AMITABH BACHHAN AAGE BADHO HUM TUMHARE SAATH HAI.

A very curious dual is being witnessed. Amitabh Bachhan is going places and talking a lot while other side is not going much anywhere and allowing others to speak for them. It was first noticed when Mahanayak presented himself for inauguration of additional lanes of Sea Link in Mumbai. It was thought that two parties to coalition State Government are trying to outsmart and/or embarrass each other. Shortly he presented himself to Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan sending the Chief Minister of the state into back tracking and hiding. Next he presented himself at Symboisis in Pune along with Mr.Amarsing who is in exile since leaving Samajwadi Party. So many public appearances in such short time are bound to set the tongues wagging. The congressmen are naturally loyal than the king. Every big and sundry is not letting go of the opportunity to express loyalty to the regal family. Be it ministers Central, state or chief or congress presidents from sate unit to block unit. Why a party of over hundred years of existence and head of the coalition Government at Dehli so scared of one single person ? Probably it is worried that a name is found that can match name of GANDHI at national scene. Probably it is worried that another pedestal is being erected which may eventually match the pedestal on which GANDHIs are put on so rest of congressmen can go about their business which is more often dubious than fair.
Let us not worry about Congress party and its cadre. The nation has to come to realize its limitations. The nation has also come to realize the limitations of other parties of national level or regional level or personal level either in ruling, supporting or opposing the Government. So let us not worry about them either. They are not going to change for better anything else than few personal assets of the leaders.
A hope can come from only a fresh party which has a leader capable of cutting across regional and linguistic lines. One who can address the nation above the heads of satraps and corporals as Madame Indira Gandhi could do for limited time in seventies or as NTR could do in south before her. Mr. Bachhan can fill the role to the hilt and sure the nation is going to lap him up hungrily. Mr. Bachhan has achieved every thing that is to be achieved in his chosen field. Now he has no more need for the name or fame or money for himself. He has got the back ground and bearing for the one final grand role which is beyond celluloid and real. Who knows ? May be he will deliver if takes upon himself to write the script. He has sufficient literary background for that. What else is needed for success of a role than a good script, good acting, good team, good publicity and good delivery ? AMITABH BACHHAN AAGE BADHO HUM TUMHARE SAATH HAI.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

TUKARAM – III

The fascination for Sant Tukaram cuts across the barriers of time and culture. His contemporaries have written about him. His disciples have written about him. There is no stopping of writing about him since then. His biographies are written in simple words for benefit of school children and like. Scholastic biographical books have been written about him after careful and detailed research of his life. The authors themselves are accomplished literary figures like Dilip Chitre, Bhalchandra Nemade, Sadanand More. No other Marathi saint as liberally quote as Tukaram. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak quotes him several times in Geeta Rahasya (Commentary on Bhgavadgeeta). Many Non-Marathi and even Non Indians have written on him. Here I must thank a valuable link provided by Dilip Dhonde for the works of Tukaram. ( The link is reproduced at the end.) The fascination is about both, his life and his work. It was in seventeenth century and it is now in twenty first century. I am sure it is not going to die for many more centuries to come.

His work barely consists of four and half thousand poetry compositions. It can not be called as very huge work. Many lesser known have written much more volume. Some of his compositions are as small as 3 lines and some 100 + lines. It’s not the volume but the content that makes his work outstanding. The language used by him is not particularly urban but more akin to rural folklore. At times it is even uncivilized. No fuss but with clarity of pointed delivery. The style has endeared him to both, the scholar and simpleton. He writes about practically every thing under the sun. Some times it is auto biography, some times it is advice as elderly about ethical behavior, as advisor to the king, some times it is surrender to favorite Pandurang, some times it is about other Gods and saints, sometimes contemplation on formless existence, sometimes The canvas is spectacular.

Many have tried in the past to select from his work for commentary. Many will continue to do so in future. Your blogger wants to attempt to do so from now and here. To use his own words Aapuliya bale nahi mi bolat, sakha krupavant vacha tyachi. ( I don’t speak of my own, My kind and friendly lord speaks through me.)

The link provided by Mr. Dhonde is www.tukaram.com
Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

83RD MARATAHI SAHITYA SAMMENLAN-II

The Sammelan was concluded on Sunday 28th March. The concluding session is as important as inaugural session. The last one was more so due to presence of Amitabh Bachhan. In true spirit of literacy meet he chose to recite poems of his father. Superbly mould himself for the role. Has all correct lines to inspire and arouse the audience. The organizers were smart for once to give him last slot. That kept the everybody happy and nobody belittled.

If Amitabh Bachhan stole the show by presence, the Chief Minister was equally conspicuous by his absence. The politicians were quick to criticize or defend as per their loyalties. Both had little to do with literature. Even the shunning of the chief minister had nothing to do with literature. Probably his presence would also have little to do with literature. The Chief Ministers have little more to do than announcing grants and helps. Some exceptions are like Late Yashwantrao Chavan and Sushilkumar Shinde who attended he meet as literature lovers. Definitely the Chief Minister has liberty to decide whether to attend or not to attend but not attending after confirming attendance is wrong. That too due to fear from bosses makes mockery of the democracy.

Time has come to review the extent to which the presence of non literary personalities should consume time of the meet. The ought to be facilitator to the meet and not overbearing. Few year back the same Amitabh Bachhan attended the Dramatics meet ( Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Natya Sammelan). When he left the audience after brief presence, whole crowd followed him. Not only the audience but the stage too was deserted. The Presidential speech which is otherwise main theme of the meet was hardly heard by anybody. The presidential speech of Literature meet was once deferred to other tha inaugural session owing to the presence of the President of India Pratibha Patil. This definitely kills the spirit of the meets.

The organizers seem to be occupied more with financial success through sponsorships than to worry about such matters. The organizers, their role, priorities, behavior are fast becoming matter of concern that need to address to.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

83RD MARTAHI SAHITYA SAMMENLAN

Currently 83rd Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan under progress at Pune.
The first was more than 83 years ago again in Pune. It was not regular annual feature then. It was not called then even as Marathi Sahitya Sammelan ( Marathi literature meet). It was named as Granth Uttejak Sabha. It became associated with Sahitya or Literature later on. It crossed boundary of the Pune city to become Akhil Bharatiya. Nothing new for Pune. Many movements carried in the bye lanes of Pune call themselves as national movements. But some movements have definitely become national and even international movements. The literature meet is one such. No longer ii is a promotional meet for the printers and publishers but truly a meet for the cause of literature. It is so by and large in spite of numerous controversies that regularly haunt the Sammelan year after year. There is no parallel example of any other Indian language that can boast of such meet held regularly and participated by thousands of literature lovers of the particular language. Many of them have doctorates earned from the study of Marathi literature.

To become President / Adhyaksha of the Sammelan is the best honor that can be conferred upon a Marathi writer or poet. It has equal to or may be greater prestige than Jnanpeeth award. All Jnanpeeth awardees from Marathi language have been past Presidents of some such meet in some year. A casual look at the list of past Presidents will reveal that almost all those who matter have been bestowed with the honor. Some glaring examples can be cited of those who did not like to offer themselves for the elections for the post. Some would love to have the honor without elections. Some worthy have lost elections. In the opinion of some people every elected President is not worthy of the honor. But such comments are part of democracy and are found in every sphere of public life. The honors conferred without election like Padma awards also not devoid of comments and controversies.

The speech presented by the President of the Meet is worthy of nothing less than a doctorate. Many debates have sparked of as a result of some Presidential speeches. Equally note worthy are the inaugural welcome speeches. You will find people like past Prime Ministers, Governors, Central and state Ministers, Chief Ministers from adjoining states, known public figures performing the job.

One blog is not sufficient to give justice to the stature of the Meet. May be some more will follow.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

BRAVO, JYOTSNA BAPAT.

A 12 year old girl from Saki Naka, Mumbai is facing very cruel fate. Divorced parents have practically abandoned her. Both have married once again to different partners. The media tells us that the girl is living with her maternal aunt Mrs. Jyotsna Bapat. The girl is repeatedly raped by 7 men for long period of over one year. The first and main rapist is her own cousin living in the same house. who has let others take turns to rape her. One of the gang rapist is over 70 years of age and others young.

The media is telling us lot of stories raising lot of questions on the sensitivity of public mind. We have daughter of old man telling us that her father is framed. Not by the girl accusing of the rape but her aunt for financial reasons. The claim sounds very similar to another daughter of another old man in news recently. The daughters are confused as to who is victim and who is wrong doer. At least the daughters have reason to get confused since they are blood related. What about others ? We have medical examination report telling us the girl is not raped since her hymen is intact. Why the cousin absconding then ? Not to be out done some other section of media is telling us that does not disprove the rape. We are also told of the reaction of neighbors. They would not have let the family stay in the locality had they known what was going on. Not the rapist but the family as if the rapists are not bad but the family is bad. Not Unfortunate but bad. Why ? May be because one potential rapist exist in their house ! It is blood duty to protect him or even glorify him in private.

The reaction of the aunt to stand against her own son stands out exemplarily in all this. There is a saying in Marathi “ Mai maro pan mavashi jago”. ( Mother may die but let aunt live ) I am sure this is coined by examples like Mrs. Jyotsna Bapat.

The rape is outcome psychological disorder not only of the rapist but many others before rape and many more after the rape. The rapist, the victim, the relatives, neighbors, community all need to undergo counseling. It is heartening to note that at least the child victim is set for counseling by the police (More sensitive than society here). It is hoped that the social workers will take upon themselves to counsel others together being called as the society

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210.

HIGH RISE HIGH RISKS

Rapid urbanization has ushered inevitable vertical growth. The building found new prestige in heights. Sky scrapper word was introduced in pre independence time. Heights of yesterday were dwarfed today and heights of today are destined to be dwarfed tomorrow. High rise of building is not restricted to metropolitan cities like Mumbai but are to be found every where, state capitals, commercial capitals, and all other big and small cities. Not restricted to commercial core of the cities but also to be found at far and wide ends of cities as well. Generally heights of the buildings are considered as pointer of advancement in technology.

Fine and take as much as back slapping for that as will satisfy you. But also pay heed to the peculiar problems related to high rise concentration.

1 A frame of mind that is cut of from the ground. Grounds are consigned to basements, parking, pavements, traffic, services etc. All man made and no place left for natural feel of the earth. Even the plantation is surreal. Quite naturally the occupants consider the soil as something coming from the Mars.

2 The Lifts are real hazards for which neither mind set nor equipment is geared up. License to operate lifts exist in law book. Usually license arrives before lifts. That is to begin with. Later inspections leave much to be desired. Stranding of the lift vehicle between floor is the only hazard but Snapping of ropes, opening of shaft doors before arrival lift vehicle, electronic controls going hay wire are some of new hazards now coming to the light. Maintenance of lifts regularly is as much essential as training the occupants for correct use of lifts is. Then we will have accidents in the lift shaft causing grave injuries and occasional loss of life can be controlled.

3 The fire fighting system is not usually competent to face the mishap. Lacunae are to be found right from the stage of design and installation of fire fighting system. Static tanks are not of sufficient size and allowed to dry up, Pumps are never tested periodically. Mock drill is never heard of. Escape routes are plugged due to fear of burglary. Training is so much lacking that even fire main who are supposed to stop and ground the lifts use them to go up and loose their lives.

4 All RCC and especially high rise buildings do not behave as good as low height low rise buildings during earth quake. No doubt code exists for earth quake proof design ( which itself is misnomer) but that gives vague guarantee of only limited shocks. A collapse of high rise building is potential danger to other structures in close vicinity.

5 Longevity of high rise technology is yet to be proved. Repairs are virtually non available. The failure and collapse is bound to be sudden causing ten times greater risks of lives than load bearing structures.
It is only hoped that the city planners are coming out of planners only frame of mind and addressing themselves to keep well factor of development that is already taken and is rapidly taking. .

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

A YEAR OF SWABODHSAAR

The SWABODH SATSANG SEVA PARIVAR was founded on auspicious occasion of GEETA JAYANTI, MARGASHEERRSHA SHUDHA 11, SHAKA 1929 i.e. on 20th December 2007. The PARIVAR is association of persons for common interests. I am the convener. My stints with Writing (including poetry), Speech, Music, Drawing & painting, Social work gave me the inspiration. I tread various fields sometimes one at a time sometimes many at a time. Sometimes I was / am alone sometimes with group. Even with group it would not be same people everywhere. The idea was to find a group which will share all my interests and could be mutually beneficial. On the day of inauguration I presented a discourse on the 2nd chapter of BHAGAVADGEETA. I was more than happy to have audience of 35 / 40 persons. Future course was chalked by general consensus. EKADASHI was fixed as the day of meeting. The PARIVAR is religiously following the decision. Not a single EKADASHI is missed since then. It was never my idea to make it a platform for me alone. Many people are invited to give discourses. We try to bring variety by conducting mixed and well rotated programs like PRAVACHAN, KIRTAN, BHAJAN, PAISAMVAD CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT etc. After having run the PARIVAR for over a year, idea was mooted for having a publication. That is how SWABODHSAAR was born.

The first issue of the first year came for the period CHAITRA-VAISHAKH, SHAKA 1931. SWABODHSAAR is bi monthly magazine created as mouth piece of PARIVAR No one was sure about consistency when first issue was brought out. It gives now satisfaction that six issues of the first year were brought out on time. The average size of issue is 40 pages. Battery of writers is contributing regularly. The magazine has various serials, regular features, poetry etc. Major contribution comes from me but still it is less than half of total volume. We try to be topical by including articles on the occasions like Independence day and subjects like economics etc.

The first issue of second years of SWABODHSAAR was published in last week. Attempt is made to make it bi-lingual in Marathi & English. All English language articles in this issue are taken from this blog and of course not restricted to Philosophy and scriptures. Invitation is open for regular + new contributors for articles in English. Now I can claim that the magazine is stabilized. A web site http://www.swabodhparivar.org/ is launched on GUDI PADAVA, although it is being fully functional. The covers of all back issues can be found over there.

The magazine is circulated amongst libraries from Thane district and neighboring districts. Initially I was skeptical about response. Now response has started coming from places like VASAI, PUNE etc. This is sure to boost the moral. I would here like to assure and pledge the continuous publication. In addition some books, C.D.s are also planned. God is great. He wills we will do it.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

SEMI PUBLIC SEMI CLASICAL CONCERT

Many innings have gone down for learning of Hindustani Classic music. Music tuition were quit like quitting cigarette smoking. Too many times quit to keep the count. Ultimately I did quit smoking in 2002. Similarly I quit the quitting of Music tuitions since 2006. Now I can say with confidence that cigarette smoking is thing of past and music learning is in thing.
Earlier intermittent tuitions are not entirely wasted. The notes became perfect and steady. Intermittent learning gave opportunity to learn different styles of different Gharanas. All of them left some impression. It helped to come to conclusion that one has to evolve his own style rather than keep repeating what is taught. That calls for certain visualization of patterns with notes and rhythm. Semi classical music was for lesser mortals earlier. No more. Now I appreciate fine versions of semi classical music. I have started learning both. I now understand the learning of music is much beyond tuitions. The tuitions tell you the grammar. The best and perfect grammar does not help you to write even few lines of your own. The vocabulary they say is not about the number of words you know but about number of words you can readily use. Same is the case with music tuitions. Music vocabulary does not come from how many compositions you have notation of, nut about how many compositions you can bring alive.
Of late I was getting impression that tuitions can’t take you beyond certain point. Further progress has to come from performance rather than practice. The tuitions and practice are absolutely essential but not at all limited to. The performance is also a learning process essential for the growth.
One such performance was presented on Sat. 20th March as part of Ram Navartri. The place was where my wife came to spend her childhood days. Kharkar Wada, Kharkar Ali, Thane. The old wada has given way to new residential building but the tradition of 100 + years is still maintained by my in laws i.e. Kharkars. One of the earliest families settled in Thane.
Looking at the nature of occasion the items chosen were all devotional. The Classical Raga was not exception as the composition was chanting of Ramnaam. The further songs were all devotional ones but rendered as pure raga form. It was neither conventional devotion songs in conventional way. It was presented in one or other ragas and at times mixed. No chorus. Played with accompaniment of Harmonium ( Prakash Chitnis) and Tabla ( Milind Naik).The program was thus a semi classical and semi public one. Few concerts of this nature were performed by me earlier also but today’s performance must have been better judging by the respectable applause coming from rather thin crowd of relatives and friend. It has definitely increased my moral. Thanks to the in law organizers, relatives and friends for the support. The applause given by you is elixir for future.
Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

CENTURION GANDHIAN

An article is carried in LOKSATTA of 17th March about efforts of a pensioner to get his pension transferred. Nothing is unusual about that. Thousands of transfer cases must be pending with Government. Probably Government waits for the pensioner to leave this world so the file cannot be transferred to haven or hail as address of places are not known.. The concerned pensioner is a freedom fighter. Nothing is unusual about that also. The last freedom fighter is yet to depart this world even if good sixty years have passed since we earned freedom.. Probably few claimants may be in the lap of their mothers while fighting for freedom.
This pensioner is exceptional case. He is 106 years old. He is traveling to Thane every month to collect his pension. He has no relatives in Thane. He has to spend his time on the bank of famous MASUNDA lake of Thane. For last over 25 years he is trying to get the pension transferred to Nizamabad where he resides now. Being true Gandhian he has adopted civil course of requests and reminders only. No agitation. The concerned Government officers have chick to tell this person of 106 years age that the case will take some time due to procedure and he has to wait. As if 25 years is not sufficient wait. And as if 106 year of age is young enough for wait!
His younger family members are overtaking him in chase to the death. The needs must be delivered to them at home as mark of respect to the age. The Government must make itself family member in such cases.What could define apathy in stronger shameless way ? Where is decency and dignity ? The Government must respect a centurion even if he has lived a low key life. Freedom Fight and Gandhian makes case for total humility.
We are told that Deputy Chief Minister is pained and assured to give instructions to concerned officers. Not good enough. He must take orders of transfer personally or through emissary to the home of Mr. C.H.B.Vithhaldas.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

9820701210

GHARANA

Today's topic is prompted by the interview of GIRIJADEVI published today. She has lamented about the erosion of purity, discipline of Gharanas in Hindustani Classical music. She is doyen of one of the Gharanas and have full authority to comment her own music being so ripe in tradition. The audience is awe struck when she performs. Effortless execution of elaborate patterns are to be heard to believe. She is no doubt speaking from experience when she says that there is so much within the tradition of one Gharana. Whole life devoted to one Gharana is not sufficient to fully fathom its range and intricacies.
A person can elaborate the style of Gharana and still find endless variety. Quality of voice, expressions make very artist within the rigid framework of Gharana independent of other masters. In fact more challenge lies in finding your identity within the traditional framework. The great disciples can become great masters only when they discover such identity. Otherwise ther is no dearth of copy cats. Two to three generations were wasted in search of ditto Lata Mangeshkar. Those who sang in different voice were able to stand up to her. Many copy Bhimsen Joshi style of voice, quick speed Tan pattern but do not last. Who wants a copy when original is available? Bhimesnji himself comes from Kirana Gharana but admittedly influenced by Faiyaz Khan of Agra Gharana. ( Not doing away with his own Gharana )
Only the rare gifted Nayaks can start altogether new Gharana. Pt Kumat gandharva could have been credited with such Nayaki but he chose to be Gayak rather than Nayak. All those Gharana like Gwalior, Jaipur, Agra, Kirana,Banaras, Patiala, Bhnedi Bazaar etc. which are popular today had been astablished not by the exponents but by the Nayaks. Sadarang, Adarang, Prempia, Pranpiya, Gunidas are some names that easily come to mind. They became immortal not due to Baithaks but due to deep contemplation on the mood of Raga that has gone into compositions which are being sung for hundred of years.
Where does it leave choice for experiment? Experiment need certain established ground rules to improve upon. Frequent changing of ground rules do not lead to experiment but to chaos. Experiment made for sake of 5 minute composition does not establish another set of ground rules and another Gharana. One composition may become popular but it does not inspire further exploration. Only one who has thoroughly mastered the tradition can imagine of setting another one.
The music needs both adhering to tradition and also experiment.

DIL AUR HAVELI

Havelime kholi, kholime mai, mere undar mera dil.
Dilke undar Ek chhota dil karta hai badi mushkil.

Haveli meri itni unchi jiski aankhari manzil nahi..
Kholi Kholi nayi paheli nazar aata koi unt nahi.

Har kholime pataa hoon muzko chahe kuch ho naam.
Kisme sona, kisme khana hasna, rona baki kaam.

Maa baap, bhai, bahane, beti, bete aur ek wo.
Sabhike saath meri mai mai chhahe kahe jao.

Rishte naate, aate jaate mehman, dost ya dushman,
Kisise ladate, kisise judte chipkata rahata mera man.

Manke undar rahate do dil ek gire ek chadhe,
Ek darya dhir gambhir rahe ek lahar ban chadhe.

Meri haveli darya kinara, zaanku bahar ya undar,
Dono dil saath hokar muze banaate hai bandar.

Jab mai bandar banata nahi muzko kuch dikhta nahi,
He Bhagwan ye kaisi ulzan samza de to kuch to sahi.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

HAND, something more

HANDS. Apart from Mudra Vijnan which point medical benefits of the postures of hand, many other performance which are not medical can be attributed to hand.

Very eloquent. When they are capable of transmitting emotions without uttering a w0rd. Rather they become operative when the words fail to be adequate. They can express love by simple holding other hands. They can reassure by a gentle touch. They can express anger by a blow, They can show exasperation by fluttering. They can accuse by pointing a finger. They can call or send some one by simple waving. They can show win by raising index finger skywards. They can show acceptance and joy by clapping. The list can go on.

Some motions are reflexive like pointing a finger to accuse. Or tapping your forehead in despair. Closing the fist when angry. Open and close the fingers when helpless. Put them on the ears when in shock.

All Indian classic dance use hand postures to narrate. Raising of the thumb of right hand indicates Lord Rama. Rising of index finger as if it is balancing a wheel indicates Lord Krishna, A galloping deer is indicated by touching two middle finger to the thumb and raising end fingers like ears. A fish is shown by putting palm on the palm, closing all fingers except thumbs, which wave as if swimming. Again all these are called as HASTMUDRA for dance.

Benefited with 15 joints including knuckles. 3 each in four fingers and thumb and 1 in the wrist . . They can hold, push, twist, pick, bend, warp, tear and many other things. Therefore supposed to be most efficient machine ever produced.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

9820701210

MUDRA VIJNAN - ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL THERAPY

Another Ekadashi day. Mrs. Sunnada Dandekar gave discourse on MUDRA VIJNAN at Swabodh Parivar. She has great study and mastery over this unconventional and alternative medical therapy. It is old technique included in our scriptures. Lost with the time and now being resurrected. Both national and international research has brought the therapy once again to the light. Required international acceptance is behind therapy to guarantee national acceptance. The loop is well taken. We were told that the best book on the subject is in English coming from a German lady. Long live the tradition of Maxmullar. Mrs. Dandekar for a change did not seemed to be impressed by international attendance to the subject. She gave lot of references from ancient scriptures, their interpretations by Indian scholars. In fact she wanted the audience to be proud of the heritage and come forward to study it as our own knowledge.

Mudra Vijnan is about using hand postures for certain medical benefits. Some what similar to acupressure/. The five fingers on the palm represent five elements which combine themselves to make human body as well as the universe. Touching, pressing, holding, crossing of fingers in certain fashion makes a posture or MUDRA. The lost balance of the elements is regained. Health is in balance and sickness comes with lost balance. MUDRAs help in regaining the balance.

Some Mudras are for treatment , some are like tonic. Some are to be done in regular routine and some only when need arises.

Apart from therapeutical purpose, the MUDRAs are used to regain disturbed mental balance which is essential for meditation and transcending meditation. The yogis are shown striking one or more postures of fingers while meditaion.

This is enough for introduction. Interested may come forward to learn more.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

9820701210

WEDNSEDAY WISDOM-II

INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITY :
The title is perhaps an example of self contradiction. Intellect and activity are usually at cross roads. Action of any kind is below dignity of the title " intellectual". I do not mean to be scenic. It is a matter of direct experience and inference too.
For sake of brevity let me explain that I am referring to BUDHHI by the term intellect and KARMA by the term activity. The intellect is compounded with mind, ego and consciousness to complete what is referred as subtle body of human being. The gross body is slave of subtle body. pampered,punished, directed, rested and many other things are always endeavours of subtle body,the mind playing the most significant part. That is why the mind is referred as the King of organs. The intellect is not required for every activity. Impulses are good enough to undertake them. The activity is calssified under five types. NITYA, NAIMITTIK, KAMYA, NISHIDHHA and PASCHATTAPA. The routine activities like getting out of bed, self cleaning, eating etc. are the first type of activities. Special occasions need special activities like festival, weddings etc. They are of the second type. Both these activities do not need special purpose or motive. The third type of activity is born out of desires and their fulfilment. If desires of two or more are at cross roads, there is fight. If they are synchronised then there is celebrations. The forth kind of activities are born out of jealousy, hatred etc. and destructive in nature. Some times the fifth type of activity is not considered as separate but by-product of the forth. If some terrible act is performed and if the person is repesnting then only it can mature for undertaking. Whatever may be type of activity, it is always propelled by mind and not the Intellect.

Vedic philosophy tells us that mind is Sankalpa-vikalpatmaka while the intellect is nischayatmaka . It is mind which decides what is liked and what is disliked. That is done by the tendencies accumulated through memories, either from this birth or previous ones. It judges every stimulus received by screening through sieves of likes and dislikes. The intellect on the other hand does not receive any stimulus, The analytical capacity will weigh pros and cons and decide what is good and not what is liked. The mind does not mind intellect as long as it does not interfere into it's sphere. The intellect may read, write, analyse, give lectures or do whatever so long as it allows the mind to go on its monkey business. For most of the people the mind and the intellect live in water tight compartments, not to be mixed. For the learned who wants to put into practice what he preaches two cannot be so indifferent. The mind who ultimately orders organs to perform must be brought under control of the intellect and asked to give up its instinctive ways. That does not happen. The intellect broods and the mind goes around doing monkey business ,That is the reason for the intellectuals are averse to activities. They understand futility of monkey business of mind but no determination to control it. Only rare chosen few have learnt the knack of bringing the mind under control of the intellect and order it to undertake the activities that are not dear but are duty bound. The duty not decided by any other boss but your own intellect. The joy can be found in duty if mind accepts it. The mind will accept it only when it is brought under control of the intellect.

Easy to say then do.

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

SANT TUKARAM II

Maharshtra celebrates birth days of Shivaji Maharaj on three different days. The reason is difference of opinions between historians. Sant Tikaram is contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj. When the king is shrouded in doubt what would be case of others ? The saints never bothered about leaving behind any thing as clue. The life was usually full of renunciation. Their compositions some times give clues of their lives. Some contemporary saints make few notes here and there in their compositions. Sant Tukaram is no exception. His biography also has to rely on such indirect references. They say great persons do not take birth by accident. Ramayana & Mahabharata tell us about 7 to 8 generations before the generation of Hero descends on the scene. In the family tree accepted is that of MOREs in which Sant Tukaram was born show eight generations prior to him as devotees of Lord Pandurang undertaking regular pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Sant Tukaram was born in More family of DEHU to couple named Bolhoba & Kankai. in 1608.He had four siblings, two brothers and two sisters. The family was engaged in ancestral grocery business Probably he had well to do home, childhood. He was married twice. The death of his first wife, death of his elder son in very unkind famine, bankruptcy in business happening in quick succession proved to be turning point.

A family person Tukaram slowly turned his back to routine family matters. More time was spent in meditation the plain top of BHANDARA mountain. His compositions started around this time in his life. Many his early compositions depict pathetic conditions in which found himself. The only strength to be derived was from the unflinching devotion towards Panduranga of Pandharpur. Other section of his compositions is declaration of faith and invoking of the grace of Lord Pandurang After facing his share of rejection, provocation and torture by the society, he slowly started gaining acceptance. The section of his compositions imparting ethical advice must have come from this part of his life.

Last and most significant section of his composition is proclaiming true Vedic values. Sant Tukaram claims himself to be disciple of Sant Babaji. The grace is admittedly given in an instant almost like a dream. He is not known to has studied the scriptures from anyone. Yet his compositions encompass complicated principles of philosophy with great simplicity. The examples cited by his attract even modern day poets. No other Marathi saint is quoted as much as Tukaram.

Like any other Saints Sant Tukaram is accredited with numerous miracles. The most popular being his going alive to haven One need not worry about authenticity of these miracles. Sant Tukaram does not need such braces to prove his greatness.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

ROHAN THE GRANDSON

For two days the blog could not be written due to sweat disturbance called as ROHAN. ROHAN is my grandson. Grand + Son. He is the son of daughter. and grand is his title.

He is biggest, the brightest, the sweat most, Every thing in superlatives. No two opinions about it our family where we differ on every other matter, silly or important. Because basically we love to differ. There is usually no charm in agreement. The dialogue dries in agreement. Difference keep us alive. That is the only thing we are capable of keeping alive. The only other thing that can keep us alive is ROHAN. He visits us every day after his play school is over, keeps us entertained till his mom and our daughter takes him home. He does not like to go with anyone else to home. That is duty of MOM. Rather punishment for his MOM to leave him while asleep and go to office. He is not budged by his father even who happens to have his office next to us in the same building / bungalow. Fathers are only for holiday packages like going to garden or going to hotel or going to shopping etc. Working days have different rules.

Your poor blogger has office overtaken by him. It is his office. I am a visitor who is not supposed to make noise or disturb him in whatever his endeavors are. Office belongs to ROHAN. He has lot of important matters to attend. Like making abstract painting, setting quiz by using words and letters some times in order and some times in disorder. Or simply reorganize my desk top which does not look appealing to him. My opinions are worthy of discarding to dust bin like many other unimportant things like pens, note pads etc. Flower pot is not required when a real flower is decorating the table. So it is usually multiplied in pieces. Such hectic activities make him hungry. He wants to live a proof in ample measure so his MOM may not have to inquire whether he has been fed or not.

Bed room is Grannie’s domain. She is NANI. She has the best pouted tummy in the world. It has multiple uses. He can cuddle it, kiss it, dance upon it or put his head and sleep on top of it in that sequence. She has the sweat most voice. No other voice is suitable for singing Lullabies. Not even Lataji. Her tunes have no mistakes. Others simply can’t understand how to sing. No body else has perfect diction of story telling. Some times he allows poor me to take part as pray when he is crocodile or BAKASUR when he is BHIM or a horse when he feels like a ride. But that is rare when he cant find a mate to play or fight with. Mostly fights and play in between. If his MOM is late to come from office it is not only he who is sleepy, we share his state as well as fatigue. But NO. We cannot let go of him come fever or cold. We also share title of GRAND with him. We are grand father and grand mother because of him. Include 90 % of PUSHPAK population into that order.

Except poor REEMA who is mere aunt. Nothing grand like rest of us. And double and greater grand MANGALA MANOHAR. Soon our PUSHPAK will complete 50 years of existence. Nobody else keeps its charm alive as much as he alone.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

AASRA : THE SHELTER FOR DESTITUTE

A show was aired on TV showing a case study for a boy grown up in shelter. VATSALYA is carrying out the work in this for last many years and very credible work. There are some other institutes active in the field. One such is AASRA running shelter for street children. Your blogger had interacted with the institute to some extent.

VATSALYA was already known to Lions club organisation . AASRA was brought on the map of Lions' world by your blogger few years later on. It started with organising small donations as part of Service Week. First it was one home club soon joined by other neighbouring club. More serious partnership was in the offing oblivious to the personal knowledge but perhaps known to the destiny. AASRA was first and immediate choice when search was on for a suitable memorial for departed son SALIL 1997. A house was to be brought for the trust at Airoli. It was eventually brought with help of Lions including your blogger, local corporate Mhatre and of course the institute itself. The name was chosen as SALIL SAHJEEVAN. Now probably the name plate and name is gone into oblivion. No regrets for that. Memories last only as long as the person carries them lasts. Whose memories ? How long them to live ? Nothing in the world has permanent memory. That is not the issue.

Question relevant is what difference the shelter has made to the lives of inmates. The show aired today sought to showcase that. The AASRA has also few similar interesting stories to tell. Your blogger runs drawing competition for the children for last twelve years. In variably the children will draw a house and proudly put name AASRA conspicuously. It would be silly to call them homeless. Many of them would tell us how they want to build their homes wen they grow up. The name for house is already fixed. AASRA. Your blogger would give cash prize to any one standing 1st in the rank in annual school exams. Always more than one claimant would appear. They are still in touch even if they no more live at AASRA. Extra curricular activities take them out of shelter from where they are as much eager to return to their home as any other normal child would be. But the best part is kind of brotherhood to be found there. How a new entrant is initiated into routine of the shelter by old children ( not house master or so ) is to be seen to believe. The way senior children take care of younger ones will put many of normal houses to shame.

These are not only charitable shelters. Many others are also functioning. They are home away from home. Lucky are the children making their way to them. Salute to them. The future is bright.

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210

DEATH OF A KILLER.

Killed brother is no more. Killer brother is no more. What was between them will now remain shrouded. They say death is great equalizer. It seems to be right to some extent. The murder has given front page headline to the death of both brothers.

What was particularly amazing and moving was poise of third brother. No judgment, no display of either sympathy or animosity. It was a case of simply rising to the demand of duty called by the situation. No irritation for inhuman provocation of media. Very few would have matched the matured way. Shining example laid before not so shining others from family. Particularly pathetic is mother. Others can be dismissed as Iterjana.

Maranantani vairani is what philosophy tells us. We find that for the most of the commoners death brings more of avenge than forgiveness. That is basic instinct of animal in human. The culture and values take us to higher level. Only for those who want to rise higher. For commoners it is geek justification. What was the need to outcast the family of killer ? Surely they were neither culprit nor conspirator. Not forgiving the killer is one thing and not able to forgive his family is another. What is family ? What is relation ? Only direct relation ? Does the family ends with wife and kids ? People of small stature show more maturity. The so called elite who are sometimes caught with narcotics fail miserably and still manage to hog into lime light of small screen and media.

Attempt is not to justify the killing. Violence is bad any where and every where. But one can overcome bad basic instincts by adapting to noble values like tolerance, forgiveness etc. Don’t we remember last words of Christ asking forgiving for those who put him on the cross ?

Forget MAHAJANS ( with exception of one ) and follow LAGHUJANS . This time it is not “Mahajano yen gata sa pantha”

Arvind Khare
khare_am@yahoo.com
0920701210

SHAYARI AND WIFE

Bibine chhoda farman
Naam na lena Arman
Arman Hoga kurban
Arvind tera kya hoga ?

Jo hona tha wo ho gaya
Pitaka naam aage lagaya
Mera naam pichhe lagaya
Bichme jo chhahe wo karna

Maine dabte dabte kahan
Itna muzme dam kahan
Jo jaoo main yahan wanhan
Khali kagajpe to likhta hoon.

Kore kagajpar bhale likho
Aapna naam kayam rakho
Naamse agar banta Jahan
To main Mumtaz tum Shahjahan

Maine kahan gar tu Mumtaz ho
To Aurangzeb kyun banati ho
Sabhi shayar to lete dusra naam
Phir main akela kyun badnaam

Sab shayar mere Pati nahi
Unki baat muze chhuti nahi
Naamke saath kya kya badloge
Iski guaranttee kaun kaun lege

Maine kahan meri pyaari
Baat tumhari hogi bhari
Tuzse jyada kahan shayari
Apne naamse to likhane do

Maine kahan manaa kiya
Muzse jyada koi jaan liya
Tumhari udaan kitni unchi
Ye to akeli patnihi sonchi

Maine kahan ye liya maan
Do talwar aur ekhi myan
Kounsi talwar kitni tej
Jo jaane wo bane angrez

Arvind
khare_am@yahoo.com
9820701210