61 Years - Building a more powerful India

What a memorable gift on India's 61st Independence Day! We are proud. India is Proud and we as Indians are Proud.

Date: 11 August 2008:
Place: Beijing, China

There could not have been a better for India on her 61st birthday. The first ever Olympic Gold in any individual event, since 1896, by ace shooter Abhinav Bindra in the Men's 10m Air Rifle.

For him it will never get old listening to Indian national anthem with a gold medal round his neck on the world's biggest stage, where everyone stood after 28 years when Indian hockey team claimed gold in 1980 Moscow Olympics.

It was a medal for Abhinav; it was redemption for India.

Never again will anyone be able to point a smug, sardonic finger and say: "No Indian is good enough to win an individual Olympic gold."

It was memorable and “chuk de India “ then also for the Indian men’s field hockey team winning eleven medals in twelve Olympiads between 1928 and 1980, including six successive gold medals from 1928–1956.

No matter what we or the world thinks about India, we all and should be proud that India is on move.

Twelfth largest economy in the world, at market exchange rates.
Second fastest growing economy in the world.
The third largest standing army in the world.
Fourth largest air force in the world.
Fourth largest in purchasing power.
Fifth largest navy in the world.
Ninth 9th in the world in terms of nuclear capacity.

We are “Chuck De” in every field and still we don’t make noise.

I salute India on her 61st Independence India. I salute every one making her a proud nation.

Interpretation cannot be the reality of life.

In our daily life, we all come across various people, varied situations and come to our own conclusions, form our own opinions and judgements. Even me at times, I won’t deny. We see things and perceive them, as our reflexes are instant and involuntary.

How we perceive and come to a particular conclusion is our interpretation placing our logic, if not we try to make it logical as per our convenience and state of mind.

However once interpretation cannot be the reality of life.

Everyday our mailbox is loaded with many messages. One such mail forwarded by one of my friends touched my life a lot and am sure those who have read this would have felt the same.

I will like to share this short train journey crowded with people from different walks of life, everyone having their own interpretations of the situation.

Near the window, sat an old man with his 30 year old son. As the train moves by, the son is overwhelmed with joy as he was thrilled by the scenery outside..

"See dad, the scenery of green trees moving away is so beautiful"

This behaviour from a thirty year old son made the other people feel strange about him. Every one started murmuring something or other about this son.

"This guy seems to be a Crack.." A newly married Anup whispered to his wife.

Suddenly it started raining... Rain drops fell on the travellers through the open window. The Thirty year old son, filled with joy “see dad, how beautiful the rain is .."

Anup's wife got irritated with the rain drops spoiling her new suit.

Anup "Can't you see its raining, you old man, if your son is not feeling well get him soon to a mental asylum. , and don’t disturb public henceforth"

The old man hesitated first and then in a low tone replied "We are on the way back from hospital, my son got discharged today morning, he was a blind by birth, last week only he got his vision, these rain and nature are new to his eyes.. Please forgive us for the inconvenience caused..."

The things we see may be right from our perspective until we know the truth. But when we know the truth our reaction to that will hurt even us. So try to understand the problem better before taking a harsh action.

This implies to media as well where many reporters have changed their job profiles being Judgemental (sensational I should say) forgetting reporting is stating facts and not giving options.

If reporters’ start giving opinions then what are editorials for?

Creativity

We all have to think about what we “Want” and what we “Need”

Imagination is the beginning of creation. We imagine what we desire, we will what we imagine and at last we create what we will.

”This is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, and putting them in shape.

It may look simple, yet is quite complex. Creativity can be associated with both behavioural and social psychology, philosophy and there are no set standards to measure it.

It is how we look at it and how we all perceive. Natural Creations can’t be changed and there is a perfect harmony. It is we who change this harmony by trying to fix them.

Here again we all look at them with our own perception. The same moon looks good when we feel good but when it is full it pulls up the greatest tides.

Children, Television & Advertising

The third commercial of Ramayana. This time a melodious song from a child.

E Ganpat chal daru la.
E Ganpat chal daru la.
Are Sada thoda kam soda thoda pani mila.
Are Sada thoda kam soda thoda pani mila.
Thoda tere liye bacha thoda de na.

Literal translation in English means:

Ganpat get me a drink. Ganpat get me a drink. With little soda, simple soda get me a drink. Some for you and some for me, get me a drink.

Television advertising has been an established form of advertising and it reaches children too. In some countries there are laws which say

“A commercial with advertising that is broadcast during commercial breaks on the television must not have the purpose of attracting the attention of children under 12 years of age.”

It is ironic or rather unfortunate that here children are in lead roles.

In India also there are certain codes of ethics for commercial broadcasting, issued by the advertising council of India, specially when it involves children.

Indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment has to be avoided in all advertisement.

I believe media should not make it such a melodrama, and the same thing can be put forward in a better way.

Why blame only the media, we all are responsible, specially parents who encourage their children. Don't they realise, the damage they are causing to their children, and if they do understand and realise this, they have no right to pass on this to the teachers and society.

We all have to think, seriously before it is late.

What is a Good and Effective Parenting?

It reminds me of the extract of letter, which was written by Abraham Lincoln to the Headmaster of the school where his son was studying.

”And we think are we”

"He will have to learn, I know, that all men just, all men are not true. But teach him also that in every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician there is a dedicated leader.

Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.

Teach him that a dollar earned is of far more value than a five found.

Teach him to learn to loose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can.

Teach him the secret of quiet laughter.

Teach him the wonder of books; but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.

In school teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and to be tough with tough.

“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today”.

Invitation to watch Ramayana

We all in family too watch it regularly. All the characters are very well choosen..I was going through one of the comments posted on "LIVEMINT.COM THE WALL STREE JOURNAL today.

At the same time, I also heard "Garam Khoon Hai Na, Kahan Jaayegi Kalmuhi, Subah Tak AA Jayegi...
Kutta Kamina, Kanpati Par Doonga,
Chup Kar Kamine!

Kya seekhenge Ye Bacche... Watch Ramayana Ek Accha Adarsh!
This is the latest advertisement of Ramayana, on Television.

What are we teaching our children here? What messege, is media trying to convey through this invitation to watch Ramayana on TV "IMAGINE"?

Is media only to be blamed here? Not Parents?

We, as parents, don’t want our children using such language, do we?

Are parents not aware of such scrip before it goes live on the "IDIOT BOX" or have we become so enthusiastic that we can go to any extent and extreme to see our children on screen?

The soap (opera) route, "IMAGINE", taking the mythology route in the form of Ramayana through this invitation of young children working? We have to think for a while..

Vacation - Luxury or Necessity

"Vacation is what you take,
when you can't take what you've been taking any longer".

In today’s increasing pace of life, changing lifestyle and corporate demands makes it necessary to take a break. Short or Long vacation - is your choice, but at times helps to bring this momentum down by spending some quality time with your own self and share it with people you love, preferably in a different environment.

By different environment, I mean, we all get tired of having the same food at home don’t we? But a date with the family and loved ones balances both the high and low notes to make "The Sound of Music".

Everyone wants it when one needs it! It is not where! It is how but eventually just now. I mean a vacation, here.

You are free to book your accommodation and airline tickets online. Just swipe it and you have it. But are we buying medicines from the next door chemist without prescription or we are looking for a break to make a memorable experience.

At times, if self medication can lead to complications, even self planned vacations could also turn out to be major disasters.
Today, Internet has been flooded with boundless amounts of information that has created some market confusion, than giving specific and credible solutions. Every service provider wants to sell online and every traveller wants to buy them online.

Like we have doctors and specialists, there are Travel Agents & Travel consultants. This is where it makes a difference. Professional Travel Companies understand our feelings and give us favourable solutions to simplify and de mystify this search online, with a proper backend support offline.

They do realise Service Providers and consumers have access to same objective of delivering quality and memorable vacations.

It is wise to cut cost and not nice to cut corners. Genuinelythere it no free consultation but "Fee Consultation".
All we can do for a customer is, help them plan a memorable vacation and keep them posted with hot deals. A deal can only be "HOT" "VERY HOT" or "DAMN HOT".

Professional Travel Companies provide "news you can use", fresh insights, perspectives and advice from travel professionals and travellers who have hands-on experience and quality travel worldwide.

“Vacation used to be a luxury; however, it has become a necessity.”

Breathtaking South Africa

South Africa is fast becoming everyone's hot favorite which is clear with the tourist arrival figures going up every month.

It is perhaps the adventure capital of the world with abundance of pristine beauty and wild life. South Africa has some of the most luxury accommodation and exotic resort at exotic places coupled with people who are friendly.

Follow the African drum and gumboot beat; the bright sun, stars and city streets; weather be a wine trail or along one of the most scenic drives along the Garden Route, the invigorating mountains or ocean air invites you all to discover this wonderful Country.

This is also complimented by the extensive media coverage received recently in the top fashion, lifestyle and business magazines like Cosmopolitan, FHM, FAD, Business Today More, amongst many others.

According to sources from South African Tourism - The romance between South Africa and Bollywood continues, with a lot of movies even currently being shot against our picturesque locales. The recently released movie Jannat has received tremendous response at the Box Office, and we are delighted with the continued success that Bollywood receives for South Africa. Some of the much awaited releases for the year will be/are being shot in South Africa - Singh is Kinng, Karzzz, Ghajini, The World Unseen to name a few!

Talking about movies, the Idiot Box cant can’t be left behind! News has it that the one of the most popular global reality game shows called Fear Factor is exclusively being shot in South Africa.

Hosted by Bollywood macho man, Akshay Kumar, the show promises to provide the Indian audiences with lots of thrill all the way from South Africa and we are waiting for it to hit the screens.

And talking about television, we’ve had some wonderful outings on the news channels in India recently. NDTV Good Times recently aired a special programme called 'Good Times with South Africa – The Wine Trail' showcasing spectacular views of the wine trails in the Western Cape region. CNBC Awaaz recently did an extensive report on Indaba 2008 highlighting in their story our preparations for FIFA WC 2010 and also DD News recently showcased Pretoria in all its charming glory.

Protea Hotel Hazyview - A subtropical oasis at the Kruger National Park!

R 378 per person sharing, per night, including breakfast and a R100 discount voucher for Elephant Whispers per person.

Protea Hotel Hazyview is a charming 92-roomed country retreat situated on a magnificent 10-acre garden estate, with breathtaking views and superb facilities and is only 15 minutes' drive from the Kruger Park.

Hazyview is a small farming town in in the heart of Mpumalanga, South Africa. The town's name is derived from the shimmering haze that occurs during the heat of summer and is renowned for its banana industry.

South Africa, with its fairest Cape and Exclusive Garden Route can be one the ideal destinations for a memorable vacation.

Ramayana Trail

Sri Lankan Tourism has identified some 50 sites associated with the epic Ramayana and many tour operators are enchasing on these through sightseeing tours to rediscover this Trail of Ramayana to attract tourists from India and other parts of the world.

Ramayana symbolizes Rama as “Maryada Purushottama” or a Perfect Man. An epitome of Ideology, Principles and “Dharma". Sita as ideal women of virtue and the ultimate commitment as a wife.

An Ideal Son, King, Deciple,Brother, Friend and above all a perfect Husband. An example of patience, Justice and Logic symbolising defeat of good over evil

For many it might be just an epic of myth. However the fact remains that Ramayana is a part of Culture and literature for Indians, Sri Lankans and Hindus across the world.

Most of the sites are dotted around the cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. However only a few are accessible by road which are scattered across Karunegala, Dombulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela & Ratnapura.

Some important highlights include:

Pussellawa - Home of 18 feet statue of Anjaneear. The famous temple situated on a hill over looking the Kotmale reservoir area is visited by thousands of devotees from India & Sri Lanka.

Sita Amman Temple - Located enroute to Hakgala along the Nuwara Eliya Badulla Road on your way to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on a side of the temple. The rear of the temple overlooks a stream, while from its front can be seen the Hakgala peaks.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden - is said to be one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana. This garden was expanded during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including an excellent collection of orchids.

This is the exotic pleasure garden where king Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marry him.

It was here where the heart-warming meeting took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news that Rama was looking for her. He offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to Rama’s honour if he did so.

Part of this majestic garden still exists. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana of the forces against him

Isthripura: This exotic cave still boasts the picturesque cascading waterfall that was in existence 2000 years ago. It was within this cave that Sita was held prisoner with over 1500 women to attend to her every need.

Divurumpola Temple: Although this Vihara is said to be established in the 6th A.D. Polonnaruwa period it has a long history among people of having been started in the time of Rama, Ravana and Sita.

Still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for over thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding.

Since that time this place has been respected and worshiped by people down the ages. Furthermore it is said that this place was given the name “Divurumpola” or the place of making a wow. Not only in legends but this name has been inscribed in the moonstone guarding the Devale in the premises.

Ella: A small mountain near Bandarawela, boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where, local legend dictates, Ravana hid Sita. First there is Ravana Ella Cave, situated in the massive Ella Rock. Then there is Ravana Ella Falls and a nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters where Sita is said to have bathed.

Sitawaka: Situated near Avissawella on a tributary of the Kelani Ganga (river). Not surprisingly it derives its name from Sita, who is supposed to have been imprisoned by Ravana in a grove in this neighborhood.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya: a temple built in the 3rd century B.C. Kelaniya was one of the three places visited by the Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. Kelaniya is also the centre for traditional Sinhala pottery.

Within the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple is special shrine dedicated to
Vibushana, king Ravana’s brother, who allied with Rama in the struggle to rescue Sita.

During this trail of Ramayana the tours also takes you across some of the most interesting World Heritage Sites of Buddhism including Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the closest holiday destinations from India offering exotic beaches, mystic mountains surrounded by tea plantations and the vibrant capital city of Colombo famous for shopping and night life.

A perfect Destination for everyone at an affordable price…..