tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80126892024-03-14T02:28:20.270-07:00chummachummagshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.comBlogger552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-29622250812872808162018-05-27T02:26:00.002-07:002021-08-08T07:03:52.654-07:00THE SAGA OF THE SHAHANSHAS BY ADI F MERCHANT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE SAGA OF THE SHAHANSHAS: ADI F. MERCHANT: BHAVAN’S BOOK UNIVERSITY: PAGES 250: PRICE RS 675/-<br />
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“I've reached the end of this great history<br />
And all the land will talk of me:<br />
I shall not die, these seeds I've sown will save<br />
My name and reputation from the grave,<br />
And men of sense and wisdom will proclaim<br />
When I have gone, my praises and my fame.”<br />
(Concluding verse of Shahnameh composed by Toosi)<br />
Known as Abu ‘I-Quasim Firdausi Toosi or just as Firdausi, he was a Persian poet and gained fame as the author of Shahnameh. He has the distinction of being the sole composer of the world’s longest epic poem consisting of about 60,000 couplets written in early modern Persian and even longer the Illiad and Odyssey. Shahnameh literally means the name of kings. In his work which took 35 years to complete he covered the entire gamut of Persian history beginning with the creation of the world till the complete takeover of Persia by the Arab invaders. The Shahnameh is an impressive monument of poetry and historiography. It is essentially the poetical recast of what Firdausi and his predecessors regarded as the account of Persia's history.<br />
Three main dynasties of Persia were covered by Toosi. They were the Peshdaad, Kayaan and Sasanid. Toosi was a person with outstanding ethical values and emphasized the avoidance of all negative human attributes and championed high human values for the upliftment of humankind. He lived for 80 years (940-1020 AD). Commissioned by the King, to undertake this humongous epic, he worked on it with all the passion in him but died heart-broken due to the measly amount that he was paid for this monumental task. Though the king tried to recompense him for the shabby treatment meted out to him by sending him gold coins and other gifts, it was too late in the day. His daughter with the little money Toosi had earned built a memorial for her father in his native village.<br />
Adi Merchant has done an outstanding job of bringing alive the history of Persia to the present generation in his latest book. When Adi sent the book to me, I had strong reservations of reading a book on Persian history and I thought that I would be better off reading more about our own Indian history. After reading the first few pages on a flight, the book literally gripped me and then I ended up reading page to page with great excitement and suspense. Written in a simple and lucid style, the author has taken great pains to undertake extensive research to chronologically trace the rise and fall of what was a great empire in the annals of human civilization. The book traces the Persian history from the time of Kaiomars who founded the Persian nation and from then onwards the succession of kings and queens have been graphically portrayed by the author for their military strengths, nobility, pride, egos, weaknesses and their final annihilation. The battle scenes have been so realistically depicted in the book by the author that I felt that I was watching the dramatic battles and wars in reality.<br />
Some kings like Jamsheed played God, Faridoon was a just and generous king, Minuchehr was kind and munificient, Naudar was cruel, Kai Kaus proud and foolish and the unforgettable Rustom and Sohrab saga, which all of us must have heard about in our younger days was thrilling to read. Kai Khusru, Lohrasp, Gushtasp, Bahman, Humai the first queen of Iran, Darab, Dara and Sikandar (Alexander the Great), Khosroes, Nooshirwan and Mazdak, and it was Khusraw Parwiz who had the misfortune of presiding over the beginning of the end of the great Persian dynasty caused by the invasion of the Arabs. Finally, the roaming King of Iran, Yazdigird III fled to Khuraasaan and he was killed in 652 AD. Thus ended the saga of the Shahanshas on a most tragic note.<br />
The main message that the Shahnameh of Firdausi tries to convey is the idea that the history of the Persian Empire was a complete and continuous whole; it started with Kaiomars, founder of the Persian nation, and ended with his fiftieth scion and successor, Yazdigird III spanning over nearly six thousand years of history of Persia. Firdausi took upon himself the enviable task to prevent this history from being lost to future Persian generations. It is largely his effort to preserve the memory of Persia's golden days and transmit it to the younger generation so that they could learn and try to build a better world.<br />
Adi Merchant must be complimented for the excellent work he has produced for the younger generation not so familiar with Persia’s ancient history. I strongly recommend this book to them. It is a monumental and majestic work on the history of Persia and narrated very fascinatingly. I had to often go back many pages and come forward again to keep my mind in sync with the author’s pace. The book has several interesting sketches and colour pictures of the emperors which enrich the book further.<br />
We in India know how the Zorastrians who fled Persia due to the persecution by the Arabs landed on our West Coast at Sanjana in the 8th century and continued to keep their faith in Ahura Mazda and also have kept the holy fire unextinguished. Known as Parsis (from Persia), they continue to contribute immensely to India which they have adopted as their own.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-52807554235151456242018-05-27T02:03:00.000-07:002018-05-27T02:03:05.549-07:00WHY I AM A HINDU: SHASHI THAROOR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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BOOK REVIEW : WHY I AM A HINDU: SHASHI THAROOR: ALEPH: PAGES 302 : RS 699/-<br />
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Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, needs no introduction to book readers. He is a prolific author of books. This is his seventeenth book. Neatly divided into three sections, almost the first one-third of the book is about his own belief in Hinduism, the Hindu way of life and its various customs with a full chapter devoted to the great souls of Hinduism.<br />
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In the first chapter of the first section, he explains the title of the book. His Hinduism is one of a lived faith. It is the oldest religion in the world (Sanatana Dharma) with around 1250 million people as followers all over the world. It includes an eclectic range of doctrines and practices which includes pantheism (multiple divinities) as well agnosticism and even atheism. It believes in rebirth and a caste system. To be a Hindu you are not obligated to any doctrine and you don’t have to have a belief in a God. Hinduism has a long history from time immemorial and a common culture and tradition throughout the vast country.<br />
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What also attracts Hinduism to Tharoor is lack of dogma and freedom to choose one’s way of life from a broad canvas of options. So majestic and yet modest are the Vedic Seers that Tharoor quotes the Naasadiiya Sooktham or Hymn of Creation- part of the three millennium old Rig Veda “who knows whence this creation had its origin? --- He knows---or maybe even He does not know”. Tharoor compares Hinduism to a huge banyan tree under whose shade, men and women, plants and animals, thought and action flourish.<br />
Tharoor highlights in Chapter 4, the immense contributions to Hindu philosophy made by Adi Shankara and Ramanuja who restored “Hinduism to pre-eminence and popularity as the principal religion of India”. Tharoor takes the readers on an illuminating journey through the maze of Hinduism. He quotes extensively from the Vedas and Upanishads, guides them through myths and popular practices, elaborates the thoughts of prominent expounders, and tells us about his own religious practices.<br />
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In the second section of the book, he chronicles the making of Hindutva. How it distorts Hinduism and how it can damage the social fabric of our country. He concludes that Hindutva as politics simply does not adhere to the precepts of Hinduism. It is basically incompatible with Hindu religion and faith. It seeks control and power over society. Hindutva is not concerned with the nuances of Hinduism, its agenda is to galvanise the Hindu community to quench its thirst for power unlike Hinduism which shows the path to personal salvation.<br />
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The last chapter and last section of the book is devoted to taking Hinduism away from the clutches of Hindutva proponents who at the cost of the minorities are converting a pluralist religious philosophy into a political ideology. One of the distinct features of Hinduism is that there has never been any attempt by any individual or any organization to spread the religion or establish it as an element of identity of people. As a result, the philosophy of Hinduism and the prescriptions of moral living are applicable to anybody irrespective of the religious belief the person might follow. Swami Vivekananda had said that Hinduism stands for both tolerance and universal acceptance. Any such move to change the character of Hinduism would be dangerous and would destroy India argues Tharoor. Tharoor believes that Hinduism is almost the ideal faith for the 21st century and a universal religion. No apostasy, no heresy. It is eclectic, has no dogmas and is therefore best suited to the uncertainties of a post-modern world.<br />
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Tharoor is a proud Hindu and a non-Hindutva Hindu. “ Garv se kaho ki hum Indian hein” is his motto.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-54407894380806931542018-05-27T01:30:00.001-07:002018-05-27T01:30:22.581-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“FROM MAILROOM to CORNER OFFICE: a banker’s journey:”<br />
DR. R. SRINIVASAN: PUBLISHED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MR CHINMAY DAS: PAGES 290: PRICE: NOT MENTIONED<br />
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Dr. Raghavachari Srinivasan is a renowned banker having served the banking industry for more than four decades. He retired as Chairman and Managing Director of Bank of India. He started his banking career as a clerk at National Bank of India, Chennai in 1949. Later in 1960, he joined Andhra Bank to set up their foreign exchange department and worked at Hyderabad and Chennai. While in Andhra Bank, he was sent for specialized training in foreign exchange to Deutsch Bank, West Germany and West Minister Bank, UK. In 1971, he joined New Bank of India, New Delhi, as Controller of foreign exchange and rose to be their Chairman in 1981. He took over as Chairman and MD of Allahabad Bank, Kolkata in 1982 and in 1987 he was appointed CMD of Bank of India. He retired in 1991. He was also Chairman of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) during the years during this period. His spectacular rise in the banking industry was literally from the Log Cabin to the White House.<br />
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Urged by his son Srikant Vasan in 2005 to write his autobiography, Dr. Srinivasan agreed to embark on this journey to record his fascinating life from humble beginnings in a remote village in Tamil Nadu to the apex of power in the country’s banking industry. In his mid-seventies then, aided by his remarkable memory, he started writing this book primarily for the benefit of his large family of multi-generational members and dear friends from a wide circle in the banking industry and outside. He joined a Facebook group of present and past employees of Bank of India called “Galaxy of Bank of India Stars”. Over a year, he had posted in Facebook about his various experiences during his illustrious banking career which added the right “masala” to his writings on his early life to make his book a very delightful read.<br />
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What emerge from the book are the characteristics of a person of great integrity, honesty, a dear family man, a thorough professional and an outstanding leader and banker. He excelled in indoor games both carom and chess. A role-model for the old and younger generation in general and aspiring professionals in the banking industry in particular- an industry which he led with remarkable success. Current and potential leaders of the banking industry can learn many lessons from Dr. Srinivasan’s accounts of his wide ranging experience as a specialist in foreign exchange and his interactions with the topmost echelon of different banks in which he worked as well as with colleagues and Union leaders and Unionized staff. The way he handled militant Unions is an object lesson for all professional managers.<br />
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Dr. Srinivasan’s writing is candid, transparent and his views brutally frank. He had his early education in nondescript schools in Vembanoor and Ohai villages, in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. Over the years, he studied while working and obtained graduate and post graduate degrees. Post- retirement, he obtained a Doctorate from Bombay University in 1992 on “Priority Sector Advances- An Overview” at the age of 73. This thesis was later published as a book and dedicated to Late Sri C Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of India for whom he has described his unabashed respect.<br />
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After covering his early days in his village and giving a glimpse of his personal life to the readers, Dr. Srinivasan narrates his various roles in the banks that he worked with. To begin with, he was an active member of the Bank’s employees’ union in National Bank and participated from the front in a 13 days first-ever bank strike. Undoubtedly, these experiences helped him to play an effective role in handling Union intransigency as CEO of the Allahabad Bank and later as CMD of Bank of India. He established a personal rapport with many of his staff and Union leaders who respected him for his humane approach. He took the Unions head-on when required and demonstrated his courage, tenacity, persuasive ability and conviction and found satisfactory solutions to difficult problems. Needless to say, the staff found in him a person of extraordinary qualities of head and heart. A leader who was just and fair in his dealings with one and all. They demonstrated their respect to him in many ways.<br />
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Sadly, there was an aberration in Dr. Srinivasan’s life post retirement. False charges were foisted on him by CBI in 1994 and he had to suffer the ignominy for many years. Justice system in India moves at snail’s pace. As it is said, justice delayed is justice denied. Dr. Srinivasan was put through severe mental torture and trauma till he finally obtained relief in 2007 and was acquitted by the Court of all charges. He covers this phase of his stressful life under the chapter “Challenging Times”.<br />
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The book is extremely readable and appealing. It is written in a simple style (the author has a reputation for an excellent handwriting) with interesting incidents and episodes and charming anecdotes including innumerable colour photographs taken during the many foreign and domestic holidays that he enjoyed with his family members after retirement. The accounts of his short meetings with political bigwigs are a treat to read. The last chapter on his meeting with Col Rai, Vir Chakra, of the Indian Army brings out the author’s love for his motherland and admiration for the unflinching battles that the soldiers fight for preventing any intrusion into the country’s borders and for the safety of our people.<br />
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There are many pages in the book that should be read by the younger generation to understand and imbibe the basic values of life and how integrity, conscientiousness, honesty, hard work and discipline can take one to the pinnacle of one’s career. Equally, there are object lessons for elders who can learn the art of productive ageing in their twilight years from octogenarian Dr. Srinivasan. Besides, his steadfast support for his wife Sulochana during thick and thin and who he considers as his conscience keeper and pillar of support, his graceful acceptance of different cultures in his large family and integrating every one as an important unit exemplifies Dr. Srinivasan’s tolerance, magnanimity and farsightedness.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-41980053888106193272017-12-09T02:58:00.001-08:002018-05-27T00:35:31.566-07:00BOOK REVIEW: DIWAN SIR THANJAVUR MADHAVA ROW: BY URMILA RAU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>LIFE AND TIMES OF STATESMAN, ADMINISTRATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE: DIWAN SIR THANJAVUR MADHAVA ROW: URMILA RAU LAL: BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN: PAGES: 190: PRICE RS 365/-<br />
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The octogenarian author is the great great granddaughter of Sir T Madhava Row (1828-1891). A medical biologist by profession, Urmila Rau Lal has extensively worked in the field of scientific research in prestigious institutes in India and abroad and has won many fellowships in her field of parasitology and medical entomology. She takes active interest in the Senior Citizens’ movement in Pune and has been working at various fora to provide special conveniences for the older as well as differently abled people in the country. Inspired by her late father Captain Ramchandar Lakshman Rau (Retd.) to write a biography on an extraordinary ancestor, she fulfilled her father’s wish by writing this biography for which he had painstakingly gathered a lot of information. It is but natural that she has dedicated her work of love to her parents.<br />
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Sir T Madhava Row was born in a Thanjavur Marathi family of Kumbakonam in 1828 and was educated at Madras. He became Dewan of the erstwhile Travancore state at the young age of 30 which position he held for 14 years. During this period he worked wonders and transformed the State into a vibrant and model state. Anarchy was rampant and the Treasury was empty when he took over. Despite his young age, he took the challenges that he faced head-on. He had a grand vision for the State. He established a large number of prestigious institutions that today adorn the landscape of Thiruvananthapuram. He brought about good governance. Be it in strengthening the Public Works Department (PWD), starting of a telegraphic office and the postal department for the convenience of the general public, formalizing the Education Department with the appointment of a Director. He worked towards increasing the literacy and educational levels. Schools were modernized. He achieved in establishing a school in each of the 30 districts. He ordered that English books be translated into Malayalam. A teacher’s training school was started and a new Law School was set up. Jobs were created for the passing out candidates from the law school. Girl’s education was given special attention. Medical aid, vaccination and public health received special attention. “To provide every subject within a couple of hours of journey, the advantage of a doctor, a school master, a judge, a magistrate, a registering officer and a postmaster” was his burning ambition which he achieved in good measure. He gave great importance to improving the infrastructure. Roads, bridges, canals and tunnels were built, forests were reclaimed, and new industries like coffee cultivation were encouraged. For a State which was running on borrowed funds and had large arrears of salaries to its staff, within 5 years he declared that Travancore had no public debt. When he left the Travancore State had a reserve fund of Rs 40 lakhs which was a huge amount in 1872. He turned Travancore into a model state. In all the steps that he took, he received excellent support from the Royal family. Sir T Madhava Row’s exceptional administrative qualities were even praised by Mahatma Gandhi. The British Liberal statesman Henry Fawcett called him “the Turgot of India” (French statesman, financier and economist)<br />
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From Travancore he moved on to Indore (1873-1875) and from thereon to Baroda (1875-1882). In both these states as Diwan he carried out his “development model” and introduced major administrative, police and judicial reforms. He campaigned for the cause of women’s education and attacked child marriage. The author has given numerous examples of his intellectual brilliance, decision making capabilities, his art of maintaining a fine balance between the Maharaja and the British by using his mastery of the English language and his capacity to convince the British on the King’s viewpoints on many ticklish issues. This raised his respectability in front of their eyes. Sir T Madhava Row was a man of head and heart. He was popular with the masses for his honesty and integrity and for cleansing the States of all forms of corruption and undesirable elements. His Western style education was largely instrumental for his modern ideas. He left behind an indelible impression in the minds and hearts of people he came across. In addition to his many achievements, Sir T Madhava Row also had several other feathers in his cap. His fondness for music resulted in the formation of a Gayan Samaj in Poona. He had earlier actively participated in the formation of a similar branch in Madras 1883. He maintained a very cordial relationship with Christian leaders and educationists.<br />
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We owe a sense of gratitude for this biography to the author for having taken immense pains and for her interactions with various generations of families who had known Sir T Madhava Row and to give the readers a full-blown account of the outstanding qualities of this remarkable administrator and reformer. The book is interesting from the perspective of Kerala’s history and the turnaround achieved in the State in all areas of human activity. Development with good governance were the hallmarks during Sir T Madhava Row’s tenure which he accomplished with his extraordinary language skills, administrative abilities, an empathetic attitude and a high degree of personal integrity, dedication and commitment for the development of the State and a sense of fair play.<br />
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There are many anecdotes and nuggets of information in the book which make it very readable. In Appendix V of the book, Sir T Madhava Row’s ‘Rules for the Ruler’ (twenty five of them) which he prepared after the death of Maharaja Visakham Tirunal, are given which are as relevant today as it was then. This book is a recommended read for the nation’s youth and all who join the administrative service. A series of his lectures addressed to the young King of the state of Baroda in the form of a publication called “Minor Hints” is a reference manual even today to the State Government. His phenomenal achievement as Diwan of the three States he worked for in his illustrious career is an object lesson for the younger generation and in particular for all our budding IAS officers.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-3067519517803729032017-12-09T02:39:00.002-08:002017-12-09T02:39:55.722-08:00BOOK REVIEW: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SPICES AND HERBS: BY PADMA LAKSHMI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SPICES & HERBS : AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE FLAVOURS OF THE WORLD: PADMA LAKSHMI:<br />
HARPER COLLINS: PAGES 352: PRICE: RS 1750/-<br />
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Padma Lakshmi is a famous television host and a successful cookbook author. She is also a well-known fashion model and jewelry designer. She runs a Nonprofit organization for women affected by endometriosis which she founded along with her doctor and savior, Dr. Tamer Seckin in 2009.The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) is dedicated to combating endometriosis through advocacy, focussed research, education, and increasing awareness.<br />
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The experience of having travelled across the globe from a young age which added to her passion for cross -cultural food makes her a winner for every book that she writes on cooking. Her earlier book was also on the New York Times Best Seller list. Her reality show Top Chef running for fourteen seasons bagged the Emmys award in 2016 where it was nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Programme. This is the multi-hyphenate talent Padma Lakshmi’s fourth book.<br />
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Padma writes that from early childhood she was fascinated with spices and herbs. Growing up with her grandparents in Kerala, she spent considerable time in the family kitchen watching her grandmother use the locally available spices to delirious effect. Thus the seed of interest in the wonderful flavours of different spices and herbs got planted in her formative years which now is in full bloom as a well grown plant and offering to the readers of her illuminating books access to a wide knowledge of this subject literally from A to Z. This reference book does exactly that. It is an alphabetic compendium of magical ingredients like salts, peppers and of course spices and herbs both familiar as well as obscure which come together from all over the world. She provides the correct botanical name of each ingredient with an in-depth and informative description which makes it comprehensive and scientific. She also provides medical information on how some of the spices can give relief from attacks of asthma, urinary tract infection, etc. Such a diverse range of spices adds the extra attraction to the book. The book has very richly coloured pictures that give the reader a good look, smell and feel for the fascinating flavours that eventually emanate in the end product which is both healthy and delicious. The book has no recipes. But it has suggestions as to how the best dishes can be prepared with an intelligent use of the most unbelievable and exotic seeds and chillies. Her fond attachment to Kalustyan’s, a gourmet food store in New York City, is because of the early exposure that she received in global cuisine. Running around the shop as a young girl, she picked up the aroma and flavor of spices and herbs stocked up from all over the world in this iconic store. Be it South Indian sambhar powder or the mid-east Sumac or Szechuan peppercorns the book has all of them. An interesting fact that the author points out is that are so many similar cuisines throughout the world.<br />
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A well-researched and beautiful encyclopedia, co-authored with Judith Sutton also a cookbook author and cookbook consultant, it is a welcome addition to a plethora of books on this genre. Though the book aims at a select audience, it would be of great value to the large libraries the world over. Padma writes lucidly and in a simple and attractive and endearing manner drawing the readers’ attention and keeping it focused without dithering or drifting from the subject. The author does not limit herself to the title of the book. She provides information of the various accoutrements like vinegars, oils, etc which amplify the taste of the food and as well as on toasting spices and preparing tea. Of course, one does not read the boo in one go because it is used for reference. But then the presentation and the information grips the attention of the reader who gets encouraged to read more and more. It is a must read for all cooking buffs as well as well established Chefs. It will help the newcomers from cooking mundane stuff to a high level of eclectic food. It gives them a panoramic and exciting tour of this whole class of plant kingdom which benefits them as a resource and gives them all the pleasures of an exciting adventure which starts from ‘advieh’ and ends in ‘zedoary’.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-3407592343038605122017-12-09T01:50:00.001-08:002017-12-09T01:50:17.545-08:00BOOK REVIEW: THE MIND OF GOD: BY DR JAY LOMBARD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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THE MIND OF GOD: NEUROSCIENCE, FAITH, AND A SEARCH FOR THE SOUL: DR JAY LOMBARD: HARMONY BOOKS: PAGES: 197: PRICE: RS 1600/-<br />
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I just completed reading an extraordinary book written by Dr. Jay Lombard, a renowned and internationally acclaimed neurologist. I immediately decided to share my review of the book with readers of Dignity Dialogue. Dr. Lombard is the co-founder and developer of Genomind, a personalized medicine company for brain health which utilizes genetic testing to improve neuropsychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Autism, and Depression. Dr. Lombard’s discoveries have been regarded by key opinion leaders as fundamentally shifting the paradigm of psychiatric medicine. He is considered by those who know him intimately as “part Freud, part Sherlock Holmes.” He served as Chief of Neurology at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York, and currently is in clinical practice in Manhattan. He has appeared as a guest on many TV programmes including Larry King Live and CBS News. He is well known for his compassion and commitment to his patients and has received multiple honours as a top neurologist in New York.<br />
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For me it was a great journey into the far depths of the mind and to experience how Dr. Lombard has tried to reconcile the doubts and beliefs that lie at the interface of religion/faith and science. He has addressed this subject in a very compelling and convincing manner. Science is science and Faith is faith and the twain shall never meet. Is that true? Or can both meet on a common ground when the physical and the metaphysical come very close to the answer to the question- Is there truly a God?<br />
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Contrary to the belief held by many neurologists, Dr. Lombard does not believe in the incompatibility and irreconcilability of science and faith. Instead, he views his extensive medical background as a gateway through which he is able to access human minds and understand and appreciate its complexity. While on this mission, Dr. Lombard has discovered in his own words “many secrets about the nature of human beings, the universe, the purpose of our lives and the possible existence of something beyond all of this”. As a firm believer in science and quantifiable data, he shows a very sharp and insightful perspective by trying to use science as a platform to discover hitherto unacceptable or unknown aspects of metaphysics and how both can answer the following questions:<br />
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* Does God exist?<br />
* Do human beings have souls?<br />
* Are human any different from other animals?<br />
* Do we have free will or is life predetermined for us?<br />
* Is there a meaning for life, and is there a higher purpose to human existence?<br />
* Is there life after death?<br />
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The author uses remarkable case studies from his own extensive neurology practice to prove the dominant role that faith plays in sustaining life. Neuroscience helps us to learn how our brains interpret reality and how this could result in more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Though most neuroscientists insist that beyond the flesh there is no physical evidence of existence and that the concept of a soul is nothing but an illusion, Dr. Lombard begs to differ. There are gaps in conventional scientific thinking referred to as the “hard problem of consciousness” which refers to the grey zone between “tangible senses and the supra-sensory experience we have of them.” Consciousness is a gift which enables human beings to inquire about the meaning of existence, says Dr. Lombard. There is hidden deep inside us a ‘deeper, intrinsic and fascinating reality”. Call it mind, soul or energy it is irreducibly complex and basic to our existence. Dr. Lombard argues that with science, faith and reasoning we can surely see something beyond and what we see will be extraordinary. We have to understand how the biological and transcendental can complement each other positively and strike a balance as we need both not either/or.<br />
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The purpose of this book is to enable us to first understand the brain (not mind) in a better manner. That leads us to a better understanding of the mind. Through this mind if we start probing the Mind of God, we can discover a mind that is helpful and “constantly embracing and ultimately creates and doesn’t destroy”. With such a thinking process without inhibitions, one can positively and radically change one’s life. All the questions raised above can be answered by using the brain and the mind as tools. They equip us to know the meaning and purpose of life and probably “the wizard behind the curtain.”<br />
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With several case studies as examples Dr. Lombard admirably conveys his thinking that through our beliefs and actions we manifest God’s otherwise unknowable reality. We are all divine sparks of “not merely a piece of the entire existence, but in a certain sense the whole.” Our existence is because of God and He exists in tangible ways through us. Our faith can be seen in our deeds, our love and our caring for each other. Our understanding of God is not to promote separation or fighting among ourselves. He has knit us all together in love.<br />
And it is in this love that we become immortal.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-12402714809829805412017-12-09T01:41:00.001-08:002017-12-09T01:42:10.265-08:00BOOK REVIEW OF "I DO WHAT I DO"- RAGHURAM G RAJAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJpgSCiIMfnIF00NvnfhR149UIceFoB09xBB-fofgNcVL-IlqnpO-A1IjoteHnSx0s-Ijp6HbNJhid2p2VxScKYA1Pdf4RaaLyEAkjmyvQoUplPKpnJoO_7ht3hsI8ioWrsPWCw/s1600/IMG_7543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJpgSCiIMfnIF00NvnfhR149UIceFoB09xBB-fofgNcVL-IlqnpO-A1IjoteHnSx0s-Ijp6HbNJhid2p2VxScKYA1Pdf4RaaLyEAkjmyvQoUplPKpnJoO_7ht3hsI8ioWrsPWCw/s320/IMG_7543.jpg" width="240" /></a>“I DO WHAT I DO”: RAGHURAM G RAJAN: HARPER BUSINESS: PAGES 323: PRICE: RS 699.<br />
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“I was asked if I was a dove like [Janet] Yellen or a Hawk like [Paul] Volker. I was getting a little tired of these bird analogies as well as being compared with all these other people. And so I started off laughingly, James Bondish: My name is Raghuram Rajan and I do what I do.”<br />
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Just a year after his term as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India came to an end, Raghuram Rajan’s book “I do what I do” which is a collection of his talks, lectures, and commentaries conveying what it was like to be as the head of the central bank was published. He confirmed during his tenure his reputation of a first class economist and banker and one who articulated his views both in private and public in a bold and convincing manner during his short stint as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.<br />
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The Indian economy was in dire straits when he arrived on the scene. The rupee was in free fall, inflation was high and mounting. The current account deficit had shot up and importantly India’s foreign exchange reserves were frightfully falling. Many attempts to reign in an economy in serious trouble had failed. And more problems were in store. A full-blown crisis was expected by keen market watchers. Suddenly, a strong economy had become one of the world’s five fragile economies.<br />
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Stepped in Raghuram Rajan. He immediately went all out to bring the confidence back into the market. Besides very successful short term actions, he outlined a long term plan for growth and stability. He emphasized the strength of India’s financial institutions and exhibited his mastery over the problems to take the reforms already instituted successfully forward. Whether it was unemployment, inflation or bad loans he took all of them head on.<br />
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NPAs (Non performing Assets) and bad loans had become a major issue. Raghuram Rajan showed exemplary clarity in dealing with the ‘bad-loans’ problem. He emphasised the importance of “early recognition of distress and fair treatment of lenders and borrowers.” In his opinion Central Bank’s policy must be tuned to “help those with difficulty while being firm with those trying to milk the system.” In this process, he dwells on the relationship with the bureaucracy and its attempts to clip RBI’s wings. He warned against reckless lending and he launched during the end of his tenure in September 2016, the Asset Quality Review in order to compel banks to square their books of accounts. He was unfairly criticized for a slowing of credit from the public sector banks leading to a slowing down of the economy.<br />
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Controlling inflation is paramount to him. If not correctly controlled, it could lead to hyperinflation when money becomes worthless. And that was one of his first focus areas. Raghuram Rajan understands the theory and practice of this subject extremely well. He has devoted a full section titled “Hawks, Doves, or Owls” explaining how inflation has to be fought. He set inflation targets. He explains the role of food prices in causing inflation and other possible causes like minimum support price, MGNREGA, rural liquidity and credit, shift of the labour force from agriculture to construction and other areas. Monetary policy is an important tool to limit the rise in wages particularly in urban areas, says Raghuram Rajan. There is no doubt that he was successful in containing inflation during his period. “The key point to note is that a central bank serves the economy well and the cause of growth best by keeping inflation low and stable around the target set by the Government. It is a fallacy to assume that by dramatic interest rate cuts the central bank could generate sustained economic growth. RBI keeps both reasonable growth and inflation in focus and maintains the balance.”<br />
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Financial inclusion is one of Raghuram Rajan’s pet subjects. It needs a revolution. With over 900 million mobile phones, there is a huge opportunity for mobile banking. And technology with its capacity to reduce transaction costs can greatly help in large volume low-ticket transaction which is at the centre of financial inclusion..“ Despite the high return from the delivery of credit to the poor, and despite much of our financial inclusion efforts focused on credit, we still reach too few of the target population. So there is much more to be achieved”.<br />
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There are many other topics of interest which Raghuram Rajan has covered in this book. How distress in the banking system can be resolved, how international issues could impact our economy and the last global financial crisis which he had predicted.<br />
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One strength of Raghuram Rajan that comes out in the book is his human relations. He was extremely supportive of the people who worked for him. He had great regard for all the employees of RBI and constantly motivated them to perform better. The love and regards that they reciprocated were demonstrated when he bid farewell to them.<br />
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All in all, it is book worth reading. He was neither a cheer-leader nor an unconstrained critic of the Government. He expresses his responsibilities and special concern for the country’s youth. “Of course, my past experience as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund, where my job was to identify macroeconomic risks across a variety of countries, gave me a unique cross-country perspective, and heightened my sense of responsibility. I also felt this responsibility from a different source. Because of the relentless press attention, I realized that many young people who were looking for a role model now saw the Governor of the Reserve Bank as one they wanted to learn from and imitate. I felt I had to display the highest professional integrity, over and above the obviously necessary personal integrity, if I were to discharge my responsibility to these youth.”<br />
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His speeches and commentaries show his mastery over the subject and he makes them understandable to the audience. No graphs or charts. There is not much of economic jargon or sermonizing. It is clear, lucid, refreshing, frank and bold. One gets an overview of our economy, the challenges ahead and how it should be tackled by the Central Bank in conjunction with the Government.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-39542242549299317852017-08-24T00:22:00.000-07:002017-08-24T00:22:14.394-07:00CULINARY AFRICAN KING BECOMES A NATIONAL OBSESSION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Jollof rice is an unique African delicacy relished at every important event literally from the cradle to the grave. It is craved by all Africans young and old alike. 22nd of August is World Jollof Rice Day.<br />
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The name Jollof owes its origin to the Wolof tribe who live in Gambia and Senegal. Though originally Jollof rice started as a fish-based recipe, the chicken garnished Jollof rice has gained greater popularity. Both enjoy unparalled adulation throughout the African continent. I was surprised to know that plain seasonal vegetables are used to make a stew and mixed with basmati rice and tomato sauce to prepare a vegetarian Jollof rice.<br />
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Jollof rice is normally avoided in the mornings. It is taken at dinner time. Tomato sauce dominates the various spices and herbs that are added to give it a special flavour and it gives this popular dish its distinctive redness. Even palm oil and tea bush leaves are added to give Jollof rice a very special aroma.<br />
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I decided to have this dish prepared at home and asked my cook whether she was ready to experiment with a new dish. She happily agreed and what you see in the picture below is the result of my encouragement and her efforts.<br />
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Needless to say that I enjoyed eating Jollof thoroughly and it was then that I realised why this culinary king has become a national obsession in Africa.</div>
gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-54965464627709629682016-02-19T01:55:00.001-08:002016-02-19T01:55:11.867-08:00BOOK REVIEW OF "SHAKEN & STIRRED" BY VILAS KHANNA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
SHAKEN & STIRRED: VIKAS KHANNA: DK (PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE): PAGES 223 : RS 899/-<br />
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Chef Vikas Khanna’s latest book, “Shaken and Stirred” promises to “refresh, soothe, revive and energise”. It delivers on its promise. “Unlike the rest of the world, India has a lot of non-spirited drinks. We all have vivid memories of our comfort drinks. For me, it was warm milk, scented with cardamom, sometimes garnished with almond slivers,” says Khanna.<br />
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Vikas Khanna is an award-winning, Michelin starred Indian chef, restaurateur, food writer, filmmaker, humanitarian and the host of the very successful TV show MasterChef India. He was also the host of another well-received television programme – Twist of Taste – on Fox Traveller. Vikas Khanna is based in New York City.<br />
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“Shaken & Stirred” is a dazzling collection of non-alcoholic drinks, including some timeless classics and exciting modern recipes with a smorgasboard of delectable options. These drinks do not take much time to make and yet taste so good. These versatile recipes allows one to play with one’s imagination and create drinks for any occasion, while keeping the pure flavour and wholesome goodness of the ingredients intact.The book gives a methodical and step-by-step recipes for creative drinks for different times and occasions. Easy to put together, these recipes clearly indicate the time taken, number of persons who can be served and also special equipment required, if any. The recipes are original and innovative. They use uncommon fruits and vegetables as well and have a variety of ingredients that make the concoctions truly titillating. The book has separate information on ingredients used and techniques and equipment required. It is a visually appealing book with excellent photographs accompanying each of the 101 recipes selected from the author’s huge repertoire. It also packs loads of information on making the drinks which have interesting flavours. For example, star anise has been used in mint iced tea. Sandalwood and basil seeds have been infused with lime juice and pomegranate juice and mixed with jaggery and coriander sherbet. Vikas Khanna has even used the recipes of roadside vendors selling ‘Jal Jeera’ and ‘Nimboo Pani’ for creating new flavours in his book. It is always relaxing to create magic in one’s kitchen or bar and also on one’s palate. The drinks are not very heavy on the purse. Its effects are verily uplifting and ideal for the Indian summer.<br />
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Besides an interesting introduction, the book has 10 categories of recipes in ten chapters with meaningful names such as Refresh, On the go, Soothe, Revive, Savour, Chill, Restrain,Trick and Treat, Inspire and Raise a Toast. There is a chapter on techniques and equipment and an index on recipes.<br />
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“One of the most important aspects of anything we eat or drink is pleasure. We are bombarded with scents and flavours every day. These experiences can be stored with surprising vividness for a very long time. We all have childhood memories of our ultimate comfort drinks. Some kids wake up to the smell of coffee and for some it’s a fruity, juicy morning. For me it was warm milk scented with cardamom, sometimes garnished with almond slivers. I spent most of my childhood experiencing flavours and tastes of foods and drinks from around India. The nostalgia of perfumed cardamom chai in a clay pot, steaming my nostrils, and the kokum-flavoured coconut milk served before a lavish spread of south Indian delicacies still lingers on. I learnt how to combine the woody flavour of cumin with the liquorice taste of star anise or cool mint with lemony coriander. I remember creating a thick jam in Kashmir, using the sweet-tart flavours of cherries and combining them with the slightly liquorice flavour of fennel seeds.<br />
Inspired, I embarked on a quest to collect and catalogue as many flavours and scents from foreign cultures as possible. This collection of drinks is a fruition of all those experiences and insights”, says Vikas Khanna. The above sums up the author’s passion behind the book. He is truly an authority on eclectic cuisine and non-alcololic drinks and an epicurean’s delight.<br />
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Vikas Khanna has risen from humble beginnings. He used to sell ‘chholey-bhature’ and ‘paneer pakodas’ in the streets of Amritsar. When he was a seven-year-old, his grandmother used to take him to the Golden Temple to make breads. Then in 1990 at the age of 19, he started his own eatery with just Rs.8000 which his mother and he earned by selling sweaters in a school. With that money he bought 24 chairs, 23 plates, two small frying pans and one tandoor. He always dreamt of opening one of the biggest restaurants in the world. He fulfilled his dream when he set up his restaurant in New York called ‘Junoon’.<br />
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There are some unknown aspects of the author’s personality. He is a great lover of poetry. He reveres the famous Urdu poet Ghalib. and calls himself a great fan of Ghalib Saheb. He even recites Ghalib’s kalam.There is yet more to Vikas Khanna than Ghalib and international food and non-spirit drinks. He is a very down to earth man and has extraordinary knowledge on Indian spices .<br />
Vikas Khanna has also authored a book titled Utsav. It is a 1200-page tome. It is priced at a staggering Rs eight lakhs. “This is going to be one of the world’s most expensive books. It’s an exclusive book. I just want the world to know that Indian food matters and Indian cuisine is the mother of all cuisines.” He is also planning a book on 100 varieties of rice available across the world.<br />
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Allow me to let you all into a few secrets. I have decided to 1) give my grandaughters a terrific surprise when they come home next with ‘Cindrella’s Chocolate’, 2) to my daughter, a foodie, ‘Sandalwood and Basil Seeds on the Rocks’, 3) to my wife, a great lover of dogs, ‘Cherry,Cherry Everywhere’ (Cherry is our pet dog’s name) and to my son-in-law a great connoisseur of drinks, ‘Goji Berry Shakeratto’. I will treat myself with ‘God’s Own Drink’. To whom should I gift a copy of this book? It is a no-brainer .To my son-in-law of course. In addition to his Stanford MBA and a fabulous job in Mumbai, he is a qualified bartender from the State of California. I will now be assured of my favourite non-alcoholic drinks when I visit him and his family. All of you too will drool over the eye-catching names and go bonkers over the drinks.<br />
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‘Three Cheers’ to Vikas Khanna for a wonderful book containing an incredible collection of recipes and pictures. One is reminded of one of the verses in Omar Khayam’s ‘Rubaiyat’ translated into English by Fitzerald: “Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough, a Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse and Thou beside me singing in the Wilderness - And Wilderness is Paradise enow.”<br />
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Shake it or Stir it, you will love it anyways.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-23597096706424936022015-11-01T05:07:00.000-08:002015-11-01T05:10:19.938-08:00SOCIETY OR SELF: WHICH SHOULD WE CARE FOR MORE- A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black';">SOCIETY OR SELF: WHICH SHOULD WE CARE FOR MORE ? : A R CHANDRASEKAR:
SAPNA INK: PAGES : 259 : PRICE : RS 250/-</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Benevolence is an
act of kindness or a desire to be kind. It's the quality of someone who
volunteers in a freemeals service centre, teaches children for free and helps
senior citzens cross the street. Nearer home, helping your grandmother with her
provisions for the kitchen is an act of benevolence — as long as it is ‘gratis’.
Giving your little brother or sister the last helping of an ice cream cone or bar
of chocolate shows benevolence. Benevolence is any kind act, but it can also
describe the inclination to do good things. If you think of yourself only, it
is unlikely that you will be benevolent. But if you can change that attitude
and think of doing good to others besides yourself you are a benevolent person.
You must also have a social conscience. You can then help towards transforming
your society, your nation and the world at large. This is what the author
conveys in this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The author Sri A R
Chandrasekar raises a very critical question through the title of this unique
and remarkable book. And answers the question he raises in its 259 pages. He
highlights the importance of doing good to others and at the same time of
taking care of one’s self. The two have to go hand in hand for the benevolence
movement to be sustainable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">We cannot have islands
of prosperity for long when the majority of the world population is poor.
Maximum wealth is concentrated in the hands of 10% of the worlds’s population.
More than 3 billion people live around poverty line conditions.We see that the
rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The excess money flow
to the rich has to be restricted. How long can this societal imbalance
continue? Surely, not for long. Strife, disputes, rebellions, wars are all
fought for dominance of one group over another. The rich consume
disproportionate percentage of natural resources in comparison to the poor.
Like individuals, this applies to nations as well. Natural resources are
depleting and a time will come when the natural resources will get completely exhausted.
We have to arrest this situation and make our society, our nation and the world
at large a safe and happy place to live in. Selfishness, greed, etc must be
replaced by kindness, caring, sharing, and love. Current societies must change
from being consumption-driven to care and love-driven. The young and the old who
are both vulnerable sections of societies must be protected and made to live
happily. The young have to be nurtured with the right thoughts and the old
insulated from disease, loneliness and deprivation. People must live connected
and care for one another. The author is 79 years old but his age has not
diminished his passion to correct this societal imbalance. He formed a Trust <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in 2012 to covert his passion into a mission.
Thus was born the ‘Mission Benevolence’ at Bengaluru.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The book has ten
chapters. After describing the idea behind writing the book in the first
chapter, in the next six chapters (pages 15 to 104), which is almost half the
book, the author dwells on what benevolence means, why we should make it our
choice, the need to create and develop benevolent people and societies around
us, how emotions can be handled benevolently and the idea of benevolence in
love, marriage and family life. The last three chapters are devoted to the idea
of personal wealth, income inequalities, the need for generating social
consciousness required for benevolence and volunteering and what needs to be
done to correct the income imbalance and inequality and eliminate the
destruction of scarce natural resources and improve sustainability of the
planet earth for future generations. We need good governance and it requires
continuous monitoring by the people as well says the author. Further, </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">India has an unrivalled youth demographic: <b>65%</b> of its
population is 35 or under, and half the country's population of 1.25 billion
people is under 25 years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The youth of the
country must be developed to ensure well-being and prosperity of our country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">While reading this
book, I was reminded of a similar movement called TZM (The Zeitgeist Movement)
which was founded in 2008. According to the founders of this movement,the evils
of modern society have come about because of disproportionate accumulation of
resources in the rich countries and the financial enslavement of the poorer
countires which remain deeply in debt. It gives a clarion call to come out of
these shackles and build a sustainable world of goodwill,trust,love and caring
with due repect to nature and the environment. The Zeitgeist Movement has no
allegiance to any country or traditional political platforms. It views the
world as a single system and the human species as a single family (vasudhaiva
kutumbakam). It recognizes that all countries must disarm and learn to share
resources and ideas if we expect to survive in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The book is very
readable and written in a cogent style. The author gives many a illustrations
for building benevolent people and societies, developing social
consciousness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and improving
sustainability. The youth in particular will greatly benefit by reading this
book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-81876820231259322312015-09-17T23:30:00.003-07:002015-09-17T23:30:56.989-07:00GERONTOLOGY PRACTICE IN DAILY LIFE BY M G ATHAVALE - A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Avenir Black';">GERONTOLOGY
PRACTICE IN DAILY LIFE : Lt Col. (RETD) M.G.ATHAVALE : PUBLISHER : MRS SUMATI
ATHAVALE: PAGES 232 : RS 250/-</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Lt Col. Athavale served the Indian Army for
34 years before he took up a second innings after retirement. He decided to
study the science of ageing and put the knowledge that he gained into practice
for the benefit of all senior citizens. For more than two decades, he has been
working for the cause of the elderly. He is a member of many associations
connected with Ageing and the welfare of senior citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Elderly people in India as elsewhere in the
world face complex health issues and financial problems besides familial pressures,
loneliness and physical and emotional abuse. In our country, there is a large
rural population of senior citizens both men and women for whom many of the
benefits and conveniences available to the urban population are sadly missing. Importantly,
access to emergency health services and opportunities for second career are not
available to them thus compounding their problems which makes them financially
and emotionally very vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The author is of the view that the age
range between 60 and 80 is the golden period of a person’s life. The author’s
interactions with this age group in his hometown Pune and his study of gerontology
and the many research studies conducted by him have convinced him that the
sunset years need not necessarily be gloomy and traumatic. This is the message
he has been trying to spread to the increasing number of senior citizens in his
hometown and elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The book has two parts. The first part
explains the meaning of Gerontology (Study of old people). It </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">is the study of the social, psychological,
cognitive, and biological aspects of aging. </span><span lang="EN-US">This
subject has not yet got the prominence it deserves in the field of education
and in medical care. Research on Gerontology which is significant in developed
Western countries is minimal in India where the demography is rapidly changing
with an expected senior citizens’ population of 320 million by 2047 from about
100 million currently. In this section, the author writes on some of the
research done locally on gerontology, the status of senior citizens of India
with respect to other developed countries and the role of senior citizens in
society. He espouses the need for a strong Senior Citizens’ movement to bring
about rapid changes in legislation and Government policy leading to betterment
in the life of the elderly and an Action Plan on Ageing in line with our age-old
culture. The elderly, says the author, are valuable human resources and their
strengths and experiences must be leveraged effectively for common good. The
author gives many examples of how most people are unprepared to face the sunset
period and that by proper long term planning, attention to finances,
maintaining good health, remaining socially active and pursuing studies on new
subjects and doing social work, a phenomenal change can be brought about in
one’s life which is bound to make the post-retirement period productive,
successful and satisfying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The second part of the book is about
converting gerontological knowledge into daily life usage consistent with our
lifestyle, ethos and culture. Long term planning encompasses health planning (physical
and mental health), emotional, spiritual and social health, financial planning,
choosing the location where one wishes to retire, and importantly covering oneself
with medical insurance. The author has given practical suggestions for
effectively handling security issues, loneliness and elderly abuse. There is a
full chapter devoted to “Wills” and the concept of the “living will” and
another on “Day Care Facility”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Geriatrics which </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">focuses on health care of elderly people and aims
to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older
adults seems to be getting more attention than gerontology. While gerontology
is a social issue, geriatrics has commercial overtones. Both are vital for productive
and successful ageing and deserve equal importance and consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The book has an
attractive cover page and may members of the author’s family have contributed
to the overall excellence of the book.</span><span lang="EN-US"> The author has
provided a great deal of statistics on the elderly population and the
demographic changes that are taking place. This would be of particular interest
to students of gerontology and those who are doing research on this subject. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though
the book will have a niche audience as it addresses the problems of a particular
age group, it should be of equal if not more appeal to those who are in the
threshold of retirement and those who want to be part of a Senior Citizens
movement. Policymakers at the Centre and State levels would also benefit from
reading this book and they will hopefully initiate policies for the betterment
of senior citizens who are an ignored set of people today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">The red lights are
flashing and the alarmbells are ringing. The author highlights the plight of
the elderly with facts and figures and draws attention to the powers that may
be to take the warning seriously. Those policymakers who ignore the writing on
the wall will make the country pay heavily in the years to come with unpreparedness
for facing a mammoth demographic challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-42475416194927986242015-09-17T21:38:00.001-07:002015-09-17T21:48:37.257-07:00ECSTATIC EVENING AT NCPA - NEO BHARATAM DANCE BY ANITA RATNAM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US">Anita Ratnam is a renowned dancer and
choreographer. Since her Arangetram at an early age, she has been giving
Bharatanatyam performances for more than four decades now. She is also well
adept in Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniaatam, Taichi and Kalaripaayattu dance
forms. Trained at a young age by Guru Adyar K Lakshman , she<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spent many years at Rukmini Devi’s
Kalakshetra and has over the years evolved into a complete dancer. Born and
brought up in a Sri Vaishnavite family, she is steeped in the religious culture
and ethos of Sri Sampradaya. She can chant Sanskrit sholkas fluently as well as
recite paasurams from the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (4000 sacred verses
composed by the 12 Ahzwaars and by Thiruvaragathuamudanaar- a devotee of Sri
Raamanujaa), who propounded the Vedanta philosophy of Vishishtaadvaita and its
related theology, Sri Vaishnavism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Though trained in the classical
Bharatanaatyam style, Anita has constantly innovated this dance form and has
adapted it to evolve an unique and distinct dance style of her own which she
refers to as Neo Bharatam (Bharatanatyam was earlier referred to as Bharatam).
On this platform, Anita has made this dance form new, invigorating, modern and
very contemporary. On 3<sup>rd</sup> September, she gave a scintillating
performance of a deeply spiritual extravaganza titled “Neelam- Drowning in
Bliss”, at the Experimental Theatre, NCPA. It was, as I learnt later, her 50<sup>th</sup>
performance of this dance-drama.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The programme started with an introduction
of Anita Ratnam and the theme of the solo dance-show by poet Arundhati
Subramaniam. She traced back to the Bhakthi movement in South India during the
period between the 6<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> centuries, when twelve
saint-poets called Aazhwaars ( immersed in God) devoted to Lord Vishnu or
Tirumaal, the dark one, sang psalms in His praise. Almost during the same
period, there were 64 saint-poets called Naayanmaars who sang in praise of Lord
Shiva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their outpourings are among the
earliest devotional hymns in any Indian language. Arundhati Subramaniam aptly
quoted one of the verses of Nammaazhwaar (our aazhwaar)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from the English translation of selected
verses by poet A. K . Ramanujan. The title of the dance show ‘Drowning in
Bliss’ plays on the meanings of such an immersion or diving deep in the love of
God . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During her formative years, Anita Ratnam
had visited many Vaishnavite temples. The architectural beauty of these temples
left her in awe and amazement. The distinct tall pillars supporting the hundred
pillars and thousand pillar Mandapams and the seemingly never ending corridors
where peace and serenity reigned, left a deep impression on her psyche. The
quiet chanting of the Vedas and the Divyaprabandham in the background provided
her with an ambience of sublime spirituality. She developed a great fascination
for Aandaal (one of the twelve Vaishnavite saints and the only woman saint).
Aandaal had unparalleled love for the Lord and completely surrendered to him.
She exhorted all to do the same and secure their places in Vaikunta. The
essence of Vishishtaadvaita philosophy is unconditional surrender (Prapatti) to
Lord Vishnu. All individual souls are feminine and are totally dependent on
Lord Vishnu, the supreme Soul and Paramapurusha. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The dance performance started with the
chanting of the Sri Vaishnavite moolamantra- ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’, followed by
the first verse of ‘ Sri Venkatesha Suprabhaatam”- the early morning awakening
of Lord Srinivaasa at Tirupathi and Periaazhwaar’s (Aandal’s foster father)
benediction to the Lord- “Pallandu Pallandu………” (may you live for thousands of
aeons). There were four sections to the show. The first part had the procession
of Lord Vishnu at Thirukkurungudi. In the second part, the subject was Aandaal
where she expresses her envy for Paanchajanya, the conch of Lord Krishna which
enjoys absolute proximity to the Lord which Aandal is yearning for. She wants
to know how her beloved Lord’s lips taste and she repeatedly asks the conch
“Karpooram naarumo, kamalappoo naarumo,(how does it smell, like camphor or like
the lotus flower?), “shol aazhi ven shange” (please answer me you white conch)
. In the third part is the dance where Mahalakshmi arose from the ocean during
the great churning of the ocean in search of Amritam and garlanded Lord Vishnu.
In the last part was the story of Lord Rama in Srirangam. She danced to
Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s composition.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">
She used a ragam-tanam-pallavi format of Dikshitar's 'Rangapura vihara' sung by
Sikkil Gurucharan to visualise Lord Ranganatha through the Ramayana and the
Dasavatara. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Flutist R Raghuraman was perched on the top
of the stage and played so well that he received applause from the audience for
his wonderful brilliance constantly reminding me of the magic of Lord Krishna’s
flute playing skills conveyed in Periaazhwar’s hymns. Arvind Srinivasan’s piano
for the section on Mahalakshmi was absolutely sublime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Anita with her choice of colour for the
costumes was a showstopper. For the first one on Lord Vishnu (Nambi) in a
temple procession in Thirukurungudi she wore a yellow dress, for the second
part as Aaandal she wore a golden costume, for the third part as Mahalakshmi
she wore a shining lotus pink dress and for the last part of Lord Rama she wore
a striking blue dress in consonance with the colour of the ocean (neelam).
Visual design was one of the outstanding features of “Neelam”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">After the dance performance was over, the
audience was invited to talk with Arundhati Subramaniam and Anita Ratnam who
were on stage. It was an enjoyable tete-a-tete after the first few seconds of
stunning silence when everyone was expecting another person to break the ice.
The feeling was not the usual terror of audience participation but one of
warmth and inclusion. Anita articulated her ideas well and with Arundhati’s
imploring questions and comments, she handled them tactfully and gracefully.
The finale was when one person asked Anita what was her idea of bliss. To which
pat came the reply “ After all the rigours of the day, my idea of bliss is to
get back to my hotel room and eat a bowl of curd rice”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The settings of the dance theatre, the
incredible costumes created by visual designer Rex, the lingering melodies of
the flute and the piano and the elegant dances by Anita Ratnam resulted in an
ecstatic and unforgettable evening for the audience. For Anita Ratnam, dance is
a language of faith. The fond memories will linger on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-69118106280516584152015-08-30T00:20:00.001-07:002015-08-30T00:22:47.538-07:00A WORLD WITHIN - BY MEENAKSHI CHAUDHRY- A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
A WORLD WITHIN- A REMARKABLE STORY OF COPING WITH A PARENT'S DEMENTIA:<br />
MINAKSHI CHAUDHRY- HAY HOUSE - PUBLISHERS INDIA- PAGE 241- PRICE RS 250/-<br />
<br />
This is the prolific author’s thirteenth book. Her earlier books are very popular with children. Minakshi Chaudhry is a former journalist who now lives with her husband Rohit Kanwar in Shimla. A cancer survivor, she is the Founder-Trustee of Swarn Educational Welfare and Awareness (SEWA) Trust, a NGO working for the cause of breast cancer awareness and screening which has the laudable objective of reaching every woman in Himachal Pradesh.<br />
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The author has taken a personal diary approach in writing this book. While reading the book, one becomes involved with the characters and the love and affection for each other leaves a deep and lasting impression in one’s mind. The author (Rewa) lives in a close-knit family. They are four siblings strongly attached to each other and to their parents. The author describes how the greatest tragedy in their lives started unfolding on 3rd March 2012. Rewa’s Dadoo (father) could not recognize his wife Asha. It is a pathetic story of an intelligent and self-made man from very humble beginnings with almost nil parental affection who became a mathematics professor, who travelled extensively abroad with his family when he was posted in Nigeria, who was meticulous in his paperwork and record-keeping and who built a fortune for himself and his family by hard work, savings and by making shrewd investment decisions. But then a time came when he started gradually losing memory and from then onwards it was a downhill slide. A very proud man, at the same time modest, caring, friendly, helpful, charitable and a very practical and down to earth person. He didn’t believe in temple going,rituals and spiritual Babas. His religion was service to people which gave him immense happiness. Having lived a clean life with no bad habits and in a happy family environment, the diagnosis of dementia came as a deep shock to all family members. How could this happen to such a person? The author’s loving Dadoo was losing his mind.<br />
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Dementia is an omnibus term for a set of symptoms including impaired thinking and memory. It is often associated with cognitive decline as one ages. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably as many people believe that they are one and the same. In fact, the distinction between the two often causes confusion for the patients, their families and caregivers. However, issues other than Alzheimer’s can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s and dementia are still a mystery in many ways. This is why the two similar diseases are often mixed up in every day conversation and understanding. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities and Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Dementia isn't a disease. It is a group of symptoms that affect mental tasks like memory and reasoning. Dementia can be caused by a variety of conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This is what the author’s father suffered from. AD destroys those affected in a slow and vicious manner. It strips a person of every unit of his/her dignity and self-esteem and that too bit by bit.. The afflicted behave in a manner totally uncharacteristic of themselves. It is a terrible disease which gives a horrific time to the patient and caregivers.<br />
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After introducing the readers to the shock of non-recognition of his wife Asha, the author goes back to January 2010 and from there onwards how it all started and continued till February 2012 when Dadoo had almost lost his mind. He lives but it is a lifeless life. The author’s love and devotion for her father is very deep and touching. Taking care of a dementia patient is a challenging task for the caregiver. There are moments when the patient can turn angry, abusive and violent. Great tact and patience is required. The patients also become repetitive, monotonous, irritating and suspicious. Rewa has experienced all these emotions of her father. Supported by a loving husband who is equally kind and helpful, the author and her husband keep reaching to their doting father and provide admirable support to their mother to enable her to maintain her mental balance and control against such heavy odds.<br />
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4% of India’s population of seniors (above 65) of 100 million people suffer from dementia. That makes it a whopping 40 lakhs. The prognosis is scary. There are no medicines/drugs to stem the rot of the brain. The incessant killing of the brain cells finally reach the lungs and heart. Medical research is trying to find out the cause and develop medicines to arrest dementia and AD. It looks a long way off yet. The only people who can really make a difference will be the near and dear family members who can provide the love, care and affection to their beloved ones. The problem of dementia/AD is not confined to India. It is a world-wide phenomenon and is spreading dangerously.<br />
<br />
Minakshi Choudhry has written a very readable book and has written it in a simple and lucid style. While reading the book, I often shared her emotions and feelings as I too went through somewhat of a similar experience. It is always good to know what needs to be done if AD strikes our elders. We should be careful enough to detect it at an early stage. There are possibilities of some reversal then. However, if it advances, then there is no cure for this devastating disease which is irreversible. The author has created a much need awareness of Dementia and AD through her book. The book is a great and courageous daughter’s account of a loving father’s stolen life. It is anecdotal, informative, and extremely readable. I strongly recommend it to children and parents. They might face the same predicament one day. There are many lessons to be learnt from this first hand and heart rendering account on how to cope with and manage an AD patient. Understanding this disease which can strike anyone beyond 60 and reaching out to them will greatly alleviate their loneliness and suffering.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-33817441424973750402015-08-30T00:04:00.000-07:002015-08-30T00:10:18.228-07:00PANKAJAM'S COOKING FROM THE HEART- A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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PANKAJAM’S : COOKING FROM THE HEART: BHARATHI RAVIPRAKASH: STUDIO THARA : PAGES 145: PRICE : RS 1450/-<br />
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Most grandchildren go gaga over their grandma’s culinary skills and traditional values. Bharathi Raviprakash is no exception. She is absolutely thrilled with her Thathi’s preparatory functions and the delectable food that is served. Cows are given a spanking bath, poojas are performed,food is offered to the Gods and then the finale. Food is served after these must-do chores are completed. And then she and her cousins are in seventh heaven. <br />
<br />
Childhood memories don’t fade away easily. No wonder that the cousins got together to put together a cookbook spilling out the famous and time-tested recipes emanating from Paalakkad, Kerala of their dear octogenarian (93 years) grandmother Pankajam Muthuswamy. There are about a hundred of them. They are classical and yet cater to the needs of the younger generation who want to finish cooking in a jiffy. It is a bonanza of sorts. Not only are they shown the recipes for the daily sambhar, rasam and kootu, they are carried away to a whole new world of sweets like paayasams and kozhakattais,vella aval, mohanthaal and rava laddu. The initiate is taught how to make tamarind water, extracting coconut milk and even the difficult art of making pickles. The book has colourful pictures thus making the instructions appear simple and easily doable.<br />
<br />
Pankjam’s grandchildren have done a great job of faithfully and meticulously reproducing the recipes of their grandmother so very lovingly that it would make any grandmother proud. Pankajam will always remain in the memories of her initiates for the unforgettable knowledge that she has transferred with so much affection and attention to detail. Like the flavor and aroma of her food which linger long, so will her recipes continue to remain embedded in the minds of the readers. Grab this amazing do-it-yourself cookbook and as they say the heart and soul of Paalakkaad will now be in your own kitchen.<br />
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Does the price look steep? Perhaps so, but then if you see it as value for money, I don’t think you would grudge it.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-1839804801347806892015-08-29T23:56:00.001-07:002015-08-29T23:56:59.199-07:00EDTA CHELATION THERAPY - BY BHALCHANDRA V GOKHALE- A BOOK REVIEW <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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EDTA CHELATION THERAPY FOR DEGENERATIVE DISEASES: MULTIFIELDS : BHALCHANDRA V GOKHALE : PAGES 164 : PRICE RS 150/-<br />
<br />
B V GOKHALE is a graduate engineer and a post-graduate from IIT, Mumbai. He showed promise for writing in his youth when he wrote a book in Marathi on the game of chess. He has written many books in Marathi particularly on the subject of computers which are still read by a wide section of Marathi knowing people.<br />
After his first heart attack in 1999, he started a serious study on the subject of Chelation(pronounced as key-LAY-shun) therapy (CT). He suffered another attack in 2006 which was severe. His doctors advised him to go for bypass surgery. He rather chose CT of which he had acquired sufficient knowledge in the interim period between the two heart attacks. A keen learner, he learnt EDTA chelation therapy by himself because those who knew it would not divulge the procedures. He is today recognized as one of the leading proponents in the world of chelation therapy.<br />
<br />
EDTA chelation is a therapy by which repeated infusions of a weak synthetic amino acid- ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (ETDA) slowly reduce atherosclerotic plaque and other mineral deposits throughout the cardiovascular system by dissolving them away. Chelation means “to grab” or “to bind” the toxins like lead, mercury, copper, iron, aluminum etc., and drive them away. Many cardiologists and cardiac surgeons dismiss this therapy as a fraud and highly dangerous. They assert that claims made by the proponents of CT are unproven and the theories are unsound. However, in the USA where it has now become quite popular after many years of anti-propaganda and law suits, CT is recognized by law and practice as one of the alternate therapies available especially for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases.<br />
<br />
According to the author, the world has mostly overcome infectious diseases but we are struggling to handle degenerative diseases. Surgical intervention even if it helps is short-lived and it generates many complications and side effects. CT is a safe and affordable alternative.<br />
<br />
The author has painstakingly collected all the evidence in the form of Court judgments to allay the fears of the readers who get biased by the advice of their doctors and has presented them in a lucid manner. The book is an eye-opener for those who are seeking a less painful and cheaper method of reversing heart diseases as well as other degenerative diseases. It is a pity that in a large country like ours with a senior citizen population of nearly 100 million and about 80 percent of them living in rural areas and for whom expensive medication is prohibitive, CT has not caught on.<br />
<br />
The author refers to Dr James Roberts, an eminent American cardiologist who started practicing CT and was ostracized by the medical community. They nicknamed him “dirty doctor”. He persisted with CT and now he is a stronger and smarter doctor.<br />
<br />
The book has six chapters. The author starts with explaining what CT is all about, its safety and effectiveness and importantly how it helps in reversing degenerative diseases of the aged. Of particular interest is “My Advice” of the author. After the age of 50, he says, degenerative diseases start setting in and the symptoms are obvious. The therapy is tailor made to suit the particular individual combined with oxygenation/ozone therapy and that the full success rate is 80%. It removes metallic poisonous substances and excess cellular calcium from the body and reduces free radical activity. Even if it does not cure the disease in some cases, it brings lot of relief. One can also look at CT as preventive proaction rather than cure reaction to increase active longevity. CT supplemented with ozone therapy can result in multiple health benefits for the patient. CT has been effective for old age diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons says the author besides a number of other diseases which CT helps in curing.<br />
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The author is an active practitioner and has trained many cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. He also conducts seminars and training programmes to spread the therapy for reaching a larger number of people. He is a crusader in a hostile environment. But by his knowledge, passion and perseverance he has been able to position CT as an affordable medical remedy for overcoming degenerative diseases and enhancing the quality of life for the older sections of society.The book is an excellent introduction to CT and presents the views of the opponents as well as those who recommend it in a fair and impartial manner.Mr Gokhale’s talk on this subject can be viewed on YouTube.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-63369855392438020752015-08-29T23:47:00.001-07:002015-08-29T23:47:16.703-07:00'WISDOM FROM THE HEART' BY MADHU CHANDRA - A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
WISDOM FROM THE HEART- LIFE AND CAREER LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ASHIANA’S FOUNDER- OM GUPTA : MADHU CHANDRA : ASHIANA HOUSING LTD: PAGES 187<br />
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The author, Madhu Chandra, has been working with the Ashiana Group for more than a decade. She is responsible for their ‘Apna Asiana’ newsletter and for copy editing of their brochures. She is also a well-known journalist. Her association with the Group gave her an unique opportunity to closely study the leadership style of the founder of the Group, Mr Om Prakash Gupta. She has learnt very important lessons in the art and science of management. It was quite natural that she wanted to convey those lessons to a larger audience through this book.<br />
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OPG as he was popularly known in his circle of relatives, friends, other well-wishers and admirers established the Ashiana Group of companies as a Real Estate company literally from scratch. OPG graduated in engineering from IIT and went to USA to do his Masters. On his return, he decided to venture out on his own and broke away from the practice of joining the family business. His fiercely independent thinking was appreciated by his father who gave his blessings to his strongly independent son. OPG had a vision. That of providing affordable housing of excellent standards to middle-class people. He decided to translate that vision into reality. He aptly named his group Ashiana which means nest or shelter. He was not profit-driven like many others in the realty business and at the same time he understood that for long-term sustainability, his organization had to be run on sound business lines. He led his company with both his head and heart. He had some very strong personal values which he never compromised.He was kind, helpful, empathetic, sincere, hardworking and a great motivator and leader. He took Ashiana to great heights and the mantle has fallen on his capable sons after his demise two years back after fighting cancer for about 5 years.<br />
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Madhu Chandra recalls all the sterling qualities of OPG in the form of encomiums from his colleagues and some outsiders who came into contact with him. She has also written about his sterling qualities. His attention to detail, quick thinking, ability to face hurdles and take setbacks in his stride, endeared him to one and all. A pioneer in the setting up of retirement homes where the aged could lead a peaceful life free from hassles and worries and with round the clock security and medical care, he set up ‘Utsav’- residential complexes for senior citizens. With the population of the elderly on the rise and with a gradual shift from joint family structures to nuclear families, he realized that the time had come for elders to live separately with dignity and self-respect.<br />
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The book is a tribute to a great leader and visionary and a very good human being. His love for everyone, compassion and positive energy and thinking were qualities that endeared him to his associates and they reciprocated with the same warmth enabling the blossoming of fruitful and happy relationships. The book would be very useful for management students and young entrepreneurs who can learn many lessons from the various anecdotes spread over the book. Success and trust does not come overnight. Hard work, modesty, respect for others, honesty, fairness, uprightness and clean dealings go a long way in building a lasting organization. OPG has shown that this is possible even in a not so conducive environment by leading from the front and by example.<br />
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OPG’s brother- in- law Sri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of the Vedanta group has written the Foreword to the book where he says that once he started reading the book, he just could not put it down. The book ends with moving tributes from his two sisters and from his loving wife.<br />
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The illustration on the cover page of ‘OM’ goes well with the wisdom of OPG which the book oozes through Madhur Chandra’s words. I strongly recommend this book to both young students and management practitioners who surely will immensely benefit from this book. OPG has left behind an indelible impression for generations to come.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-17027340464146418202015-08-29T23:37:00.000-07:002015-08-29T23:37:25.099-07:00'BEING MORTAL' BY ATUL GAWANDE- A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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BEING MORTAL: MEDICINE AND WHAT MATTERS IN THE END : ATUL GAWANDE : HOLT, HENRY &CO INC : PAGES 304 : PRICE : RS 383/- (Flipkart)<br />
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Atul Gawande has written three best-selling books and is a natural writer and a wonderful storyteller. ‘Complications’,’Better’ and ‘The Checklist Manifesto’ are his earlier works. He is a practicing surgeon, he writes for the ‘New Yorker’ and is a professor at Harvard Medical School. He is a director of a non-profit organization which works towards making surgery safer globally.<br />
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Modern medicine has been undoubtedly a great boon for mankind. Childbirth, serious injuries, complicated diseases- all of these have become controllable. However with regard to ageing and death, medicine remains counter-productive. Through his in-depth research and compelling personal anecdotes, Atul Gawande has explained the suffering his own family and patients have experienced at the terminal stage of their lives.<br />
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Assisted living homes for senior citizens and nursing homes fail in alleviating senior citizens’ anxiety over death. They adopt treatments which do more harm than good. The practices they adopt accelerate their death rather than slowing down the suffering. Left with no choice, the family goes along with the doctor’s recommendation.<br />
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The author has candidly admitted to the struggles that he has to face as a practicing surgeon. He closely examines the limitations and failures of his profession in the area of geriatric care by visiting nursing homes, hospices and geriatric clinics. He calls for a change in the philosophy of health care. All of them in this profession have been wrong about what their job is. It is not ensuring health and survival. It is to enable well-being. He compellingly argues that we need to come to terms with the reality of the eventual decline of the body, accept what matters most to us and adapt our society and the medical profession to allow people to die with dignity and self-respect. Instead of focusing on dignified living during the twilight years of senior citizens, medical professionals concentrate on the disease.<br />
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The book is divided into eight chapters each one of them a gem by itself. Chapters 2 and 8 are embedded with rich stories from his own family. He searches for models of care that help weak senior citizens’ ability to live a purposeful life. He offers many suggestions in this direction. Like adopting cats and dogs and bringing in kids to create some cheer and purpose in their lives. He also suggests splitting up floors into smaller spaces which are more homelike and help to close-knit the residents.<br />
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In the last chapters, Gawande argues that patients have priorities besides just prolonging their lives. He admits that in such cases “ we do not have adequate answers. It is troubling and has caused callousness, inhumanity and extraordinary suffering.”<br />
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Gawande explores the concept of decision making in medicine arising out of consensus rather than top down. The modern doctor “must ask, tell and ask.” There has to be a dialogue with the patient and what he is seeking is to be understood. The patient’s priorities must be paramount and the doctor must help in achieving them.<br />
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Admittedly, there are no perfect answers to the problems which senior citizens face at old age and particularly when their conditions are almost in a terminal stage. The goal should be to enable them to lead a good life till the end.<br />
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The end of the book offers a discussion on euthanasia. It is a tough call. Do we commit the mistake of prolonging unbearable suffering or the mistake of shortening valued life?<br />
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Atul Gawande has provided the readers with a deeply touching book on aging and death written with remarkable insight. He is appalled that we have turned aging into a medical problem rather than treating it at a human level. Old age and death are unavoidable but certainly we can handle them with care and sensitivity. I strongly recommend this outstanding book and urge every senior citizen to read it and breathe a whole lot of fresh air.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-36673793195214830952015-08-29T00:57:00.002-07:002015-08-29T01:02:49.600-07:00'MY EXPERIENCE WITH EPILEPSY' - A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
MY EXPERIENCE WITH EPILEPSY- A TRUE LIFE TALE OF AN EPILEPTIC PERSON:<br />
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P. HARIDAS : NOTIONPRESS.COM : PAGES 235 : PRICE RS 550/-<br />
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P. Haridas is a first- time author. He has written an autobiographical book on how he battled with epilepsy which afflicted him since he was five months old. Books on this subject by Indian authors are very rare. The few that have been written on this disease are by expert physicians. This book is therefore very unique as it is written by a patient. What you read in the two hundred and thirty five pages are words literally from the horse’s mouth. In spite of this debilitating disease, Haridas led a near-normal life, excepting when seizures (fits) attacked him. Then all hell would break loose.<br />
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His is a close-knit and God-fearing family. His parents and his two siblings give him extraordinary support. He is extremely attached to them as can be seen from the various anecdotes in the book. Haridas has written in a simple and engaging style. In the early part of the book, he writes about his family and childhood memories. He graduated in Arts from Loyala College, Chennai. His father was the sole bread-winner till Haridas took up a job. The financial strain on the family was severe. Yet, the family members kept their heads above water by frugal living and performed household tasks in a co-operative manner. When Haridas took up a job in 1988, there was some improvement in the family’s fortunes. But medical expenses continued to take a big toll. He worked for almost twenty years in various organizations in Chennai and gathered considerable secretarial and managerial experience. He is now a freelancer. His epileptic attacks which fluctuated and kept coming left him on tenterhooks all the time. He could not perform to his peak potential. His underperformance irritated his bosses and he had many skirmishes and run-ins with them. All these incidents have been narrated by the author. A differently-abled person sadly often gets the short end of the stick. Haridas was no exception.<br />
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Epilepsy is a condition of the brain which causes seizures. There is an electrical disconnection between neurons. Unprovoked seizures twice or more after a time gap of 24 hours is a clear sign of an epilepsy patient. Haridas was a confirmed epileptic. The disease is challenging and directly affects the quality of life. 65 million people around the world suffer from epilepsy. India has an epileptic population of around 10 million people. Astonishingly, 95% of them do not receive any medical treatment. In fact, many of those afflicted and their parents do not know what they suffer from till seizures attack them. There are psychological, psychiatric, psychosocial and behavioural disturbances known to be associated with epilepsy. Epileptic patients suffer from a great sense of insecurity, frequent seizures and social unacceptance all of which lower their self-confidence and self-esteem. Good drug treatments are available for immediate relief. However, the general rule used to be ‘once an epileptic, always an epileptic.’ That picture has now changed.<br />
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After terrible suffering in childhood and in the prime of his youth, Haridas came to a stage when he decided to consider other options for treatment. He heavily researched, read books and surfed the internet for useful and pertinent information. Surgery appeared to show promise for a partial if not complete recovery. As the book progresses, Haridas dwells on his pre-surgery days and post- surgery days. He took the tough decision to go ahead with the neurosurgery entirely on his own in a split second armed with the knowledge that he had gained. The scar on his right forehead of the brain identified by Dr. Prithika Chary of Apollo Hospital was the marker which indicated the root cause of his epilepsy. For him there was no looking back. His parents were very apprehensive given the risks and totally rejected their son’s decision. But with gentle persuasion and statistics on how many patients had recovered after surgery, he was able to convince them that surgery was not a very risky option as thought out to be and that chances of partial/full recovery were extremely bright. In any case, Haridas says that he had come to the conclusion that life was not worth living in such traumatic conditions. He was immensely helped in arriving at this decision by Dr. Chary who recommended surgery and managed his case very ably. Surgical intervention has huge psychosocial benefits. However, there are risks involved. Haridas had a successful surgery. His seizures have almost stopped. Dr. Chary continues to give him support and advice during the post-surgical period.<br />
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Haridas’s main objective of writing this inspirational book was to make every reader know of the remarkable changes that surgery brought about in him and in his personality. His target audience mainly consists of epileptic patients, their families, care providers, doctors and surgeons. Surgery was an important landmark in his life. Haridas claims that he has experienced fifty stunning changes in his life after surgery. Each of these changes is narrated in the book. His ‘magical moment’ would be he says when people learn more about epilepsy, how it creates havoc in one’s life and how one has to cope with it. When medicines don’t work and life becomes hell, surgery becomes a strong and workable option, though it is expensive. It can bring about incredible transformation in health, attitudes and family relationships. Patients must come out of the fear psychosis that grips them when surgery is recommended to them. He has proved by example that one should face surgery happily and courageously with confidence in its success.<br />
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Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) widely known as the ‘Father of Medicine’ wrote the first book on epilepsy. Many books and articles have been published since then. This book is a very useful addition to the list of books written by the illustrious authors. Haridas has not waited for the long gestation period required for the book to see the light of the day if one approached book publication in a conventional manner. He decided to have the book published through an indie-publishing platform. Notionpress.com did the job in a remarkably short time. Haridas has put his heart, mind and soul in writing the book. It is a superlative attempt in reaching out to differently-abled persons and for spreading the message that family love and belief in God can work wonders. Haridas has profusely expressed his gratitude to his surgeon for having changed the course of his life. Dr. Prithika Chary, he says, will remain etched in his mind till his last breath. Pages 224 to 234, eleven pages in all, have twenty-two touching testimonials embellished with sketches of flowers for a kind and loving surgeon from an ever grateful patient.<br />
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I have only one regret. This excellent hardcover book with good printing and appealing cover which also has a ‘kindle’ edition could have been moderately priced which would have helped in reaching to a larger number of readers. Haridas could consider publishing a paperback edition in the near future.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-87756196451391448982015-08-28T23:36:00.003-07:002015-08-28T23:36:48.518-07:00' TAT TVAM ASI ' BY PINKY ACHARYA - A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TAT TVAM ASI: PINKY ACHARYA: BECOME SHAKESPEARE . com : PAGES 115 : PRICE : RS 150/-<br />
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At first sight, one would have thought that this book belongs to the genre of philosophy. The book title ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ in Sanskrit gives that impression. After all, this is one of the four Mahaavaakyaas from the Chaandogyo panishad. And the cover page image by the author’s daughter conveys another impression altogether. It goes to the credit of author Pinky Acharya that this intriguing combination of title and image compels the reader not to brush it aside but to give it a serious look. Running into 115 pages, the book is in the form of short and personal real life soul-searching anecdotes and is an easy read. The author has used a very lofty and noble concept to trick the reader to understand in common parlance what the title means. The reader is the winner.<br />
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This is the first book of the author on a very profound subject. The three word title literally means “Thou Art That”. There are various interpretations of this short aphorism. What it essentially conveys is that we all are a part of the Almighty, the Supreme Godhead. This is not a book on Vedanta. But it carries the message of Vedanta in the form of importance of self-realization and that good values which if practiced can make a person happy. After all, every person seeks happiness. The author Pinky Acharya tries to highlight important values in people’s lives which if followed can bring about truly a societal transformation for the good of mankind.<br />
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The book has 21 short chapters each conveying a message for the reader. There is an illustration at the beginning of each chapter and at the end of most chapters a quotation from a famous personality which underpins the theme of the chapter. Having been fortunate to have been brought up in an atmosphere of love, kindness, compassion, empathy, devotion to elders and bhakti,the author is a personification of all these virtues and practices them in her daily life within her own family and circle of her near and dear ones. Here we come across not an academician explaining a concept which is very sublime but one who champions it by example as an object lesson for all ages and genders to lead a truly noble and useful life.<br />
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Pinky Acharya begins with a flying start. ‘You can’t change the world around you, but you can change the one within’. Look within and try to cleanse your soul. The first chapter on ‘Seva’ is very touching. How an elderly spinster reaches out to the have-nots and provides medicines and food supplies to them in spite of lack of funds at her disposal. She provides a cellphone to an incapacitated octogenarian to enable her to remain in touch with her daughter. She galvanizes old and lonely people for religious activity and arranges their visits to temples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari thus giving them hope and cheer and a meaning in life which they had totally lost due to their incapacities.<br />
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In each of the subsequent chapters, there is a lesson and a message. How technological progress has its upsides and downsides, how impromptu acts of kindness can resonate two hearts in unison, why one should cut one’s coat according to the available cloth, why one should respect food and not waste it (‘annam na nindyaat’), how a carpenter felt he was overpaid and travelled a long distance to return the extra money, how a well-to-do person decided to give up everything in life to follow his calling of helping the needy and less privileged by living minimalistically on the pavements, how we should sustain an atmosphere of good values at home for the young to learn and mould their characters, that wisdom and education are not necessarily the same, how some doctors are like good Samaritans and help the patient in the process of healing by giving appropriate medicines and subjecting them only to the minimal number of medical tests, how loss of vision due to an operation which went horribly wrong did not deter the lady from remaining positive and in channelizing her energies to purify her inner self, how the death of a child transformed the parents and spurred them to work ceaselessly for the cause of building a medical foundation to help poor children suffering from terminal diseases which became a mission for them thus converting their huge personal loss into an emotional societal gain, how understanding and empathy can build lasting relationships, how the food one eats reflects one’s personality, how the company one keeps indicates the character of the person, the feelings of a mother when she gives birth to a new life. how a septuagenarian lady teacher decided to earn a living for herself and her family who now are totally dependent on her earnings by leaving the amount of fees to be paid by the child’s parents to their discretion and not asking for some huge tuition fees and how the teacher is more important than what the teacher teaches. These examples and anecdotes leave a lasting impression in our minds. We realize that there are indeed such people around of outstanding character and values who make their own contributions to the improvement of society by their selfless deeds.<br />
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I have given a few examples above of the importance of moral values in one’s life emphasized by Pinky Acharya. They are very basic. Integrity, honesty, kindness, sympathy and empathy, love and compassion, eating the right type of food, keeping the company of good people etc. These values can uplift a person to great heights resulting in moral and spiritual elevation leading to a high degree of happiness which all of us crave for. One has to continuously soul- search and purify one’s soul.<br />
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The author is a deeply religious person and is blessed with a loving family. She shares her experience in a simple and engaging style rid of any mumbo-jumbo. She does not sermonize. She beseeches the readers to pause and think of how they are handling their lives in this modern age and materialistic world. How in our anxiety to become rich we are missing the essential values that transforms a person into a noble personality.<br />
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I recommend this book to the youth as well as to the middle-aged and seniors. There are lessons to be learnt by all. One should not get intimidated by the Sanskrit title on the cover page. It is neither a philosophical book nor a book containing some esoteric secrets. It is a book to read and lead a happy and contented life. Let the spark of the Supreme Godhead in everyone of us be lit and illuminate us by unfolding the divinity that is lurking in our hearts.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-91536409473780187882014-08-20T01:27:00.000-07:002014-08-20T01:27:29.584-07:00" THE SILICON MIND " : MANIKARNIKA LAGU : A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLNKC-ebZ5ZChgu-16B2UrOYoez0d_8WmWXBAMO8FBTjZu1FmS0_I823DmE3smPfX8BY7h-E_sNRbIpSsxE8qfZH-r0actw0sTLw6_VnbUAzUT_eASKeFtUORVFN4l-YoZxNY1w/s1600/the-silicon-mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLNKC-ebZ5ZChgu-16B2UrOYoez0d_8WmWXBAMO8FBTjZu1FmS0_I823DmE3smPfX8BY7h-E_sNRbIpSsxE8qfZH-r0actw0sTLw6_VnbUAzUT_eASKeFtUORVFN4l-YoZxNY1w/s1600/the-silicon-mind.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold';"> The
Silicon Mind: Manikarnika Lagu: Become Shakespeare.com: Pages 367: Price Rs
250/-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book belongs to the genre of science fiction and it is
Manikarnika Lagu’s first novel. She has a doctorate in physics and as a teacher
and researcher has contributed many research papers in scientific journals.
This background eminently suits her to write a science fiction novel based on a
subject as complicated and sophisticated as the neural chip project.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The story centres around the protagonist- young, handsome
and successful medical practitioner Dr Aman Kapoor who is involved in a horrific
car crash and falls into a state of comatose. Another important character in
the story is Prof. Narayan Murthy aka Ray who is a brilliant neuroscientist and
the founder of ‘Chetna Coma Clinic’, India’s state-of-the-art specialized care
hospital located at Bengaluru. Ray has been collaborating with Prof John Smith
also a neuroscientist based in USA in the pioneering neural chip project. They
have jointly developed a neural chip, an Artificial Intelligence device,
considered to be top of the line and way ahead of competition. It has the
capability of enhancing human memory and substantially increasing computational
skills. Though this discovery has been an outstanding success in theory, there
really has been no volunteer yet prepared to take the risk of having a neural
chip implanted in his/her brain even after a year of its discovery. This is a
source of great disappointment, frustration and desperation to both Ray and
John. As pioneers of a breakthrough scientific development, both the
neuroscientists are deeply disturbed at the cold reception the neural chip has
received. It has dashed all their hopes of receiving international recognition,
money and fame. It had become imperative to urgently get hold of an unconscious
patient in a state of coma to implant their neural chip into the human brain to
find out its performance. This objective had to be achieved by means fair or
foul, as time was running out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Immediately after the car accident, Aman is admitted to ‘Get
Well’ hospital in Bengaluru. Ray’s technical assistant Murthy is able to have
Aman transferred to ‘Chetna Coma Clinic’ in spite of resistance from Dr Tapan
Dutta, Director of ‘Get Well’, who has excellent coma care facilities in his
hospital. Murthy is helped in this illegal activity by one Velu Swamy- a crook,
blackmailer and a money-extracting peddler who provides patients to doctors for
their experiments. Aman now comes under the direct care of Ray. The arrival of
a comatose patient in their clinic, gives Ray and his team hope and a golden
opportunity to implant their discovery in Aman’s brain which would given them a
testing ground and invaluable feedback on how it performs in the company of the
natural brain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The chip implant takes place under the supervision of Ray
and John and a few specialists from the US. The complicated surgery is
performed by a talking robot Haku. Haku has feelings and emotions too! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A 2mm hole is drilled at a predetermined spot and an
extremely sophisticated silicon chip coated with collagen is installed in
Aman’s brain. The operation turns out to be successful though Ray keeps his
fingers crossed hoping that complications should not arise at a later date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately for Ray after some lapse of time, Aman starts
facing some burning problems in his hand and depletion of physical energy. He
approaches Ray to seek answers to these unwelcome manifestations. Ray’s responses
are unconvincing to Aman. He gradually loses faith in Ray and asks Manasi, a
clinical psychologist, to study his CAT scans. Aman is able to obtain these
images through Ishan, a journalist and Manasi’s friend. Ishan uses his contacts
to break into Murthy’s office and is able to steal the floppy containing the
required images. Manasi was sure that the scans would help in giving a clue to
identify the probable causes of these weird occurrences. Manasi, a strong-willed
woman puts her heart and soul into this project to ascertain the cause of these
bizarre incidents. She is single-mindedly focused to enhance her reputation in
her field. Aman meanwhile gets further perplexed as he seems to be exhibiting
miraculous healing powers which he suspects will not last long. He accidentally
discovers this when he attends to a young boy Sameer’s knee injury. The
youngster is amazed that there is not even a scar where the wound near the knee
which was dressed by Aman had occurred. Aman is deeply concerned that this
would bring him fame and later a bad name if this newly acquired power faded
away. He disappears for a while from the glare of the media. With the help of
Ishan, Mandira makes rapid progress with her investigation albeit a few
setbacks and is on the verge of almost hitting the bull’s eye. By a stroke of
good luck, Sameer and his friend Sakshi meet Manasi. After finding out that
Sakshi is Ray’s daughter, Manasi asks her to convince her father to remove the
chip from Aman’s brain because that alone can save him. Manasi is convinced
that the neural chip is the culprit. Sakshi who is a brilliant and smart girl
agrees to help them for Aman’s sake as she respects him as a kind doctor.
Sakshi has the ability to make her doting father Ray run around her in circles.
But she insists on proof of the presence of the neural chip in Aman’s brain. Sakshi
is convinced. She confronts her father. Ray realizes that the game is up and
that his reputation will be in tatters. He realizes that prudence is the better
part of valour. He and his team of John and Haku and other specialists perform
the chip removal surgery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Though a scientist by training, Manikarnika Lagu has shown
great flair in writing. This sci-fi book has a lot of imagination and style in
it. She provides just enough scientific and technical information on the neuron
chip and its implantation without making it excessively boring for the lay
reader. The conversations between the various interesting characters laced with
Hindi expressions make the book humorous and a fun to read. She has even
provided a glossary at the end of the book for those not so familiar with the
Hindi language. As a clever author, she has also brought in an element of sex
to keep the interest of the reader stimulated. There is an entire chapter where
Mandira, a bored wife and patient of Aman, gets excited by his touch during her
physical examination to the extent that her sexual fantasies enable her to have
an orgasm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sci-fi writers and ‘futurists’ have a common vision. This is
called singularity, a point when technology and our bodies meet. We then become
different people and at a higher stage of evolution. There are already some
courageous people (cyborgs) who have had technological implants into their
bodies for a number of reasons and are reaping the benefit of enhanced functions
of their body parts. ‘The Silicon Mind’ is a trailblazer and welcome book by
Manikarnika Lagu. We need more and more books in this category. Suitably
adapted, ‘The Silicon Mind’ has the potential of being turned into a Bollywood
movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-4809512166487936582014-08-12T01:06:00.000-07:002014-08-12T01:06:07.477-07:00MODI : MAKING OF A PRIME MINISTER : A BOOK REVIEW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUdOXxe0gR3uH2NPKgLFUu3RBut9hbBDdsKcXxOsbUahavWXRGbbJ0CD5KN_XtN8K5GZsF5PH7Zp3GnzWJSpeB9UAkz1_4nz1DALdfutyv0rLZwE6oJaHCYXQBjhDoSPUaiK60g/s1600/vivian_170414-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUdOXxe0gR3uH2NPKgLFUu3RBut9hbBDdsKcXxOsbUahavWXRGbbJ0CD5KN_XtN8K5GZsF5PH7Zp3GnzWJSpeB9UAkz1_4nz1DALdfutyv0rLZwE6oJaHCYXQBjhDoSPUaiK60g/s1600/vivian_170414-2-1.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
MODI : MAKING OF A PRIME MINISTER : LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE : VIVIAN FERNANDES : ORIENT PUBLISHING : PAGES 160 : PRICE RS 299/-<br />
<br />
The author, Vivian Fernandes, is a well-known journalist who has been in the field for about three decades. As a keen observer of economic policy and governance in the country and a frequent visitor to Gujerat during the last six years, he is eminently qualified to write a book on our new Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the title of the book rightly suggests, he focuses on the three important pillars of Modi’s attributes- leadership, governance and performance.<br />
<br />
Each of the ten chapters of the book has an interesting title. The kick-off starts with the fascinating victory of BJP in the recent national elections and achievement of a majority on its own at the Centre. The author calls it as a Modi tsunami arising out of his own charismatic personality, strategy and tactics, and a raising of levels of hopes and aspirations of people cutting across all differences of caste, creed or religion. It is a great opportunity that Modi has in his hands. To create a society on the basis of citizenship and not on identity and to re-engineer the BJP as a liberal and right of centre party. With a meticulously and painstakingly planned campaign and outstanding branding of Modi ( Abki baar, Modi Sarkaar), the juggernaut could just not be stopped by a weak and disintegrating opposition. The naysayers were many and very eminent people too. They questioned Modi’s emphasis on infrastructure over human development and threat to secularism.<br />
<br />
The author is all praise for Modi for his performance as Chief Minister of Gujerat. He had a long and uninterrupted run which enabled him to keep in touch with the common people and ensure that his administration is rooted to ground realities. He made development a mass movement and not the privilege of a few intellectuals or politicians in power. The author explains how Modi dovetailed his government’s leadership with people involvement. He emphasized on ‘minimum government and maximum governance.’ Modi’s RSS background gave him the necessary organizational skills, and with his remarkable oratory he was able to capture the imagination of the audience wherever he went and convince them that “acche din aayenge.” Agricultural growth in Gujerat is an eye-catcher -8% average farm growth against a national average of 3.1%. The Krishi Mahotsav programme saw a rejuvenation of sorts in agricultural production and productivity and the author refers to it as a ‘celebration in agricultural outreach.’ Before the arrival of the monsoon about 100,000 officials from eighteen departments visit farmers in their villages to help them with testing of the soil and advise them on use of nutrients, hybrid seeds and crops for profitable cultivation.<br />
<br />
With a cohesive administration and Modi leading from the front, minimum corruption, and use of technology, not only has Gujerat done well in economic sectors but in social sectors as well. Education levels have improved though healthcare is still lagging. The industrial sector too has made great strides in the last decade. With Modi pushing investors and entrepreneurs all the way, there has been a paradigm shift in the way the industrial segment operates. With six biennial Vibrant Gujerat investment summits held so far, Gujerat is considered the most industry-friendly state in the country. The share of manufacturing in Gujerat’s economy is 24% compared to all-India average of 16%.<br />
<br />
<br />
Modi has reset tribal lives, says the author. Through high-yielding agriculture, dairy farming and skill development, tribal upliftment has been phenomenal. He does not believe in doles. “Give me power so that I can empower you” is his mantra. In his model, tribal farmers are not wedded to any crop. They are wedded to profit. Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana resulted in income enhancement, employable skills for the tribals and a jumpover from low yielding varieties to smart hybrids.<br />
<br />
The author points out similarities in implementation of programmes by Modi with the Chinese and calls it the Chinese style. Modi wants Gujerat to be the industrial locomotive and the hub of industrial activity. He is likely to achieve that status for Gujerat. Gujerat was referred to by the ‘Economist’ as India’s Guangdong. It has a strong infrastructure with a dense network of good roads, huge industrial estates, 25% of its 41 ports navigable during all seasons, a 2800 km long gas grid and it is self sufficient in power. Modi strongly believes in infrastructure development for economic growth.<br />
<br />
The author is unbiased in his assessment of Modi. He lauds his achievements. At the same time, the black marks of the Gujerat riots, his intolerance for dissent, his dictatorial ways of working, his exclusion of certain communities in his growth vision, his strong Hindutva beliefs shown during his Chief Ministership are some worrying factors which are highlighted. Will he now transform himself to a real national leader and statesman and rise above discrimination and high-handedness and make the entire development process all-inclusive in actions rather in sloganeering is something that has to be seen over time. <br />
<br />
Vivian Fernandes expects Narendra Modi to bring method into governance of the nation, keep his administration rooted to the ground and motivated and hold his ministers accountable, going by his past performance in Gujarat. Modi is a compulsive campaigner. Modi will like to make Indian society like the Chinese society- mobilized and not argumentative. Modi wants development to be a movement, like our freedom struggle; it must be inclusive and all must wholeheartedly be involved in it. If people have a sense of ownership, the outcome has to be spectacular. In Gujarat, Modi conducted a series of campaigns: Nirmal (sanitary) Gujarat, Nirogi (healthy) Balak (child), Kanya Kelavani (girl's education), Shala Praveshotsav (school enrolment festival), Beti Bachao (save the girl child) and so on. They were all successful in varying degrees.<br />
<br />
In conclusion, Vivian Fernandes lists a few priorities for the Prime Minister:<br />
Restructuring of the Railways, denationalizing the coal industry and breaking-up of Coal India, ensuring that electricity flows into all villages which have electricity connection, implementation of Goods and Services Tax, introducing labour reforms and raising the level of FDI in the defence equipment manufacturing sector thereby encouraging international defence equipment manufacturers to invest in India.<br />
<br />
The book has a foreword by Raghav Bahl , founder and ex-editor of network 18 who has known Vivian Fernandes for about two decades. He admires his ability to go into details, to make enquiries and to fortify his arguments with facts and figures. The book is objective and non-judgemental. It praises Modi where it is due and does not overlook his weaknesses. Packed with innumerable examples of Modi’s out of the box thinking and his unique and homemade model of governance, the book is bound to appeal to those readers who want to see him as he truly is. Neither overblown for his achievements nor derided for some of his shortcomings.<br />
<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-60219045117577674002014-07-22T18:21:00.001-07:002014-07-22T18:21:32.654-07:00Desmond Kelly Babiachahige Bicycleka (The Bicycle)<a href="http://www.safeshare.tv/w/fcFIDmjYCv">Desmond Kelly Babiachahige Bicycleka (The Bicycle)</a>gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-81642273749452543802014-07-18T17:52:00.000-07:002014-07-18T17:52:37.221-07:00BOOK REVIEW: " WHO WROTE THE BHAGAVAD GITA? " BY MEGHNAD DESAI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">WHO WROTE THE
BHAGAVADGITA? : A SECULAR INQUIRY INTO A SACRED TEXT: MEGHNAD DESAI: HARPER
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx0iJMsCm2REtVsIC5DFSdRqb6KYKtjkmqp-4bEkJ9hFn7tRITsfx8r5AAvP2Hac-OC6f9lsTv8wovpJ10osjYB5P_PEuGzWGJIhyphenhyphenkm5VpzguKlg7TklJfFguMB_Rzb_xqONyYA/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx0iJMsCm2REtVsIC5DFSdRqb6KYKtjkmqp-4bEkJ9hFn7tRITsfx8r5AAvP2Hac-OC6f9lsTv8wovpJ10osjYB5P_PEuGzWGJIhyphenhyphenkm5VpzguKlg7TklJfFguMB_Rzb_xqONyYA/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">“The Geeta
is the universal mother. She turns away nobody. Her door is wide open to anyone
who knocks. A true votary of the Geeta does not know what disappointment is. He
ever dwells in perennial joy and ‘peace that passeth all understanding.’ But
that peace and joy comes not to the sceptic or to him who is proud of his
intellect or learning. It is reserved only for the humble in spirit who brings
to her worship a fullness of faith and an undivided singleness of mind. There
never was a man who worshipped her in this spirit and went back disappointed”.
- Mahatma Gandhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Written into the frame of the
‘Mahabharata’, the Bhagavad Gita (BG) is universally accepted as one of the
world’s great scriptures and whose teaching is of the highest value. It gives
philosophical advice as to how one should lead one’s life, one’s duty in this
transient world and it shows the exit route for the ultimate release or Moksha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.55pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">BG occurs in the Bhisma Parva of
Mahabharata and comprises of eighteen chapters. At the beginning of the
Mahabharata war, Arjuna suffers an existential collapse and declares that he
will not fight. Krishna, his dear friend and charioteer takes in hand the task
of treating Arjuna’s neurotic mind. Krishna conveys his message and exhorts
Arjuna to “get up and fight”. In 700 verses, Krishna covers the entire gamut of
Hindu philosophy. Arjuna ultimately realizes the meaning of “My Dharma” under
the guidance of the Supreme Lord Krishna. In the last chapter of BG, Arjuna
declares that all his delusions have ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The author, Meghnad
Desai, is a confirmed atheist, a well-known economist and Marxist. He has
achieved eminence in the academic world and in public life in the UK where he
has received honours for his contributions. He is also a recipient of Pravasi
Bharatiya Puraskar in 2004 and Padma Bhushan in 2008. Triggered by reading D D
Kosambi’s book on Indian history, the author was particularly attracted by his
critique of BG. He dug deeper into the thought process of Kosambi and developed
his own ideas on this sacred text. He was also influenced by reading Dr G S
Khair’s book ‘Quest for the Original Geeta’ translated into English from
Marathi. Interestingly, while doing his research, Desai found that the older
authors of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries including Justice
Telang who was the first Indian translator of BG in English had made a critical
assessment of this sacred composition unlike the present approach of accepting
it ‘in toto’ and as the last word. He decided to dig deeper and examine whether
indeed BG had multiple authorship. The BG has 700 verses and eighteen chapters
as generally accepted. There are different views about the number of chapters
and the number of verses which are in variance with the accepted status. The
author quotes Dr S. Radhakrishnan (former President of India) where he hints at
the possibility that the cryptic advice given by Krishna to Arjuna was worked
up into a poem of 700 verses by another author. Actually Desai goes on to
establish that indeed as per his research and understanding there are three
authors as concluded by Dr Khair with whom he was in full agreement. Dr Khair
had named the three authors as Vyasa (119 verses), Vaisampayana(126 verses) and
Souti (455 verses) who wrote it in different periods of time spread over 800
years. Dr Khair claims that he arrived at this conclusion after examining the
style, concepts, vocabulary, terminology and the nature of BG’s contents. Desai
who has gone along with Dr Khair’s theory has tried to prove his reasoning by
attributing certain motives to these authors. The first author wrote during
pre-Buddhist time around 600 BCE, the second author was a Buddha contemporary
and the third author whom he considers as the Editor is supposed to have done
it around 300 BCE. It was an attempt to deflate the popularity that Buddhism
had gained and to inflate Brahminism which had seen a decline during Buddhist
domination. And that the contradictions supposedly observed in the treatise may
be attributed to the plurality of its authorship. In his attempt to question
Krishna as the author of this religious and philosophical treatise, Desai
quotes Swami Vivekananda who had hinted at the possibility of Shankaracharya (who
wrote a famous commentary on BG) to have implanted it in the body of the
Mahabharata. In short, the author’s attempt is to establish that the authorship
is human and not divine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Desai
starts his book with the statement that he was thoroughly confused while
reading the BG and that he could not make head or tail of it. He considers it
as ‘ a confused philosophical book.’ He cites the examples of many Hindu
terrorists who while fighting British colonialism used BG to justify their
actions. He questions whether Krishna was a historical character. “Why are we
respecting the text uncritically which has so many flaws?” According to Desai,
BG has sections attacking lower castes and non-Aryan people and considers certain
verses disturbing and corrupting. He concludes that it is a war-mongering
scripture of the ruling class, misogynist and not suitable for a secular and
modern India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It
is a natural state in untrained minds devoid of bhakthi to think on the above
lines. Desai’s confusion would have been cleared had he approached a Guru in
all humility and understood BG’s philosophy. Perhaps his intellectual arrogance
came in the way. He should also introspect deeply over what Krishna says to
Arjuna. “ I have given thee words of vision and wisdom more secret than hidden
mysteries. Ponder over them in silence of thy soul and then in freedom do thy
will.” Desai should know that his contrarian approach, interpretation of BG and
questioning the authorship and philosophy of a ‘symphony which represents a
peak of Indian spirituality’, reflects insufficient knowledge bordering on ignorance,
a biased attitude and an inability to appreciate an outstanding philosophy which
embodies the reasoning mind and brings out the essentials of karma and dharma
and which is admired by philosophers all over the world. Sadly, Hinduism has
become a ‘punching bag’. Many authors have attempted to beliitle Hindusim. His
interpretation of BG will certainly hurt the religious sentiments of millions
of Hindus. Would Desai have dared to write such a book on Islam or Christianity?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A
discerning reader will naturally come to the conclusion that Desai has made a
vain attempt to discredit a sacred philosophy through hollow and
unsubstantiated arguments and to bolster a fanciful theory of multiple
authorship of a sacred book universally accepted by Hindus as the voice of God.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-59779006315043879332014-07-18T17:31:00.003-07:002014-07-18T17:31:41.616-07:00BOOK REVIEW- " THE ACCIDENTAL PRIME MINISTER " BY SANJAY BARU<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Black';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold'; font-size: 11pt;">THE ACCIDENTAL PRIME
MINISTER : THE MAKING AND UNMAKING OF MANMOHAN SINGH : SANJAYA BARU : PENGUIN
BOOKS : PAGES 320 : PRICE RS 599/- :</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Contrary to the belief that
the book is ‘a work of fiction’ and a ‘stab in the back’ as Congress spokesmen
and some others claim, actually the book is kind to Manmohan Singh and a bit
flattering too. </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold'; font-size: 10pt;">The book is essentially a tell-all memoir and about how the author
ran</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial Black"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> the PM’s
media affairs and his view of men in the PMO and also of some of the PM’s
colleagues. Sanjay Baru who was media advisor to the PM from May 2004 to August
2008 claims that he has given a true account of the goings on in the country’s
CEO’s office. Sanjay Baru traces Manmohan Singh’s first four dream years in
UPA1. His reputation was squeaky clean then nationally and internationally. He
enjoyed an excellent rapport with some of the world’s great leaders who considered
him to be a practical and effective economist and a true statesman. His zenith
was the government’s victory over the nuclear deal for which he put his
reputation at stake. In the second term, however, unfortunately, a few things
went horribly wrong. Firstly, Manmohan Singh thought he was the architect of
the UPA victory in the elections which his colleagues never liked and that he
could do no wrong. Secondly, the Maran affair, 2G scam and the coal scam which
came one after another during the UPA2 regime, dealt a debilitating blow to
Manmohan Singh and his reputation. He was seen clearly as a person who did not
have his own mind. He was seen as a PM who sought instructions from the
Congress Party President and bent backwards to execute them. According to the
author, Sonia Gandhi appointed Manmohan Singh under compulsion after her bitter
experience with Narasimna Rao. That led to a dual power structure resulting in
lack of clarity and confusion. Manmohan Singh continued to support his cabinet
colleagues who were involved in the humongous scams till he was compelled by the
Opposition party to sack them or force them to resign. In the process, he
brought the party to the brink of disaster. During this period, the country
remained practically leaderless and directionless. The author projects him as a
good man, but one who succumbed to pressures even from ministers and MPs in
policy matters. He bowed down to coalition chieftains and compromised on
governance. Unable to counter vested interests within his government and party,
he often remained a mute spectator resulting in a state of policy paralysis.
Though the book is about Manmohan Singh, the author also covers other
personalities like Natwar Singh, M K Narayanan, A K Antony, Pranab Mukherjee
and a few bureaucrats. Here was an opportunity for readers to understand the
contemporary political history of India from an insider. Was he truly a puppet
or his own man? What was the reason for Manmohan Singh to be so subservient?
Sanjay Baru definitely could have thrown more light on this subject. Sanjay
Baru has been criticized for several reasons. That he tried to give an
impression that he was a very important person and privy to confidential
information as a) an adviser to the PM helping him to decide on important
filling-up of senior bureaucratic positions which were lying vacant and b) on the
affairs of the State. Also, the timing of the release of his book on the eve of
the General Elections came in for a lot of flak. There could be some merit in
that criticism but then few authors could have resisted the temptation when
they think that they have a best-seller on hand and which could generate record
sales.</span></span></div>
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012689.post-60062414506735266432014-04-29T23:01:00.000-07:002014-05-01T04:52:46.150-07:00"CIRCLES OF DANCE" - DANCE PERFORMANCE BY ANITA RATNAM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou<br />
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Anita Ratnam is a multifaceted personality and well-known in India and abroad. She is a scholar, choreographer,TV personality, cultural activist and importantly a sensitive dancer. Trained in the Bharata Natyam dance form from an early age, she is a dancer of exquisite grace and eloquence. Highly accomplished in Bharata Natyam and other classical Indian dances, she has developed her own style of contemporary dance form<br />
influenced by theatre which she refers to as 'Neo Bharatam'. Her forte is her creativity, skill in infinite improvisations, passion, dedication and commitment resulting in an unique and balanced mix of song, dance and theatre. She is a woman of substance who did not give up her passion for dance after her motherhood. On the contrary, motherhood acted for her as a catalyst enabling her to further explore her innate creativity and talent for visualisation and imagery.<br />
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Last Sunday, Anita Ratnam gave a scintillating dance performance called "Circles of Love" at NCPA (National Centre for Performing Arts), Mumbai, on the occasion of the Mudra Dance festival 2014 being held from 24th to 30th April. The festival was centred around the subject of motherhood and its relationship with dance. In a breathtaking performance, Anita Ratnam kept the audience spellbound with her presentation of the various facets of motherhood projecting her own life as an example of intergenerational bonding of five generations - her great grandmother, grandmother, mother, herself and her daughter all of them symbolically represented by the famous Russian Matryoshka nested dolls, one smaller one emerging from the bigger one.<br />
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Anita Ratnam portrayed the roles of Devaki and Yasodha from Hindu mythology - one who gave birth to Lord Krishna but did not have the fortune to nurture Him and the other who lived on the other side of the Yamuna river and was lucky to tend to Him and take care of Him and enjoy His sports. The emotions of love and angst of these mothers were beautifully conveyed by Anita Ratnam. The SriVaishnavite mystic saint Aandal in her Thiruppavai had expressed how Lord Krishna was transferred from one lap to another. (Orutthi maganai pirandu, or iravil orutthi maganai ollitthu valazha). Born as a son to one woman and brought up as a son by another in secrecy. The depiction of Jabala and Satyakama from the Chandogya Upanishad were also poignantlly conveyed by Anita Ratnam. It is a touching story of Satyakama who had a burning desire to learn the Ultimate Truth (Brahman) but was initially disallowed to join the select group of students of higher caste and pedigree by Muni Gautama. When asked about his gothra, Satyakama had no answer. He rushed to his mother Jabala in tears who consoled him and asked him to tell the truth to the Muni that even she did not know who was the father. Impressed with Satyakama's honesty, Muni Gautama accepted Satyakama into his fold in the Gurukul lauding him for his truthfulness. "Dear Satyakama, honesty is the greatest virtue of a true Brahmin and I therefore accept you", said Muni Gautama.<br />
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Anita Ratnam exuded an aroma of deep spirituality in a language of visions, concentration and illumination. Like a humming bird darting between shadows, with her rhythmic body movements she conjured up different images. Her poise and grace together with strength, stamina, flexibility and agility of body and feet were a treat to watch. Her swiftness and grace captivated the audience. The dances were interjected with poetry on motherhood composed by famous national and international poets which were read out by poet Malavika Sanghvi. A seven decades old sari passed on to her by her mother was the subject of a dance very touchingly performed. Accompanied by Vedant Bharadwaj who sang an immortal Tamil lullaby which featured in a Tamil film of yesteryears was one of the highlights of the dance performance. The continuous and melodious background music was very pleasing to the ear.<br />
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Anita Ratnam refers to herself as a 'contemporary classicist' and an 'intersectionist'.These expressions clearly identify the genre of her dance form. It is modern yet rooted in history and culture. It addresses sensitive and other feminist and social issues creatively. As founder Director of 'Arangham'- a performing arts organisation to promote performing and visual arts of India, her dances are essentially to modern audiences who get spiritually enlightened and uplifted. She is a role model for budding young mothers who wish to continue dancing.<br />
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Her dances have an element of humour too. Like the modern dance with the red sari around her neck in which she refers to grandmoms, moms, supermoms and tigermoms with the last words "Mere paas Ma hai."<br />
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The finale of the dance performance was the symbolic presentation of rice and the clay pot. Dancing exquisitely, Anita Ratnam pours the rice on the ground with both her palms and places the 'kalasha' (clay pot) over the rice, the pot signifying sanctity and the rice signifying fertility.<br />
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"Janani janamabhoomischa swargaadapi gariyasi." Mother and motherland are superior to even Heaven says an old Sanskrit saying. Nothing could be truer. Thaai (mother), thaaimozhi (mothertongue) and thaainadu (motherland) are indeed very dear to Anita Ratnam.<br />
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How can one sum up such a phenomenal performance from the viewer's perspective? A splendid programme and a delightful thrill for the audience. It was a "Wow" experience.<br />
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gshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04576528133434077283noreply@blogger.com1