June 2016

@ th 45 Issue An initiative by Youth Wing of Global Bhatia Foundation For Private Circulation Only Bharati Kapadia (Mumbai) wins award at Canada

Page 1 Editorial

Change is inevitable, Change is a permanent phenomenon and stagnancy is temporary. Every society undergoes a change over a period. Can someone list out what changes Bhatia community has undergone in last 100 years? The changes can be in social customs, in education, in woman's empowerment, in Business and Industry management, in Economic conditions, Life style, Political, Philanthropic, Spiritual, Heritage, Family values, Art and Culture and personal growth. We invite our readers and writers to pen down (or key down) their observations and email to us.

Editor : Haridas Raigaga Design & Layout : Dharmesh Gandhi Advisor : Arun Bhatia Shri Gujarati Mandal Chennai felicitated professionals on 30 April 2016. Shri Bipin Nanavati is Vice-President of Gujarati Mandal Chennai.

Environment by Swapnil Swali, Mundra

Common Man by Arun Bhatia, Bangalore Inside this issue

BHAGWAD GITA in one sentence Old age Home Farmer Won the Padmashri Vividha Tricky Questions Bhatner Fort Interview With a Cardiologist To our Youngsters with love Honesty that Paid! Editor’s Choice Sad but True ! Invitation

Page 2 BHAGWAD GITA in one sentence per chapter

Chapter 1 : Wrong thinking is the only problem in life. Chapter 2 : Right knowledge is the ultimate solution to all our problems. Chapter 3 : Selflessness is the only way to progress & prosperity. Chapter 4 : Every act can be an act of prayer. Chapter 5 : Renounce the ego of individuality & rejoice in the bliss of infinity. Chapter 6 : Connect to the Higher consciousness daily. Chapter 7 : Live what you learn. Chapter 8 : Never give up on yourself. Chapter 9 : Value your blessings. Chapter 10 : See divinity all around. Chapter 11 : Have enough surrender to see the Truth as it is. Chapter 12 : Absorb your mind in the Higher. Chapter 13 : Detach from maya & attach to Divine. Chapter 14 : Live a lifestyle that matches your vision. Chapter 15 : Give priority to Divinity. Chapter 16 : Being good is a reward in itself. Chapter 17 : Choosing the right over the pleasant is a sign of power Chapter 18 : Let Go, Lets move to union with God. Vividha

A soldier does not fight a battle because he hates the enemy in front. He fights because he loves the people behind.

D¾

Page 3 Interview with a Cardiologist

An Interview with Dr. Devi Shetty, one of the most only after you are above 30 years of age? renowned Heart surgeons in India today and a world Answer: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood. class cardiologist. Arranged by WIPRO for its employees, the transcript below is useful for everyone Question: How do irregular eating habits affect the of every age! heart? Question: What are the thumb rules for a layman to Answer: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are take care of his heart? irregular and your body's enzyme release for Answer: digestion gets confused. 1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil 2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a Question: How can I control cholesterol content week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime without using medicines? 3. Quit smoking Answer: Control diet, walk and eat walnut. 4. Control weight 5. Control blood pressure and sugar Question: Can yoga prevent heart ailments? Answer: Yoga helps. Question: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart? Question: Which is the best and worst food for the Answer: No heart? Answer: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the Question: It's still a grave shock to hear that some worst is oil. apparently healthy person gets a cardiac arrest.. How do we understand it in perspective? Question: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, Answer: This is called silent attack; that is why we olive? recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo Answer: All oils are bad. routine health checkups. Question: What is the routine checkup one should go Question: Are heart diseases hereditary? through? Is there any specific test? Answer: Yes. Answer: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an Question: What are the ways in which the heart is echo. stressed? What practices do you suggest to de- stress? Question: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a Answer: Change your attitude towards life. Do not heart attack? look for perfection in everything in life. Answer: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a Question: Is walking better than jogging or is more sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart? coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes Answer: Walking is better than jogging since jogging place within the first hour. leads to early fatigue and injury to joints Question: How do you differentiate between pain Question: You have done so much for the poor and caused by a heart attack and that caused due to needy. What has inspired you to do so? gastric trouble? Answer: Mother Theresa , who was my patient. Answer: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Question: Can people with low blood pressure suffer Question: What is the main cause of a steep increase heart diseases? in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people Answer: Extremely rare. of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems. Question: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an Answer: Increased awareness has increased early age incidents.. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart

Page 4 Interview with a Cardiologist attacks than Europeans and Americans. Question: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems? Question: Is it possible for a person to have BP Answer: No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be level to increase your exercise capacity. perfectly healthy? Answer: Yes. Question: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing Question: Marriages within close relatives can lead to daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the heart problems for the child. Is it true? house, work as a substitute for exercise? Answer: Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software Answer: Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more engineer as a child. than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot. Question: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Question: Is there a relation between heart problems Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would and blood sugar? you recommend? Answer: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are Answer: When you are young, nature protects you more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics. against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock. Question: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation? Question: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause Answer: Diet, exercise, drugs on time, Control some other complications (short / long term)? cholesterol, BP, weight. Answer: Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti- hypertensive drugs are Question: Are people working on night shifts more extremely safe. vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers? Question: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to Answer: No. heart attacks? Answer: No. Question: What are the modern anti- hypertensive drugs? Question: Are asthma patients more prone to heart Answer: There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor disease? will choose the right combination for your problem, but Answer: No. my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to Question: How would you define junk food? reduce weight and changing attitudes and lifestyles. Answer: Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas.. Question: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks? Question: Does consuming bananas help reduce Answer: No. hypertension? Answer: No. Question: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women? Question: Can a person help himself during a heart Answer: Nature protects women till the age of 45. attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)? Question: How can one keep the heart in a good Answer: Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin condition? tablet of any description under the tongue and ask Answer: Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkups if without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance you are past the age of 30 (once in six months since it may not turn up or just not turn up in time. recommended).

Page 5 Honesty that Paid!

At the point of death a man, Tom Smith, called resume tomorrow, your letter will be waiting for his children and after praying for them, he you. advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have peace of mind in all that they do. Immaculate Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the The youngest child, Immaculate, a female, company with two cars, one official and one for looked at others and yeled, "Daddy, its private use, attached to the office, with a duplex unfortunate you are dying without a penny in and two drivers and a salary of £100,000 per your bank account, personally, I can't emulate month excluding allowances and other costs you. Other father's that you tag as being corrupt, when she travelled outside England. thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; even this house we After two years of working in the company, the live in is a rented apartment, sorry, i can't Group Managing Director of the company came emulate you, just go, let's chart our own course, from America to announce his intention to resign let's paddle our own canoe." and needed a replacement. A personality with high integrity was sought after, again the Few moments later, their father gave up the company's Consultant nominated Immaculate spirit. Smith.

Three years later, Immaculate went for an In an interview, she was asked the secret of her interview in a multinational company. The success and the sudden sky rocketing profile interview panel had already penciled down a and in tears, she replied, my Daddy paved these candidate for the highly coveted post but ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that wanted to complete the formality of interviewing he was financially poor but stinkingly rich in all applicants on the list. integrity, discipline and honesty.

As soon as Immaculate sat before the interview She was asked again, why she is weeping since panel, the Chairman of the committee asked, she is no longer "Which Smith is yours" and a kid as to miss her dad still after a long time. Immaculate replied, "I am Immaculate Smith. My Dad Tom Smith is now late he died a poor She replied, "At the point of death, I insulted my man..." dad for being an honest man of integrity. I hope he will forgive me in his grave now. But the Chairman cuts in, "O my God, you are Tom Smith's daughter? " I didn't work for all these, he did it for me to just walk in. He turned to other members and said "This Smith man was the one that signed my So finally she was asked," Will you follow your membership form into the Institute of Chartered father's foot steps as he requested? Administrators and his recommendation earned me where I am today. And her simple answer was, "l now adore the man, I have a big picture of him in my living room He did all these free. I didn't even know his and at the entrance of my house. He deserves address, he never knew me from Adam. He just whatever I have after God. did it for me." He turned to Immaculate, I have no question for you, consider yourself as having gotten this job,

Page 6 Sad but True !

A teacher after the dinner she started checking When my father comes from office tired, he has homework done by the students. Her husband time for smart phone but not for me. is strolling around with a smart phone playing his favourite game ‘Candy Crush Saga’. When my parents are doing some important work and smart phone is ringing, within single When reading the last note, the wife starts ring they attend the phone, but not me even... crying with silent tears. even if I am crying.

Her husband saw this and asked, ‘Why are you They play games on their smart phones not with crying dear? What happened?’ me.

Wife: ‘Yesterday I gave homework to my 1st When they are talking to someone on their Standard students, to write something on topic - smart phone, they never listen to me even if I am My Wish-.’ telling something important.

Husband: ‘OK, but why are you crying?’ So, My wish is to become a smart phone.

Wife: ‘Today while checking the last note, it After listening the note husband got emotional makes me crying.’ and asked the wife, ‘who wrote this?’.

Husband curiously: ‘What’s written in the note Wife: ‘Our son’. that makes you crying?’ Gadgets are beneficial, but they are for our ease Wife: ‘Listen’ not to cease the love amongst family and loved ones. My wish is to become a smart phone. Children see and feel everything what happens My parents love smart phone very much. with around them. Things get imprinted on their mind with an everlasting effect. Let’s take due They care smart phone so much that sometimes care, so that they do not grow with any false they forget to care me. impressions... Old age Home

After his father's death, the Son decided to leave home, there are none... Also put a fridge for his mother at old age home and visited her on betterment of food because many times I slept and off. without food".

Once he received a call from old age home... Son was surprised and asked: Mom, while you Mom very serious... please come to visit. were here you never complained, now you have few hours left and you are telling me all this, Son went and saw mom very critical, on her why? dying bed. Mom replied....."it's OK dear, I've managed with He asked: Mom what can I do for you. the heat, hunger & pain, but when your children will send you here, I am afraid you will not be Mom replied... "Please install fans in the old age able to manage. Page 7 Tricky Questions and equally witty Answers given by Candidates. (Many of them are IAS Officers now)

Q. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete Q. What often falls but never gets hurt ? floor without cracking it? A. Rain A. Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC Topper) Q. What is that no man ever saw which never was but always will be? Q. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, A. TOMORROW how long would it take four men to build it? A. No time at all its already built. (UPSC 23 rd Rank Opted for IFS) Q.What looks like half apple? A. The other half. (UPSC - IAS Topper)

Q. How many birthdays does the average Japanese woman have? Q. What can you never eat at breakfast? A. Just one. All the others are anniversaries. A. Dinner.

Q. If you had three apples and four oranges in Q. What gets wet while drying? one hand and four apples and three oranges in A. A towel. the other hand, what would you have? A. Very large hands. (UPSC 11 Rank Opted for IPS) Q. What 3 letters change a girl into a woman ? A. AGE.

Q. How can you lift an elephant with one hand? A.. It is not a problem, since you will never Q. What happened when wheel was invented ? find an elephant with one hand. . (UPSC A. It caused a revolution. Rank 14 Opted for IES)

Q. How is it easy to weigh a fish? Q. How can a man go eight days without sleep? A. Because it has its own scales. A. He sleeps at night. . (UPSC IAS Rank 98)

Q. Why does a bike rest on its leg? Q. Why it is impossible to send a telegram to A. Because it is too tyred. Washington today ? A. Because he is dead. Q. Bay of Bengal is in which state? A. liquid (UPSC 33Rank) Q. If you throw a blue stone into the red sea what will it become ? A. It becomes wet. (UPSC IAS Rank 2)

Page 8 Page 9 Editor’s Choice

The Story of Integration of the Indian States' by V. P. Menon I.C.S., Secretary of State, Government of India.

Page 116—'Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur continued to be intractable. Jinnah and the Muslim League leaders had a series of meetings with him. At the last of these interviews, Maharaja Hanwant Singh had taken the then Maharaj Kumar of Jaisalmer with him, because the Maharaja of would not accompany him and he shrank from going alone. These were the three states geographically contiguous to Pakistan. Jinnah, I was told, signed a blank sheet of paper and gave it to Maharaja Hanwant Singh along with his own fountain pen, saying 'You can fill in all your conditions'. A discussion followed. The Maharaja was prepared to line up with Pakistan. He (Jinnah) then turned to Maharaj Kumar of Jaisalmer and asked him whether he would follow suit. The Maharaj Kumar said he would do so on one condition. If there was any trouble between the Hindus and Muslims, he would not side with the Muslims against the Hindus. This was a bombshell and took Maharaja Hanwant Singh completely by surprise. Sir Mohammed Zafrullah however made light of the whole matter and pressed Hanwant Singh to sign the instrument (of accession). But now the Maharaja felt unable to take a decision. He suggested to Jinnah that he would go to Jodhpur and return the next day. The Maharaja wavered as his nobles were hostile to his idea.’ This book is a must for those who wants to know their roots. Three excerpts are shown on opposite side. The book is published by Rajasthani Granthaghar, Jodhpur. Website : www.rgbooks.net Invitation

Page 10 Farmer Won the Padmashri for His Zero Budget Natural Farming Model

After witnessing the harmful effects of chemical farming, Subash Palekar, a B.Sc in Agriculture, developed the Zero Budget Natural Farming model. 'Krishi ka Rishi' is the title farming communities across the country have bestowed on Subhash Palekar. This agriculturist is the creator of the 'Zero Budget Natural Farming' model, a method that has been creating waves in the farming community in India. Palekar was born on 2nd February, 1949 in Belora, a small village in the district of Amravati, vegetation. It was here that he discovered the Maharastra. The son of a farmer, his interest in natural system at work in forests which allowed farming led him to pursue a B.Sc in Agriculture them to develop and nurture themselves, while from Nagpur. maintaining healthy ecosystems. After careful research of the system, Palekar began to Subash Palekar mimic the techniques he had witnessed, in his own farm. For a period of six years, from 1989 Palekar made his way back to his hometown in to 1995, he experimented and verified different 1972 where, armed with the newly acquired techniques, before consolidating them into the knowledge his degree had given him, he began 'Zero Budget Natural Farming' technique. to advice his father on modern techniques of farming and urged him to use pesticides and Zero Budget Natural Farming, as the name chemical fertilizers. This led to an increase in implies, is a method of farming where the cost crop yield that lasted more than a decade. of growing and harvesting plants is zero. This means that farmers need not purchase By 1985, however, Palekar began to notice a fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the drop in yield; one that only got worse with each healthy growth of crops. harvest. Curious about the sudden change, he began to look into the reasons for the decline. Below are some of key learnings from the Zero Three years of intensive research led him to the Budget Natural Farming method: conclusion that chemical farming was the It is believed that plants only receive 1.5% to culprit. Palekar learnt that the use of chemical 2% of their nutrient requirements from soil; the fertilizers and pesticides led to a decrease in the remaining is absorbed through water and air. fertility of the soil, wrecked havoc on the Given that 98% of the nutrients do not come ecosystem of the area and also led to long-term from soil, using fertilizers is not prudent. health problems for those who consumed the We often come across huge trees in forests, fruits, gains and vegetables harvested under their branches heavy with the weight of such conditions. countless fruit despite the lack of fertilizers and Shocked by the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. These trees are proof that plants farming, Palekar began the hunt for less- can and do grow healthily without any chemical destructive alternatives. Thus began the journey help. of Zero Budget Natural Farming in India. The reason we do not witness the same in our From 1986 to 1988, Palekar's quest for natural farms is because the micro-organisms that farming techniques led him to the study of forest Page 11 Farmer Won the Padmashri for His Zero Budget Natural Farming Model convert raw nutrients into easy-to-digest form cow dung per month. Since the average cow have been destroyed by the use of poisonous gives 11 kilograms of dung a day, dung from one chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. cow can help fertilize 30 acres of land. Cultivation of soil by tractor has already proved 5. Urine, jaggery and dicot flour can be used as to be detrimental to these micro-organisms. additives. Since these micro-organisms help convert 6. The lesser milk the cow gives, the more nutrients into a digestible form that plants can beneficial its dung is towards reviving the soil. absorb and use, it is critical to revive them in our farms. This can be done by using cow dung from More than 40 lakh farmers across the country local cows. have benefitted greatly from Palekar's teachings and his method of natural farming. Cow dung from local cows has proven to be a Palekar spends 25 days a month sharing his miraculous cure to revive the fertility and knowledge of farming through seminar, nutrient value of soil. One gram of cow dung is lectures, workshops and field visits. Chief believed to have anywhere between 300 to 500 Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have crore beneficial micro-organisms. These micro- also requested him to spend ten days a month in organisms decompose the dried biomass on the their states, in order to help their farmers soil and convert it into ready-to-use nutrients for develop healthy farming habits. plants. In 2016, in recognition of his work and the Over six years of research, Palekar found that: impact he was creating, the Government of 1. Only dung from local, Indian cows is effective India conferred Palekar with the prestigious on the soil. Dung from Jersey and Holstein cows Padamashri Award. Palekar also made history is not as effective. If one is falling short of dung for being the first active farmer to receive the from local cows, one may use dung from award. bullocks or buffaloes. Palekar's Zero Budget Natural Farming has 2. Dung and urine of the black coloured Kapila undoubtedly made an indelible mark on farming cow is believed to be the most effective. in India. About the author: Nitin Chore is a 3. To get the most of the cow dung and urine, mechanical engineer from Pune who loves ensure that the dung is as fresh as possible and to read and write inspiring stories about that the urine is as old as possible. change-markers who have chosen unusual 4. An acre of land requires 10 kilograms of local paths, or created their own.

An Appeal to Youth Disclaimer Global Bhatia Foundation invites Bhatia Youth from the Globe to serve as volunteers. GBF youth has education, sports & cultural Views expressed by the authors need not be assumed as the events on its agenda and success of such projects is possible with views of Global Bhatia Foundation. t h e s e r v i c e o f s e l f l e s s v o l u n t e e r s . C o n t a c t : [email protected] All The Copyrights Are Acknowledged. YOUTH@GBF is an in-house ENewsletter distributed freely to the members of Bhatia community and published from Mumbai by Global Bhatia Foundation, a not for profit organization.

GLOBAL BHATIA FOUNDATION 1/6, Dossa Mansion, Next to Apna Bazar, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001 Tel: 9167826768 Email : [email protected] Website : www.globalbhatia.org

Page 12 Bhatner Fort

The Bhatner fort is at in Bhatner. Sher khan's sculpture is still there in , India, about 419 km northwest of Bhatner fort. In 1391, Bhatner was wrested by Jaipur along the old Multan- route and 230 Timur by defeating bhati king Rao Doolchand. A km north-east of Bikaner. The old name of mention has been made in "Tuzuk-e-Timuri" Hanumangarh was Bhatner, which means (Autobiography of Timur) about this fort and he "fortress of the Bhatti Rajputs". Believed to be stated this fort one of the strongest and secured 1700 years old, it is considered to be one of the fort of India. Even Mughal Emperor Akbar oldest forts of India. described his fortification in his book "Ain-I- The ancient fort situated on the bank of river Akbari". Subsequently the fort appears to have Ghaggar was built in 253AD by Bhupat, son of been held by Bhatis, Johiyas and Chayals until king Bhati of Jaisalmer. It is said that after 1527 when it was taken by Rao Jet Singh of losing the battle against the Sultan of Ghazni, Bikaner. After that it came twice under Mughal King Bhupat took shelter in the jungle around control as well, in addition to being the the Ghaggar River. There he constructed a possession of the royal families of Chayal and safe castle for himself which came to be known Bikaner. Researchers believe that famous as Bhatner. The entire fort is built of bricks, Tarain war fought between Mohammad gouri covering an area of 52 bighas. It is in the shape and is the present Talwara of a parallelogram, with a dozen bastions on Jheel area of the district. This fort stands in the each side. Painted Grey Ware (circa 1100-800 path of invasion of India from Central Asia and BC) and Rang-Mahal Ware (1st-3rd century had acted as a strong barricade against the AD) have been found in wells situated along the attack of enemies. Finally in the year of 1805, it wall. was captured by Emperor Soorat Singh of In the middle of the thirteenth century AD, Sher Bikaner and remained with it till the formation of Shah Suri (Sher Khan), a cousin or nephew of Rajasthan. Since the day of victory was Balban (the sultan of Delhi), was governor in Tuesday (known as day of Hindu God these parts of the country. He is said to have Hanuman), so he named Bhatner as carried out repairs to the forts of Bhatinda and Hanumangarh. Page 13 To our Youngsters with love

I am now in my seventies, and have seen prayers mechanically. something of the traditional Bhutto lifestyle and I asked Swamiji to accept me as his disciple. thinking. I was brought up in Mamba, the Luckily for me, my mother (Indumati) and masi granddaughter of Sari Mulraj Kersondas, and (Hemlata Khatau) were his disciples, but in any married (before completing school) to the case, he was far too kind to reject anyone. He grandson of Kolkata's Toolsidass Jewraj. My in- was an acknowledged authority on our ancient laws were a very conservative large joint family, scriptures and a highly revered monk of his time. whereas my grandfather's family was small and Even today, famous preachers speak of him with liberal minded. As a child I saw the Thakur Seva the highest respect. His gentleness made it easy (serving Laddoo Gopal with the daily rituals of for me to ask him any and every question that waking up, offering milk, then bathing and came to mind – questions that every sensitive dressing up, then lunch, then giving Him an individual has, sooner or later in life. afternoon nap, waking again and offering fruits, Hearing Swamiji's talks, listening to his patient and then dinner, and then putting to bed for the answers to all kinds of questions, and reading night). Every meal was offered to him before his books made me realize that what we call anyone else ate. He had his own wardrobe and religion is also applied psychology, taking into jewelry, his own throne, silver utensils and a large account every need and apprehension of a wooden house in a medium sized room that was human being. By Swamji's Grace I began to the Thakurji's room. Like other followers of translate his books into English, so that people Vallabha Acharya's Sect viz. Pushtimarg, we who find it difficult (or impossible) to read Hindi, were Vaishnavas and devotees of Sari Nathji of can at least get the substance of the Nathdwara, 'Shrijibaba', as He was called. magnanimous, truly catholic and all- Having studied at one of the top English medium encompassing wisdom of our Vedas, the schools, I felt somewhat impatient with the rituals Bhagwat and other Puranas, Ramayanas, and of images, and the seriousness with which other spiritual books. functions like Janamashtami were celebrated. My interest in animal welfare and education and My grandparents regularly called Brahmins to social strife led to a gradual realization about chant shlokas, do pujas, and rituals like the Satya how closely religion and social behavior are Narayana Katha. Sometimes, I would hear connected. The bigotry of prejudice and dogma, stories of Sari Krishna's childish antics and get adherence to rituals that are not even scolded for asking questions that rose. For understood, and the superstitions that lead to so example, 'It is wrong to tell lies or to steal, or to much cruelty and suffering are justifiably harass anyone. Then why did Krishna steal butter rejected by the educated, thinking youngsters – and tell lies, and harass the gopis?' The and even elders. The so-called 'God men' have inevitable answer was, 'With God it is different.' done so many ungodly things that a great many Even at the age of ten, that did not seem a valid people no longer believe in God or prayer. answer! It is undeniable that an atheist who lives an It was only by chance that I grew interested in the ethical life, is kind and helpful and upright will be philosophy, when I attended a katha (spiritual respected much more than a person who discourse) by Swami Akhandanandji. I was professes to be pious, does great charity and enthralled to hear his lucid explanations. That also leads a completely unethical life. was when I was about 37, and the mother of two. Furthermore, the fast pace of modern life leaves That was when I began to realize that there is one with little scope for religion as it was something more in our religion than going to practiced even a decade ago. temples, doing puja, fasting and saying my

Page 14 To our Youngsters with love

Bhatias have always been known for simplicity philosophy of our Hindu religion. The title is, 'From and adherence to the eternal values of goodness Reason To Religion' because it explains the sound and decency. We are said to be the descendents psychology behind the various symbols and of the Yaduvanshis. It is believed that when the last plethora of gods, which are so confusing to the King of Sri Krishna's lineage grew old, there was a layman. I will be happy to send it as an attachment great famine in Rajasthan. The old king told his to anyone who is interested (my email id is two sons that he would die in his own home, [email protected]). The book can also be adjuring them to go and make their lives downloaded for free from Goodreads. There are elsewhere. One son went to Kutch and the other to 33 books of Swamiji that can be downloaded for Punjab, and that is why there are Kutchi Bhatias f r e e f r o m h t t p c : / / a r c h i v e - and Punjabi Bhatias. Whether that be a fact or not, org/search.php?query=akhandananda. I have our tradition and culture are commendable and also translated 5 books of Swami Girishanandji, worth maintaining. who is Swamiji's most worth disciple. They can be The readers of the Global Bhutto newsletter downloaded for free from his website. would not be subscribing to the newsletter unless I write this as an appeal to Bhatias (and others) they felt it is important to stay connected to our everywhere, that in the interest of endowing our roots and culture. Therefore, I think they are likely future generations with the bhakti that is our to agree with me when I express my apprehension wonderful inheritance, we give them the gift of that unless we take steps to prevent it, our future inner strength that comes only by faith in a higher generations are in danger of missing out on many power, whatever name we choose to call Him by. of the things that we have taken for granted, and Everyone faces tough times – the future the faith that has helped us through every kind of generations are likely to face times that are far difficulty we have had to face. Indian communities more tough than you and I ever dreamt of! It is for in other countries take trouble to keep in touch and them that we have lived and struggled, and it is our keep up traditions like garbas during Navratri and duty to give them education, good health, and Diwali Puja etc, but this does not give them the competence and the right opportunities for their rationale behind them. 'It's too boring! I'm not future happiness. However, it would be a great pity interested! I don't have the time.' These are if we left out the one most important factor of all – natural and inevitable comments children make the faith that will enable them to ride lightly over all when Indian parents try to inculcate our culture to difficulties and setbacks life may bring. them. They are valid reactions, and one method Let me reiterate my plea – whatever and however that is likely to work is to make them join 'Bal Vihar' much we give our children, it is incomplete unless classes of the Chinmaya Mission, if you have one we give them bhakti for Bhagwan, and bolster their in your vicinity. These are fun activities that self confidence with the assurance that He is in children enjoy and gain spiritually from by their hearts and always with them, and that with participation. The adults can take on-line courses Him by their side, they will always be able to (no time restrictions involved) for their own overcome every difficulty provided they hold on to interest and benefit. The Chinmaya Mission is their faith in Him and do not give up the eternal doing wonderful work in 360 centers all over the values taught by our ancient philosophy. world and has camps in their 'Chinmaya Vibhuti' for NRIs as well as people in India. You can go on SEARCH for greater details. Purnima L. Toolsidass th Thanks to my work of translating Swami 29 May, 2016. Akhandanandji's books, I gathered the courage to write a short exposition explaining the spiritual

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