Aqua Line : Connecting the Unconnected
Beneath the city, far from sight,
Aqua Line is a great delight
Deep below in Mumbai’s heart,
A carved out space, a work of art.
Making travel easy and life so cosy
Through city lights, very fast and breezy.
From BKC to Aarey’s green,
With urban dreams and nature’s sheen.
Through tunnels deep and shadows long,
It hums a steady, catchy song,
Connecting lives, from near and far,
While shining like the moon and star
Weaving threads through time and space,
Deep below, enhancing city’s grace.
From bustling hubs and towers which soar,
To leafy trails which all adore,
Taking us where dreams align
With dancing hearts along this line
Wrapping itself in Mumbai's soul,
Connecting the Unconnected for that's it's goal...
Mann Vimal
Heart's Content
Sunday 27 October 2024
Tuesday 27 August 2024
Unexpected Delights: Looking back at a beautiful surprise...
Unexpected Delights: Looking back at a beautiful surprise...
It was a typical morning and I headed out for work as usual . I knew it would be a busy day, filled with meetings and deadlines so I went about with my daily chores hurriedly. As I settled into the car and caught my breath little did I know that this ordinary morning would become extraordinary.
I reached office well in time and discussed the presentation which was to be made at the meeting As I joined my colleagues for the commute thereafter, I knew we were quite early for our important meeting at the Hon’ble Governor's office. I always prefer going ahead of time to avoid tensions due to uncertainties of Mumbai traffic. However we were much ahead of the time for the scheduled meeting and I could sense the dismissiveness in my colleagues.
Perhaps the green lawns of Raj Bhavan overlooking the deep blue sea spread calm and cheer as we headed towards the meeting hall.
The sign board of ' Mandir' made me stop and ponder over visiting it as we had sufficient time on hand. So we decided to trudge down the stairs and were welcomed by the beautiful Shiva temple overlooking the sea in Raj Bhavan.
Mondays , during the holy month of Shravan are very sacred for Hindus when devotees normally worship Lord Shiva. Our impulsive decision to visit the temple, a departure from our usual routine transformed our morning.
We stepped into the serene surroundings and sought the blessings of Gods Shiva, Ganapati, Hanuman, Ram & Goddess Sita. The gentle sea with it's cool.waves, the rhyming bell of the temple and the breathtaking view combined to create a truly magical atmosphere.
It was a moment of unexpected delight, a beautiful surprise which disrupted the monotony of our day-to-day lives. As we stood there, soaking in the beauty of our surroundings, we realized the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing the unexpected.
Looking back on the morning, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the beautiful surprise that unfolded before us. It was a reminder that even in the midst of our busy lives, there is always time for a moment of peace and reflection. And it was a testament to the power of spirituality as we explored the divine temples.
So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, remember to take a moment to look around and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. The unexpected delights might surprise you and make you smile...
Wednesday 21 August 2024
अंधेर गलियों में दीप जलाओ...
अंधेर गलियों में दीप जलाओ...
नर रूप धारण, कुछ दानवी मन,
मानवता से दूर, अज्ञानी
अंधकार में खोये , भूले स्वर्ग
त्यागकर ममत्व प्यार करुणा
बढ़ रहे वे मानव, विनाश की ओर
न समझते दर्द, न करते ध्यान.
मचा रहे कैसा विकोप अपार
क्यों हो रहे वे मानव क्रूर, मजबूर?
जगाएं अंतर्मन, खोजें नूर.
छोड़ अविचार बदलले विचार
करें गर दूर मन का अंधकार
मानवता हैँ करुणा का भंडार
साथ मिलकर, बन जाए बहार ,
दिल में प्यार जगाकर तो देखे
खून खराबा रोककर तो देखे
किसीके आँसू पोछकर तो देखे
तनिक रुक सोचकर तो देखे
नराधम नहीं नर हो तुम मानव
इस लिए खून की नदियाँ ना बहाओ
इंसान हो तुम बस यह जानो
मन में प्यार की ज्योत जगाओ
बागबान बनो फूल खिलाओ
अंधेर गलियों में दीप जलाओ
प्यार की इत्र और रौशनी फैलाओ...
मन विमल
नर रूप धारण, कुछ दानवी मन,
मानवता से दूर, अज्ञानी
अंधकार में खोये , भूले स्वर्ग
त्यागकर ममत्व प्यार करुणा
बढ़ रहे वे मानव, विनाश की ओर
न समझते दर्द, न करते ध्यान.
मचा रहे कैसा विकोप अपार
क्यों हो रहे वे मानव क्रूर, मजबूर?
जगाएं अंतर्मन, खोजें नूर.
छोड़ अविचार बदलले विचार
करें गर दूर मन का अंधकार
मानवता हैँ करुणा का भंडार
साथ मिलकर, बन जाए बहार ,
दिल में प्यार जगाकर तो देखे
खून खराबा रोककर तो देखे
किसीके आँसू पोछकर तो देखे
तनिक रुक सोचकर तो देखे
नराधम नहीं नर हो तुम मानव
इस लिए खून की नदियाँ ना बहाओ
इंसान हो तुम बस यह जानो
मन में प्यार की ज्योत जगाओ
बागबान बनो फूल खिलाओ
अंधेर गलियों में दीप जलाओ
प्यार की इत्र और रौशनी फैलाओ...
मन विमल
Tuesday 13 August 2024
खादी : एक नवा अध्याय विणताना
*खादी : एक नवा अध्याय विणताना*
महाराष्ट्र राज्य खादी व ग्रामोद्योग मंडळाच्या स्थापना दिन सोहळ्याला, अलीकडच्या निवडणुकांमुळे थोडासा उशीर झाला असला तरी, स्थापना दिनाचे माझ्यासाठी विशेष महत्त्व आहे. छोट्या उद्योगांना 'उद्योग भरारी' पुरस्कार देताना माझ्या मनात खादीशी असलेल्या माझ्या नात्याच्या आठवणी जाग्या झाल्या.... खादीची एक साधी प्रशंसक म्हणून सुरुवात करून, तिची मुख्य कार्यकारी अधिकारी बनण्यापर्यंतचा माझा प्रवास खूपच भावनात्मक, आव्हानात्मक आणि नाविन्यपूर्ण शिकण्याचा राहिला आहे.
दिल्लीच्या कनॉट प्लेसमधल्या गजबजलेल्या खादी भांडाराला माझ्या आईसोबत भेट दिल्याचे मला आजही ठळक आठवते.हे खादी भांडार अजूनही भारताच्या आत्मनिर्भरतेचे प्रतीक आहे आणि त्याच वेळी खादीच्या जगातल्या संघर्षांची कडवी वास्तविकता मला सतत जाणवू देते. केवळ काही समर्पित खादी संस्था आणि विणकरच या प्रचंड मोठ्या वारशाचे जतन करण्यासाठी संघर्ष करत आहेत.
महाराष्ट्रातील मध संचालनालयाचा मधुबन मध, खादी मंडळा चा एक महत्त्वाचा भाग आहे. त्याच्या गोडवीत आणि गुणवत्ते च्या प्रचार प्रसारामधे मी जरी गुंतवून असले तरीही खादीचे आकर्षण माझ्या मनात कायम आहे कारण तो एक समृद्ध वारसा आहे जो केवळ तोंडदेखले कौतुक न करता अधिक काही मागतो. एकेकाळी राष्ट्रीय अभिमानाचे प्रतीक असलेली खादी कड़े आपले लक्ष्य आता कमी होत चालली आहे, असे मला सतत वाटते.
याची अनेक कारणे असू शकतात. आधुनिक ग्राहकांना सतत बदलणारे आणि स्वस्त फॅशनचे कपडे आकर्षित करतात. त्याच्या तुलनेत, खादीची साधी रचना आणि पारंपरिक उत्पादन प्रक्रिया महागडी आणि कालबाह्य वाटू शकते. खादीला अनेकदा फक्त पारंपरिक कपड्यांसाठी योग्य मानले जाते, परंतु तिचा आधुनिक आणि बहुपयोगी फॅशन म्हणून वापर फारसा केला जात नाही. खादीची कपडे महाग असल्याने ते खरेदी करणे काही ग्राहकांना अडचण वाटू शकते. विणकारांना पुरेसा मोबदला मिळत नसल्याने ते देखील उत्पादन पुरेसे करत नाहीत.
अशा अनेक आव्हानांमुळेही खादी मागे पडत आहे. परंतु खादी पर्यावरणपूरक असल्याने टिकाऊ फॅशनच्या वाढती मागणी साठी सहज उपयुक्त ठरु शकते. आपल्याला देशांतर्गत तसेच आंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजारपेठेवर लक्ष केंद्रित करून, खादीचे उत्पादन केवळ कपड्यांपर्यंत मर्यादित न ठेवता विस्तारीत करायला हवी. खादीचा वापर फक्त कुर्ता, जॅकेट शर्ट पुरताच मर्यादित न ठेवता, टॉवेल, रुमाल,घरगुती कपडे, महिलांचे दुप्पटे आणि अशा अनेक कपड्यांसाठी करता येईल. खादीचे पर्यावरणपूरक,आरामदायीपणाचे आणि टिकाऊपणाचे गुणविशेष ठळक करून एक मजबूत ब्रँड तयार करणे आवश्यक आहे. आधुनिक आणि स्टायलिश खादी कपडे तयार करण्यासाठी डिझाइन आणि अत्याधुनिक पिढीला आवडणारे कपडेमध्ये गुंतवणूक करणे महत्त्वाचे आहे. खादी कारागीरांचे सबलीकरण, त्यांच्या उत्पादनांना सवलत देणे आणि त्यांना चांगली साधने आणि बाजारपेठ मिळवून देणे यावर देखील भर दिला पाहिजे. आधुनिक तंत्रज्ञानाचा वापर करताना, खादीचा हाताने विणलेला आणि हाताने कातलेला धागा विशेषत्व कायम राखणे महत्त्वाचे आहे. खादी कारागीरांच्या यशोगाथा, त्यांचा संघर्ष आणि हस्तकला खादीच्या प्रचारासाठी प्रभावीपणे वापरने आवश्यक आहे.
आगामी काळ खादी साठी आव्हानात्मक असले तरी त्याचे फळ खूप मोठे असू शकते. आपल्या देशाचे आदरणीय पंतप्रधान श्री. नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी बरोबरच सांगितले आहे की, खादी केवळ एक कपडा नाही; तो आपल्या वारशाचा, आत्मनिर्भरतेचा आणि टिकाऊपणाचे प्रतीक आहे. खादीला पुनरुज्जीवित करून, आपण कारागीर, पर्यावरण आणि राष्ट्रासाठी एक उत्तम पर्याय निर्माण करू शकतो.
राज्य खादी व ग्रामोद्योग मंडळाच्या स्थापना दिनी, चला खादीच्या गौरवशाली इतिहासात एक नवा अध्याय विणण्याची शपथ घेऊया. मी माझे पूर्ण योगदान देण्याचे वचन देते....तुम्ही ही देणार ना ?
- *आर विमला*
-मुख्य कार्यकारी अधिकारी
-महाराष्ट्र राज्य खादी व ग्रामोद्योग मंडळ
Translated in Marathi thanks to Shri. Bipin Jagtap, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board
Khadi: Weaving a New Chapter
Khadi: Weaving a New Chapter
The Foundation Day celebrations of the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board on a slightly delayed schedule due to the recent elections holds a special significance for me. As we went about with the celebrations and felicitating small scale units with the Udyog Bharari Award, my mind was engulfed in memories of my association with Khadi. My journey from a ardent admirer of Khadi to its Chief Executive Officer been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and realizations.
I remember my visits along with my mother to the bustling Khadi Bhandar of Connaught Place in Delhi which is still a testament to India's self-reliance. At the same time I am hit by the stark reality of the struggles in the world of Khadi. Only a few dedicated organizations and weavers continue the fight to preserve this legacy.
Madhuban honey from the Directorate of Beekeeping, in Maharashtra, a vital part of the Khadi Board keeps me engrossed due to it's immense potential. Yet, the allure of Khadi is strong since it is a legacy which deserves more than lip service.
I keep pondering over the fact why Khadi which was once a beacon of national pride is facing decline.
This could be attributed to a number of factors. Modern consumers are attracted by the constant change and affordability of inexpensive fashion. In comparison, Khadi's inherent simplicity and traditional production process seems expensive as well as outdated.
Khadi is often seen as a rustic fabric, suitable only for traditional wear. Its potential as a contemporary and versatile fashion statement remains largely untapped. Lack of design often limits Khadi's appeal to a broader audience.The additional care required for maintaining it may also be a deterrent for some consumers.
Despite these challenges, there's hope due to the growing demand for sustainable fashion which perfectly aligns with Khadi's eco-friendly nature. However we need to focus on both domestic and international markets, expanding the product range beyond just apparel. Khadi's potential goes far beyond kurtas and jackets and we could make it a part of our lives easily by simply using products like towels, handkerchiefs, and home linen made of Khadi.
Of course there is a need for building a strong brand image and highlighting Khadi's eco-friendliness, comfort, and durability.
Investing in design and development is also essential to create contemporary and stylish Khadi garments.
Empowering Khadi artisans , giving rebate to their products could also be the key. We could also skill them, provide them with better tools and market access. Adoption of modern technology without compromising the hand-spun and handwoven essence would perhaps hold the key. Stories of Khadi artisans, their resilience and craftsmanship, could also be used as powerful marketing tools.
The road ahead is definitely challenging, but the rewards could be significant. As rightly said by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of our country, Shri. Narendra Modi, Khadi is more than just fabric; it's a symbol of our heritage, self-reliance, and commitment to sustainability. By revitalizing Khadi, we could create a win-win situation for artisans, the environment, and the nation.
This Khadi Foundation Day, let's pledge to weave a new chapter in the glorious history of Khadi. I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this cause. Do you?
The Foundation Day celebrations of the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board on a slightly delayed schedule due to the recent elections holds a special significance for me. As we went about with the celebrations and felicitating small scale units with the Udyog Bharari Award, my mind was engulfed in memories of my association with Khadi. My journey from a ardent admirer of Khadi to its Chief Executive Officer been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and realizations.
I remember my visits along with my mother to the bustling Khadi Bhandar of Connaught Place in Delhi which is still a testament to India's self-reliance. At the same time I am hit by the stark reality of the struggles in the world of Khadi. Only a few dedicated organizations and weavers continue the fight to preserve this legacy.
Madhuban honey from the Directorate of Beekeeping, in Maharashtra, a vital part of the Khadi Board keeps me engrossed due to it's immense potential. Yet, the allure of Khadi is strong since it is a legacy which deserves more than lip service.
I keep pondering over the fact why Khadi which was once a beacon of national pride is facing decline.
This could be attributed to a number of factors. Modern consumers are attracted by the constant change and affordability of inexpensive fashion. In comparison, Khadi's inherent simplicity and traditional production process seems expensive as well as outdated.
Khadi is often seen as a rustic fabric, suitable only for traditional wear. Its potential as a contemporary and versatile fashion statement remains largely untapped. Lack of design often limits Khadi's appeal to a broader audience.The additional care required for maintaining it may also be a deterrent for some consumers.
Despite these challenges, there's hope due to the growing demand for sustainable fashion which perfectly aligns with Khadi's eco-friendly nature. However we need to focus on both domestic and international markets, expanding the product range beyond just apparel. Khadi's potential goes far beyond kurtas and jackets and we could make it a part of our lives easily by simply using products like towels, handkerchiefs, and home linen made of Khadi.
Of course there is a need for building a strong brand image and highlighting Khadi's eco-friendliness, comfort, and durability.
Investing in design and development is also essential to create contemporary and stylish Khadi garments.
Empowering Khadi artisans , giving rebate to their products could also be the key. We could also skill them, provide them with better tools and market access. Adoption of modern technology without compromising the hand-spun and handwoven essence would perhaps hold the key. Stories of Khadi artisans, their resilience and craftsmanship, could also be used as powerful marketing tools.
The road ahead is definitely challenging, but the rewards could be significant. As rightly said by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of our country, Shri. Narendra Modi, Khadi is more than just fabric; it's a symbol of our heritage, self-reliance, and commitment to sustainability. By revitalizing Khadi, we could create a win-win situation for artisans, the environment, and the nation.
This Khadi Foundation Day, let's pledge to weave a new chapter in the glorious history of Khadi. I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this cause. Do you?
Saturday 3 August 2024
उम्मीदों की दुआ...
उम्मीदों की दुआ...
खाने में थोड़ा नमक ज़्यादा,
कहीं मेरे अश्क तो नहीं।
दिल मेरा क्यों टूटा,
कहीं कोई रश्क तो नहीं।
बड़ी-बड़ी बातें कहाँ पल्ले पड़तीं,
छोटी बातें भी क्यों अब बिगड़ने लगीं।
टेढ़े मेढ़े रास्तों से हम सदा से वाक़िफ़,
पर गलियाँ घर की क्यों उलझने लगीं।
सपनों की दुनिया अब हो गई और दूर,
हक़ीक़त के तमाशों से दिल बेनूर होने लगीI
जज़्बातों का सैलाब भले उभरा हो मन में
दिल तो पत्थरों सा मौन ही धरने लगी I
खाने में थोड़ा नमक ज़्यादा,
कहीं मेरे अश्क तो नहीं।
दिल मेरा क्यों टूटा,
कहीं कोई रश्क तो नहीं।
बड़ी-बड़ी बातें कहाँ पल्ले पड़तीं,
छोटी बातें भी क्यों अब बिगड़ने लगीं।
टेढ़े मेढ़े रास्तों से हम सदा से वाक़िफ़,
पर गलियाँ घर की क्यों उलझने लगीं।
सपनों की दुनिया अब हो गई और दूर,
हक़ीक़त के तमाशों से दिल बेनूर होने लगीI
जज़्बातों का सैलाब भले उभरा हो मन में
दिल तो पत्थरों सा मौन ही धरने लगी I
शिकायत हैं किसी से न अब कोई शिकवा
सुनहरें यादों के दौर से दिल गुज़रने लगीI
अब भी सोचते हैं बीते लम्हे लौटेंगे फिर
उम्मीदों की दुआएं दिल में सुलगती रही...
मन विमल
सुनहरें यादों के दौर से दिल गुज़रने लगीI
अब भी सोचते हैं बीते लम्हे लौटेंगे फिर
उम्मीदों की दुआएं दिल में सुलगती रही...
मन विमल
Friday 19 July 2024
Nothing to worry....
With you on my side, I have nothing to worry,
Yet each moment of life, I bury in hurry.
Doubt in my mind and fear in my heart,
Somehow my vision always gets blurry.
You are my pilot, steering my life,
I needlessly wallow in shadows of strife.
Confidence sways with misgivings in heart,
Time and again, I stumble with fury.
Yet through the stumble and the fury's flame,
Strength emerges, never quite the same.
For in each fall is a lesson found,
A quiet strength where courage is crowned.
Fear not nor doubt just trust whispers God
Yet each moment of life, I bury in hurry.
Doubt in my mind and fear in my heart,
Somehow my vision always gets blurry.
You are my pilot, steering my life,
I needlessly wallow in shadows of strife.
Confidence sways with misgivings in heart,
Time and again, I stumble with fury.
Yet through the stumble and the fury's flame,
Strength emerges, never quite the same.
For in each fall is a lesson found,
A quiet strength where courage is crowned.
Fear not nor doubt just trust whispers God
With resilience ,hope and me on your side,
Things may take time but will surely come around...
Mann Vimal
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