of Brahma
the Creator
May my voice be your song
May my mind be your muse
May my pulse be your rhythm
May my dreams be your hues
May my step be your dance
May my eyes be your smile
May my thoughts be your words
May my soul be your light
May my might be your thunder
May my breath be your fire
May my being be your fragrance
May my life be your life
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Dear folks,
There is some good news about the young teenager who is fighting “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
His June tests and scans indicate no growth, no recurrence. He still has some problems due to long term effects of radiation and chemo therapy. His next tests will now be after 6 months that is, in January.
Thank you once again for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
Please pray for this young teenager. May all the creatures on this planet be happy and well.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
There is some good news about the young teenager who is fighting “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
His June tests and scans indicate no growth, no recurrence. He still has some problems due to long term effects of radiation and chemo therapy. His next tests will now be after 6 months that is, in January.
Thank you once again for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
Please pray for this young teenager. May all the creatures on this planet be happy and well.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Janani
Dear folks,
Have a look at the special effects film “Janani” created by Siddharth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJyU2RnC-x4
Have a nice time!
Nirupma Kapoor
Have a look at the special effects film “Janani” created by Siddharth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJyU2RnC-x4
Have a nice time!
Nirupma Kapoor
Friday, July 21, 2006
Conflict Resolution
Alien and Ignoramus
“So what have you thought, Ignoramus?”
“Alas Al. I can’t think of anything. All I can see is the war between Israel and Hezbollah, the messy conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, conflict brewing around Iran and North Korea, bomb explosions in trains, markets, places of worship and daily dose of minor conflicts.
Can’t you fix this Al?”
“How can I solve your conflicts?
You have to solve them. Each one of you has to get involved, think, act. You can not pass the responsibility to others.
You need to overcome you insecurities. Earth has abundant resources. You just need to manage them better.
You say that you respect and protect all life, yet you go ahead and kill thousands in war.
You need to understand that each one of you is unique, each one precious. Each one of you is on planet Earth for a while and will contribute to life in a unique way. Each one needs to be cared for and respected. Each one is important.
You need to understand each other better, people and groups.”
“Al I have an idea! What if Israelis became Hezbollah and Hezbollah became Israelis?”
“Trust you to come up with such ideas.”
“If people in conflict could exchange persona, they would have a clear understanding of each others’ problems.”
“You know you can’t exchange persona.”
“But you can! I have seen you Al. One moment you are talking to me and the next moment you are on the wall, a lizard chatting away with your lizard friends and then in the garden, a rose nodding with other roses. I know it is you because of that strange blue glow that you have.”
“Alright, I change my form, but I don’t change my persona.”
“I am sure you can. Please Al, teach us this technique. We need it so! Please let us try. Let us exchange our persona.”
“Ignoramus you won’t be able to handle my persona.”
“And you would not like to be Ignoramus!”
“It is not that. You may find it very painful.”
“I don’t mind. Please, please please!!!!!”
“Ok, but just for a day. At the end of one Earth day you will be back in your own self.”
“Fine, yes, great!!!!!!!”
The Alien uses some powers and they exchange persona.
May Lord have mercy upon them and all of us for I really don’t know what these two characters will do.
“So what have you thought, Ignoramus?”
“Alas Al. I can’t think of anything. All I can see is the war between Israel and Hezbollah, the messy conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, conflict brewing around Iran and North Korea, bomb explosions in trains, markets, places of worship and daily dose of minor conflicts.
Can’t you fix this Al?”
“How can I solve your conflicts?
You have to solve them. Each one of you has to get involved, think, act. You can not pass the responsibility to others.
You need to overcome you insecurities. Earth has abundant resources. You just need to manage them better.
You say that you respect and protect all life, yet you go ahead and kill thousands in war.
You need to understand that each one of you is unique, each one precious. Each one of you is on planet Earth for a while and will contribute to life in a unique way. Each one needs to be cared for and respected. Each one is important.
You need to understand each other better, people and groups.”
“Al I have an idea! What if Israelis became Hezbollah and Hezbollah became Israelis?”
“Trust you to come up with such ideas.”
“If people in conflict could exchange persona, they would have a clear understanding of each others’ problems.”
“You know you can’t exchange persona.”
“But you can! I have seen you Al. One moment you are talking to me and the next moment you are on the wall, a lizard chatting away with your lizard friends and then in the garden, a rose nodding with other roses. I know it is you because of that strange blue glow that you have.”
“Alright, I change my form, but I don’t change my persona.”
“I am sure you can. Please Al, teach us this technique. We need it so! Please let us try. Let us exchange our persona.”
“Ignoramus you won’t be able to handle my persona.”
“And you would not like to be Ignoramus!”
“It is not that. You may find it very painful.”
“I don’t mind. Please, please please!!!!!”
“Ok, but just for a day. At the end of one Earth day you will be back in your own self.”
“Fine, yes, great!!!!!!!”
The Alien uses some powers and they exchange persona.
May Lord have mercy upon them and all of us for I really don’t know what these two characters will do.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Why Conflict?
Alien and Ignoramus
“What ails you, Ignoramus?”
“Al,why conflict? Why not harmony?”
“Conflict is bound to occur. When intelligent people discuss something there is bound to be disagreement. You must have seen disagreement amongst colleagues, friends, groups, nations and even members of a family.”
“But disagreement should not spiral into such a deep divide that psyches are damaged, people are destroyed.”
“Agreed. Let us try and find why there is such deep divisive conflict on Earth.
In most Earth cultures you are taught to pursue self interest. When you try to do that at the expense of others, naturally there is conflict.
You have different social, economic, cultural backgrounds and have very little understanding of each other. This lack of understanding, mistrust and suspicion leads to conflict.
You seem to have this need to revere, emulate people above you and look down upon those below you. Despite all the talk about equality and democracy, you are very fond of hierarchies. Those at the bottom of hierarchies really have a tough time. There is repressed resentment that causes conflict.
You are taught that your own group, race, caste, class, country, culture, ideology, religion are the best and rest are inferior. ‘Love your group and hate others’ maxim is bound to promote conflict.
Earth resources are limited and there are so many people. This scarcity may be real or artificially created. Insecurity and fears about the future also cause conflict.”
“But conflicts can be resolved. They should be resolved before they can cause severe injury, death and destruction.”
“Yes Ignoramus but it is not easy. Think how this can be done. You know Earth people better than I do.”
“What ails you, Ignoramus?”
“Al,why conflict? Why not harmony?”
“Conflict is bound to occur. When intelligent people discuss something there is bound to be disagreement. You must have seen disagreement amongst colleagues, friends, groups, nations and even members of a family.”
“But disagreement should not spiral into such a deep divide that psyches are damaged, people are destroyed.”
“Agreed. Let us try and find why there is such deep divisive conflict on Earth.
In most Earth cultures you are taught to pursue self interest. When you try to do that at the expense of others, naturally there is conflict.
You have different social, economic, cultural backgrounds and have very little understanding of each other. This lack of understanding, mistrust and suspicion leads to conflict.
You seem to have this need to revere, emulate people above you and look down upon those below you. Despite all the talk about equality and democracy, you are very fond of hierarchies. Those at the bottom of hierarchies really have a tough time. There is repressed resentment that causes conflict.
You are taught that your own group, race, caste, class, country, culture, ideology, religion are the best and rest are inferior. ‘Love your group and hate others’ maxim is bound to promote conflict.
Earth resources are limited and there are so many people. This scarcity may be real or artificially created. Insecurity and fears about the future also cause conflict.”
“But conflicts can be resolved. They should be resolved before they can cause severe injury, death and destruction.”
“Yes Ignoramus but it is not easy. Think how this can be done. You know Earth people better than I do.”
Sunday, July 09, 2006
conflict
to destroy people
in one on one conflicts.
so human beings
form groups.
rulers, ruled
elite, non elite
haves, have nots
powerful, powerless
oppressors, oppressed
dalits, non dalits
Kashmiris, non Kashmiris
black, white, yellow, brown
affluent, destitute, middle class
capitalists, communists, socialists
Gujaratis, Assamese, Tamilians, Punjabis
Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews…
form groups
of all sizes
to promote
self interest
envy
hate
war
death
annihilation.
Friday, July 07, 2006
dead alive
to kill a person
it is not necessary
to kill the body.
there are so many bodies
walking around
with their
minds hacked
souls crushed.
dead?
alive?
dead alive?
Monday, July 03, 2006
crimson
he would do
anything for her.
would rush
to meet
any wish
any demand.
to meet her demands
he took some money
that was not his.
discovered
out of job.
no more jobs for him.
she talked and she talked.
how she could have
done better
by marrying another.
how x, y, z
still wanted her.
on a cold clammy
rainy day
they found him
inert
in a pool of
crimson.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
frame
she never let
him forget
that
her brothers
had status
had millions
had connections
and
he
was a
pauper
as compared.
nag nag nag.
chip chip chip.
she chipped at his
confidence.
chip chip chip.
she chipped at his
flesh blood and mind.
till
he
became a
frame
of a man.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
educated married young woman
her eyes plead
“please do not ask
don’t say anything”,
as we look at
all the signs of
severe battering.
suddenly
it pours out
“i can’t go back to my parents
i can not add to their burden
they are old and retired
i can not let them see this.”
friends try to intervene
counsel all the parties.
one day she is found
hanging
from the noose
of her sari.
“please do not ask
don’t say anything”,
as we look at
all the signs of
severe battering.
suddenly
it pours out
“i can’t go back to my parents
i can not add to their burden
they are old and retired
i can not let them see this.”
friends try to intervene
counsel all the parties.
one day she is found
hanging
from the noose
of her sari.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
tycoon
tycoon’s daughter.
naturally
a young, suave, charming
tycoon was found.
lavish wedding
elegant home.
after a while
the gold faded.
he could still charm
but there were times…
she had to move out
kids were growing up.
now she tries to
build their kids’ lives
while he tries to
finish his fortune.
naturally
a young, suave, charming
tycoon was found.
lavish wedding
elegant home.
after a while
the gold faded.
he could still charm
but there were times…
she had to move out
kids were growing up.
now she tries to
build their kids’ lives
while he tries to
finish his fortune.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
they have
built a
WALL OF SILENCE
between them.
slow…ly
over the
years…
brick by
transparent
brick.
bricks of
hurts
doubts
mistrust
suspicion
unsaid words
unnamed accusations
fears of what may emerge
imagining other wishes ill.
now
with their
backs
against the
WALL
they watch
each other
through the
backs of
their heads.
built a
WALL OF SILENCE
between them.
slow…ly
over the
years…
brick by
transparent
brick.
bricks of
hurts
doubts
mistrust
suspicion
unsaid words
unnamed accusations
fears of what may emerge
imagining other wishes ill.
now
with their
backs
against the
WALL
they watch
each other
through the
backs of
their heads.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Beyond
there are moments
beyond now, then and will be
there are places
beyond here, there and hereafter
beyond everything
beyond joy, sorrow and ennui
beyond thought, emotion, action
beyond birth, death and living
i skip beyond infinity
as i move beyond Beyond
beyond now, then and will be
there are places
beyond here, there and hereafter
beyond everything
beyond joy, sorrow and ennui
beyond thought, emotion, action
beyond birth, death and living
i skip beyond infinity
as i move beyond Beyond
Monday, June 19, 2006
BUDDHA
Something really weird, something really strange.
Sometimes into the depths of the ocean,
sometimes onto the mighty range.
As smooth as fresh air or as coarse as pain.
………………………………………………………
………………………………..is what ?
is ur life…….is my life.
Pale with shadows of grey and white,
Or colours so colourful and joys of pride.
With happenings and mishappenings went ahead my life,
Yet was there a gap to be filled,
Un known to me yet it killed.
An unknown desire or an alien fear.
Tension of marks or some unseen failure.
A new good girlfriend or careers with more lucre.
Papa’s scoldings ,mum’s expectations.
Rotations, revolutions went through this small brain of mine.
Thoughts, swirling from here to there like a wild swine.
………………………ah who is it”, I asked, but no one replied.
Whose un readable palms above my eyes.
A second grew into a year long pause.
No thoughts, no breath, no beating of heart.
No bother of the world running out of my claws.
A feeling free from the reach of vocabulary,
A joy free from the material periphery
ran through my hollow veins.
Half closed eyes and an eclipsing smile
Appeared and then disappeared.
Another tick of the clock perforated the silence.
My soul came back but with a majestic violence.
A teacher, a friend and a guide,
To talk to, to fight and argue with’
And to listen to my cries.
That eclipsing smile and those half closed eyes.
© Shobhit kaushal
Sometimes into the depths of the ocean,
sometimes onto the mighty range.
As smooth as fresh air or as coarse as pain.
………………………………………………………
………………………………..is what ?
is ur life…….is my life.
Pale with shadows of grey and white,
Or colours so colourful and joys of pride.
With happenings and mishappenings went ahead my life,
Yet was there a gap to be filled,
Un known to me yet it killed.
An unknown desire or an alien fear.
Tension of marks or some unseen failure.
A new good girlfriend or careers with more lucre.
Papa’s scoldings ,mum’s expectations.
Rotations, revolutions went through this small brain of mine.
Thoughts, swirling from here to there like a wild swine.
………………………ah who is it”, I asked, but no one replied.
Whose un readable palms above my eyes.
A second grew into a year long pause.
No thoughts, no breath, no beating of heart.
No bother of the world running out of my claws.
A feeling free from the reach of vocabulary,
A joy free from the material periphery
ran through my hollow veins.
Half closed eyes and an eclipsing smile
Appeared and then disappeared.
Another tick of the clock perforated the silence.
My soul came back but with a majestic violence.
A teacher, a friend and a guide,
To talk to, to fight and argue with’
And to listen to my cries.
That eclipsing smile and those half closed eyes.
© Shobhit kaushal
Saturday, June 03, 2006
bodies
bodies in
dirty white
chequered black
indeterminate brown
all along the pavement
like copses in a war.
dirty white
chequered black
indeterminate brown
all along the pavement
like copses in a war.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
nobody understands me
sounds familiar
but it is true
i am not sure
even i understand me.
at times i laugh
race the rain.
at times i cry, rage,
destroy all with words.
but i understand all
the hypocrisy
the stupidity
the chaos around me.
i can see through all
the charades
the pretensions
the power games.
you tell me, i am
just a teenager,
have a lot to learn.
i agree, but
don’t try to live
your dreams through me.
don’t preach
don’t praise.
just let me be.
for all the teenagers
but it is true
i am not sure
even i understand me.
at times i laugh
race the rain.
at times i cry, rage,
destroy all with words.
but i understand all
the hypocrisy
the stupidity
the chaos around me.
i can see through all
the charades
the pretensions
the power games.
you tell me, i am
just a teenager,
have a lot to learn.
i agree, but
don’t try to live
your dreams through me.
don’t preach
don’t praise.
just let me be.
for all the teenagers
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Happiness!
The embryonal rhabdomysarcoma kid has scored 89% in his class X exam. It is a remarkable achievement considering all those visits for check ups, medication for secondary infections and those horrible side effects of radio and chemo therapies. He is well so far. Regular check ups will go on for some more time. Let us hope and pray that all will be well with this young kid.
What is important is not the score but the spirit. We are all here on planet earth just for a while. We are all bound to some extent by our inheritance; genetic, cultural, social. What matters is the kind of people we choose to become; how we live, think and act.
What is important is not the score but the spirit. We are all here on planet earth just for a while. We are all bound to some extent by our inheritance; genetic, cultural, social. What matters is the kind of people we choose to become; how we live, think and act.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
count
i count each day
each moment
each second
as i wait for you
i know you will not come
till all the tasks are done
all promises kept
so i rush onwards
as i count each day
each moment
each second
for you O Yama.
inside ICU
each moment
each second
as i wait for you
i know you will not come
till all the tasks are done
all promises kept
so i rush onwards
as i count each day
each moment
each second
for you O Yama.
inside ICU
Thursday, May 11, 2006
angel
they had dreams for her
so they wrote
their dreams upon her
shaped her
moulded her
to their dreams
stretch
hold
shape
beautiful clay
now lies shattered
stretched beyond shape
in the memory of a young angel.
so they wrote
their dreams upon her
shaped her
moulded her
to their dreams
stretch
hold
shape
beautiful clay
now lies shattered
stretched beyond shape
in the memory of a young angel.
Monday, May 08, 2006
vigil
"i can not
see her suffer
i can not
watch her die."
so he waits
just outside her room.
rigid anxious frame
treads ceaselessly.
tense blood shot eyes
glower fiercely.
it's a vigil
a vigil to defy death.
see her suffer
i can not
watch her die."
so he waits
just outside her room.
rigid anxious frame
treads ceaselessly.
tense blood shot eyes
glower fiercely.
it's a vigil
a vigil to defy death.
Friday, May 05, 2006
everyday
everyday
she sits
next to him
talking.
talking about
their baby
their home
all the good times.
her parents
her in laws
the doctors
have given up hope.
but she insists
“he can hear me.
please, he will
respond tomorrow.”
so she sits
next to him
talking
everyday.
Please pray for this family. I have heard prayers can heal. May be many prayers will help.
she sits
next to him
talking.
talking about
their baby
their home
all the good times.
her parents
her in laws
the doctors
have given up hope.
but she insists
“he can hear me.
please, he will
respond tomorrow.”
so she sits
next to him
talking
everyday.
Please pray for this family. I have heard prayers can heal. May be many prayers will help.
Monday, May 01, 2006
translucent
translucent skin
like fresh new leaves of Amaltas.
beautiful
intelligent
accomplished
she was a melody in grace.
“she is too good
for ordinary princes!”
so her adoring father
found an NRI.
a dream wedding
what a handsome couple!
delayed visa
she followed later
only to find
he had another life
another wife
another family.
he had married her
only for her wealth.
bruises... dark on the skin
bruises... dark inside.
long legal proceedings
annulled marriage.
now she manages
her father’s empire
efficiently
like an automaton
opaque... eyes
opaque... skin.
like fresh new leaves of Amaltas.
beautiful
intelligent
accomplished
she was a melody in grace.
“she is too good
for ordinary princes!”
so her adoring father
found an NRI.
a dream wedding
what a handsome couple!
delayed visa
she followed later
only to find
he had another life
another wife
another family.
he had married her
only for her wealth.
bruises... dark on the skin
bruises... dark inside.
long legal proceedings
annulled marriage.
now she manages
her father’s empire
efficiently
like an automaton
opaque... eyes
opaque... skin.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
home
it was a home
that laughed,
radiated bliss
for miles around.
people said,
“it is strange
how can it be?
such a mismatch!”
she had left
filigreed marble
to create
a tiny home
with a commoner
wild flowers
in the garden
children at play.
she said,
“his eyes
make music
in my soul.”
he said,
“her smile
illumines
my whole being.”
that was the home
that laughed,
radiated bliss
for miles around.
This is the story of a family I knew many years ago.
that laughed,
radiated bliss
for miles around.
people said,
“it is strange
how can it be?
such a mismatch!”
she had left
filigreed marble
to create
a tiny home
with a commoner
wild flowers
in the garden
children at play.
she said,
“his eyes
make music
in my soul.”
he said,
“her smile
illumines
my whole being.”
that was the home
that laughed,
radiated bliss
for miles around.
This is the story of a family I knew many years ago.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Icons
“Ignoramus, you seem to be obsessed by Icons”
“Actually Al, they have been haunting me for quite some time, religious Icons, cultural Icons and pop Icons.”
“It is very interesting really. Every Earth culture has Icons. There seems to be a need in Earth People to revere and emulate people.
So you create Icons; symbolic people that represent certain qualities, behavior patterns and values.
Their stories are told and retold so that they get deeply embedded into your psyches. As a result you generally tend to idolize and follow them.”
“Yes, that is so.”
“And stories of their exploits are exaggerated, reinterpreted, modified over time to suit your needs.
Some of you love to revile, bring down some old Icons only to replace them with new ones.
Like the old Icons, Kings and Gods brought down to be replaced by football heroes, movie stars, corporate heads and sports stars.”
“True.”
“No matter what you do, denounce or worship; you still talk about that Icon. The more you talk about the Icon, the more it is likely to be remembered.
Pop Icons realize this, so they do everything to stay in the news.
Religious groups also realize the power of repetition so symbols, images, stories related to the Icon are repeated again and again.”
“You are right.”
“More unusual the story, the more it is remembered.
Look at some of the most enduring Icons; Krishna, Durga, Buddha, Jesus and Mary. Extraordinary stories aren’t they!”
“Actually Al, they have been haunting me for quite some time, religious Icons, cultural Icons and pop Icons.”
“It is very interesting really. Every Earth culture has Icons. There seems to be a need in Earth People to revere and emulate people.
So you create Icons; symbolic people that represent certain qualities, behavior patterns and values.
Their stories are told and retold so that they get deeply embedded into your psyches. As a result you generally tend to idolize and follow them.”
“Yes, that is so.”
“And stories of their exploits are exaggerated, reinterpreted, modified over time to suit your needs.
Some of you love to revile, bring down some old Icons only to replace them with new ones.
Like the old Icons, Kings and Gods brought down to be replaced by football heroes, movie stars, corporate heads and sports stars.”
“True.”
“No matter what you do, denounce or worship; you still talk about that Icon. The more you talk about the Icon, the more it is likely to be remembered.
Pop Icons realize this, so they do everything to stay in the news.
Religious groups also realize the power of repetition so symbols, images, stories related to the Icon are repeated again and again.”
“You are right.”
“More unusual the story, the more it is remembered.
Look at some of the most enduring Icons; Krishna, Durga, Buddha, Jesus and Mary. Extraordinary stories aren’t they!”
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Pop Icon
I must do
everything to
maintain my
Image.
Diva
Macho
Wild
Sober
Girl Next Door
Family Man
Cool Dude
Whatever.
After all
my agent
my manager
my publicist
my media team
have worked
so hard to
create it.
More over
my fans
the public
expect it.
We will rework
the Image
when it gets stale
but till then
I must do
everything to
maintain my
Image.
everything to
maintain my
Image.
Diva
Macho
Wild
Sober
Girl Next Door
Family Man
Cool Dude
Whatever.
After all
my agent
my manager
my publicist
my media team
have worked
so hard to
create it.
More over
my fans
the public
expect it.
We will rework
the Image
when it gets stale
but till then
I must do
everything to
maintain my
Image.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Essence
“O Master, I understand that I have a body, mind, emotions, perception, spirit and essence. Each of these attributes may grow at a variable pace. If all the attributes are in harmony, all is well. But is that all?”
“No Ignoramus, there are many more attributes to be named yet. We are confined by the language we use. Even if we invent a new word, it will be formed by some root words that will limit its meaning. Let us leave that for another day and look at the entire you.
You must have noticed that your entire self grows, evolves to newer levels.”
“Yes Master”
“For a while there is slow evolution and suddenly you find yourself at a new level of awareness. Like a tree that develops new rings every year you develop newer levels of realization. Sometimes you may acquire many levels in a year and sometimes one in many years. You become conscious of much more than ever before. There is wisdom that was never there before. ”
“That is true Master.”
“You must have observed that you interact with different people at different levels.
And some of these levels are entirely for interacting with your own self. You are well aware of the constant interesting interactions that you have with your own self. These innermost levels hold the seeds for the newer levels.
Thus grows your Essence, your true unique self. Your Essence determined by your genes, your exclusive place in space time and your unique experiences.”
“No Ignoramus, there are many more attributes to be named yet. We are confined by the language we use. Even if we invent a new word, it will be formed by some root words that will limit its meaning. Let us leave that for another day and look at the entire you.
You must have noticed that your entire self grows, evolves to newer levels.”
“Yes Master”
“For a while there is slow evolution and suddenly you find yourself at a new level of awareness. Like a tree that develops new rings every year you develop newer levels of realization. Sometimes you may acquire many levels in a year and sometimes one in many years. You become conscious of much more than ever before. There is wisdom that was never there before. ”
“That is true Master.”
“You must have observed that you interact with different people at different levels.
And some of these levels are entirely for interacting with your own self. You are well aware of the constant interesting interactions that you have with your own self. These innermost levels hold the seeds for the newer levels.
Thus grows your Essence, your true unique self. Your Essence determined by your genes, your exclusive place in space time and your unique experiences.”
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Spirit Quotient
Ignoramus thinks some more!
“O Master! I have thought about Spirit too.”
“Good, Ignoramus, tell me more.”
“Spirit is the intelligent, immaterial, indomitable part of a human being. It drives us to seek answers, move onwards despite all odds. It impels us to move beyond ourselves, move beyond all boundaries; beyond space, beyond time, beyond life. “
“Very good Ignoramus, what now?”
“What we need now is
Spirit Quotient: A score to determine the level to which our spirit has grown.
It is a measure of:
• our positive attitude and strength of purpose
• our empathy, compassion, understanding of ourselves and others
• our faculty to think beyond ourselves, willingness to lend a hand in the growth of others
• our enthusiasm to relate to the living and the non living entities
• our ability to see beyond the immediate present, to relate to the past, the present and the future
• our capacity to relate to this planet and beyond
• our willingness to explore and understand material and non material, little understood aspects of the universe”
“Is this Spirit Quotient related to a particular religion?”
“No. Spirit Quotient is not associated with any religion or sect. “
“Will the Spirit Quotient remain constant for a person?”
“No. It is likely to change with time. It may increase or decrease in time. It is likely to grow as we grow, our spirit grows.”
“O Master! I have thought about Spirit too.”
“Good, Ignoramus, tell me more.”
“Spirit is the intelligent, immaterial, indomitable part of a human being. It drives us to seek answers, move onwards despite all odds. It impels us to move beyond ourselves, move beyond all boundaries; beyond space, beyond time, beyond life. “
“Very good Ignoramus, what now?”
“What we need now is
Spirit Quotient: A score to determine the level to which our spirit has grown.
It is a measure of:
• our positive attitude and strength of purpose
• our empathy, compassion, understanding of ourselves and others
• our faculty to think beyond ourselves, willingness to lend a hand in the growth of others
• our enthusiasm to relate to the living and the non living entities
• our ability to see beyond the immediate present, to relate to the past, the present and the future
• our capacity to relate to this planet and beyond
• our willingness to explore and understand material and non material, little understood aspects of the universe”
“Is this Spirit Quotient related to a particular religion?”
“No. Spirit Quotient is not associated with any religion or sect. “
“Will the Spirit Quotient remain constant for a person?”
“No. It is likely to change with time. It may increase or decrease in time. It is likely to grow as we grow, our spirit grows.”
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Perception
Ignoramus tries to think!
“O Master! I have being trying to think! I have been trying to explore, interact, observe, understand and Perceive!!!”
“Good, Ignoramus, so what is Perception?”
“Perception is an insight into a problem, a person or a situation with multiple components. It enables us to solve a problem, truly understand an aspect of reality.”
“And how do we perceive?”
“First, we try to gather all possible data. We use all our senses. We also use secondary data that comes to us from other sources.
We then focus intently; apply all our energy, our entire beings to obtain the solution.
Then we let it be. Our brain, our faculties work silently using all current inputs, past experiences, patterns, erroneous conclusions, correct solutions. And suddenly it is there, before us!!!”
“Very good, Ignoramus. But are our perceptions always correct?”
“No, sometimes they may be wrong. We must be careful. Primary data is the best. If secondary data is flawed the perception may be wrong. Stereotyped inputs and thinking also make the perception erroneous.”
“Can all of us perceive?”
“Yes, all of us have moments of perception. We suddenly perceive danger, a situation, solution to a problem; we truly understand! In an emergency all this happens very quickly.”
“Are all the people equally perceptive?”
“No, there seems to be fair amount of variation. Some people are more perceptive than others. Perhaps they have understood the art and science of perception.”
“Yes Ignoramus, they have.”
“Master we could define
Perception Quotient: A score to determine the degree of perceptivity in an individual.”
“Yes, and perhaps also find ways to improve perception.”
“O Master! I have being trying to think! I have been trying to explore, interact, observe, understand and Perceive!!!”
“Good, Ignoramus, so what is Perception?”
“Perception is an insight into a problem, a person or a situation with multiple components. It enables us to solve a problem, truly understand an aspect of reality.”
“And how do we perceive?”
“First, we try to gather all possible data. We use all our senses. We also use secondary data that comes to us from other sources.
We then focus intently; apply all our energy, our entire beings to obtain the solution.
Then we let it be. Our brain, our faculties work silently using all current inputs, past experiences, patterns, erroneous conclusions, correct solutions. And suddenly it is there, before us!!!”
“Very good, Ignoramus. But are our perceptions always correct?”
“No, sometimes they may be wrong. We must be careful. Primary data is the best. If secondary data is flawed the perception may be wrong. Stereotyped inputs and thinking also make the perception erroneous.”
“Can all of us perceive?”
“Yes, all of us have moments of perception. We suddenly perceive danger, a situation, solution to a problem; we truly understand! In an emergency all this happens very quickly.”
“Are all the people equally perceptive?”
“No, there seems to be fair amount of variation. Some people are more perceptive than others. Perhaps they have understood the art and science of perception.”
“Yes Ignoramus, they have.”
“Master we could define
Perception Quotient: A score to determine the degree of perceptivity in an individual.”
“Yes, and perhaps also find ways to improve perception.”
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Tall
Even as your head is in the clouds,
keep your feet firmly on the ground.
See how ta..…ll you become!
Just turn now, and watch the moon smile.
Just lean now, you can touch the stars.
for all the young folk who say, “I want to be so..... tall!”
keep your feet firmly on the ground.
See how ta..…ll you become!
Just turn now, and watch the moon smile.
Just lean now, you can touch the stars.
for all the young folk who say, “I want to be so..... tall!”
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Sea Of Fire
as you walk
the Sea Of Fire,
flames become friends.
yellows hold you,
reds carry you,
far above the
flickering haze,
beyond the
intense translucence.
fire and you glow,
one shimmering
incandescence.
when troubles loom like a Sea Of Fire, just wade in.
the Sea Of Fire,
flames become friends.
yellows hold you,
reds carry you,
far above the
flickering haze,
beyond the
intense translucence.
fire and you glow,
one shimmering
incandescence.
when troubles loom like a Sea Of Fire, just wade in.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Exam Panic Attack
A young teenager is in the ICU because of Exam Panic Attack. God knows how many more all over India, all over the world.
Agreed, we don’t know what to do with the kids once they are born. So bung them into schools and colleges with overworked, underpaid teachers and professors. Then have "External Examinations" conducted by bodies that are only concerned about "Setting Syllabi" and "Conducting Examinations".
Who is bothered about what happens to the young people in schools and colleges?
Are they really learning anything? What about their physical, mental and emotional health? What about their spirit that is trampled upon, crushed along the way?
When are we going to change the system that does this to human beings? And it is all so unnecessary!
Please pray for this teen and all others who are in a similar situation. Please think about this. Please work towards changing this system.
Agreed, we don’t know what to do with the kids once they are born. So bung them into schools and colleges with overworked, underpaid teachers and professors. Then have "External Examinations" conducted by bodies that are only concerned about "Setting Syllabi" and "Conducting Examinations".
Who is bothered about what happens to the young people in schools and colleges?
Are they really learning anything? What about their physical, mental and emotional health? What about their spirit that is trampled upon, crushed along the way?
When are we going to change the system that does this to human beings? And it is all so unnecessary!
Please pray for this teen and all others who are in a similar situation. Please think about this. Please work towards changing this system.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Durga
O Divine Mother, O Shakti,
The entire universe is You.
All creation is Your form
in innumerable dimensions.
O creator of Matrikas,
O Mahishasur mardini,
All things originate from You
and finally become one with You.
bequeath Your infinite wisdom
bestow Your immense power
confer Your heavenly grace
upon us who seek your blessings.
The entire universe is You.
All creation is Your form
in innumerable dimensions.
O creator of Matrikas,
O Mahishasur mardini,
All things originate from You
and finally become one with You.
bequeath Your infinite wisdom
bestow Your immense power
confer Your heavenly grace
upon us who seek your blessings.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Mary
when i became
your virgin mother
and cradled you
in my lap,
i never knew
that one day
i would have to
hold you again,
my crucified
Son of God.
She was the only one.
your virgin mother
and cradled you
in my lap,
i never knew
that one day
i would have to
hold you again,
my crucified
Son of God.
She was the only one.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Kali
when Durga created me
from her brow
and ordained me
to kill all demons
i had no option
but
to tear you up.
i had to look inside
to see what made you so vile.
i had to sever your skulls
so that they would not think any more evil.
i had to drink your blood Raktabija
so that it would not flow through any more bodies.
for the very rare Kalis that i meet.
from her brow
and ordained me
to kill all demons
i had no option
but
to tear you up.
i had to look inside
to see what made you so vile.
i had to sever your skulls
so that they would not think any more evil.
i had to drink your blood Raktabija
so that it would not flow through any more bodies.
for the very rare Kalis that i meet.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Draupadi
O Kunti how could you do this?
you turned me into an object
the moment you divided me
amongst your five valiant sons.
and they wagered me as though
i was not their wife but an object.
and all my five brave husbands
watched as i was insulted
and that evil Dushasana
dared to touch my garment.
had it not been for Krishna
Draupadi would be no where.
for all those women who are still in the same position as Draupadi.
you turned me into an object
the moment you divided me
amongst your five valiant sons.
and they wagered me as though
i was not their wife but an object.
and all my five brave husbands
watched as i was insulted
and that evil Dushasana
dared to touch my garment.
had it not been for Krishna
Draupadi would be no where.
for all those women who are still in the same position as Draupadi.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Sita
after the trial
by the fire
it was all ashes.
any excuse was fine;
a dhobi’s word
or a brahmin’s word.
it did not matter;
the palace
or the forest.
i knew my sons would
grow away
to become kings.
my only refuge
was the earth
that swallowed me whole.
for so many Sitas that i meet everyday.
by the fire
it was all ashes.
any excuse was fine;
a dhobi’s word
or a brahmin’s word.
it did not matter;
the palace
or the forest.
i knew my sons would
grow away
to become kings.
my only refuge
was the earth
that swallowed me whole.
for so many Sitas that i meet everyday.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Exam Anxiety
It is that time of the year again when school kids go for exams. Very soon it will be the turn of college students.
All around there are anxious faces; children, teenagers and parents.
Our Exam system being what it is, with emphasis on
“mug, get a good score somehow, and forget”
kids try to cram.
With pressure to “do well”,
“If you do not do well you will not get admission in a good college. What will you do?.......etc. etc.”
they drive themselves into panic.
Some of the best students, the top notch brains also suffer from fear of failure. Some students are on anti stress medicines, hopefully under the scrutiny of a doctor.
Hesitant steps, “May I please talk to you for a few minutes.”
“Sure.” We talk for a while. I listen carefully and try to drive their fears away. They go back a little more confident. I hope it helps.
If you have young students around, please listen to them, encourage them, give them confidence.
All around there are anxious faces; children, teenagers and parents.
Our Exam system being what it is, with emphasis on
“mug, get a good score somehow, and forget”
kids try to cram.
With pressure to “do well”,
“If you do not do well you will not get admission in a good college. What will you do?.......etc. etc.”
they drive themselves into panic.
Some of the best students, the top notch brains also suffer from fear of failure. Some students are on anti stress medicines, hopefully under the scrutiny of a doctor.
Hesitant steps, “May I please talk to you for a few minutes.”
“Sure.” We talk for a while. I listen carefully and try to drive their fears away. They go back a little more confident. I hope it helps.
If you have young students around, please listen to them, encourage them, give them confidence.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
boy child
oh yes, i am the privileged one.
i do exactly what i want.
but
pressure to perform is intense.
i must always lead, control, win.
i must never be a sissy, a girl.
i have to grow up to be
the aggressor, the protector.
why must i always be strong?
always accept the challenge?
always do well, always stand first?
for
there are times when i just can not.
can i not cry even when i really hurt ?
i do exactly what i want.
but
pressure to perform is intense.
i must always lead, control, win.
i must never be a sissy, a girl.
i have to grow up to be
the aggressor, the protector.
why must i always be strong?
always accept the challenge?
always do well, always stand first?
for
there are times when i just can not.
can i not cry even when i really hurt ?
Thursday, March 02, 2006
glass people
you can look right through them
talk and act as you please.
unheard invisible
they just serve tend carry.
they are really not there.
are they?
talk and act as you please.
unheard invisible
they just serve tend carry.
they are really not there.
are they?
Monday, February 27, 2006
Kabir
all your life
you spoke of
harmony
peace
unity
yet
you had to
transform
your body
into flowers
that
disciples
divide you
bury you
burn you.
you spoke of
harmony
peace
unity
yet
you had to
transform
your body
into flowers
that
disciples
divide you
bury you
burn you.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Ignoramus and Master
“O Master, this Alien troubles me so!”
“Come, Ignoramus tell me what bothers you?”
“The Alien is asking me to think. You know how difficult it is to think. It is so easy to follow others.”
“Yes, but it is good to think sometimes. What does he say?”
“He asks me, ‘What do Earth people regard as most valuable? Why?’ I don’t even know who I am, why I am. How can I answer all these questions?”
“Alright, tell me how do you know that you are?”
“I have this body. You can see that.”
“Only a body?”
“Oh well, I have a mind too”
“What about joy, fear, anger...”
“Ok, emotions too”
“What about sudden insights?”
“You mean those “Oh yes!” moments when everything falls into place. When, even I understand.”
“Yes, your perception in action”
“And what makes you seek all these answers?”
“My spirit?”
“And what makes you unique? You know there is no one exactly like you, never was, nor will be.”
“My essence?”
“Yes.”
“So I have a body, mind, emotions, perception, spirit and essence?”
“Yes. We speak of these attributes for analysis and better understanding. They act in unison. They change, grow in time.”
“I understand.”
“Later we may talk of more attributes. Now go and think about spirit and perception.”
“Me, Ignoramus? Think!?!?!”
“Come, Ignoramus tell me what bothers you?”
“The Alien is asking me to think. You know how difficult it is to think. It is so easy to follow others.”
“Yes, but it is good to think sometimes. What does he say?”
“He asks me, ‘What do Earth people regard as most valuable? Why?’ I don’t even know who I am, why I am. How can I answer all these questions?”
“Alright, tell me how do you know that you are?”
“I have this body. You can see that.”
“Only a body?”
“Oh well, I have a mind too”
“What about joy, fear, anger...”
“Ok, emotions too”
“What about sudden insights?”
“You mean those “Oh yes!” moments when everything falls into place. When, even I understand.”
“Yes, your perception in action”
“And what makes you seek all these answers?”
“My spirit?”
“And what makes you unique? You know there is no one exactly like you, never was, nor will be.”
“My essence?”
“Yes.”
“So I have a body, mind, emotions, perception, spirit and essence?”
“Yes. We speak of these attributes for analysis and better understanding. They act in unison. They change, grow in time.”
“I understand.”
“Later we may talk of more attributes. Now go and think about spirit and perception.”
“Me, Ignoramus? Think!?!?!”
Friday, February 17, 2006
i?
i watch
winds dance
oceans surge unbound
suns glow
earths hum
skies stream through me.
i am within
i am without.
i am nothing
i am everything.
i am nowhere
i am everywhere.
i?
winds dance
oceans surge unbound
suns glow
earths hum
skies stream through me.
i am within
i am without.
i am nothing
i am everything.
i am nowhere
i am everywhere.
i?
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Buddha
O Wise one!
Why are your eyes half closed?
Can they not bear to see
the pain, the folly, the suffering?
O Serene one!
O Bodhisattva!
Why do your lips still smile?
Has your spirit moved beyond all?
Why are your eyes half closed?
Can they not bear to see
the pain, the folly, the suffering?
O Serene one!
O Bodhisattva!
Why do your lips still smile?
Has your spirit moved beyond all?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
business at ten
he weaves
dense traffic
on his
hand driven
tricycle
to sell
bright sachets
that he may
eat once
at nightfall.
dense traffic
on his
hand driven
tricycle
to sell
bright sachets
that he may
eat once
at nightfall.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
boundaries
we draw boundaries
around ourselves.
bodies
minds
souls.
i can not do this.
this is beyond me.
we draw boundaries of
class
caste
color
ethos
culture
ethnicity
nation
gender
language
race
region
religion.
we adore boundaries.
why!??
for they make us feel so
safe?
superior?
secure?
in our tiny cocoons?
around ourselves.
bodies
minds
souls.
i can not do this.
this is beyond me.
we draw boundaries of
class
caste
color
ethos
culture
ethnicity
nation
gender
language
race
region
religion.
we adore boundaries.
why!??
for they make us feel so
safe?
superior?
secure?
in our tiny cocoons?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Ignoramus Defends
“Oh Al, we are not that bad. We are really very sensitive and compassionate creatures.”
“Yes, I know you are. But tell me why is it that at one end of your planet millions of dollars are spent on a party while at another people die of malnutrition? Why it is that surplus food rots while people in India, Africa die of starvation? ”
“You know how miserable I feel about this.”
“Ignoramus, essentially you are good. It is the belief systems that you acquire, the insecurities that you garner as you grow, that cause you to value negative chimeras.
The young people in your business schools are taught ‘Business means profit’. So it is profit anyhow, at any cost. It starts with profit, more profit; profit at the cost of other people, environment and even own self”
“Oh Al, tell us what to do?”
“Ignoramus, outsiders can provide inputs to think. Solutions have to come from inside, from Earth people. Even if I tell you about far off planets and their ways, you will call it Utopia. You will not be able to follow their ideas because they are not your own.”
“Please Al, what can we do?”
“Think Ignoramus, think. Why is it that the basic physical, mental, emotional and spiritual human requirements are not available to all the human beings of this planet even though there is an abundance of resources? Why is it that the food and hard work have lower price than mobiles and computers?
Whatever ideas, images, patterns are fed into people, are processed and output. These in turn are processed again. Look dispassionately at your belief systems, your media, and your natural, social, cultural environment. What belief systems are you propagating? Why? What is it that is really valuable?”
“Yes, I know you are. But tell me why is it that at one end of your planet millions of dollars are spent on a party while at another people die of malnutrition? Why it is that surplus food rots while people in India, Africa die of starvation? ”
“You know how miserable I feel about this.”
“Ignoramus, essentially you are good. It is the belief systems that you acquire, the insecurities that you garner as you grow, that cause you to value negative chimeras.
The young people in your business schools are taught ‘Business means profit’. So it is profit anyhow, at any cost. It starts with profit, more profit; profit at the cost of other people, environment and even own self”
“Oh Al, tell us what to do?”
“Ignoramus, outsiders can provide inputs to think. Solutions have to come from inside, from Earth people. Even if I tell you about far off planets and their ways, you will call it Utopia. You will not be able to follow their ideas because they are not your own.”
“Please Al, what can we do?”
“Think Ignoramus, think. Why is it that the basic physical, mental, emotional and spiritual human requirements are not available to all the human beings of this planet even though there is an abundance of resources? Why is it that the food and hard work have lower price than mobiles and computers?
Whatever ideas, images, patterns are fed into people, are processed and output. These in turn are processed again. Look dispassionately at your belief systems, your media, and your natural, social, cultural environment. What belief systems are you propagating? Why? What is it that is really valuable?”
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Alien and Value
Alien is fascinated by our concept of Value and Money.
“Ignoramus, what according to Earth people has greatest value?”
“Hard work? Knowledge?”
“Whatever has the greatest value has the greatest price?”
“Yes”.
“Whoever has the greatest value has the greatest amount of money?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Who has the greatest amount of money?”
“Well… movie stars, business owners.”
“Not the hard working farmers, laborers and knowledgeable sages, teachers and professors?”
“Well… no.”
“Tell me Ignoramus why is it that in India and Africa, the hard working farmers starve, kill themselves?”
“Oh Al, I wish I could do something to stop that.”
“Don’t you see Ignoramus, what Earth people value most is ‘fantasy’ to escape from the horrible environs of their own creation! Earth people value those who can buy something at a low price and sell it at a high price and keep a huge difference for themselves. They value ‘selfishness, greed and extortion’.”
“Ignoramus, what according to Earth people has greatest value?”
“Hard work? Knowledge?”
“Whatever has the greatest value has the greatest price?”
“Yes”.
“Whoever has the greatest value has the greatest amount of money?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Who has the greatest amount of money?”
“Well… movie stars, business owners.”
“Not the hard working farmers, laborers and knowledgeable sages, teachers and professors?”
“Well… no.”
“Tell me Ignoramus why is it that in India and Africa, the hard working farmers starve, kill themselves?”
“Oh Al, I wish I could do something to stop that.”
“Don’t you see Ignoramus, what Earth people value most is ‘fantasy’ to escape from the horrible environs of their own creation! Earth people value those who can buy something at a low price and sell it at a high price and keep a huge difference for themselves. They value ‘selfishness, greed and extortion’.”
Friday, January 27, 2006
Alien and Ignoramus
This alien will drive me crazy. Today I found him tearing up currency and folding debit cards to make boats.
“Oh Al, you mustn’t. They are very valuable and important”, I tried to retrieve whatever was left.
“This is just paper and plastic!”
“No Al, this is money. It is a token for exchange. You see everything has some value. Its price in money indicates its value. We use money to buy things. ”
“What price the hummingbird? The air? The oceans? The forests? The earth? People?” Al eager to buy them all.
“No, you can not buy the air, oceans, forests and earth. If someone catches a hummingbird and sells it to you, you may be able to buy it. You can not buy people. You can hire them if you own a company. It is not called buying. We attach a price to the things we make.”
“Who decides the price?”
“Well you see this is market economy. It is demand and supply that determine the price.” I started explaining demand and supply graphs to Al.
“Ignoramus, do you really think that these bits of paper and plastic are very valuable and important?”
“Yes we all know that. We have been told so.”
Al started laughing.
“You all must be really naïve. Bits of paper and plastic, valuable, important???!!! What if I burn all paper and plastic? Will you have nothing valuable left on this planet?”
Now what do I say?
“Oh Al, you mustn’t. They are very valuable and important”, I tried to retrieve whatever was left.
“This is just paper and plastic!”
“No Al, this is money. It is a token for exchange. You see everything has some value. Its price in money indicates its value. We use money to buy things. ”
“What price the hummingbird? The air? The oceans? The forests? The earth? People?” Al eager to buy them all.
“No, you can not buy the air, oceans, forests and earth. If someone catches a hummingbird and sells it to you, you may be able to buy it. You can not buy people. You can hire them if you own a company. It is not called buying. We attach a price to the things we make.”
“Who decides the price?”
“Well you see this is market economy. It is demand and supply that determine the price.” I started explaining demand and supply graphs to Al.
“Ignoramus, do you really think that these bits of paper and plastic are very valuable and important?”
“Yes we all know that. We have been told so.”
Al started laughing.
“You all must be really naïve. Bits of paper and plastic, valuable, important???!!! What if I burn all paper and plastic? Will you have nothing valuable left on this planet?”
Now what do I say?
Friday, January 20, 2006
seeing
some people
see with their eyes,
but i,
see with my hands.
i can see
each bump,
each shape.
sometimes i can even
see with my ears.
i can see
each nuance,
each cadence.
i have heard of colours,
of shades and hues.
one day, i am sure,
i will see them too.
for my friends who really see.
see with their eyes,
but i,
see with my hands.
i can see
each bump,
each shape.
sometimes i can even
see with my ears.
i can see
each nuance,
each cadence.
i have heard of colours,
of shades and hues.
one day, i am sure,
i will see them too.
for my friends who really see.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Krishna
Playful Companion
Enchanter Supreme
Divine Musician
leaves His Bansuri
to watch the killing fields
for the sake of Dharma.
Enchanter Supreme
Divine Musician
leaves His Bansuri
to watch the killing fields
for the sake of Dharma.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Jesus
People threw stones,
hurled vile words
and nailed him
to the cross.
While he prayed,
“Forgive them Lord,
for they know not
what they do.”
hurled vile words
and nailed him
to the cross.
While he prayed,
“Forgive them Lord,
for they know not
what they do.”
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Some Good News
Dear folks,
The good news is about the young teenager who is fighting against “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
His January tests and scans indicate no growth, no recurrence so far. He has some problems related to long term effects of radiation and chemo therapy, but all that is nothing as compared to this news.
I wanted to share this piece of good news and thank you once again for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
We are hoping and praying for the best. May all the people of this planet be happy and well.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
The good news is about the young teenager who is fighting against “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
His January tests and scans indicate no growth, no recurrence so far. He has some problems related to long term effects of radiation and chemo therapy, but all that is nothing as compared to this news.
I wanted to share this piece of good news and thank you once again for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“.
We are hoping and praying for the best. May all the people of this planet be happy and well.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
she
bowed legs
wise eyes
stunted growth
barely speaks.
swab and scrub
wash and clean
old woman
turns thirteen.
wise eyes
stunted growth
barely speaks.
swab and scrub
wash and clean
old woman
turns thirteen.
Monday, January 02, 2006
temple
swishing silks
worsted wools
mummified bodies.
tiny hands
tattered clothes
expectant eyes.
have nothing
just prasad
give it all away.
worsted wools
mummified bodies.
tiny hands
tattered clothes
expectant eyes.
have nothing
just prasad
give it all away.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
smile
smile
even as you hold
shattered crystal
of your world
in your hands.
smile
at the beauty of
each shimmering shard
swimming in
its ocean of red.
smile
as red coalesces
ever so slowly
crystal morphs into ruby
glows with a roseate hue.
even as you hold
shattered crystal
of your world
in your hands.
smile
at the beauty of
each shimmering shard
swimming in
its ocean of red.
smile
as red coalesces
ever so slowly
crystal morphs into ruby
glows with a roseate hue.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
miracles
i understand all about
tests, reports, worries,
scans, chemos, radios,
pains, fevers, nauseas,
and all the unnamed horrors.
please take care.
have your meds and nutrients.
inhale some fresh air.
pause to smell flowers,
watch the moon and stars.
please smile.
when you smile
all the good hormones
flow through your bodies
and help you heal soon.
please do not give up.
have seen many miracles.
am praying for more.
praying for a miracle
for each one of you.
for my very special friends.
tests, reports, worries,
scans, chemos, radios,
pains, fevers, nauseas,
and all the unnamed horrors.
please take care.
have your meds and nutrients.
inhale some fresh air.
pause to smell flowers,
watch the moon and stars.
please smile.
when you smile
all the good hormones
flow through your bodies
and help you heal soon.
please do not give up.
have seen many miracles.
am praying for more.
praying for a miracle
for each one of you.
for my very special friends.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
times
take the sun away.
let me hide
in the deep dark crevices
of my mind.
let thoughts be
locked forever
in the labyrinths
of silent synapses.
but
no matter
how deep the shadow
how dark the eclipse
sun smiles
as a diamond.
let me hide
in the deep dark crevices
of my mind.
let thoughts be
locked forever
in the labyrinths
of silent synapses.
but
no matter
how deep the shadow
how dark the eclipse
sun smiles
as a diamond.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
lives
lives
psyches
images
ideas
emotions
relations
may become
manic
transient
depressive
disparate
desperate
fragmented
but hope dreams
in translucent leaves
of the Bodhi.
psyches
images
ideas
emotions
relations
may become
manic
transient
depressive
disparate
desperate
fragmented
but hope dreams
in translucent leaves
of the Bodhi.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
isms
vitalism
fatalism
positivism
nominalism
naturalism
empiricism
idealism
rationalism
evolutionism
determinism
romanticism
atheism
pantheism
capitalism
communism
socialism
marxism
materialism
structure functionalism
conflict functionalism
intuitionism
behaviorism
instrumentalism
symbolic interactionism
reductionism
realism
pragmatism
utilitarianism
operationalism
quantitativism
pluralism
neonominalism
neopositivism
neofunctionalism
neomarxism
neoevolutionism
creationism
informationalism
structuralism
poststructuralism
modernism
postmodernism
so many more isms…
what are isms really?
facets of reality?
perspectives?
frames of reference
to understand the universe?
beliefs to hold
defend
desperately
when all else is uncertain?
fatalism
positivism
nominalism
naturalism
empiricism
idealism
rationalism
evolutionism
determinism
romanticism
atheism
pantheism
capitalism
communism
socialism
marxism
materialism
structure functionalism
conflict functionalism
intuitionism
behaviorism
instrumentalism
symbolic interactionism
reductionism
realism
pragmatism
utilitarianism
operationalism
quantitativism
pluralism
neonominalism
neopositivism
neofunctionalism
neomarxism
neoevolutionism
creationism
informationalism
structuralism
poststructuralism
modernism
postmodernism
so many more isms…
what are isms really?
facets of reality?
perspectives?
frames of reference
to understand the universe?
beliefs to hold
defend
desperately
when all else is uncertain?
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
nirvana
he sits by the wall
ribs, bones, chin on knees.
clutches himself tight
to hold the hunger.
we pass by
gaze averted
hoping for nirvana.
ribs, bones, chin on knees.
clutches himself tight
to hold the hunger.
we pass by
gaze averted
hoping for nirvana.
Monday, November 21, 2005
fog
tattered clothes bare feet
children seek treasures
in the garbage heap.
fog rises
to hide our shame.
children seek treasures
in the garbage heap.
fog rises
to hide our shame.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
pre teens
what a funny name!
what if we called
the adults pre old?
we are older now
strong, sharp, eager, free
its fun, frolic, energy!
we have many friends!
we play, jump, jest, joust.
we talk, scream, shout.
they tell us so many things,
you don’t talk about.
you never ever discuss.
when we ask
you are too busy
or fudge the answers.
oh well, we have net,
tv, our network
we will find out soon.
but some of the things
that we find
are so confusing!?!
why don’t you sit down
and discuss these things
patiently with us?
why do you always order?
when we ask questions,
why don’t you explain?
it would really help
if you could spend time
just to talk to us.
for all the tweens
what if we called
the adults pre old?
we are older now
strong, sharp, eager, free
its fun, frolic, energy!
we have many friends!
we play, jump, jest, joust.
we talk, scream, shout.
they tell us so many things,
you don’t talk about.
you never ever discuss.
when we ask
you are too busy
or fudge the answers.
oh well, we have net,
tv, our network
we will find out soon.
but some of the things
that we find
are so confusing!?!
why don’t you sit down
and discuss these things
patiently with us?
why do you always order?
when we ask questions,
why don’t you explain?
it would really help
if you could spend time
just to talk to us.
for all the tweens
Monday, November 14, 2005
guest
i bring hope,
happiness
from heavens above.
i colour your world
with glorious hues,
incessant chatter.
i can sense
your worries.
tiny frowns tell me all.
smile, all will be fine.
you look so charming
when you smile.
hold my hand.
i feel so sure when
you are beside me.
i like to explore
laugh jump play
skip sing dance.
please don’t shout.
give me time.
so much to find out!
don’t try to mould me
to the rigid rules
of your society.
treat me like
you would treat
an honoured guest.
for i am your child
to hold and cherish,
only for a while.
for all the little children
happiness
from heavens above.
i colour your world
with glorious hues,
incessant chatter.
i can sense
your worries.
tiny frowns tell me all.
smile, all will be fine.
you look so charming
when you smile.
hold my hand.
i feel so sure when
you are beside me.
i like to explore
laugh jump play
skip sing dance.
please don’t shout.
give me time.
so much to find out!
don’t try to mould me
to the rigid rules
of your society.
treat me like
you would treat
an honoured guest.
for i am your child
to hold and cherish,
only for a while.
for all the little children
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Events
An event occurs. Many people watch it.
After a while if we ask the people to narrate the event, the results are very interesting.
Each person narrates the event but emphasizes the parts of the event that are most important to him or her.
Any one can try this experiment. Tell a new story or enact a new play before an audience. After some time, ask each person to narrate the story or play separately and note the difference.
We tend to absorb information selectively, depending upon our past experiences, our previous knowledge, our physical state, our emotional state, our mental state and the state to which our persona has evolved.
After a while if we ask the people to narrate the event, the results are very interesting.
Each person narrates the event but emphasizes the parts of the event that are most important to him or her.
Any one can try this experiment. Tell a new story or enact a new play before an audience. After some time, ask each person to narrate the story or play separately and note the difference.
We tend to absorb information selectively, depending upon our past experiences, our previous knowledge, our physical state, our emotional state, our mental state and the state to which our persona has evolved.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Questions
when i was a child,
i asked many questions.
i was told
"You will know when you reach college."
i did
and asked.
"You will know when you are older."
"Seek and you shall find."
i did
i read
i explored
i asked revered teachers.
i sat at the feet of Gurus
hoping for answers.
but
the questions
are still with me.
unanswered.
i asked many questions.
i was told
"You will know when you reach college."
i did
and asked.
"You will know when you are older."
"Seek and you shall find."
i did
i read
i explored
i asked revered teachers.
i sat at the feet of Gurus
hoping for answers.
but
the questions
are still with me.
unanswered.
Monday, October 31, 2005
labels
as i walk the earth
my soul wanders
hears whispers
pain
agony
hopes
dreams
of people never heard,
never talked about.
they live on the brink
ignored
marginalized.
for they are
not normal?
not whole?
disabled?
challenged?
differently abled?
it’s easy
stick a new label
and forget
the whole thing.
how many
labels
do we need
before
we really do something?
my soul wanders
hears whispers
pain
agony
hopes
dreams
of people never heard,
never talked about.
they live on the brink
ignored
marginalized.
for they are
not normal?
not whole?
disabled?
challenged?
differently abled?
it’s easy
stick a new label
and forget
the whole thing.
how many
labels
do we need
before
we really do something?
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Thanks
Dear Folks,
Thank you for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“ along. People I have never met before have given good advice and offered to find more information about latest developments in this area. I am now a member of a group related to sarcoma and a mailing list too.
The young teenager is under proper medical care at one of the best hospitals in India. He has had chemo and radiotherapy for a year. He is fine now and has to go for follow ups every 3 months. The disease is not very common and the real danger is recurrence. That is why we are trying to get in touch with people who have been through this.
He is very creative, very brave. He paints and writes very well. We are hoping and praying for the best.
Thanking you,
Nirupma
Thank you for passing the message about "Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“ along. People I have never met before have given good advice and offered to find more information about latest developments in this area. I am now a member of a group related to sarcoma and a mailing list too.
The young teenager is under proper medical care at one of the best hospitals in India. He has had chemo and radiotherapy for a year. He is fine now and has to go for follow ups every 3 months. The disease is not very common and the real danger is recurrence. That is why we are trying to get in touch with people who have been through this.
He is very creative, very brave. He paints and writes very well. We are hoping and praying for the best.
Thanking you,
Nirupma
Monday, October 17, 2005
Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Dear folks,
Please, if you know of any one who has fought against “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“, or has a child suffering from this disease, request them to mail me at nirupama.kapoor@gmail.com
I know this young teenager who is fighting very bravely against this disease. The original malignant tumors have disappeared. Now there is a follow up every 3 months.
Is there any thing that can be done to prevent recurrence?
I have gone through the material on the net. It is mostly technical, meant for doctors. I need to get in touch with people who have won against this or are fighting against this. We need practical advice.
I hope and pray that no child ever suffers from this disease. If you have children or teenagers around, please ask them to inform you of any unusual growth or lumps. Early detection increases the chance of cure. Growing children may be painfully sensitive and shy. Please encourage them to communicate.
Please pass this message to as many people as possible.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
Please, if you know of any one who has fought against “Poorly differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma“, or has a child suffering from this disease, request them to mail me at nirupama.kapoor@gmail.com
I know this young teenager who is fighting very bravely against this disease. The original malignant tumors have disappeared. Now there is a follow up every 3 months.
Is there any thing that can be done to prevent recurrence?
I have gone through the material on the net. It is mostly technical, meant for doctors. I need to get in touch with people who have won against this or are fighting against this. We need practical advice.
I hope and pray that no child ever suffers from this disease. If you have children or teenagers around, please ask them to inform you of any unusual growth or lumps. Early detection increases the chance of cure. Growing children may be painfully sensitive and shy. Please encourage them to communicate.
Please pass this message to as many people as possible.
Thanking you,
Nirupma Kapoor
Monday, October 10, 2005
Earth Speak
my core is heavy
winds awry
crust quavers
oceans surge askew.
melting glaciers
exploding volcanoes
earthquakes
tsunamis
cyclones
hurricanes
floods famines fires.
unexpected
changes in weather.
how long do you think
can I bear
the burden
of all your misdeeds?
you
pile concrete
upon my crust,
dig hollows
to steal my gold,
belch poisons
into my air,
pour rank filth
into my waters,
kill all species
for your greed.
and now
you drop bombs
fire missiles
by mega tons.
do you think
my crust
does not weaken
when you drop bombs?
do you think
heat and pressure
do not disturb
the dynamic balance
of winds and oceans?
why do you need weapons?
to kill all life?
once a weapon is made
it will be used for sure.
I have watched
for eons.
species have come
and gone.
if you do not
heed,
you may as well
be the next.
winds awry
crust quavers
oceans surge askew.
melting glaciers
exploding volcanoes
earthquakes
tsunamis
cyclones
hurricanes
floods famines fires.
unexpected
changes in weather.
how long do you think
can I bear
the burden
of all your misdeeds?
you
pile concrete
upon my crust,
dig hollows
to steal my gold,
belch poisons
into my air,
pour rank filth
into my waters,
kill all species
for your greed.
and now
you drop bombs
fire missiles
by mega tons.
do you think
my crust
does not weaken
when you drop bombs?
do you think
heat and pressure
do not disturb
the dynamic balance
of winds and oceans?
why do you need weapons?
to kill all life?
once a weapon is made
it will be used for sure.
I have watched
for eons.
species have come
and gone.
if you do not
heed,
you may as well
be the next.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Dr. Tara
My sincere thanks once again to all the people who passed the information about Dr. Tarachand. By now we have received a number of letters, photographs and diaries.
His daughter Rachna is taking care of all this material. She has started posting some of this material on http://shreeshubh.blogspot.com , a web log named after Dr. Tara’s granddaughter.
His daughter Rachna is taking care of all this material. She has started posting some of this material on http://shreeshubh.blogspot.com , a web log named after Dr. Tara’s granddaughter.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Voluntary Experiments by Social Groups
Social Technology for a Better Future
Even as the society and the culture that we live in influences us, we have the power to influence our society.
In fact, we are responsible for creating our own society. Instead of being passive recipients of social influences, we can form voluntary groups in the neighborhood and try different social formations and determine their effects.
It has been observed that when children are cared for by a number of people that is parents, close relatives and people in the neighborhood; they tend to be more confident, emotionally secure, social and willing to learn as compared to the children of single working parents or isolated nuclear families where both the parents are working.
Parents in a neighborhood could form groups and take turns to look after the children. They could coordinate their free time in such a manner that some adult parents are available to the children when they need them. They could visit the local crèche, school and playground and keep actively in touch with the children in the neighborhood.
Many such formations can be conceived, debated, tried and kept if they benefit the community.
Even as the society and the culture that we live in influences us, we have the power to influence our society.
In fact, we are responsible for creating our own society. Instead of being passive recipients of social influences, we can form voluntary groups in the neighborhood and try different social formations and determine their effects.
It has been observed that when children are cared for by a number of people that is parents, close relatives and people in the neighborhood; they tend to be more confident, emotionally secure, social and willing to learn as compared to the children of single working parents or isolated nuclear families where both the parents are working.
Parents in a neighborhood could form groups and take turns to look after the children. They could coordinate their free time in such a manner that some adult parents are available to the children when they need them. They could visit the local crèche, school and playground and keep actively in touch with the children in the neighborhood.
Many such formations can be conceived, debated, tried and kept if they benefit the community.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Ethics, Values and Norms
Social Technology for a Better Future
Anthropologists have studied so many different cultures and societies. We have seen a wide variety of ethical beliefs, values and norms.
As we interact with people from different cultures and society we see that some values seem to be treasured by most of societies. On the other hand there are norms and rules that vary from one society to another. Are there any universal values? If so which values? Honesty, Compassion?
Misunderstandings occur for we do not have a clear idea of the values and norms of other cultures. Values and norms are deeply embedded in the psyche of individuals. They are not static either. They seem to adapt to the changing world at variable pace in different societies.
We need to conduct research to determine the strands that are common to most of the societies and the skeins that are different. This would become possible by the accurate data gathering tools developed by information and communication technology. Such studies would be needed repeatedly because of the dynamic nature of the variables involved.
This will hopefully lead to better understanding and tolerance amongst various cultures, societies and groups.
Anthropologists have studied so many different cultures and societies. We have seen a wide variety of ethical beliefs, values and norms.
As we interact with people from different cultures and society we see that some values seem to be treasured by most of societies. On the other hand there are norms and rules that vary from one society to another. Are there any universal values? If so which values? Honesty, Compassion?
Misunderstandings occur for we do not have a clear idea of the values and norms of other cultures. Values and norms are deeply embedded in the psyche of individuals. They are not static either. They seem to adapt to the changing world at variable pace in different societies.
We need to conduct research to determine the strands that are common to most of the societies and the skeins that are different. This would become possible by the accurate data gathering tools developed by information and communication technology. Such studies would be needed repeatedly because of the dynamic nature of the variables involved.
This will hopefully lead to better understanding and tolerance amongst various cultures, societies and groups.
Friday, September 30, 2005
True Democracy
Social Technology for a Better Future
At the moment we have indirect democracy. We elect people who are supposed to represent us.
Let us look at the democracies around the world.
Can every person vote? We know that some people can not vote because they are not registered. Some are coerced by the powerful to vote for them. We are all familiar with rigging, ballot snatching, class, caste, race equations.
Who can stand for an election? Only those, who can spend money to campaign. They generally gather funds from people, corporate houses or MNCs with a tacit understanding that favours would be returned.
What do we get to choose? This political party or that. First one party, then the other, then the first…. The condition of the ordinary people does not improve.
What do we land up with? A kind of oligarchy, mostly unresponsive governance that is riddled with inefficiency and corruption. Most of the time the governments just mess along till it is time for the next election. They do not generally reflect the opinion of the people.
They hardly represent the people who elected them.
When accurate data gathering becomes possible we may be able to vote for issues that affect us directly. We could have a direct vote on any issue as and when required. This could again be stared in a small way, at local level of a village or a city. It could then be extended to larger areas.
At the moment we have indirect democracy. We elect people who are supposed to represent us.
Let us look at the democracies around the world.
Can every person vote? We know that some people can not vote because they are not registered. Some are coerced by the powerful to vote for them. We are all familiar with rigging, ballot snatching, class, caste, race equations.
Who can stand for an election? Only those, who can spend money to campaign. They generally gather funds from people, corporate houses or MNCs with a tacit understanding that favours would be returned.
What do we get to choose? This political party or that. First one party, then the other, then the first…. The condition of the ordinary people does not improve.
What do we land up with? A kind of oligarchy, mostly unresponsive governance that is riddled with inefficiency and corruption. Most of the time the governments just mess along till it is time for the next election. They do not generally reflect the opinion of the people.
They hardly represent the people who elected them.
When accurate data gathering becomes possible we may be able to vote for issues that affect us directly. We could have a direct vote on any issue as and when required. This could again be stared in a small way, at local level of a village or a city. It could then be extended to larger areas.
Information and Communication Technology for Accurate Data Collection
Social Technology for a Better Future
At this point in history when all the cultures meet, when information moves at the speed of light, we are in a position to find what is best for all of us. We can us gather the opinion of all the people on the issues that concern us most by using information and communication technology.
Websites and TV channels already use email, telephones and SMS to gather opinions. However such polls are not very accurate yet because one person may vote many times and some people may not get to vote at all. For accurate data gathering we need:
1. Our IT experts to develop some method of authentication, perhaps Biometrics to ensure that each person votes only once.
2. This technology has to be simple and inexpensive so that it can reach all the people.
If a concerted effort is made in this direction, hopefully in a few years we will be able to know the true opinion of the people on a given issue.
In further future it may also be possible for people not just to choose between yes/no or choose one of the few options but space to express and record their opinion and suggestions in voice or written text.
The database and computing capabilities needed for such an enterprise would be very large. Perhaps they can be distributed. Initially a prototype would have to be designed and tested for a small region like a village or a city. It could then be slowly extended to larger areas.
At this point in history when all the cultures meet, when information moves at the speed of light, we are in a position to find what is best for all of us. We can us gather the opinion of all the people on the issues that concern us most by using information and communication technology.
Websites and TV channels already use email, telephones and SMS to gather opinions. However such polls are not very accurate yet because one person may vote many times and some people may not get to vote at all. For accurate data gathering we need:
1. Our IT experts to develop some method of authentication, perhaps Biometrics to ensure that each person votes only once.
2. This technology has to be simple and inexpensive so that it can reach all the people.
If a concerted effort is made in this direction, hopefully in a few years we will be able to know the true opinion of the people on a given issue.
In further future it may also be possible for people not just to choose between yes/no or choose one of the few options but space to express and record their opinion and suggestions in voice or written text.
The database and computing capabilities needed for such an enterprise would be very large. Perhaps they can be distributed. Initially a prototype would have to be designed and tested for a small region like a village or a city. It could then be slowly extended to larger areas.
Integration of Knowledge
Social Technology for a Better future
Through the collective effort of various generations of human beings, we have gathered a vast amount of knowledge. This has been possible only because of our unique ability to store and transmit knowledge from one generation to another.
This knowledge is not mere survival skills transferred by other species. This vast body of knowledge has helped human beings to progress gradually and build a complex civilization.
At this point in time we are the only species on this planet that uses symbols and words to solve problems, convey ideas, thoughts and emotions. We draw, paint, make music, choreograph dance, create beautiful buildings and build new marvels of technology. We are driven by the desire to know the secrets of life, to create beauty, to explore the universe. We classify, formalize, codify all we learn, be it music or mathematics.
This has lead to greater and greater specialization in many diverse fields. One human being in the course of one life time can perhaps specialize in 1 or 2 to 5 different areas.
What we need now is that the people who have in depth knowledge of their field should join hands with people in other fields to try and integrate knowledge. Regular discussions on the internet, meetings and brainstorming could help.
A social sector worker may have great understanding of the problems of the society but may be totally unaware of the strides made in Biology or Technology that could help solve these problems. The integration of knowledge may provide us with insights to solve the complex social problems. It may allow us to look at the larger picture.
Through the collective effort of various generations of human beings, we have gathered a vast amount of knowledge. This has been possible only because of our unique ability to store and transmit knowledge from one generation to another.
This knowledge is not mere survival skills transferred by other species. This vast body of knowledge has helped human beings to progress gradually and build a complex civilization.
At this point in time we are the only species on this planet that uses symbols and words to solve problems, convey ideas, thoughts and emotions. We draw, paint, make music, choreograph dance, create beautiful buildings and build new marvels of technology. We are driven by the desire to know the secrets of life, to create beauty, to explore the universe. We classify, formalize, codify all we learn, be it music or mathematics.
This has lead to greater and greater specialization in many diverse fields. One human being in the course of one life time can perhaps specialize in 1 or 2 to 5 different areas.
What we need now is that the people who have in depth knowledge of their field should join hands with people in other fields to try and integrate knowledge. Regular discussions on the internet, meetings and brainstorming could help.
A social sector worker may have great understanding of the problems of the society but may be totally unaware of the strides made in Biology or Technology that could help solve these problems. The integration of knowledge may provide us with insights to solve the complex social problems. It may allow us to look at the larger picture.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Social Technology for a Better Future
Social Technology is the art and craft of applying technology and social knowledge to enhance the human condition.
Social Technology can help all the people on this planet. All of us need to think very carefully about the following:
• At this point in time we need to integrate all knowledge.
• With information and communication technology we can gather thoughts and opinions of all the people on the earth.
• We can have true democracy; Voting on issues not simply voting for people who are unable to take care of the major issues.
• Ethics: Which values are universal? Honesty? Compassion? Which values/norms and practice vary from culture? We can determine this by using information technology.
• Voluntary Experiments by social groups can help us try new social formations and observe their advantages.
Social Technology can help all the people on this planet. All of us need to think very carefully about the following:
• At this point in time we need to integrate all knowledge.
• With information and communication technology we can gather thoughts and opinions of all the people on the earth.
• We can have true democracy; Voting on issues not simply voting for people who are unable to take care of the major issues.
• Ethics: Which values are universal? Honesty? Compassion? Which values/norms and practice vary from culture? We can determine this by using information technology.
• Voluntary Experiments by social groups can help us try new social formations and observe their advantages.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Old
we stand at the edge
looking back.
lives
spaces
all swallowed by time.
we know we are not strong
nor handsome.
trembling hands
fading memories
wrinkles darkening skins.
we can barely hear
the bird song
as the night
casts its dark shadow
in our eyes.
remember,
when you were children
all queries
all stories
were repeated umpteen times.
we know you are busy
maintaining lifestyles.
problems of living
punishing schedules
lie heavy on your shoulders.
all we seek
is a smile,
a patient hearing
when we forget and repeat
the same old stories.
do not banish us
to old people’s homes
it is lonely there.
allow us to share
the laughter of grandchildren.
springs will come and go
and you will find us
in the looking glass.
please, if we must live
let us live with dignity.
looking back.
lives
spaces
all swallowed by time.
we know we are not strong
nor handsome.
trembling hands
fading memories
wrinkles darkening skins.
we can barely hear
the bird song
as the night
casts its dark shadow
in our eyes.
remember,
when you were children
all queries
all stories
were repeated umpteen times.
we know you are busy
maintaining lifestyles.
problems of living
punishing schedules
lie heavy on your shoulders.
all we seek
is a smile,
a patient hearing
when we forget and repeat
the same old stories.
do not banish us
to old people’s homes
it is lonely there.
allow us to share
the laughter of grandchildren.
springs will come and go
and you will find us
in the looking glass.
please, if we must live
let us live with dignity.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
women
don’t bind us to dogma
traditions
rituals
religions.
don’t coerce us
to marry,
nor sell us
for a bride price.
don’t burn us
for a dowry,
nor batter us
as we are married.
don’t take us
for granted.
we are not
for honour killing.
we are strong.
we tread our own path
create bliss
enrich life-space-time.
traditions
rituals
religions.
don’t coerce us
to marry,
nor sell us
for a bride price.
don’t burn us
for a dowry,
nor batter us
as we are married.
don’t take us
for granted.
we are not
for honour killing.
we are strong.
we tread our own path
create bliss
enrich life-space-time.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
girl child
don’t kill me
before i am born.
don’t kill me
after i am born.
don’t
discriminate,
mutilate my body,
burden me with work,
molest me,
blame that i am beautiful,
abuse me.
i want
to breathe,
laugh,
read and write,
play and scream,
sing and dance,
dream.
i want
to touch the sun,
twinkle the stars,
race the wind,
i want to fly.
before i am born.
don’t kill me
after i am born.
don’t
discriminate,
mutilate my body,
burden me with work,
molest me,
blame that i am beautiful,
abuse me.
i want
to breathe,
laugh,
read and write,
play and scream,
sing and dance,
dream.
i want
to touch the sun,
twinkle the stars,
race the wind,
i want to fly.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Aid ?
Now it is Niger aid that is misdirected.
Why can we not manage the aid distribution any better?
Why is it that when people spend other people’s money, they manage to waste most of it and use some of it for self gain?
Why can we not manage the aid distribution any better?
Why is it that when people spend other people’s money, they manage to waste most of it and use some of it for self gain?
Monday, September 12, 2005
DR. TARA CHANDRA
I thank Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife Mrs. Malti Singh for sending the following information via email.
After his intermediate (science) education, Dr. Tara Chandra was
admitted to King George Medical College, Lucknow, in the year 1944. Soon
after his MBBS, which he completed with flying colours, he took up short
service commission in Army Medical Core. After his discharge from Army, he
resumed his post graduate studies at K.G. Medical College, Lucknow, and
passed his MD (Medicine). Dr. Tara Chandra, has all through been a good
sportsman. He excelled in Hockey and represented in many of the league
matches in Uttar Pradesh. After his MD (Medicine) he joined Clara Swain
Methodist Mission Hospital, Bareilly, UP. As the luck would have it,
instead of practicing medicine he took up Thoracic Surgery, which he started
learning from scratch under the guidance of Dr. Parrell in Mission Hospital,
Bareilly. Although, it was a challenging job, but he did it so well that
the patients as well as his colleagues marveled his result. He worked in
team with Dr. Parrell and Dr.Earnest Sundharam at the Mission Hospital,
Bareilly.
He joined the U.P. Medical Services, where he worked for some
tim e and then posted as Medical Superintendent and Surgeon in K.E. TB
Sanatorium at Bhowali. During his second fruitful years of life he did a
lot of good work and service to humanity. Because of his honesty and good
work, the local people were not only jealous, but some times he had tough
time in solving the local disputes and union activities of the hospital. He
also worked in ESI Corporation and was posted in Kanpur.
Dr. Tara Chandra, a medical specialist by education, who turned
out to be an eminent Thoracic Surgeon, was an honest and devoted worker who
will be remembered for times to come.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Shanti Tarachandra who is also a
specialist and trained anaesthiest.
He had four daughters and a son, who are all well settled.
Dr. Tara Chandra, breathed his last on 26 June, 2005, after a brief illness.
This tragedy was aggravated when the aggrieved family got the
news about the sad demise of his son in U.S.A., which took place a month
earlier than his own death.
Dr. Tara Chandra was a friend of friends and always eager to
help anybody or everybody, in need.
© Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Malti Singh
After his intermediate (science) education, Dr. Tara Chandra was
admitted to King George Medical College, Lucknow, in the year 1944. Soon
after his MBBS, which he completed with flying colours, he took up short
service commission in Army Medical Core. After his discharge from Army, he
resumed his post graduate studies at K.G. Medical College, Lucknow, and
passed his MD (Medicine). Dr. Tara Chandra, has all through been a good
sportsman. He excelled in Hockey and represented in many of the league
matches in Uttar Pradesh. After his MD (Medicine) he joined Clara Swain
Methodist Mission Hospital, Bareilly, UP. As the luck would have it,
instead of practicing medicine he took up Thoracic Surgery, which he started
learning from scratch under the guidance of Dr. Parrell in Mission Hospital,
Bareilly. Although, it was a challenging job, but he did it so well that
the patients as well as his colleagues marveled his result. He worked in
team with Dr. Parrell and Dr.Earnest Sundharam at the Mission Hospital,
Bareilly.
He joined the U.P. Medical Services, where he worked for some
tim e and then posted as Medical Superintendent and Surgeon in K.E. TB
Sanatorium at Bhowali. During his second fruitful years of life he did a
lot of good work and service to humanity. Because of his honesty and good
work, the local people were not only jealous, but some times he had tough
time in solving the local disputes and union activities of the hospital. He
also worked in ESI Corporation and was posted in Kanpur.
Dr. Tara Chandra, a medical specialist by education, who turned
out to be an eminent Thoracic Surgeon, was an honest and devoted worker who
will be remembered for times to come.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Shanti Tarachandra who is also a
specialist and trained anaesthiest.
He had four daughters and a son, who are all well settled.
Dr. Tara Chandra, breathed his last on 26 June, 2005, after a brief illness.
This tragedy was aggravated when the aggrieved family got the
news about the sad demise of his son in U.S.A., which took place a month
earlier than his own death.
Dr. Tara Chandra was a friend of friends and always eager to
help anybody or everybody, in need.
© Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Malti Singh
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Song of the Oppressed
emaciated
we stand
in the middle of nowhere.
hapless hands
barren bodies
eyes beyond hope.
death takes us
as you confer
in air conditioned halls.
you divide people.
colour, caste, creed
any excuse is fine.
you wage wars
sow hatred
for your own petty gains.
for ages
you have plundered
our wealth, food, our raiment.
voices
crushed viciously
scream together in silence.
you
who exploit us
will never rest in peace.
paroxysms
of dying children
will haunt your children.
reverberations
of silent screams
will shatter your homes.
you seek to enslave
our bodies,
minds and souls.
but against all odds
we will live
beyond forever.
we stand
in the middle of nowhere.
hapless hands
barren bodies
eyes beyond hope.
death takes us
as you confer
in air conditioned halls.
you divide people.
colour, caste, creed
any excuse is fine.
you wage wars
sow hatred
for your own petty gains.
for ages
you have plundered
our wealth, food, our raiment.
voices
crushed viciously
scream together in silence.
you
who exploit us
will never rest in peace.
paroxysms
of dying children
will haunt your children.
reverberations
of silent screams
will shatter your homes.
you seek to enslave
our bodies,
minds and souls.
but against all odds
we will live
beyond forever.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Thank You
My sincere thanks to all the people who passed this link along. I have received a number of messages from people who knew Dr. Tarachand and who are happy to know about a person like him. I met ‘uncle’ Tara only in the 90s.
The following document has been given to me by his daughter Rachna:
Dr. Tarachand was born in 1929. He studied at KGMC in the 50s. He did his specialization at CMC Vellore. He was with the Army on a Short Service Commission for a while.
He was the first thoracic cardiac surgeon in U.P. He worked with Dr. Pomeroy and Dr. Earnest Sundaram at Clara Swain Mission Hospital at Bareily from 1956 to 60. He was well known for performing free surgeries for the poor.
He was also a specialist in medicine. He worked at King Edward VII T.B. Sanatorium Bhowali, Nainital from 1960-73.
Then he worked at T.B. Hospitals in Saharanpur, Kanpur and Faizabad from 1973 -83.
He retired as the director ESI from Kanpur in 1986.
All through his life, he and his wife worked for various charities. He continued to work for charity till the end.
© Rachna
The following document has been given to me by his daughter Rachna:
Dr. Tarachand was born in 1929. He studied at KGMC in the 50s. He did his specialization at CMC Vellore. He was with the Army on a Short Service Commission for a while.
He was the first thoracic cardiac surgeon in U.P. He worked with Dr. Pomeroy and Dr. Earnest Sundaram at Clara Swain Mission Hospital at Bareily from 1956 to 60. He was well known for performing free surgeries for the poor.
He was also a specialist in medicine. He worked at King Edward VII T.B. Sanatorium Bhowali, Nainital from 1960-73.
Then he worked at T.B. Hospitals in Saharanpur, Kanpur and Faizabad from 1973 -83.
He retired as the director ESI from Kanpur in 1986.
All through his life, he and his wife worked for various charities. He continued to work for charity till the end.
© Rachna
Saturday, September 03, 2005
A Star
Dear Dr. Tarachand,
I don’t even know if there are souls. I really hope there are. Perhaps the souls can read all those electronic bits and bytes floating in space.
I am not going to let you die unsung. People don’t die. They live in our memories. I am going to do my level best to ensure that people know you and remember you.
Way back when I was not even born, you were one of the first few intelligent doctors who realized that the major drug companies were dumping untested medicines in the poorer countries and using people as guinea pigs. And you fought against it.
You worked so hard to help people all the time. You were so kind and generous! I know you spent your own money to buy medicines for your poor patients. I have met so many people who remember you as a kind, warm and giving person. People called you Dr. Tara or Dr. Chandra, the radiant star and the moon.
I know how you fought against corruption. I miss all those discussions about God and people.
No palatial homes, no flashy cars. A fine, strong, honest gentleman who stood firm against injustice and corruption, who worked very hard to help others, that is how I remember you.
Where ever you are; in heaven or a soul being reborn, I hope you are happy and at peace.
Greatest regards,
Nirupma
P. S. Please pass this link along. I know that there are a lot of people who knew Dr. Tarachand. We have just lost contact. Those of you who knew Dr. Tarachand and his work please contribute anecdotes, pictures or any other material that you have. I will upload it with your name and your ownership rights.
I don’t even know if there are souls. I really hope there are. Perhaps the souls can read all those electronic bits and bytes floating in space.
I am not going to let you die unsung. People don’t die. They live in our memories. I am going to do my level best to ensure that people know you and remember you.
Way back when I was not even born, you were one of the first few intelligent doctors who realized that the major drug companies were dumping untested medicines in the poorer countries and using people as guinea pigs. And you fought against it.
You worked so hard to help people all the time. You were so kind and generous! I know you spent your own money to buy medicines for your poor patients. I have met so many people who remember you as a kind, warm and giving person. People called you Dr. Tara or Dr. Chandra, the radiant star and the moon.
I know how you fought against corruption. I miss all those discussions about God and people.
No palatial homes, no flashy cars. A fine, strong, honest gentleman who stood firm against injustice and corruption, who worked very hard to help others, that is how I remember you.
Where ever you are; in heaven or a soul being reborn, I hope you are happy and at peace.
Greatest regards,
Nirupma
P. S. Please pass this link along. I know that there are a lot of people who knew Dr. Tarachand. We have just lost contact. Those of you who knew Dr. Tarachand and his work please contribute anecdotes, pictures or any other material that you have. I will upload it with your name and your ownership rights.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
Generation Next
As a society, we really need to look at ourselves very carefully. What do we value most? What is most important in our lives? Do we really care what happens to the generation next?
If we are really concerned about the generations to come, we need to give them more thought, time and resources.
The questions that we need to ponder upon are:
• What do we hope to achieve when we wish to educate our children?
• Why are we teaching whatever we are teaching in our schools and colleges?
• How can we reach our goals so that the children enjoy the process of learning?
• How can we evaluate without causing spiritual, mental, emotional and physical stress?
• Why are the school teachers, lecturers and professors paid the least?
• How can we expect quality when a mere 3 to 6% of the budget is spent on education all over the world?
• Are we as a society not interested in giving the best education to the next generation?
• Are we ready to give our attention to this long neglected subject yet or do we have to wait for some more students take their lives or squander their lives in trivia and drugs?
• What can be done to correct this grievous situation?
If we are really concerned about the generations to come, we need to give them more thought, time and resources.
The questions that we need to ponder upon are:
• What do we hope to achieve when we wish to educate our children?
• Why are we teaching whatever we are teaching in our schools and colleges?
• How can we reach our goals so that the children enjoy the process of learning?
• How can we evaluate without causing spiritual, mental, emotional and physical stress?
• Why are the school teachers, lecturers and professors paid the least?
• How can we expect quality when a mere 3 to 6% of the budget is spent on education all over the world?
• Are we as a society not interested in giving the best education to the next generation?
• Are we ready to give our attention to this long neglected subject yet or do we have to wait for some more students take their lives or squander their lives in trivia and drugs?
• What can be done to correct this grievous situation?
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Take on a tale suspended in time
I have heard this tale so often with minor variations. A take on this oft repeated theme:
Once upon a time, there lived beautiful princess Aesthesia in a dazzling crystal castle on top of a shimmering crystal mountain.
Don’t ask me how or why she reached there!!!
All the brave princes from all over the universe could admire her beauty from far but no one could reach her. They tried climbing the smooth crystal mountain but slid to the ground. Some tried to smash the crystal but the jagged edges hurt, so they retired wounded.
Then came prince Marsiano. ”You silly princess, why don’t you simply slide down the mountain instead?” he said.
“At last a wise prince!” thought Aesthesia “why had I not thought of this before!”
Even I wonder!!!
So Aesthesia slid down the smooth crystal mountain.
When she saw Marsiano, all green and spiky and ugly, she retreated.
“Oh this will never do! You may be the wisest of all but my mother will faint when she looks at you!!” said beautiful Aesthesia.
“And my sisters and mother will die of envy when they see how beautiful you are!” said green spiky Marsiano.
So they moved away and started on their own separate ways.
Suddenly they turned around and said “Oh, but why should we worry about others? This is about our happiness!”
So they walked together into the rising meteor shower, ‘happily ever after’.
But by all accounts there seems to be no ‘happily ever after’.
Most probably the mothers, daughters, fathers, brothers, all the people around behaved as expected and social, economic, psychological pressures tried to ensure that there was no ‘happily ever after’.
However I have come accross some people who live ‘happily ever after’. These people have great strength of character, deep abiding affection, trust and respect for each other.
Once upon a time, there lived beautiful princess Aesthesia in a dazzling crystal castle on top of a shimmering crystal mountain.
Don’t ask me how or why she reached there!!!
All the brave princes from all over the universe could admire her beauty from far but no one could reach her. They tried climbing the smooth crystal mountain but slid to the ground. Some tried to smash the crystal but the jagged edges hurt, so they retired wounded.
Then came prince Marsiano. ”You silly princess, why don’t you simply slide down the mountain instead?” he said.
“At last a wise prince!” thought Aesthesia “why had I not thought of this before!”
Even I wonder!!!
So Aesthesia slid down the smooth crystal mountain.
When she saw Marsiano, all green and spiky and ugly, she retreated.
“Oh this will never do! You may be the wisest of all but my mother will faint when she looks at you!!” said beautiful Aesthesia.
“And my sisters and mother will die of envy when they see how beautiful you are!” said green spiky Marsiano.
So they moved away and started on their own separate ways.
Suddenly they turned around and said “Oh, but why should we worry about others? This is about our happiness!”
So they walked together into the rising meteor shower, ‘happily ever after’.
But by all accounts there seems to be no ‘happily ever after’.
Most probably the mothers, daughters, fathers, brothers, all the people around behaved as expected and social, economic, psychological pressures tried to ensure that there was no ‘happily ever after’.
However I have come accross some people who live ‘happily ever after’. These people have great strength of character, deep abiding affection, trust and respect for each other.
Friday, August 12, 2005
a tale suspended in time
gallant prince
i know you care
eloquent eyes reveal soul.
a deep, dark agony
freezes my heart,
numbs my soul.
flee cold crystal,
fly away.
you are young and handsome.
may a pretty princess find you,
i pray.
i know you care
eloquent eyes reveal soul.
a deep, dark agony
freezes my heart,
numbs my soul.
flee cold crystal,
fly away.
you are young and handsome.
may a pretty princess find you,
i pray.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
a tale suspended in time
epistle
beautiful princess!
in a crystal castle,
atop a crystal mountain.
all can see
none can reach.
i climb steep crystal.
slip, fall, hurt.
i smash crystal,
bleeding,
i reach your gates.
you wash my wounds,
heal my pain.
i tell you tales from far away lands.
i sing, i jest, to touch your heart.
all in vain!
tell me, o princess,
with eyes that look so far away
what fearsome ogre
do i have to slay
to reach your soul?
beautiful princess!
in a crystal castle,
atop a crystal mountain.
all can see
none can reach.
i climb steep crystal.
slip, fall, hurt.
i smash crystal,
bleeding,
i reach your gates.
you wash my wounds,
heal my pain.
i tell you tales from far away lands.
i sing, i jest, to touch your heart.
all in vain!
tell me, o princess,
with eyes that look so far away
what fearsome ogre
do i have to slay
to reach your soul?
Friday, August 05, 2005
Young People and Education
Let us try and recall; when was it that we dreamed our greatest dreams? When was it that we were full of hope, vigor and energy? Of course, when we were young! We are wasting a vast pool of enthusiasm and energy by total lack of attention to what the young people need. We need to think how our society can best utilize this wealth.
Let us ask ourselves “What percentage of learning that we had at school and college do we really use?” Most of us would say “Very little?”
Why? Because what we learn at school and college is not related to the business of living. It is so remote from the skills required for the real life! It is like some hurdles that a student has to cross till he is eligible to join the ranks of adults who are allowed to make some kind of living. School, college, further studies, still further studies ad infinitum… Gradually more and more books and years have been added to courses and the time when a person is considered mature enough to join the adult society has been pushed further, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30…?
The moment a young one matures physically in the plant or animal world, it moves towards creation of the next generation. In case of human species, the human beings are generally not ready and independent to join the stream of life, despite the physical maturity. They have not acquired the skills to live independently by then.
This time lag is one of the causes for the strife in the family; the constant tug of war that goes on between young ones and their parents. There are the young, who are bright, energetic and full of ideas and dreams on one side and the parents who restrain and cling, on the other.
There are a whole lot of parents who try to live their own dreams through their children. There is coercion; emotional, mental and economic. A whole lot of energy is wasted in this conflict. Perhaps the parents can not be blamed. They want the best for their children and want their gene pool to survive and do better. Perhaps the social and economic conditions around them force them to do so.
The girl child gets the brunt of all restrictive traditions and discrimination. The young girls voice these ideas when they are given a chance to express them.
The boys generally enjoy greater freedom and preferential treatment in our patriarchal scheme of things, but they have the pressure to perform and earn a living. This causes a lot of stress in boys too.
Fortunately some educated parents do not discriminate between girls and boys. They are involved in their children’s education but are intelligent enough to give them freedom. Their children fare better but many problems still remain.
For the economically backward, the lower class, minority and lower caste students the pressure is even more intense. The opportunities get blocked due to lack of funds. Despite all the talk about liberty, equality, fraternity and the laws, there is tangible social discrimination. It may not be expressed verbally but it is palpably present, waiting to explode.
Learning is a life long process that continues through the whole life, but we can not lock up our youngsters in schools and colleges and expect them to behave like automatons that we have programmed.
We need a system that can equip the young ones for the future. It should help them to learn the moral, ethical, cultural, social and economic values and skills to lead happy and meaningful lives. Our system of education needs careful thought and reform. The success of the survival of our species depends upon it.
Let us ask ourselves “What percentage of learning that we had at school and college do we really use?” Most of us would say “Very little?”
Why? Because what we learn at school and college is not related to the business of living. It is so remote from the skills required for the real life! It is like some hurdles that a student has to cross till he is eligible to join the ranks of adults who are allowed to make some kind of living. School, college, further studies, still further studies ad infinitum… Gradually more and more books and years have been added to courses and the time when a person is considered mature enough to join the adult society has been pushed further, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30…?
The moment a young one matures physically in the plant or animal world, it moves towards creation of the next generation. In case of human species, the human beings are generally not ready and independent to join the stream of life, despite the physical maturity. They have not acquired the skills to live independently by then.
This time lag is one of the causes for the strife in the family; the constant tug of war that goes on between young ones and their parents. There are the young, who are bright, energetic and full of ideas and dreams on one side and the parents who restrain and cling, on the other.
There are a whole lot of parents who try to live their own dreams through their children. There is coercion; emotional, mental and economic. A whole lot of energy is wasted in this conflict. Perhaps the parents can not be blamed. They want the best for their children and want their gene pool to survive and do better. Perhaps the social and economic conditions around them force them to do so.
The girl child gets the brunt of all restrictive traditions and discrimination. The young girls voice these ideas when they are given a chance to express them.
The boys generally enjoy greater freedom and preferential treatment in our patriarchal scheme of things, but they have the pressure to perform and earn a living. This causes a lot of stress in boys too.
Fortunately some educated parents do not discriminate between girls and boys. They are involved in their children’s education but are intelligent enough to give them freedom. Their children fare better but many problems still remain.
For the economically backward, the lower class, minority and lower caste students the pressure is even more intense. The opportunities get blocked due to lack of funds. Despite all the talk about liberty, equality, fraternity and the laws, there is tangible social discrimination. It may not be expressed verbally but it is palpably present, waiting to explode.
Learning is a life long process that continues through the whole life, but we can not lock up our youngsters in schools and colleges and expect them to behave like automatons that we have programmed.
We need a system that can equip the young ones for the future. It should help them to learn the moral, ethical, cultural, social and economic values and skills to lead happy and meaningful lives. Our system of education needs careful thought and reform. The success of the survival of our species depends upon it.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Education and People
We have only a handful of people who are educated in the true sense. We have a whole lot of people who have qualifications on paper but are far from being educated. We have a vast majority that is not even literate. If this situation continues, we will have whole new generations of people who will be unequipped to handle the problems of the future.
I see a lot of tense, unhappy youngsters around me. They are quick to take to drugs, loaf, fight, loose hope and even take their lives. Most of their relations become transient. They are lonely, unable to communicate and form stable bonds with others.
I am surrounded by young people the whole day. I like to interact with people of all ages. I find that the current system of education is able to do very little for the young.
They are caught in a web of unrelated learning that is meaningless for them. They are unhappy, bored and tense and are unable to do their best. They waste their energy fighting with each other, their teachers and parents.
Unfortunately the current social and education system is ill equipped to handle do any of this. Most of what is being done in the name of education today tries to kills all originality, creativity and rational thought process.
I see a lot of tense, unhappy youngsters around me. They are quick to take to drugs, loaf, fight, loose hope and even take their lives. Most of their relations become transient. They are lonely, unable to communicate and form stable bonds with others.
I am surrounded by young people the whole day. I like to interact with people of all ages. I find that the current system of education is able to do very little for the young.
They are caught in a web of unrelated learning that is meaningless for them. They are unhappy, bored and tense and are unable to do their best. They waste their energy fighting with each other, their teachers and parents.
Unfortunately the current social and education system is ill equipped to handle do any of this. Most of what is being done in the name of education today tries to kills all originality, creativity and rational thought process.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Dead and Dying
For the past few weeks Death is around me.
Two very close friends, gone for ever.
A very kind, generous old gentleman and a young boy who learnt to walk tall.
An independent old lady now ailing, totally dependent.
Life saving paraphernalia.
Distress seeps into my being.
Two very close friends, gone for ever.
A very kind, generous old gentleman and a young boy who learnt to walk tall.
An independent old lady now ailing, totally dependent.
Life saving paraphernalia.
Distress seeps into my being.
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