आवेश ....

आवेश ....

एक क्षण
एक पल
आवेश का....
कई शब्द
कुछ नाराज़गी
कटुता....
एक बात से
लगी ठेंस
मन में क्लेश....
कर्त्तव्य
निष्ठा
महज़ शब्द....
औऱ वो करना
पागलपन?....
समर्पण
त्याग
उपासना
जैसे बेमतलब
कर्म
गीता का ज्ञान
किस काम का
इस युग में ??
श्रम
परिश्रम
पात्रता
स्मार्ट फ़ोन
में बंद....
मुझ जैसा
कोई बावला
क्यों
आवेश में
आये आज...
करना हैँ कुछ
की ज़िद्द
फिर भी
सुलगती जाए
आगाज़ का ना पता
ना अंजाम से डर
ना हो भी
कोई साथ...
चल पड़ी
कर्म पथ पर
फिर भी मैं
क्योंकि
मन में हैँ मेरे
ध्यास....

मन विमल

Kesari Jeevan....zest for life....

Kesari Jeevan....zest for life....

Thirty years ago a chyawanprash advertisement of Zandu's Kesari Jeevan, was known for it's statement, "Saatth saal ke boodhey ya saatth saal ke jawaan" meaning, "60 year old person or 60 year old youth". The visual showed a lift closing just when a girl and an aged person are about to enter it and he let's the girl enter the lift while he himself takes the flight of stairs. The crucial part is that he reaches the concerned floor in the building a little before the lift.
Honestly speaking age is all in the mind. We can keep ourselves fit, be as youthful as we want or drown ourselves in gloom with our age fast advancing.
I was pleasantly surprised by my father the other day when we visited the Golden Swan Club at Yeoor Hills in Thane along with my son and nephew.
My son and nephew started playing table tennis. I went to bring a chair for my father to sit when he said let's play table tennis.
My father is 90 plus and not as surefooted as he used to be, so I was taken aback at first. However the next moment I was excited and full of joy and we both started playing. True to his spirit, he played wholeheartedly with correct timing to hit the ball, do proper placing and even hit a shot. My son, nephew and me were really thrilled. More than the game, it was the sparkle in his eyes which was more attractive. I wondered how little it takes to be happy. The only thing which is required perhaps is being involved in the activity and enjoying what we are doing along with others. My father was neither concerned about his age or the fact that he was holding a table tennis bat after almost 30 years or more. Yet he was all smiles , waving at me, cheering. He has always been known for this zest for life.
This spirit was part and parcel of him as we went for a short walk down the lake and the garden in the club. He walked with his gay spirit, chatting with me, remembering by name Mr.Dev, an old neighbour, who had first brought us to the club. He also remembered my niece's fall from the cycle, my songs and Vishnu's boating.
After pizzas and tea, my nephew and son settled to play carrom board.
Once again , I was foolish to suggest to my father that we could sit and watch the other two but not him. He settled into the chair across the carrom board with such ease that I felt like a novice. He deftly took the striker , lo and behold, the coin went into the pocket. The three of us were elated with joy. Thereafter we played four games where he was in complete control and command guiding us how to hit a coin and ensure it reached the pocket,  gesturing with regret when any of us  missed a coin.  As for him, he pocketed the most difficult shots and gave his cute toothless smile.
I was overwhelmed by these two acts of my father, playing TT and carrom.
So many of us including me, refuse to play or exercise citing old age, shortage of time or tiredness. My father walks for about 50 minutes twice a day even now. He does his famous back walk, stretches and light exercises while listening to divine songs of Vishnu, Narayan, Hanuman, Saraswati etc. No wonder he reminded me of the iconic man in advertisement of Zandu Kedari Jeevan and fitted it to the T.
There is so much to learn from him, his unconditional love for each of his children and grand children. His relentless prayers for our welfare. His devotion to God and the various poojas offered by him in the temple. His simplicity and no-nonsense attitude to adhere to the norms. His timekeeping punctuality which none of us can match. His ever adjusting nature with regard to food or it's timing. His zeal for walking and exercising at this age. We are more than lucky to have been born in this family and be a recipient of the love and emotional support of our parents. They missed making that brick and mortar home which my mother always yearned for but he had certainly made a home for himself not only in the heart's of his children and grand children but also in the hearts of every person whose life he touched.
Love you Appa, and thank you for making me realise once again that life's little pleasures are wonderful treasures.....

Koodaarai Vellum....Saint poet Andal's Tirupaavai 27th Verse.....and its uniqueness....

Koodaarai Vellum....Saint poet Andal's Tirupaavai 27th Verse.....and its uniqueness....

It was four o' clock in the morning. I shifted sides in my slumber and was awakened by a sweet aroma floating around the house. My eyes popped wide open with wonder at this sweetness. I realised that it was the aroma of Akkaarai Vadisal prasadam made by none other than Ramesh, my thoughtful husband on the occasion of Koodaarai Vellum, the 27nd day of Marghazi.
Indeed , 22 days have passed since I wrote a small blog on Thiruppavai. It was the fifth day then. I had resolved that I would listen to the paasurams everyday and understand their glory.
And sure enough I have been listening to the pasurams written by Andal,  dedicated to Govinda or Narayana each day. The beauty of the verses, paasurams of Thiruppavai kept unfolding each day and filled me with joy.
Yesterday was Kudaarai vellum and extremely special. Till now Andaal was cajoling her friends to wake up early and immerse themselves in the bhakti of Narayana. She is in a totally different state of mind now, as her consistent bhakti has made her attain the blessings of the Lord. She feels one with him . The penance which she and her friends did during the 26 day period of consecration had borne fruit. Till now they had abstained from all luxury, avoiding sumptuos food, milk, not decorating their hair with flowers or applying Kaajal to their eyes. However now that they had attained oneness with Krishna they wished to adorn themselves beautifully. They ask bangles for the hands, ornaments for their shoulders, beautiful flowers for their hair, golden earrings and other ornaments including tinkling anklets for their feet. They want to wear flowing Silk garments along with the ornaments. Dressed up , they want to celebrate their Bhakti for the Lord by offering the prasadam cooked in milk, sugary sweet with jaggery and dripping with ghee down to the elbows.
These actions reflect the bountiful nature of Krishna who fills their life with blessings. They are elated to have achieved their goal of being one with the Lord. They ask him to shower them with his compassion.
Wasn't he the one who ultimately wins over the hearts of even those who turn away from him? The very name Govinda is a favourite of his devotees and its utterance gives sheer joy. Their praise for him was unconditional and so will be his benevolence.
 In some ways this is also similar to what her father, Periazvar has composed in the Thiru Pallandu :
"Neyyidai Sorum, niyathamum atthanai chevagamaum, kaiadaikkAyum, kazutthukku poon, kaadhukku kundalamm, meiyida nalladhor sandham thanthu ennai velluyuriakka valla"
It is the Lord who is the provider of abundance with rice and ghee, ornaments for the neck, earrings, and fragrant sandal paste to apply on the body along with the opportunity to do service to Him daily and yet purify us as white butter to ultimately recognise the Lord and be one with him.
The deity never expects his devotees to lead a puritan existence but to enjoy the blessings of the Lord and His gifts with joy.
Similarly Andal on receiving the blessings of the Lord adorns herself.
In the beginning of the month they had vowed to abstain from milk and ghee but now it was time to rejoice. A devotee ultimately aspires to constantly be with the Lord and enjoy bliss with him. This was what she achieved.
She also breaks her fast and offers 100 vessels of butter and Akkaarai Vadisal prasadam. In fact it was Saint Raamanujam.who had done this personally and she acknowledges him as her brother in one if her verses. Tadha Utsavam is celebrated in most Vaishnavite temples by offering 100 vessels to the Lord in a similar manner.
Religion and spirituality are states of mind which should make us descend above our base feelings. Literature, ancient or modern  is replete with examples of saints, seers and thinkers who have written about the greatness of the Lord and experienced his benevolence. It is for us to understand the true spirit and follow it in best way we can. The beauty of Hinduism is that it offers us various paths to be human. Knowledge, that is Nyaana, Bhakti that is devotion, Karma that is duty and work or Vairagya that is total surrender. We can chose our path. This is beautifully highlighted in the 27th Paasuram, Kuddarai Vellum....
The sweetness of the prasadam made by my husband and the realisation of these thoughts made me smile. With the blessings of Narayama and Govinda in our lives what more do we want?

Of goats, goat farm and more with SHG women....

Of goats, goat farm and more with SHG women....

I love my field visits and interaction with the women of our Self-help groups. The women  overwhelm me by their enthusiasm and I always return back satiated with the joy they reverberate. It also goads me strive harder and to plan much more for their economic development.
MSRLM Umed works for the empowerment of women through self help groups. Social and financial inclusion form the foundation for their economic development.
The true spirit of this development was reflected when I visited two villages today.
My first interaction was with the 35 women from  Ekta bakri paalak sangh in village Digdoha of Deoli taluka in Wardha district. They came together, contributed a share of Rs.1000 each, took a loan of Rs 2 lakhs from the Community Investment Fund, CIF , managed to get the support of Rs. 1 lakh through the VSTF programme and had a kitty of Rs. 3.35 lakhs in hand. With this they made a goat-shed in Rs.1.56 lakh. Since they did the labour work by themselves they saved up a lot on the cost of construction. They used that money for purchasing goats and invested Rs.1.08 lakh in the same. Additionally they invested Rs.2500 for creating grazing field for their goats. It was not possible for them to be present with the goats while they were grazing so they hired a caretaker to take care of the goats for Rs.30000. They ensured good health for their goats by vaccinating them and also feeding them with pashu chat to make them healthy by investing Rs.1835. The outcomes were increase in the number of goats from 18 to 29 in six months.
Sunita Sudhakar Rathod, the Pashu Sakhi beams with joy as she shares that their goats escaped damage in the recent epidemic due to the efforts made by then in maintaining the good health of the goats. Anita Jabde the Community Resource Person is equally joyful. They now plan to go ahead with an enterprise in poultry also. They hope to make more than Rs.One lakh from the investment they made in the 29 goats and all this in a span of less than 11 months.
Their enthusiasm is awe inspiring even to the group of 45 women from the Self-help groups of MAVIM, another organisation for the welfare of women in Maharashtra who had come for an exposure visit to the goat farm. As we ate the delicious lunch prepared by the women and posed for snaps I could only smile.
My second visit to Bhidi Heti village in Deoli taluka of Wardha district left me dumb struck. Their potential was recognised by none other than Mr. Shailesh Navaal, the dynamic Collector of Wardha, who aptly sanctioned an amount if Rs. 18 lakhs to the Ma Jijau Cluster Level Federation and the New Adarsh Village Organization.
It is amazing to see the enthusiasm of Community Resource Person, CRP Sangeeta Madaavi as she narrates the growth of their six enterprises in the cluster.
To begin with they started using an unused shed for their goatery but once they received the grant from the Collector they constructed a goat shed. What is remarkable is that they made the shed in Rs 3 lakhs saving almost 50 percent of the estimated budget by doubling up as labour. They purchased 11 goats from the saved amount and additionally purchased 20 more goats. The have 2 goat kids now totalling to 34 goats. They hope to make good profit from sale of these goats and all this in just 6 months. .
The second enterprise is a poultry shed with 100 birds. Here too they saved on the estimated budget of Rs 2.31 laks and constructed the shed in just Rs.1.39 lakhs only due to their own efforts when they worked as labour.They hope to make good profits from the poultry business too.
The CRP says with pride that those women who had never stepped out of their houses now know the cost of bricks also. No wonder they have also built a store house for fodder, a urine tank for the cattle, a shed for dairy activities. They would doing business in milk and ghee by purchasing the required instruments. Above the dairy unit they also plan to construct a community hall for the use of the community.
They are full of praise for the Block Mission Manager, Ms.Lata Darne and the team which always supports them. The convergence through VSTF has also added value.
A couple, a woman from.the SHG and her husband also showed 2 excellently packaged bio pesticides, Brahmaastra and
Nimaark . They made a profit of Rs. 45000 by selling 18000 litres of the bio pesticide.
I was then taken to a nutri garden where the CRP and the women explained the importance of eating a balanced diet comprising of green and leafy vegetables and other fruits. They gushed that their haemoglobin content has improved due to the same. The Young Professional and the Convergence Sakhi ranted out the number of nutri gardens made and the funds disbursed. 
Once upon a time they and their village was totally neglected but now they had become an ideal village which everyone clamoured to visit. The district and the block team had really toiled hard for this and deserved kudos.
By now it was evening and the goats had returned to the sheds,. The SHG women wanted me to pose for pictures with them and the goats. I happily did so and left with a smile, almost bleating with joy like a goat. Me...aah....Swati Wankhede, the District Mission Manager and me were truly bleating with joy....mee....aah......

Jungle Scouts - Night walk in Periyaar National Park, Thekady Kerala

Jungle Scouts - Night walk in Periyaar National Park, Thekady Kerala

A visit to Kerala, mystically beautiful, God's own country is always fascinating. This time it was more so as we were visiting, Thekady's lush green forests. Trekking in the Periyaar National Park is always a trekkers delight but when it is at night the excitement is bound to be manifold.
I was more than excited when I heard about the night trek in the Periyaar National Park. Within seconds I had made up my mind that this would be the most important part of our itinerary. No wonder, booking tickets for the same was the first thing I did at the eco tourism office.
The CBET, Community based Eco-tourism is one if the most unique concepts being used by the Kerala Forest Department which not only promotes love for the forest but provides means of sustainable livelihood to the community.
Only 6 persons are allowed for this trek at one time, so getting a ticket becomes important. We were lucky. An entry ticket to the forests at Rs.40/- also needs to be purchased.
We had to report at the Bamboo Grove at 6.45 pm wearing clothes which covered our legs fully. Shoes are also a must for trekking. We realised this was important as we would be walking in the dark. Additionally we also had to wear knee length socks to protect ourselves from leeches. These had to be tied over our trousers. Fully adorned we were set to leave for the trek. Two others who had booked tickets for the trek had not arrived and so we had to wait.
We were asked to fill up a disclaimer form making us responsible for mishaps if any and also make entries into the visitors book. That done, we waited along with the three forest officials who would be accompanying us. To my surprise, we found that two of them were women. One, had an experience of 10 years and another a fresher of three months. The fresher full of enthusiasm also had the armed rifle. The Officer had an experience of over 10 years. The other two participants did not arrive so the six of us finally left. We were given torches. The Officer and the guard had powerful electric torches and a walkie-talkie.
As we stepped into the dark woods, my heart was pounding. The Officer was leading with three of us in between and the guards behind. It was Christmas night, and sounds of celebration could be heard in the background as we trudged into the forest. The Officer guiding us skillfully. The stars in the sky were bright and attractive. The rustle of leaves below the feet musical and rhythmic. The narrow winding path lightened only by the rays of the torch. If switched off it was pitch dark and scary. The walk itself was a challenge for a non-trekker like me added to it was the eeriness of the night. Our first sightings were of the sporting deers who made us hopeful that we would be seeing some animals for sure.
Suddenly the Officer stopped in the path to show us leeches. They may look harmless like earthworms but if caught on to the feet could rupture one's skin. Feeling happy that we were protected by the leech socks we trudged ahead only to step into a swamp. Our shoes became muddy and wet despite the warning and advice of the Officer but we walked ahead as we saw search lights flashing. On asking we were told that they were by patrollers protecting the sandalwood trees. Each tree is numbered and tracked to ensure its safety. There was a rustle in the trees and we saw a barking deer. They are loners and move about quietly. Sighting them was rare and we were lucky.
We soon came to a path adjoining the river. As we were walking we were told about the rivers, Mullai and Periyaar and the Mullaiperiyaar dam which provides water to four districts of Tamil Nadu and also helps in generating power. As we trudged along we could hear the water flowing at some places on rocks creating melodious sounds and also shining in silvery hues.
The Officer flashed his light on the trees and lo and behold, we spotted an owl, staring at us or into the wild, sage-like, with eyes wide open.
A little ahead, a rabbit suddenly bolted out playfully into the grass and made us gleeful.
We now reached a check post and rested for a while.
The most intriguing part of our journey came as we started on our return path. We almost bumped into a group of bisons, standing on guard. The Officer, warned us and went ahead to gauge the situation. I was tempted to click pictures and went ahead but was sent back. Bisons are known to attack. The Officer sent a message on the walkie-talkie to other guards who also arrived there. We were told that one of the bison's had delivered a baby and the remaining were protecting it. Literally they all stood on guard in a circle. Slowly we were guided out of the place with much excitement in our hearts. Our walk became more meaningful and I started imagining bumping into elepahnts. That was not to be but sure enough a Sambar deer was waiting in the bushes posing for a picture as if humouring us and ensuring we went back happy.
By now , we had walked over five kilometres
from 7.20 pm to 9:50 pm.
This was indeed one of the most unique experiences in our lives. We had seen many forests but none in the dark. To be in the jungle at that time of the night itself was enriching. It was also enlightening as we learnt to value light and be happy that our worlds were bright and shining and not as dark as the deep woods in the night.
One of the guards stayed back and the other would be walking back in the next trek and also come back later into  the forest by herself. Both these were women daring to establish themselves in a challenging profession. I imagined them in the forests night after night. For us it was a one day adventure but an eye opener nevertheless. As we stepped back into our echelons of safety we were thankful to be back but equally thankful that we had such a wonderful experience.....

Marghazi, Margashish and Krishna, Saint Poet Andaal and Tirupaavai....

Marghazi, Margashish and Krishna, Saint Poet Andaal and Tirupaavai....

Come December and we are set to welcome the month of Margashish or Margazhi of the Hindu calendar. It has to be among our favourite months because none other than Lord Krishna himself says that among months , I am Margashish....It was indeed his favourite month.
According to Hindu sacred texts this is also a month of devotion.
No wonder then that Saint Poetess Andaal, the only lady among the twelve Azhwaars, Sri Vaishnava saint poets of the south wrote the famous Tirpaavai to celebrate this month and her devotion to Krishna. She is certainly not known to many outside South India but her devotion to Krishna is akin to Radha or Meera as she was equally devout. Tamil sacred scriptures are abound with stories of this ardent devotee of Nandagopan Kumaran Krishna.
For Sri Vaishnavites from Tamilnadu, the month Margazhi is synonymous with the Tirupaavai, 30 verses sung for each day of the month by the saint poetess Andaal. These verses known as Paasurams show how immersed she is in her devotion to Krishna.
Compulsion has never been the forte of Hinduism. Therefore Andaal also does not force but exudes the young girls to wake up early during this auspicious month on all days, bathe in the holy river and seek blessings of the Lord Krishna, who maybe dark skinned but whose radiating face and perfect eyes would bless them. He as Narayana would grant us our wishes.
These thoughts are embedded in "Margazhi Thingal"  the first paasuram (song) of Thiruppavai written by Andal as part of a vow she observed throughout the month of Margazhi. Each of the 30 paasurams or songs thereafter are means to remember the Lord,  attain salvation and beget his divine grace.
The second Pasuram, "Vaiyattu Vazhvirgal', to the ones living in this world are more like do’s and don’ts to the girls for observing austerity. These include singing glories of the Lord, bathing at dawn, avoiding material joys, avoiding to  seek personal comforts and beautification whether by use of kaajal or flowers, and not speaking ill about others or gossip. She exudes us to respect our teachers, and donate generously to the learned and the needy so that we lead a purposeful life and attain salvation.
Though the Marghazhi month began 2 days ago there has been an overlap and yesterday was observed as the day of the third paasuram.
This paasuram,  " Ongi ulagalandha uttaman perpaadi" says that observing austerity will not only lead to personal growth and benefit but also lead to prosperity of the society due to adequate rain, plentiful crops, bringing with it overall wealth and welfare. It actually says that, “If we sing the praise of the lord who took a cosmic form and spanned the whole world in two steps and observe the austerities after taking bath in the river, the world will be devoid of all evil and experience timely rain showers and general prosperity. The excellent rains will lead to plentiful crops, beautiful flowers, humming bees, fish, milk which ultimately reflect nothing short of immense wealth which in turn leads to satisfaction.
The fourth pasuram, "Aazhi mazhai kannaa onnu ni kai karavel" addresses Lord Varuna the diety of rains who happens to join the devotees requesting him to shower rains appropriately. With clouds like the dark skinned Krishna, lightning like the Sudrashana Chakra and thunder like the conch he is requested to shower the purest of waters in abundance without differentiating anybody
Symbolically Andal and her friends would also enjoy the rains however their joy's are secondary to the wellbeing of the Universe. They live for others and their happiness lies in seeing others happy.
The coming days of the month will unfold 26 more verses. I hope that this year I am able to read and understand the philosophy behind the verses and hence this blog to facilitate my interest too and probably tell all of you about the glories of this great saint poetess Andaal . The 30th verse culminates with Andaal describing the benefit of reciting these verses and observing the rituals. Looking forward to reach that crescendo along with you all....

Railway Stations.....

Railway stations....

My son's school trip to Jaipur brought me face to face with a railway station after ages. Their train was to depart from Mumbai Central at 11.15 p.m. We had been asked to assemble by 9.30 p.m at the landmark A.H.Wheeler book store on the station.
Railways stations no doubts are full of life quite in contrast to bus depots or airports.
They are also very interesting and exciting. People are always moving in and out. There is a certain rhythm in the sounds of the trains chugging in , halting and moving out again. The teary eyes, waving hands, warm embraces, rush to catch the train leave behind images in the mind. They also reflect a myriad of cultures.
My heart therefore missed many beats as soon as I left home for Mumbai Central railway station with Vishnu. Born to a official in the railways, trains were our life line. No day passed without hearing the whistle or the gong of the train, the banging of bogies since our house was just adjacent to the railway yard. At times we could hear the steam engine shrill and even see the smoke billowing out of the chimney in the engine.
Our travels were only by trains and journeys to our home town in Chennai were quite eventful.
There were no direct trains to Chennai those days. We had to go to Wardha East and then catch the Grand Trunk Express , popularly known as GT Express and the Dakshin Express. The biggest problem was not getting a through reservation and therefore our father would always be tense. Travelling with a family of 5 was worrisome if we did not get seats. But we would be lucky....most of the times we would get the seats. Very rarely we would have to adjust with one or two less.
Railway journeys were great fun, looking at stations, the varying landscapes, trees , rocks and mountains and different kinds of people. There used to be a carmederie in knowing others, sharing your compartment or sharing your meals with them. Travelling by train had its own charm.
The bustle on the stations used to be greater fun with sounds of " Chai garam, garam Chai", Kaapi Kaapi, Samosa Samosa, " eh...Batata wada". Nearer south it was Tayir Saadam, Lemon Rice etc. The aroma of those foods would invariably feel more exciting than our set meals of Idli- Milagaai podi, puliyodharai, taiyar saadam or poori bhaji. Of course we never got to eat them . We would however get to eat vegetables cutlets for breakfast and I used to love that.
In fact most stations sold these in the morning.
I also used to love getting down on the stations to fill water. Those were the days when tap water was not looked down upon and was as pristine as Bisleri or mineral water. Filling up water in steel koojaas used to be fun.
It was only after my brother graduated as an engineer and got a job a Delhi we started travelling by Western Railway. We normally went to Mumbai Central to take the Raajdhaani Express. In those days it would be a matter of pride to mention that we were travelling by Raajdhani. A visit to A.H.Wheeler was a must and purchasing a book or a magazine essential. I was hoping to buy something for Vishnu from there today but the stall was closed.
The station looked spruced up and different with modern restaurants, seating arrangements, bright paint. It was heartening to see amenities like the golf cart for senior citizens to move on to the platform. Though the platforms were very clean one could not miss the slight smell of urine. That was one thing which remained constant.
At one point of time the train was the only means of travel we used, thanks to the free railway passes. In contrast travel by air is a routine now to save time. Yet the charm oi f the train had not worn out. One look at the station and the compartment, I was transported to another world. A world of simple joys, plain innocence. A world of my childhood and youth, the prime of our life when travelling by train was far from cumbersome. A phase where we looked forward to move in the cheapest and the best mode of transport.
Even today, railways are the largest network and also the fastest.
As the train rolled in , the children got I to it excitedly and sat on their seats. It took them some time to settle down. Once done they were lost in their own world oblivious to even to their parents who had come to see them off. The attendant kept the blankets, pillows and bed sheets for all the passengers. Soon it was time to leave.
The train moved out of the platform and went it's way. Suddenly the station wore a deserted look but only for a while.
Another train to Vadodara pulled up on the next platform. The lull ended and the station began to hum again with life.
On way home in the car, my mind was criss cross like the tracks of the rail, smiling at times and cringing at other reliving memories of the rail world. The steam engines may have chugged out and trains maybe running on alternating currents but one thing was sure, it's charm would last forever.....