exert pressure.</li><li><b>Undermining India's Diplomatic Success</b>: India had garnered significant international support following the Pulwama attack to pressurize Pakistan. China's action seems calculated to dent India's diplomatic achievements and weaken its position on this critical issue.</li></ol><br />In response to China's political maneuver, Indians have the option to employ an economic tool. We can collectively oppose Chinese business interests in India, regardless of their size relative to our overall trade volume. This could involve boycotting Chinese products and companies, even in cases where they dominate the Indian market. For example, we can reconsider our patronage of Chinese mobile handset makers who profit immensely in one of the world's largest markets. Additionally, we can opt for alternatives to the plethora of cheap Chinese goods flooding our markets, from fireworks to toys. <br /><br /><br />Taking a stand against such practices requires sacrifice, both for individuals and businesses. As a personal example, I have already taken the initial step by refusing to list our business offerings (B2B and B2C) on Alibaba.com, despite the significant exposure and international transactions it could generate. While profit is important, the nation's interests must take precedence.<br /><br />The question I pose to you is simple: Where do you stand on this issue, and are you willing to make similar sacrifices to protect our national interests?<br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">"Why Chinese Goods Are Not Welcome in India: Unveiling the Consequences" </h4> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ4UMUCZi7u_eeHYMYjL27iL7PYnRHVlulhCZJ7EzhN__WmziLHOp0kORHQhGATY1gvOm3Wwy6Yj2WpJcv-8O8jBGNqWBEXn6EZXc3ohvKBnP3pXkrC4Am5DDf4vsDyoFEMLS/s1600/Ban+chinese+products.png"><img alt="China India relations snapshot" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ4UMUCZi7u_eeHYMYjL27iL7PYnRHVlulhCZJ7EzhN__WmziLHOp0kORHQhGATY1gvOm3Wwy6Yj2WpJcv-8O8jBGNqWBEXn6EZXc3ohvKBnP3pXkrC4Am5DDf4vsDyoFEMLS/w400-h266/Ban+chinese+products.png" width="400" /></a>
Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-57953895438414785652019-02-24T09:38:00.000+05:302019-03-20T07:27:17.607+05:30Qayamat se Tomato tak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t know how to put this…because we are in a tense situation with our neighbor after the pulwama attack ….and any message may be construed differently (thanks to manipulative media) …and lot of unpleasant messages are doing the rounds. But one thing does not change, whether one likes it or not. We are connected and here to stay, like Vikram & Betal perhaps (<a href="http://vasantp.blogspot.com/2019/02/pulwama-attack-another-story-from-betal.html" target="_blank">as in my last post</a>). Strangely enough, Pakistan does appear like a person hanging from another (India’s back) on the map. It should have ideally been an elder brother carrying a younger one lovingly in his arms. But sadly it appears like a ‘historical baggage of burden’ something like a betal riddling to escape from the clutches of Vikram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This tension affects people-to-people connect, it affects commercial transaction (trade & business). Pakistan seems to be currently affected by stoppage of exports in vegetables, particularly Tomatoes. That is however only one part of the story. Take for instance my business in ecommerce, it has attracted a lot of visitors (online traffic) from Pakistan and many have placed orders (shipped via India post from our base, Belagavi in India). Many more expatriate Pakistanis in UK & US and other European countries are regular customers. Many have left a kind message or two (reviews) about their transaction in social media (particularly on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/homeomart/reviews/" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>). Thousands of them are following us on most of our SMM channels and regularly interact inquiring medicines, and medical suggestions</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRDHAXVt24K90Oe9jLbNgrgjUG9gOLiPQFf5GrrCHNCSDmf2nfb0QiKdlXAoGRFncVskWhKKQ7IPWtxJesoKfbJNE_p3EDB3DTA_cceu1NUva-0LvqkPKOA5zBaims3BN_vqJ/s1600/Pak+FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pakistani review on Indian business" border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRDHAXVt24K90Oe9jLbNgrgjUG9gOLiPQFf5GrrCHNCSDmf2nfb0QiKdlXAoGRFncVskWhKKQ7IPWtxJesoKfbJNE_p3EDB3DTA_cceu1NUva-0LvqkPKOA5zBaims3BN_vqJ/s400/Pak+FB.jpg" title="Pakistan love of India" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />One thing is apparent, crystal clear in fact, they are very similar to us in many many ways culturally and suffer the same way do (as in health matters). They of course love homeopathy (alternative medicine) perhaps much more that we Indians do. So there is a strong Pakistani connect with our business. And I only wish that situation improves from here on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Imran Khan was a charismatic leader on the cricket field, he brought together a bunch of highly volatile talent and won matches including the famous world cup from a hopeless situation for Pakistan. Can he do the same again? The pitch is very different this time and he is up against the devil (the Pakistan army) which draws its fulcrum of influence and power from anti-India shenanigans. He has the onerous task of dealing with the 'terror factory' set up by it. If he can win this battle (veer his country to ‘real’ democracy, free from the army clutches), he will be a hero for not only for Pakistanis but a god send for Indians also</span></div>
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-89251185185007297152019-02-16T10:04:00.007+05:302023-11-05T20:36:28.034+05:30Pulwama attack, vikram aur betaal story in Geopolitics<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw7R-jRosNlp2t2QEVUQxqZaXyUOLysFjRpLSfaPLapExPtSHFO2IxY-IZ6kk9_qJtPvPOWpz8x3-O_f4LpVxiG67IQPNYkFXm9wxkimwZiaeTq9ATTpN8cVbC9nlWJ-wVy0ac4n7zGui4zFgfhD0oNYf9UwHXv7VIBkSRGNTQ-VeaNzD2Klb/s1379/Vikram%20aur%20betaal%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vikram aur betaal story in Geopolitics" border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1379" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw7R-jRosNlp2t2QEVUQxqZaXyUOLysFjRpLSfaPLapExPtSHFO2IxY-IZ6kk9_qJtPvPOWpz8x3-O_f4LpVxiG67IQPNYkFXm9wxkimwZiaeTq9ATTpN8cVbC9nlWJ-wVy0ac4n7zGui4zFgfhD0oNYf9UwHXv7VIBkSRGNTQ-VeaNzD2Klb/w515-h240/Vikram%20aur%20betaal%20icon.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">"History's Haunting Riddles: The India-Pakistan Saga
Through the Lens of 'Betaal Pachisi'"</h3><br />Once upon a time, not in a land far, far away, but rather on the soil we tread today, the tale of India and Pakistan's history began to unfold—a narrative so cyclical it could give the ancient tale of 'Betaal Pachisi' a run for its money. This 11th-century saga penned by the Kashmiri poet Somdev Bhatt seems less like a relic of the past and more like a mirror reflecting the endless loop of the subcontinent's post-independence escapades. <br /><br />Let's rewind some 2500 years, with a twist, and see if this old yarn sounds familiar. Imagine, if you will, the great King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, a figure of valor and wisdom, embarking on a quest that mirrors the trials and tribulations of modern-day India, or Bharat, as we fondly know it. <br /><br />King Vikram (our newly independent India) is tasked with fetching a peculiar corpse (the painful partition) that's swinging from the gnarled branches of a Banyan tree (the British Raj) in the eerie silence of a graveyard. This is no ordinary corpse; it's possessed by Betaal (a radical ideology where religion intertwines with the state's craft), a cunning vampire spirit that loves to throw a wrench in the works. <br /><br />The tantric (think of our historical leaders, some of whom are revered as untouchable 'holy cows'), yearning for power, covets Betaal for his own gains. But it's Vikram, burdened with the heavy lifting, who must untangle the corpse from the tree. Yet, every time he thinks he's got a grip on it, Betaal slips away like a slippery eel. <br /><br />Each attempt by Vikram to subdue Betaal (akin to the numerous wars, treaties, and diplomatic dances) is met with a story (the ever-present issue of Kashmir) that ends with a riddle, only for Betaal to vanish into thin air. And so, Bharat finds itself in a perpetual state of déjà vu, destined to grapple with this Betaal, listening to a new tale (a terrorist act, perhaps) with each encounter. <br /><br />It's a historical game of cat and mouse, where every chase leads to a story, every story ends with a conundrum, and the cycle repeats—ad infinitum. The India-Pakistan chronicle, much like the haunting escapades of 'Betaal Pachisi,' is a story of pursuit, of unresolved riddles, and of spirits (or ideologies) that refuse to stay put. <br /><br />So, dear readers, as we turn the pages of this living history book, we can't help but wonder: Will there ever be a riddle that doesn't lead to another? Will King Vikram—our Bharat—ever truly tame the elusive Betaal? Only time will tell, but for now, the stories continue, the riddles abound, and the chase is as relentless as ever. Strap in, for history is not just a tale of what's been; it's an ongoing saga of what's to come.</div>
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-64692326499314747462019-01-25T12:57:00.001+05:302019-01-25T12:57:12.086+05:30The wonder that was and is India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-70839004190274887492018-09-23T21:15:00.003+05:302024-03-03T12:42:42.541+05:30The Best Advice you ever got on Cancer Prevention<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm4CNibzdBTGmZa5wFSnvYGqVMDNCseTU1h8C3FBD6bFtU7qDVoc2to_4gsmiW8MGlpoCpOI7pZscCPOOd-8kp7XLADyp0IvtzeFda8GRmi6EHtR5MvKCaMDxUDmYr-lwC1i6/s1600/beat+cancer+prevention+tip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="best tips on cancer prevention from nobel laurete" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm4CNibzdBTGmZa5wFSnvYGqVMDNCseTU1h8C3FBD6bFtU7qDVoc2to_4gsmiW8MGlpoCpOI7pZscCPOOd-8kp7XLADyp0IvtzeFda8GRmi6EHtR5MvKCaMDxUDmYr-lwC1i6/s640/beat+cancer+prevention+tip.png" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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Rated as the world's foremost biochemists, <i>Otto Warburg</i> discovery about cancer assumes a lot of significance in the highly polluted environs we live in today. Because the impact of repeated exposure to toxins in air water and food impacts our biological functions at a very elementary level - the cellular activity.<br />
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The prognosis of Otto Warburg research on cancer is that our cells start responding differently to high levels of pollution. Instead of breathing oxygen, they start to ferment sugar as a biological defense to thwart pollution. What they essentially do is a primitive form of respiration (sugar fermentation) because they refuse to die to poison, instead multiply and form a protective barrier. When they start doing it, they multiply and build a ‘wall’ which is the beginning of cancer. It is this cancer process itself which causes the body to become increasingly acidic<br />
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Otto Warburg 1931 Nobel winning efforts was on mechanism of cell oxidation and identifying the iron-enzyme complex, which catalyzes this process. Dr. Warburg was quoted as stating that, "The root cause of cancer is oxygen deficiency, which creates an acidic state in the human body. Dr Warburg also discovered that cancer cells are anaerobic (do not breathe oxygen) and cannot survive in the presence of high levels of oxygen, as found in an alkaline state."</div>
Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13541065.post-61997714103631206482018-08-17T09:19:00.000+05:302018-08-17T09:19:41.963+05:30Shraddanjali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Vasant Prabhuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345995688262661077noreply@blogger.com0