Power of Passion

Hampi is the capital of the Vijayanagar empire. It is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka. The original name of Hampe as it is pronounced in Kannada has been anglicized to HAMPI and that is how the world knows this dynamic city of ruins.

No harm in trying. Come let us push this stone wheel!!

The stone carvings, some mighty monoliths and many fascinating musical pillars abound in this World Heritage Site.

Musical pillars made in stone

The carvings date from 1343 to 1565, a period of more than 200 years. The empire was founded by Harihar1 called Hakka and continued by Bukka the other illustrious emperor of the Sangama Dynasty.
 Just look at the driving power of passion. One man's passion has so inspired his people that stone carvings and beautiful architecture has become the identity of this township.

Impressive entrance to fort

Vijayanagara empire was ruled and adorned by four different dynasties. And now almost 540 years later people travel miles across the world to visit the place.... braving the rough terrain, the hot weather and the lack of eating places.

hot dry weather, rough stony terrain, large flat places

Passion has that force. Last week I was at a teacher training camp in Jammu. A teacher, let's call her Shaalu, was in role play. Shaalu was demonstrating a method of teaching by example. Shaalu is a PT teacher. She decides to teach us the correct posture for softball. When she begins we are least interested. Softball??? Paallease  we said. (yawn)
But as she begins to demonstrate the moves, her passion for the game gets us so involved that we sit up and listen. And even ask questions. Passion is a driving force.

Passion inspires. I may not become dramatically interested in your field of passion. But I will be motivated to put in more towards my own Sphere of Interest. For teachers, team builders, and moms, passion comes as a very powerful tool.

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Actually I bought this because...

Why are we so apologetic about being able to afford things? Here in Bangalore I suddenly notice that we are uncomfortable with our affordability!

• yenu andrey... my old car was giving me too much problem. So I bought a new one. I did not want to change the old car. But what to do...
• That cell phone was good only. My husband got me this one as a surprise gift. I told him why???
• We always go by train. This time we decided it is OK, we will go by flight. Also time saving you know...

Cut to most parts of Delhi Punjab and etc. The conversation changes rapidly

• What did you buy for Diwali? Guess what! I got my first beamer. They didn't even consult me for the colour yar. (sshh that's because it's used-car)
• I have iphone . How do you manage with this? (she has only borrowed it for the party)
• I wonder how people go by train. It's so dirty!!! (after their first flight)

Perhaps it has a lot to do with how we want others to perceive us? We take to our mantras like we take to air.
Be it
Simple Living High Thinking.
or
Live it up. Make it Large.

We can't do without it!
it's us!
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Enjoy a fabulous Deepavali. Lots of light or lots of boom?

Music to the mind

Dum-dum-dummakka
Dha Dhin Dhin Dha
Dhanka Taka a Taka Dhanka taka dhum

Can you listen to an hour and a half of this?
I thought I couldn't. And I was so wrong.

Yesterday we had been to the Times of India music fest featuring Percussion Artists from the world.
It was mind blowing.

encore please - Times of India music fest

Taufiq Qureshi - son of Ustad Allarakha - led the stage with a large variety of percussion accompanying him.
So we nodded, clapped, tapped our feet and shook our bottoms to -
tabla, mrudangam, dholak, khanjeera, morching, dholki, Manipuri pung cholam, South African toca, punjabi dhol, Rajasthani khartal, and so many others that I do not know the names of.

Fascinating Taufiq is a master performer on stage and kept us enraptured with the awe-inspiring variety of sounds that he created alone. Whoosh sounds that reminded one of a passing train, the sizzle of a rain and the roar of downpour, tluk-ta sounds made by hitting on an open mouth .... and all these sounds blended so well with the on going percussion to make an amazing experience.
God's gift - to be in a profession that needs heaps of dedication and spreads loads of ecstasy.

The dance-song-drum-talk-drama (barely clothed) ensemble from South Africa was an hour that had us in splits. Some of it intentionally funny some of it ...not!

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Today I Salute
Work means you have to get up even if you are sleepy. Obey orders even if you think otherwise. Get going even if you are not-in-the-mood. These amazing men choose a profession that send them into deep infested jungles ... all in the course of a day's job. 1000 CoBRA, CRPF jawans hunt for Reds

Papaya, and Peach, and Melon,

and Carrot and Tangerine, ... and Pumpkin, and Bittersweet are some explicit shades of Orange.
New York is reeling under the second storm ... this time a snow storm. The snow flakes speak to me of Christmas time and love. But my uncle in Boston says "that is only the first time you see snow... after that it reminds you of spade and gloves and skidding!!"
Here in Lexington it is getting colder. The bright sunshine is misleading. The chill winds bring the outside temperatures down to 4 degrees C. The walk from the door to the car is a short one, but the kids are swathed in extra thick jackets. I wave them a 'Bye, Have a happy day'... from the balcony and make a cup of hot coffee for myself.
I walk into my room ... and
Whoa
My room is bathed in orange glow. A large tree outside my window has turned into two-hundred shades between red and yellow. And the sunlight filters through the leaves bringing in colour and warmth.

Colour ORANGE triggers memories.
Of watching the Orange Disc as he sank - behind distant hills in the Western Ghats, or - within black rooftops in Orlean, or - into the watery horizon at Baga Beach, or - among a thick line of trees on a dusty village road
Of the Delhi sky in July that takes on a distinct shade of orange and pink for some unclear scientific reason
Of the waters of the Yosemite lake that reflected the rusty hues of the fall season last year.
Of the mounds of chameli flowers that are seen in festive season on the sidewalks of mayur vihar.
Of the thirst quenching pitchers of TANG made on a summer afternoon.
Of the line of kanakambara (crossandra) plants heavy with those magical small flowers at my uncle's house in Banashankari.
Of the oil wick lamps in the small cave temple
Of Neil Harbisson who listens to colour!

Orange is the colour of warmth, energy and hope
It is also the colour of renunciation and wisdom as in the saffron robes of saints.
perhaps energy warmth and hope are the stepping stones to wisdom and peace?

The wise internet tells me - if you want a change in energy levels you can light an orange candle for 7 days.
that surely is worth a try?
er.....if nothing it will keep up the energy levels of the orange candle market?

myriad hues between red and yellow

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A Big Belly

A big belly full of laughter and kindness.
Vinayaka Chaturthi
We the kannada smarthas believe that Gowri - Ishwara's spouse and Ganesha's mom - has come away to visit her parents. Ishwara unable to bear the separation sends Ganesha to fetch her back.
A wonderful tale of romance.
Every Kannada smartha home celebrates the arrival of Gowri at home.
This festival is specially dear to women. They pray for the happiness of their husband.
So yesterday was Gowri Habba. And today, on the fourth day of the bhadrapada masa, Ganesha arrives to take his mom home.
Of course Ganesh the energetic, witty, smart young boy, is a family favourite. So today is Ganesha habba. Yummy fried food, sweets and a large spread is cooked, served to him with love and then eaten with relish.

Ganesha blesses all. He has only love for all. Not a strain of anger in him. Though yes, he did once frown at the moon. But then the moon was too full of his beauty and laughed at our cute elephant headed - pot bellied - mouse rider!

So on this happy occasion of Ganesha Habba, wish you all a wonderful year. A big belly with lots of laughter.
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Ragi balls

I am writing something on Ghana and liked to research on some everyday meals made in Ghana homes. and came across this dish called Fufu. in a fabulous blog about 26 meals.
Fufu is a a pasty thick creation made of cassava flour. The way to eat it is this.....- wet your fingers. take a small ball of fufu. make a small depression in the fufu ball. scoop up gravy into it. stuff gravy and fufu into mouth.....swallow fufu and gravy without actually chewing the fufu.

that bears striking similarity to our own ragi mudde. i mean the method of eating!

I suppose in so many way we all are similar. Just that we do not know.
these pictures are not mine. i dont do make ragi mudde but they never shape so well! and i have never see fufu.but i would like to visit Ghana. yes i do

ragi mudde

fufu

We need a Hero

Anna Hazare has come as a welcome breath of fresh air. The youth of India need an escape from the cynicism of the elders and the despair of the weak.

This momentous turn of events catapults people into a CAN DO spirit. Whether the Jan Lokpal Bill is effective in curbing corruption or not is a different matter. Today again we are looking at corruption as an aberration rather than an accepted mode of life. More power to that.

Important are the subtle lessons we learn. Success comes from ...

Maintaining good health

Having a clear goal

Being tenacious enough to be at it for that much longer

Non-violent approach

Strategizing to checkmate the opponent

Using technology and diverse allies to reach out to all sections

Clarity of expression



Anna Hazare and the people



I recall some lines from Samuel Coleridge in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner .

(Having committed an unpardonable crime the Mariner is marooned at Sea. And after a heartfelt repentance, deliverance from pain comes in the form of WIND that pushes the ship to a safe shore. I think the lines are apt in the context of India now.)

But soon there breathed a wind on me,

Nor sound nor motion made:

Its path was not upon the sea,

In ripple or in shade.

It raised my hair, it fanned my cheek

Like a meadow-gale of spring—

It mingled strangely with my fears,

Yet it felt like a welcoming.

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And much appeal I think comes from the grandfather look!

Happy Independence Day

Everybody has a birthday and so too does my country. It is truly a BIRTHday, for before this day we were a collection of many kingdoms believing in the same Gods and observing similar festivals in differing rituals. But the day the Tricolour was triumphantly hoisted from the ramparts of the Red-Fort in 1947, we became a new born country.

So happy birthday India.

So today, let us make it feel good. We shall sing songs in praise. We shall highlight its glorious achievements. We shall feel proud to be kins of its heroic sons and daughters. We shall prepare a happy feast. We shall laugh and dance.

For once let us forgive ourselves Dhoni and his team's defeat, the falling sensex, the soaring scams, the tumble of our demi-gods, and the squalour of the roadsides...

It's time to bury the report-card under a pile of folded towels, to cover the dark circles with make-up, wear dazzling jhumkas, slip into a sequinned dress, and step down the staiway into the hall with panache.

Come On India. We love you. No matter what.

Happy Birthday.

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Pappu paas ho gaya

Please, please, tell me i am OK

There is this supreme joy when someone else tells you that you are OK. I don’t how people of the world think...but this is true of us Indians.


We go to the doctor for diagnosis. No no doctor I don’t feel tired so much. Actually I go for regular walks too (ya in my dreams) ….. we suppress as much information as possible, so that the doctor can tell us that we are OK.

The matrimonial website has thrown up an alliance. Parents do not enquire around too much. Fingers crossed. Hope he sees our girl and says OK.

Neighbour walks in. Gives your house a wide sweeping look and smiles in approval … aah my house is OK.

Colleagues take a bite from your lunch box and lick their fingers in appreciation. Thank God they think my lunch is OK.

Happy to have you visit our country. We are granting you Visa. Yippee they say we are OK.



mmm you are OK! ...  and me? ... and me?



God! Breathless kids for ever?

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Be there fifteen minutes before time

All set for an interview

suited and booted; draped and pinned



Amma's sarees are out for inspection. So old fashioned. She should have a more young look.

We can buy a nice and decent salwar kameez ... this will show them that we are modern thinking but value traditions too.

What will you say if they ask you, do you want to work after marriage?

Did you see how I made the burfis? Tell them you made it.

Do you remember any song completely? Practice properly.

Ask Beena Masi to tie your hair. She does it well.

Put out some intelligent books on the table, ... will make us look smart you know.

And that sunset painting. I will cello-tape that on the cupboard door. Our girl is talented. let them see.



a big rangoli at the entrance



I feel like that. The interview is on 3rd.



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Gandhi Jayanthi

October Second
Gandhi Jayanthi.
How many have you seen?
You know when we were young we would sit before the TV and piously watch re-runs of the Dandi march. The quick walk, the strong movements had us mesmerised.
Then it was Richard Attenborrough's Gandhi. We got confused between the two images of Gandhi. The actor and the real fused and formed a single broad picture.
Today .... We think of Munna Bhai?
And frankly we need some of that happy Gandhigiri in our lives now. That may just be the single panacea for all ills. I plan to watch the movie again.... a simplistic one coat for all kind of solution....a nice world to be in.
and by the way
I think Bapu would be more happy if we drank but abstained from violence in thought and action. Rather than the opposite, as we have it these days.
Ahimsa was the strongest message he gave us. Can we attempt to make Oct2nd Official Non-Violence Day? No police attrocities, no warfare, no dismissals, no wage cuts, no...

Be Indian, Be Fashionable

We like to do whatever is in fashion. We wear strategically-torn jeans because that is a happening thing to do. We wear beaded anklets because a daily soap popularises it. We go to a temple before exams because everyone assures God will help us.

 

 It is just simpler to do what everyone else is doing. We feel rich and we feel accepted. Come to think of it, it is now fashionable to be rich. Therefore we are in a blind hurry to make money. A big car and an over sized LCD are supposed to make you happy. Like the cola that we buy, hoping that just as it does for all those people in the ad, the fizz drink will add fizz to our lives too.

 

The fashionable people of the world are proud of their country. So, we want to be proud of ours too. But the thought is alien to us. We have been brought up on sarcasm and chalta hai.

 

Is it possible to consciously dictate fashion trends?
We need icons, many of them, in diverse fields to tell us that it is fashionable to be proud of our country.

 

The advertisements we make
The articles we write
The slogans we shout
The headlines we print
And the lessons we teach in schools … must make it fashionable to do the right thing

 

Spread the word.

 

Being a fashionable Indian is

• to be kind and gentle.
• to be well dressed and soft spoken.
• to be patriotic and responsible.

Spread the word.
In India it is fashionable to be honest.
We do not sell defective stuff.
Be Indian, be fashionable.

Hercule Poirot and Mint taught me about life. Read on.

On this day the Fifteenth of August Twenty Ten

I thank you God for giving us this wonderful land called INDIA. I like everything here. The majestic mountains, the green farms, the sparkling streams, the silent Ganga and the graceful Kaveri. I relate to the strong aromas of the Indian kitchen and the heady fragrance of agarbattis. I like to warm my hands over the arati flame in the temple and wait for the soothing touch of a spoon of sacred water as it flows down my throat.


I take a fresh look at the mounds of crisp vegetables and the symmetrical garlands at the weekly market and smile as it evokes happy memories. I like the way we poke into the affairs of everyone and make it our own. Their dreams, their sorrow and their recipes… We own them all.

I look at movies like Tare Zameen Par and MNIK and feel proud for the people involved. I read newspaper articles about small time heroes who have made big time strides with courage and determination and talk about them in soft tones.

The whole is always bigger than the sum of its parts.

There are aberrations in this happy story?
There are black sheep who make us feel embarrassed?
There are persons who have sold their soul for a paltry sum of money?
A family member has gone the wrong way?

Well … What to do?

Aisaa hota hai

But, does that mean we become sarcastic, that we look at everything with a sneer, or that we paint the future in dull colours?

The bad guys need not usurp all our attention.

Let our papers talk more about great Indians and relegate the black sheep to the inside pages.

Let us feel proud of our achievers and applaud them so that they know that we care.

Let us think of the glorious actions of the never say die patriots and hope to be like them in our own way.

Let us hold our head high

For all said and done

We are a great nation.

We began 63 years ago by hitching on to a bunch of powerful horses all pulling in different directions. But the chariot has held and is moving forward. Sometimes when we suddenly look back we are amazed at the distance covered. Perhaps our dreams are bigger than our progress, but then that is how dreams are. Perhaps we would like to see a nation that is only honest and achieving. That too will happen.

Let us dream on.

Again

I thank you God for giving us this wonderful land called INDIA.