sign in sign up
<<
Home , Naga Panchami

www.bhavanaustralia.org

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side - Rigv Veda, 1-89-i

Christianity

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “The whole world is but one family”

Life | Literature | Culture

September 2011 | Vol 9 No.3 | Issn 1449 - 3551 International Day of Peace

“Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs. and the day of non-violence to smear the Day. It is also the United Nations’ highest calling.” In the year of 2006, during his period in office, -UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Secretary-General Kofi Annan rang Peace Bell for the most recent time. That year UN declared the The International Day of Peace, Peace Day, “many ways it works for peace and to encourage provides an opportunity for individuals, individuals, groups and communities around the organizations and nations to create practical acts world to contemplate and communicate thoughts of peace on a shared date. It was established by and activities on how to achieve peace. United a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide Kingdom held the primary community and official with the opening of the General Assembly. The observation of the United Nations International first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982. Peace Day and Non-Violence in Rochdale, Greater In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared Manchester.” September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. In the year of 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon rang Peace Bell at United Nations By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN Headquarters in New York terming for the 24-hours devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged termination of oppositions on 21 September, and all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. also for one minute to make quiet to be watched During the discussion of the UN Resolution that around the humanity. established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that: The Day of Ceasefire

“Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating “There is never a good war or a bad peace.” and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve -Benjamin Franklin as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the In 2001, the General Assembly established 21 service of peace and should serve all of us here September as an annual day of non-violence and within the organization as a constantly pealing bell cease-fire. The UN invited all nations and people reminding us that our permanent commitment, above to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace.” and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related History to peace. The Day is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. International Day of Peace is also a In 1981, United Nations General Assembly affirmed, Day of Ceasefire—personal or political. We should in a declaration subsidized by Costa Rica, the third take this opportunity to make peace in our own Tuesday of September as an International Peace relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts Day devoted to observing and spiraling the ethics of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire of peace. In 2001, a new declaration was passed would mean to humankind. through the General Assembly, supported through the United Kingdom and Costa Rice to provide Youth for Peace and Development the day of calm a rigid date and proclaim it as the world ceasefire day. In the year of 2005, United Young people around the world must take a stand Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan termed for for peace. Youth, peace and development are the international ceremony of 24-hours cease-fire closely interlinked: Peace enables development,

2 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 which is critical in providing opportunities for if millions of people in all parts of the world, come young people, particularly those in countries together for one day of peace is immense. emerging from conflict. Healthy, educated youth are in turn crucial to sustainable development and Source: www.un.org, peace. Peace, stability and security are essential internationaldayofpeace.org, to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, www.altiusdirectory.com aimed at slashing poverty, hunger, disease, and maternal and child death by 2015. Make Your Voice Heard “United Nations The World Peace Society gives confidence General Assembly contribution by all organizations, schools and individuals. Each year; all parts of the people in the globe celebrate this International Peace Day affirmed, in a on 21st September. Peace Bell is directed from the coins contributed by kids on all the continents, declaration subsidized and also considered a sign of world unity. It was specified as an endowment by Japan. It is by Costa Rica, the third submitted to as a “reminder of the human cost of war.” The dedication on its elevation reads: “Long Tuesday of September as live absolute world peace.” an International Peace Celebrations Day devoted to observing Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or and spiraling the ethics just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting our co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact of peace.”

Opening the SGIA Victoria Community Centre 13 August 2011

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 3 Contents

19 11 86

The Importance of a Healthy Self-image...... 7 Catholic Beliefs and Practices...... 50

Christianity at a Glance...... 8 Hindi Diwas...... 53

Nine Eleven and Mahatma Gandhi Vivekananda.... 12 Christianity in ...... 54

Festivals of the Month: India...... 16 The Purpose of Religion...... 66

Swami Vivekananda: Questions and Answers...... 22 Bhartiya Samaj’s 65th India Celebrations...... 72 Nonviolent Communication: Mutual Giving From the Heart...... 27 Dr. M.S. Swaminathan: The ‘Evergreen’ Revolutionary...... 73 Morari Bapu...... 30 and Naturopathy for Autism...... 84 Jesus Lived in India...... 32 Parramasala...... 86 Placebo is Better Than Drugs...... 46

Publisher & General Editor: Gambhir Watts Board of Directors of Bharatiya [email protected] Vidya Bhavan Australia Editorial Committee: Shanker Dhar, Parveen Dahiya, Office Bearers: Sridhar Kumar Kondepudi Chairman Gambhir Watts [email protected] President Surendralal Mehta Design: Executive Secretary The Aqua Agency - 02 9810 5831 and Director General Homi Navroji Dastur www.aquaagency.com.au Advertising: Other Directors: [email protected] Abbas Raza Alvi, Shanker Dhar, Mathoor Krishnamurti, Rozene Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia Kulkarni, Palladam Narayana Sathanagopal, Kalpana Shriram, Suite 100 / 515 Kent Street, Jagannathan Veeraraghavan, Watts, Sridhar Kumar Sydney NSW 2000 Kondepudi (Director and Company Secretary) The views of contributors to Bhavan Australia are not necessarily the views of Bhavan Australia or Patron: Her Excellency Mrs Sujatha Singh the Editor. Bhavan Australia reserves the right to High Commissioner of India in Australia edit any contributed articles and letters submitted for publication. Copyright: all advertisements and original editorial material appearing remain the property of Bhavan Australia and may not be Honorary Life Patron: His Excellency M Ganapathi, reproduced except with the written consent of the owner of the copyright. Bhavan Australia: - ISSN 1449 – 3551 aqua.2840

4 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 For this Month

INDIAN CULTURE as defined by Mahatma Gandhi and embraced by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

“Indian culture stands for synthesis of the different cultures that have come to stay in India, that have influenced Indian life and that, in their turn, have themselves been influenced by the spirit of the soil. This synthesis will naturally be of the swadeshi type where each culture is assured its legitimate place.”

Indian culture is therefore Indian. It is neither Hindu; nor Islamic, nor any other wholly. It is a fusion of all and essentially Eastern. And everyone who calls himself or herself Indian is bound to treasure that culture, be its trustee, and resist any attack upon it.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was a devoutly religious man. He had a deep understanding of the essentials of , Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Jainism. These religions shaped his spiritual outlook. Thinkers like Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy and Ruskin who greatly influenced him were also greatly religious people. Gandhi pleaded for deep mutual understanding of the humanity to learn from each other. He said, “Religion must help humanity towards its ethical goals on earth.”

Jesus Lived in India: “It is simply of vital importance to find again the path to the sources, to the eternal and central truths of Christ’s message, which has been shaken almost beyond recognition by the profane ambitions of more or less secular institutions arrogating to themselves a religious authority. This is an attempt to open a way to a new future, firmly founded in the true spiritual and religious sources of the past”.

Thus begins Holger Kersten’s book “Jesus Lived in India”. This German book is a thorough, methodical and authoritative examination of the evidence of Christ’s life beyond the Middle East before the Crucifixion and in India and elsewhere after it.

We have included this article which is a summary of Kersten’s exhaustive research into Christ’s travels after the Crucifixion, his arrival in India with the Mother Mary and finally his death and entombment in . Kersten notes the many parallels of Christ’s teachings with other religious and cultural traditions and suggests that at least some of these figures may have been one and the same personality. It is not possible, Kersten asserts, to disprove that Christ went to India. The current information documenting Christ’s life is restricted to the gospels and the work of Church theologians. One can hardly trust these sources to be objective considering their obvious interest in maintaining the authority of their Church and its grip on the masses.

Space does not permit us to recount the numerous authorities who are in agreement as to the westward spread of Indian and Buddhist concepts centuries before and into the Christian era. Despite the popularity of the Jesus-in-India tale, the claim is not accepted by mainstream authorities, either Christian or secular. The tale’s proponents assert that scholars reject Jesus in India because of Western imperialism and the inability to accept that Christ could have been influenced by Buddhism. In the case of mythicists, however, the reason Jesus is denied as having gone to India is because he is a pagan sun god remade into a Jewish “human” messiah. Thus, it is not a question of a “historical Jesus” being in India and the East but of a variety of solar cults that worshipped a similar deity with similar rituals, doctrines and myths.

Gambhir Watts Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 5 Bhakshya Swaraj Can India be sustainable for its food needs? Have variety products are made out of it, incomparably we deviated from the possibility of being self delicious than most other similar products. sufficient? Definitely, our food planning experts This teaches us a good lesson that we need to have lost their way. With the sky high influence of protect the traditional food varieties for our globalisation, we forgot the need to be healthy. If sustainable health. anyone claims of economic growth, no doubt it is only a temporary booming as our physical health Similar is the case with mangoes, rice, wheat and level has considerably fallen down. Quantitative other traditional food varieties. The millets are growth has reduced the quality. all marketed back to us after spoiling them fully, with artificial colour, smell and nutrients. In no It is quite interesting and hopeful that rethinking way, it is helpful to us. We should have them in its has started gaining a greater pace. Everywhere natural form, wherever cooking is needed, do it we find a re-awakening. Now, we find the need with minimum damage so that it does not change of organic farming and protection of traditional to negative or unhealthy food. food habits. Again, we need to be very careful and cautious that the vested interests of industry Everyone of us can start thinking of supporting the will drag us unnoticeably out of the way. It is movements to promote traditional food varieties, highly appreciable, the recent ‘Melas’ that are through exhibitions and melas. We need to keep being organised on Jackfruit, Mangoes and such away the multinational company products, severely traditional food varieties and food habits. damaging our health, making us lifestyle diseased individuals. We need to educate our children about Unadulterated, unpolluted food, water and drinks the importance of healthy food, traditional food must be made available for the people of our varieties and the need to compromise with them country. is a place where lots of jackfruits against the killing tastes of the imported drinks are produced, but in front of ‘an apple a day keeps and dishes. the doctor away’, ‘Jackfruit has been thrown away, of course the good thing is that the part of it is India is a fast growing country, reaching the top eaten by the pigs and cattle. Their good time. But, of the world in every way. We have enough man what about the human psychology? What about the power with dedication at work as compared to learning and understanding of an average human? most other developed and so called rich countries. What kind of education exists in our society? 98% The Indian brain power is also of much higher parts of jackfruit is usable. Normally, not polluted value in the world. Economic growth is also on the in anyway. Only because it was available freely or higher side. What we need now is, concentrate on is damn cheap, it was not preferred. our real needs and resources, co-ordinate them and with united efforts, the growth is sure. Now the situation has changed. Jackfruit has suddenly become an export product. Powder of Give full attention to organic farming and the seed is available as different multivitamins in traditional food promotion, to develop a healthy the form of most popular tin foods. Fruit is used India, to become utmost prosperous. We have for production of various delicious dishes and enough resources to become the price has gone up beyond imagination. Now ‘Bhakshya Swaraj’. people are turning towards it! I remember the days, when Keralites used to pray, that the jackfruits be Dr. Babu Joseph, Chief Editor, taken away from their properties without taking Nisargopachar Varta even a single paisa. They were even ready to pay money for clearing them, whereas, now it is 50 to Source: Nisargopachar Varta, 100 and more rupees for one jackfruit. Hundreds of Vol. 3 Issue 8 August- September 2011

6 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 The Importance of a Healthy Self-image

“The oft repeated phrase Be yourself. Just be the rational, achievable goals with hard work, some person you are” means, or should mean, “Begin sacrifice, and a willingness to take some necessary with your own soul-searching and take it forward and calculated risks now and then. from there.” The existence of the voluminous literature This is the initiation of an ongoing process for concerning the self-concept leaves little doubt finding your own strengths, shoring up your that mental health and personal adjustment own weaknesses and building your own version depend deeply on each individual’s basic feeling of a person worthy of your own self-esteem. Each or personal adequacy. The growth of an adequate of us has one’s own identity. Our task is much self-concept, free from such encumbrances like mining: to dig into ourselves and reach for as phobic and misplaced ego or unrealistic those cells of insight rich with our own mettle misgivings, is a critically important first step in and to bring this inner worth to the surface. In creating a healthy self image. the process, we are also bound to churn up a lot of emotional debris which must be isolated To cope successfully with the objective reality of and cast aside. everyday living we must have a firm grip on our own unwavering self-identity. Attaining a healthy Beginning with yourself, then, is the best way for self-image, with its attendant feelings of adequacy, being yourself which, in the final analysis, is the personal worth, and confidence, is not some lofty only way that we can in Socrates’s parlance really goal beyond mortal reach, standing aloof as a “know thyself.” This is not an easy thing to do. kind of figurative ideal. It is an attitude or cluster Knowing oneself deeply and fully, also means facing of attitudes that are acquired, which instinctively oneself, squarely and honestly. replaces negative, destructive or self-defeating reactions by healthier ones. Past experiences can This entails looking beyond and through the have a vast influence on current behaviour. emotional costuming, the artificiality and the pretense ingrained in us, in order to see ourselves However, even though we as we actually are. It means reconciling in a cannot change or blot out realistic way the discordance between our hopes past experiences, we can and our accomplishments and making our peace certainly change our feelings with the inescapable conflict. about those experiences, which is a step forward Becoming an emotionally healthy and happy towards a healthy self-image. person or a self-actuated, fully functioning individual, is neither a quirk of fate nor is it Surendralal G Mehta coded in the genes. Rather, it is an intellectual President, conditioning founded over time by blending Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 7 Christianity is the most popular religion in the world Christianity with over 2 billion adherents. 42 million Britons see themselves as nominally Christian, and there are 6 million who are actively practising. • Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah at a Glance promised in the Old Testament. • Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. • Christians believe that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins. • One of the most important concepts in Christianity is that of Jesus giving his life on the Cross (the Crucifixion) and rising from the dead on the third day (the Resurrection). • Christians believe that there is only one God, but that there are three elements to this one God: - God the Father - God the Son - The Holy Spirit • Christians worship in churches. • Their spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers. • The Christian holy book is the Bible, and consists of the Old and New Testaments. • Christian holy days such as and are important milestones in the Western secular calendar.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

8 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Christianity

Origins Anglicanism (then the Church of England) arrived in 1788; of Methodism in 1815; of Christianity is the religion based on the life, death Catholicism in 1820; of Presbyterianism in 1822; and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, also known as of Congregationalism in 1830 and of the Baptist the Christ or Messiah. Jesus was a Jewish teacher Churches in 1834. Other early groups included the and prophet who lived in Palestine in the first German Lutherans, Christadelphians, Christian century CE. He revealed himself to be the Son of Scientists and Seventh Day Adventists. God in fulfilment of Hebrew scripture, and taught that the Kingdom of God was imminent, bringing In 1901, 74% of population identified as Protestant with it forgiveness and new life for all who believed. and 23% as Roman Catholic. By the other end of His claim to be the Messiah roused opposition the 20th Century, there were significant changes in from religious and political authorities and he was Christian affiliation reflecting changing immigration imprisoned and crucified (executed on a cross). patterns. After WWII, there was a rapid growth His followers believe that after his death, Jesus was in Eastern Orthodox churches and Catholicism. resurrected before being taken up to heaven. More recently, migrants have often come from non- Christian backgrounds. By 2000, 43% of Australians History and Spread identified as Protestant, 27% as Roman Catholic, and 3% as Eastern Orthodox. In the early years after the death and resurrection of Christ, Christianity functioned as a Jewish sect. Key Movements Unlike most Jewish sects, however, Christianity allowed non-Jews as members. Indeed, it actively Despite the New Testament vision of one church sought new adherents, most notably through united by faith, the history of Christianity has been the missionary work of Paul, one of Jesus’ one of crisis and fragmentation. World Christianity first disciples. When the pagan Roman Empire is divided into three main groups: Roman Catholic, conquered Jerusalem in 70 CE, Christianity Protestant (including Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, attracted many Roman converts. By 100 CE, Reformed/Presbyterian, and a cluster of Free, or ethnically-Jewish Christians were a minority. Unassociated, Churches), and Eastern Orthodox. Although being a Christian under Roman rule was illegal, churches were slowly established These divisions are the result of two historic throughout the Roman Empire, including Europe crises—firstly, the “Great Schism” of 1054 and Africa. which resulted in the division between Catholic and Orthodox Christianity; and secondly, Christians were a persecuted minority in the the Reformation in the 16th Century, which Roman Empire and many were executed for their led to the emergence of Protestantism. The faith. A pivotal event in the early church was the distinctions between these major groups are both conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine in organisational and doctrinal. 312 CE, who gave State approval to Christianity and gave it significant political and financial support. Only in the 20th Century have serious attempts Constantine called the First Council of Nicea in 325 been made to seek reconciliation between all CE, the first of the great ecumenical councils of Christian churches. The ecumenical movement, the church, which addressed heresies and splits which aims to show that the spiritual unity of among church leaders and formulated the Nicene Christianity transcends organisational divisions, Creed as a definitive statement of belief, which finds greatest focus in the World Council of endures today. Over the next century, the Roman Churches (established 1948). Empire was remoulded as Christian. From these small beginnings, Christianity rose to become Organisational Structure the world’s largest religion, with over 2 billion adherents, and its most geographically dispersed. Some of the many splits, divisions and reformations of the Christian church have taken place as much In Australia over church organisation as theological doctrine. Broadly speaking, Christian churches are either In colonial times, English and European settlers organised along episcopal or congregational and convicts brought their Christian churches principles. to Australia. The first permanent clergy of

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 9 Christian Church

• Episcopal: advocates church government • Christians await the second coming of Christ by bishops, mostly understood as continuing which will bring fulfilment of the Kingdom of God in an unbroken line of succession from the and a final day of judgement. early church. • Christians share with Islam and Judaism a moral code that includes the Ten Commandments. • Congregational: advocates the authority and • Eastern churches, Roman and Protestant independence of each local church churches accept (with slight verbal differences) the Apostles’ Creed, a profession of faith Key Beliefs formulised around 500 CE. • Christians believe that there is only one God, • Many Catholics believe that the Western who is all-powerful and all-knowing. Catholic church is the church founded by Jesus • Most Christians believe that God is a Trinity Christ and that only it offers the fullness of made up of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. sacramental grace. o The second person of the Trinity, God the Son, became a human being in the person Key Festivals and their Meaning of Jesus. o Jesus was born to a human woman, Mary The following make up the principal dates of the (whom many believe was a virgin), and was Western Church calendar: subject to pain, suffering, and sorrow like • Advent: The beginning of the Christian Year. Four other human beings. Sundays before Christmas, Christians set aside o Jesus was put to death on a cross and time for reflection and preparation for recalling three days later was raised from the dead the coming of Christ. (the resurrection). Forty days after this he • Christmas (December 25): The celebration of ascended to heaven (the ascension). Jesus’ birth. o After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the • Christmas to Epiphany: Marks the traditional 12 Holy Spirit was sent to bring the knowledge days of Christmas. Epiphany marks the arrival of and power of Jesus to the church. the magi or wise men at Jesus’ birthplace. • Christians believe in eternal life after death, but • Lent: The 40 days of preparation and penance not earthly reincarnation. which begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes

10 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 at sundown on Holy (Easter) Saturday. Victorian Council of Churches • Easter: The holiest period of the Christian One of the best State ecumenical council web sites. calendar. It begins with , which solemnly commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, and Christian Century continues until Easter Sunday which celebrates A prominent liberal monthly magazine that the resurrection of Jesus. examines issues of politics and culture as well as • Ascension Day: Takes place 40 days after Easter theology. and celebrates Jesus’ ascension into heaven. • Pentecost: The celebration of the manifestation Christian Conference of Asia of the Holy Spirit on earth after Jesus’ ascension. Regional ecumenical body with membership of It takes place 50 days after the Jewish fourteen national councils and nearly 100 churches festival. It is popularly accepted as the birthday in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, of the church. Hong Kong SAR China, India, Indonesia, Laos, • Some denominations celebrate Saints’ Days Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the and Feast Days. Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.

WWW Links Christianity Today National Council of Churches in Australia Prominent monthly news-magazine. The peak ecumenical body made up of 15 of the major churches in Australia. Ecumenical News International Inter-church news agency sponsored by the World National Church Life Survey Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Findings of Australia’s biggest church research World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and project, coinciding with each national census. Conference of European Churches. National Council of Churches—USA The National Council of Churches, founded in 1950, is the leading force for ecumenical cooperation “He revealed among Christians in the United States. The NCC’s 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox himself to be the Son member denominations include more than 50 million persons in 140,000 local congregations in of God in fulfilment communities across the USA. World Council of Churches of Hebrew scripture, The WCC is a fellowship of churches, now 341 in more than 120 countries in all continents from and taught that the virtually all Christian traditions. BBC Religion & Ethics Online Kingdom of God was Background to Christianity, and many other imminent, bringing faith traditions. with it forgiveness Source: www.abc.net.au and new life for all who believed.”

Australian Christian Churches A peak body of mostly Pentecostal denominations, acting as an alliance of contemporary churches committed to communicating Christianity within Australian society through church services, preaching, and community care.

Christian Research Association Research papers and statistical information on Christianity and religion generally in Australia.

Search a Church Internet directory of Australian churches.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 11 Nine Eleven and Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi Vivekananda

We pray Mahatma Gandhi and Satyagraha: Its Theory and Practice on this day of September 11. Carried out to its utmost limit, this force is Gandhiji’s Satyagraha independent of pecuniary or other material assistance: certainly, even in its elementary form, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi first articulated the of physical force or violence. Indeed, violence is the concept of ‘Satyagraha’, non-violent resistance, at negation of this great spiritual force which can only a public meeting in South Africa on September 11, be cultivated or wielded by those who will entirely 1906. His rigorous application of this philosophy eschew violence. It is a force that may be used by over the next 40 years earned Gandhi the title of individuals as well as by communities. It may be Mahatma—great soul. It also gave the modern used as well in political as in domestic affairs. Its world a powerful new political tool for dealing with universal applicability is a demonstration of its conflict and hurt. permanence and invincibility. It can be used alike by men, women and children. It is totally untrue On 9/11, 1906 Gandhi found himself in a to say that it is a force to be used only by the leadership role at a gathering of Indians of all weak so long as they are not capable of meeting faiths, castes and professions at the Imperial violence by violence. Theatre in Johannesburg. In an atmosphere charged with anger and the determination to fight It is impossible for those who consider themselves racism, Gandhi dropped an idea that acted like a to be weak to apply this force. Only those who depth charge. Let us fight discriminatory laws realize that is something in man which is superior by refusing to comply—by offering unflinching to the brute nature in him, and that the latter non-violent resistance. always yields to it, can effectively be passive. This force is to violence and, therefore, to all tyranny, all His logic was impeccable. Truth is God and God injustice, what light is to darkness. is love. It follows that a struggle for justice cannot involve hurting one’s opponent. Instead, the ‘other’ We have taken long to achieve what we set in a conflict must be weaned from error by patience about striving for. That was because our passive and sympathy. In turn, this means cultivating resistance was not of the most complete type. All the willingness to examine ‘truth’ in all its many passive resisters do not understand the full value dimensions. This can only be done by being of the force, nor have we men who always from strong—not physical strength but the strength of conviction refrain from violence. The use of this truth-force or love-force. force requires the adoption of poverty, in the sense

12 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 “In an atmosphere charged with anger and the determination to fight racism, Gandhi dropped an idea that acted like a depth charge.” that we must be indifferent whether we have the Swami Vivekananda’s God Realisation Lecture wherewithal to feed or clothe ourselves. During the past struggle, all passive resisters, if any at all, It was on September 11, 1893 that an Indian monk, were not prepared to go that length. Some again Swami Vivekananda, was overwhelmed by a three were only passive resisters so-called. They came minute standing ovation at the World Parliament without any conviction, often with mixed motives, of Religions in Chicago. He travelled to the World less often with impure motives. Some even, whilst Parliament of Religions in Chicago, at the age of 30, engaged in the struggle, would gladly have resorted not so much as a Hindu missionary, but the bearer to violence but for most vigilant supervision. Thus of what he experienced as a universal non-sectarian it was that the struggle became prolonged; for the truth. Vivekananda realized that all spiritual exercise of the purest soul-force, in its perfect form, striving is beyond reason, but reason is the only brings about instantaneous relief. For this exercise, way to get there. For reason is the greatest gift prolonged training of the individual soul is an of human existence. absolute necessity so that a perfect passive resister has to be almost if not entirely, a perfect man. We Even institutionalized religions, Vivekananda cannot all suddenly become such men, but if my told the Parliament at Chicago, are nothing but proposition is correct-as I know it to be correct-the “different paths which men take through different greater the spirit of passive resistance in us, the tendencies, various though they appear, crooked better men we will become. Its use is indisputable, or straight” to the same goal. That goal is God- and it is a force which, if it became universal, realization or self-realization – the two being one would revolutionize social ideals and do away with and the same thing. despotism’s and the ever-growing militarism. Over the next decade, till he died at the age of Let no one understand that a non-violent army is 39, Vivekananda travelled across the USA and open only to those who strictly enforce in their western Europe engaged in dialogue about racial lives al the implications of nonviolence. It is open and religious conflict. He left behind a body of to all those who accept the implications and make work that attempts to recalibrate the dynamic an ever-increasing endeavor to observe them. between conquest, reparation and reconciliation. There never will be an army of perfectly nonviolent Reverberations of his appeal for universal people. It will be formed of those who will honestly brotherhood persist today beside the buzz of endeavor to observe nonviolence. protest and counter-protest.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 13 “All passive resisters do not understand the full value of the force, nor have we men who always from conviction refrain from violence.”

Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda’s speech on that day began visit America. Most notably, this was his first talk with the simple words “Sisters and Brothers in America. The 7,000 people in the audience, of America” and proceeded to declare that immediately feeling the depth of his sincerity, rose sectarianism, bigotry and fanaticism are outdated to their feet and according to reports, “went into phenomena. This is why he tends to be somewhat inexplicable rapture with standing ovation and simplistically deployed as a poster-boy of multi- clapping that lasted for more than three minutes.” cultural camaraderie. He went on, “It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial In this famous speech, Swami Vivekananda spoke of welcome which you have given us...” his vision for an end to violence and fanaticism. His message of the 1800’s is as timely and fitting now, Call for the end to Fanaticism in the 2000’s, as it was then, over 100 years ago. Swami Vivekananda closed by speaking of World Parliament of Religions humanity’s history of violence and his hopes for its end, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible In recent history there have been great strides in descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed bridging the spirituality of East and West. Notable this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth among these was the message given by Swami with violence, drenched it often and often with Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religions human blood, destroyed civilization and sent in 1893. The World Parliament of Religions was whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these sponsored by the Unitarians and Universalists of horrible demons, human society would be far more the Free Religious Association, and was a part of advanced than it is now. But their time is come; the greater Columbian Exposition held for several and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this months in 1893, in Chicago, which was attended by morning in honor of this convention may be the over 27 million people. death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all Swami Vivekananda’s Standing Ovation uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.” Swami Vivekananda’s opening talk is a benchmark, in that he was one of the earlier teachers to come Source: www.opendemocracy.net, to America from the East, and the first swami to www.mkgandhi.org, www.swamij.com

14 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 National Churches Working Together “The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) gathers together in pilgrimage those Churches and Christian communities which confess Council of the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and commit themselves to deepen their relationship with each other in order Churches in to express more visibly the unity willed by Christ for his Church, and to work together towards the fulfilment of their mission of common witness, proclamation and service, to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Australia Spirit.” The National Council of Churches in Australia is an ecumenical council of member Australian Christian Churches.

The Ecumenical Movement in Australia

A Brief History of the NCCA

The modern ecumenical movement began to take shape as the 19th century drew to a close. Initiatives among students and between Church mission agencies led the way. This country saw the formation of the Australian Student Christian Movement (1896) and the National Missionary Council (1926).

Out of the devastation of World War II sprang the Australian Committee for the World Council of Churches (1946). This developed into the Australian Council of Churches which, in 1994, gave way to the National Council of Churches in Australia.

The movement for Christian unity in this country was, initially, an Anglican and Protestant affair. Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches came in, in strength, during the 1960s and 70s. For Catholics, the 2nd Vatican Council opened up fresh possibilities for relationships with other Churches, and the transition to the National Council of Churches in Australia (1994) saw the Catholic Church become a full participant in Australia’s national ecumenical body.

The NCCA is its nineteen member Churches in their commitment each to the others and all to the world for which Christ died. It works in collaboration with state ecumenical councils around Australia. It is an associate council of the World Council of Churches, a member of the Christian Conference of Asia and a partner of other national ecumenical bodies throughout the world.

Source: www.ncca.org.au

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 15 Festivals of the Month: India

Ganesh Chaturthi

Preparations for the festival begin months in advance. Days before the actual worship, homes are cleaned and marquees erected at street corners to house the idols of the Lord. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and flowers. The artisans who make the idols of Ganesh vie with each other to make bigger and better sculptures. These are installed in marquees and in homes prior to the (worship).

Special prasad and food (cooked without onions and garlic) are prepared to mark the first day of the puja. Aarti (a ritualistic puja with hymns) is performed twice a day—in the morning and in the evening. Most people of the community attend the evening aarti. People offer prasad of modaks or peras, , hibiscus or any other red flower, Ganesh Chaturthi sheaves of grass, vermilion, powder and rice. During Ganesh Chaturthi people in most parts Ganesh Chaturthi or “Vinayak Chaturthi” is one of the country offer prasad to the image of of the major traditional festivals celebrated by in their mini temples at home. The entire family the Hindu community. It is observed in the Hindu wears fresh and clean clothes and assembles in the calendar month of Bhadrapada, starting on the sacrosanct area. As they sing hymns, everyone is Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon given some flowers and rice in their hands. These period). The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on are later showered on Ganesha. Ananta Chaturdashi and is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi The festival comes to an end on the day of Anant 2011 falls on September 1. Chaudas. On this day, the idols of Ganesha are taken from various , doorsteps, localities Celebrations and puja rooms for a truly royal ride. The streets of Mumbai are packed with multitudes as each Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the states locality comes out on the streets with its Ganesha. of , Tamil Nadu, and Amidst shouts of ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pudhchya Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Varshi Lavkarya’ (Marathi for—Oh Ganpati My

16 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Lord, return soon next year), a sea of humanity carries the idols to the waters of the Arabian Sea. Firecrackers announce the arrival of the procession that halts every now and then for people to get a last glimpse of their favourite God and seek His , for He is the remover of all obstacles. The idols are carried into the holy waters for their visarjan, or immersion. In other towns and villages, folks carry the idols to the local river or tank for the visarjan ceremony. As dusk takes charge of the skies, people return to their localities and homes awaiting Ganesha’s return the following year.

Rishi

Rishi Panchami is observed on the fifth day of the waxing moon fortnight of Bhadrapada month. It is celebrated on the next day of Ganesh Chaturthi. 2011 falls on 2 September.

Significance Rishi Panchami Rishi Panchami is observed by women to pay respect and gratitude towards ancient Sages or . It is a Vrat or obligation observed by devout women. Hence it is also called Rishi Panchami . Both married and unmarried women observe this Vrata. Women believe that by doing this Pooja Onam is the biggest and the most important they get rid of their sins. They worship Saptarishis festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival namely: Kashyap, Vishwamitra, Gautam, , and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over Bharadwaj, Janadagni and Vashishtha. the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to Legend welcome king Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. Onam is celebrated Long back there was a king called Sitasale. He in the month of August-September according to asked to tell about a fast that can eradicate Gregorian Calendar. Carnival of Onam lasts from all sins of past lives. Lord Brahma narrated a four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, story of whose daughter faced so many Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity problems. The Brahmana’s daughter became and presentation of rich culture of the state during widow soon after her marriage. She was badly the carnival made Onam the National Festival of bitten by worms and suffered miserably. In order Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant to know the cause of her daughter’s sufferings dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and Brahmana started meditation. He could see that flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called in previous life his daughter had committed sins. Onam. Onam 2011 falls on 9 September. She had not performed purificatory process of observing Vrata. Upon realizing this, Brahmana’s Legends daughter observed this Vrata and purified herself. Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura Observation (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Every body in the state was happy and Women observe this Vrata by paying homage to prosperous and king was highly regarded by his Saptarishis. They observe strict fast on this day. subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had They go to water bodies like rivers and take holy one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness bath. They clean their hands 108 times and worship in Mahabali’s character was utilized by Gods to Arundati. Women arrange for Saptarishi on a bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged small wooden platform. They offer their obligations by Mahabali’s growing popularity. However, for by performing poojas to the Deities. Some women all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted observe this fast by eating fruits which grow him a boon that he could annually visit his people below the soil. They hear Katha of Rishi Panchami with whom he was so attached. It is this visit of and break their fasts on the next day. The fast is Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. undertaken by men and women alike. Its effect is to People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in wash away sins done voluntarily or involuntarily. a grand way and impress upon their dear king that The devotee should listen to the story of Ganesh, they are happy and wish him well. King Mahabali is Navagreh, Saptarishi and worship Arundhati. also popularly called as Maveli and Onathappan.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 17 King Mahabali The king realised that he was no ordinary and his third step would destroy the earth. Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana of Prahlad, the devout son of demon king and asked him to place his last step on his head Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin who became a legendary king in his own right placed his foot on the head of the king, which and became popular as Banraj in central . pushed him to patala, the nether world. There Mahabali belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty the king requested the Brahmin to reveal his true but was an ardent worshiper of Lord . His identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the bravery and strength of character earned him the king and told the king that he came to test him and title of “Mahabali Chakravathy” or Mahabali—the the king won the test. King Mahabali was pleased king of Kings. to see his Lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the king. Vamana Rituals To curb the growing reign of Mahabali, Aditi, the mother of Gods seeked help of Lord Vishnu People wake up as early as 4 am on the day of whom Mahabali worshiped. It was said Mahabali Onam. Day begins with cleaning of the house. In the was very generous and charitable. Whenever earlier days, front courtyards were smeared with anybody approached him for help or requested for cow dungs. The custom is still followed in villages, anything he always granted. To test the king, Lord where the houses are not cemented. On the day Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor of Thiruvonam conical figures in various forms Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the kingdom are prepared from sticky clay and are painted red. of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his These are decorated with a paste made of rice- morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons and water and are placed in the front court yard to . Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and other important places in the house. Some and asked for a piece of land. The generous king of these clay figures are in the shape of cone and said, he could have as much land as he wanted. others represent figures of Gods. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The king Elaborate prayer ceremonies and poojas are also was surprised to hear but agreed. performed on this day. A senior member of the house plays the role of the priest and conducts Shukracharya the rituals. He prepares ata; Ata is prepared from rice flour and molasses for Nivedyam (offerings to A learned adviser of the king, Shukracharya sensed God). Lamps are lit up in front of the idols and all that Vamana was not an ordinary person and members of the house join in for the ceremonies. warned the king against making the promise. But Priest offers ata, flowers and water in the names of the generous king replied that it would be a sin for the God. As Onam is also a harvest festival people a king to back on his words and asked the Brahmin thank God for the bountiful harvest and pray for to take the land. The king could not imagine that the blessings in the coming year. A peculiar custom the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself. Just is followed after this, wherein male members make as king Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana loud and rhythmic shouts of joys. The tradition began to expand and eventually increased himself is called, ‘Aarppu Vilikkukal’. This represents the to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first beginning of Onam. step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of It is now the time for members of the house to the skies. He then asked king Mahabali where is the dress up in their best attire and offer prayers in the space for him to keep his third foot. local temple. Most people wear new clothes on the day. There is also a tradition of distributing new clothes on Onam. In Tharawads (traditional large family consisting of more than hundred people), Onam Karanavar, the eldest member of the family, gives new clothes as gifts, called Onapudava, to all family members and servants. Other members of the family exchange gifts amongst each other.

Celebrations

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner. The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal

18 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Navratri

consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya ‘Nav’ means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’ means ‘night’. Thus, is served on banana leaves and people sit on a ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’. There are many mat laid on the floor to have the meal. Another legends attached to the conception of Navratri. enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the All of them are related to Goddess (Hindu Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is Mother Goddess) and Her various forms. It is one a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat of the most celebrated festivals of . oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting It holds special significance for Gujratis and of songs and cheering by spectators. There is Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor also a tradition to play games, collectively called of the people with which they indulge in the festive Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous activities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), are the highlights of the festival in , while Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, cultural activities. They make intricately designed Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard Earth who feed us as her children. of house to welcome king Mahabali. Kaikotti and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances The Nine Days performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti Kali and Pulikali add to the zest of The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to celebrations. Goddess (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations— Navratri Kumari, and Kali—are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different Navratri is a very important and popular festival of classes of womanhood that include the child, the India. It comes twice on a year, once around March- young girl and the mature woman. Next three April and the second time, around September- days are dedicated to Goddess (Goddess October. The nine days and nights of Navratri are of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and entirely devoted to Mother Goddess. Throughout mounted on an owl and finally, last three are this period, fasts, strictly vegetarian diets, dedicated to Goddess (Goddess of (chanting in honor of the Goddess Shakti), Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted religious hymns, prayer, meditation and recitation on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared of sacred texts related to Maa (Mother for the celebrations. Children and adults dress Goddess) form the order of the day. in up in new bright-colored dresses for the 2011 start on 28th of September and will continue night performances. for 9 days until the 6th of October.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 19 Navratri is celebrated to commemorate her victory Navratri over the demon, which symbolizes the victory of the good over the evil. The nine nights of Navratri symbolize the nine nights of the war between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.

Sati

According to a story in the , king Daksha of Himalayas was blessed with a beautiful and virtuous daughter, named Uma. She wished to marry Lord . In order to tie the wedding knot with the God, Uma worshipped him and pleased him. Consequently, Lord Shiva married Uma. One day, Uma, now the consort of Lord Shiva, wished to take part in a Yagna conducted by her father. Since her father was not in good terms with Him, Lord Shiva refused her to witness the Yagna.

When she turned up at the Yagna, king Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Unable to withstand the insult, angry Uma decided to end her life by jumping into the kund. Soon after doing this, she was united with the eternity. Therefore, Uma came to be known as . Sati was reborn again. In the second Legends birth, Sati married Lord Shiva and the divine couple lived happily, thereafter. It is believed that Sati Lord comes to stay with her parents for nine days, every year. This is celebrated as Navratri. A popular legend associated with the celebration of Navratri is the story of Lord Rama, who wanted to Customs and Rituals rescue his wife , from the demon king Ravana. To free her from the clutches of the demon king, The main ritual of Navratri consists of placing Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in Her nine images of Goddess Durga in homes and temples. different forms, for nine days, so that He gets all the The devotees offer fruits and flowers to the strength and power to kill Ravana. All the nine days Goddess. They also sing in her honor. The became Navratri and hence, celebrated every year. first three days of Navratri are devoted exclusively On the tenth day, Rama killed Ravana and that day to the worship of Goddess Durga, when her energy is called Vijayadashmi or Dussehra. and power are worshipped. In some communities people undergo rigorous fasts during this season Mahishasura that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya According to a very popular legend, Mahishasura, Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the mighty demon worshipped Lord Shiva and the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. obtained invincible power. Soon, he started killing Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the the innocent lives on earth and set out to win the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as seven lokas. He acquired the swarglok. Nobody gifts by the worshipper. This ritual is performed in could save the living creatures from his tyranny. most parts of the country. Nothing dampens the Even the three mighty Gods of the Hindu Trinity— spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva—were as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the unable to defeat him. Therefore, all the Gods, celebrations of Navratri. There is also a custom of including the Hindu Trinity, united their supreme planting barley seeds in a small bed of mud on the powers and created a divine being called Ma Shakti first day of puja. The shoots, when grown, are given or Durga, the Warrior Goddess. to the attendees, as a from Goddess, after the puja ceremony. With all the accumulated power and the weapons given by the Gods, Goddess Durga set her trail to Pitr- defeat Mahishasura. To accomplish the task, she entered a war with him, which extended for nine The dark fortnight which falls in the Hindu days. After fighting hard with him for nine days, calendar month of Bhadrapad (September) is Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura on the tenth known as Pitr-Paksha or Mahalay Paksha all over day. Consequently, she lifted the tyranny of the the Hindu World. This period is regarded to be an demon off the innocent lives on earth and restored ideal occasion to perform rites for the deceased the swarglok to the devatas (Gods). Therefore, ancestors to keep their spirit gratified for years.

20 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Significance paternal side and the mother etc on the maternal side. Names of all living persons should not be It is a traditional religious belief that deceased associated with the rituals. ancestors from Lord Yamaraja’s region visit their homes on earth during this time. So, if the rite of Shraddh should be performed with a pious mind. Shraddha is performed on one of the days in the The person who performs the Shraddh should fortnight, then the subtle bodies of ancestors is realize that for his birth, body, knowledge, wealth considered to remain gratified for years. Pitru and Sanskar he/she is indebted to the ancestors. Paksha reminds us of our subtle existence and All that is there was given by the ancestors. So the requirement of our subtle or spiritual needs in rituals performed is accepting this fact and is sort the form of rites like Shraddha to ensure a of thanksgiving. Both male and female relatives of smooth passage from physical existence to the dead can perform the rituals. the subtle planes. By focussing solely on gross sciences, many of these subtle measures are not Rituals practiced, even forgotten in western countries. Funeral rites and Shraddha are different, while The rituals including the ‘Pind Daan’ that are funeral rites are considered inauspicious, Shraddha performed reach the dead ancestors through is auspicious and gratifying. Shradh, the rays of (Sun.) It is said that a year of or Pitr Paksh Shraddh, is the annual rites and humans is a day for the dead and therefore the rituals offered to ancestors, relatives and dead ancestors enjoy the fruits of the annual Shraddh parents in the month of Ashwin in and throughout the year. Another belief is that the during Bhadrapad in Gujarat and Maharashtra. souls of dead remain in peace in Pitru Loka as a Pitru Paksha Shradh 2011 falls during 13-27 result of the rituals performed by their children September. It is popularly believed that the Shradh or relatives. It is also said that the dead bless them performed during the Pitr Paksh Shraddh fortnight for this and it helps the children and relatives to is highly auspicious as it reaches the dead relatives lead a good life on earth. immediately and therefore their souls attain liberation or rest in peace. Equally important is feeding the poor on the day. Whenever rituals dedicated to the dead Pitru Paksha Shradh is performed during the are performed, people distribute food and Paksha or waning phase of moon. In some clothes among the poor. Usually the rituals are regions, the Mahalaya Shradh Pitru Paksh fortnight performed on a riverbank or on seashore. There begins with of Bhadrapad month. In are also temples in India where the rituals can be majority of the regions it begins on the day after performed. In some places crows are invited to the Poornima. Mahalaya Shradh is the final day feed on the rice cake that is prepared for the ritual. of Shradh and the most important day of Pitru The method of performing the rituals slightly varies Paksh fortnight. It is also known as Sarvapitri or from region to region. But the essence of the ritual Sarvapitru Shradh and falls on the Amavasi or no is the same. moon day. *Compiled by Parveen Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Observance Source: festivals.iloveindia.com, Pitrapaksha gives a chance to repay debt to our www.altiusdirectory.com, in.ygoy.com, deceased ancestors by gratifying their spirits. www.indianchild.com, www.hindu-blog.com, As such, Shraddha is a “debt of the dead” or www.mangalore.com, www.bharatonline.com, “ceremonies of the dead” which should be www.theholidayspot.com, performed, assuming that the dead ones are alive www.blessingsonthenet.com, amongst us. The Lord of death, Yamaraja enables www.shreedarshan.com, the dead ones to come to earth and receive offers www.cuisinecuisine.com, from the descendants. This practice is made to the www.theholidayspot.com, www.holidays.net, dead Petras and Pitras. It is believed that one owes www.surfindia.com, www.festivalsofindia, three main debts, first to Devarina (Debt to the www.onamfestival.org, www.truthstar.com, Gods), Rishirina (Debt to the ) and www.kidsgen.com, www.onamfestival.org Petranina (Debt to the forefathers).While most people prefer to perform Shraddhas at their homes, the most devout perform Shraddha at the Pind Daan designated holy place.

Only after the Shraddha, he/she attains a position among the Petris or Divine Fathers in their blissful abode called Pitri-Loka. Generally, considered most desirable and efficacious when Shraddha is performed by a son. Ritual of Shraddha should be performed for one’s grandfather, father on the

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 21 Swami Vivekananda Questions and Answers

Discussion1 Q.—What is the Vedantic idea of civilisation?

Q.—Is this spiritual freedom among the people A.—You are philosophers, and you do not think consistent with attention to caste? that a bag of gold makes the difference between man and man, What is the value of all these A.—Certainly not. They say there should be no machines and sciences? They have only one result; caste. Even those who are in caste say it is not a they spread knowledge. You have not solved very perfect institution. But they say, when you the problem of want, but only made it keener. find us another and a better one, we will give it up. Machines do not solve the poverty question; they They say, what will you give us instead? Where is simply make men struggle the more. Competition there no caste? In your nation you are struggling gets keener. What value has Nature in itself? Why all the time to make a caste. As soon as a man gets do you go and build a monument to a man who a bag of dollars, he says, “I am one of the Four sends electricity through a wire? Does not Nature Hundred.” We alone have succeeded in making a do that millions of times over? Is not everything permanent caste. Other nations are struggling and already existing in Nature? What is the value of do not succeed. We have superstitions and evils your getting it? It is already there. The only value enough. Would taking the superstitions and evils is that it makes this development. This universe from your country mend matters? It is owing to is simply a gymnasium in which the soul is taking caste that three hundred millions of people can exercise; and after these exercises we become find a piece of bread to eat yet. It is an imperfect gods. So the value of everything is to be decided by institution, no doubt. But if it had not been for how far it is a manifestation of God. Civilisation is caste, you would have had no books to the manifestation of that divinity in man. study. This caste made walls, around which all sorts of invasions rolled and surged, but found it Q.—Have the Buddhists any caste laws? impossible to break through. That necessity has not gone yet; so caste remains. The caste we have A.—The Buddhists never had much caste, and now is not that of seven hundred years ago. Every there are very few Buddhists in India. Buddha blow has riveted it. Do you realise that India is the was a social reformer. Yet in Buddhistic countries only country that never went outside of itself to I find that there have been strong attempts to conquer? The great emperor Asoka insisted that manufacture caste, only they have failed. The none of his descendants should go to conquer. If Buddhists’ caste is practically nothing, but they people want to send us teachers, let them help, but take pride in it in their own minds. not injure. Why should all these people come to conquer the ? Did they do any injury to any Buddha was one of the Sannyasins of the . nation? What little good they could do, they did He started a new sect, just as others are started for the world. They taught it science, philosophy, even today. The ideas which now are called religion, and civilised the savage hordes of the Buddhism were not his. They were much more earth. And this is the return—only murder and ancient. He was a great man who gave the ideas tyranny, and calling them heathen rascals. Look power. The unique element in Buddhism was at the books written on India by Western people its social element. Brahmins and and at the stories of many travellers who go have always been our teachers, and most of the there; in retaliation for what injuries are these were written by Kshatriyas, while the hurled at them? ritualistic portions of the came from the Brahmins. Most of our great teachers throughout India have been Kshatriyas and were always

22 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 universal in their teachings; whilst the Brahmana Q.—Did Vedanta exert any influence prophets with two exceptions were very exclusive. over Mohammedanism? Rama, Krishna, and Buddha—worshipped as Incarnations of God—were Kshatriyas. A.—This Vedantic spirit of religious liberality has very much affected Mohammedanism. Q.—Are sects, ceremonies and scriptures helps Mohammedanism in India is quite a different to realisation? thing from that in any other country. It is only when Mohammedans come from other countries A.—When a man realises, he gives up everything. and preach to their co-religionists in India about The various sects and ceremonies and books, so living with men who are not of their faith that a far as they are the means of arriving at that point, Mohammedan mob is aroused and fights. are all right. But when they fail in that, we must change them. “The knowing one must not despise Q.—Does Vedanta recognise caste? the condition of those who are ignorant, nor should the knowing one destroy the faith of the ignorant in A.—The caste system is opposed to the religion of their own particular method, but by proper action the Vedanta. Caste is a social custom, and all our lead them, and show them the path to come to great preachers have tried to break it down. From where he stands.” Buddhism downwards, every sect has preached against caste, and every time it has only riveted Q.—How does the Vedanta explain individuality the chains. Caste is simply the outgrowth of the and ethics? political institutions of India; it is a hereditary trade guild. Trade competition with Europe has broken A.—The real individual is the Absolute; this caste more than any teaching. personalisation is through . It is only apparent; in reality it is always the Absolute. In Q.—What is the peculiarity of the Vedas? reality there is one, but in Maya it is appearing as many. In Maya there is this variation. Yet even A.—One peculiarity of the Vedas is that they are in this Maya there is always the tendency to get the only Scriptures that again and again declare back to the One, as expressed in all ethics and that you must go beyond them. The Vedas say that all morality of every nation, because it is the they were written just for the child mind; and when constitutional necessity of the soul. It is finding you have grown, you must go beyond them. its oneness; and this struggle to find this oneness is what we call ethics and morality. Therefore we Q.—Do you hold the individual soul to be must always practise them. eternally real?

Q.—Is not the greater part of ethics taken up with the A.—The individual soul consists of a man’s relation between individuals? thoughts and they are changing every moment. Therefore, it cannot be eternally real. It is real only A.—That is all it is. The Absolute does not come in the phenomenal. The individual soul consists of within Maya. memory and thought; how can that be real?

Q.—You say the individual is the Absolute, and Q.—Why did Buddhism as a religion decline in India? I was going to ask you whether the individual has knowledge. A.—Buddhism did not really decline in India; it was only a gigantic social movement. Before Buddha, A.—The state of manifestation is individuality, and great numbers of animals were killed for sacrifice the light in that state is what we call knowledge. To and other reasons; and people drank wine and ate use, therefore, this term knowledge for the light of meat in large quantities. Since Buddha’s teaching, the Absolute is not precise, as the Absolute state drunkenness has almost disappeared, and the transcends relative knowledge. killing of animals has almost gone.

Q.—Does it include it? Swami Vivekananda

A.—Yes, in this sense. Just as a piece of gold can Source: Swami Vivekananda’s Works be changed into all sorts of coins, so with this. The 1 state can be broken up into all sorts of knowledge. This discussion followed the lecture on the Vedanta It is the state of super-consciousness, and includes Philosophy delivered by the Swami at the Graduate both consciousness and unconsciousness. Philosophical Society Oxford University, U.S.A., The man who attains that state has all that we March 25, 1896, Vol. I. call knowledge. When he wants to realise that consciousness of knowledge, he has to go a step lower. Knowledge is a lower state; it is only in Maya that we can have knowledge.

(At the Twentieth Century Club of Boston, U.S.A.)

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 23 Festivals of the Month: Australia Broome’s Festival of the Pearl

Bands Bash. Wild bush foods are harvested and cooked into succulent dishes. Choirs sing amidst ancient desert landscapes of gorges and gaps.

The Alice Desert Festival attracts audiences of around 50,000 people from around Australia to over 50 events across its season. The Alice Desert Festival presents an atmosphere not found anywhere else in Australia where strong traditional cultures and a vibrant contemporary arts community work together in presenting an amazing 10 days. The Alice Desert Festival has been running for 10 years and 2011 will show Central Australia is not in the middle of nowhere but the middle of everywhere. The 2011 Festival is being celebrated during 9–18 September at various locations in and around Alice Springs, NT.

Shinju Matsuri

Broome’s Festival of the Pearl

Broome’s Festival of the Pearl began 40 years ago. In 1970 the community of Broome decided to Alice Desert Festival turn the Shinju Matsuri into a Festival to not only acknowledge the Pearling Industry, but to also showcase Broome’s beauty, history and community to the outside world. The Festival is Alice Desert Festival—–NT 10 days of exciting multicultural events and activities showcasing the history, cultural The Alice Desert Festival is Central Australia’s diversity and talent of this beautiful port of pearls premier arts and cultural festival, celebrating the known as Broome. Broome is one of Australia’s desert and the diversity of people that live here. most unique and spectacular towns. Broome’s The Alice Desert Festival shares the stories, songs Festival of the Pearl 2011 is being celebrated and the unique lifestyle of Central Australia’s from September 10–18. arid region. Featuring a vibrant program borne out of the desert landscape, it celebrates the A Brief History dynamic exchange between cultures in the heart of Australia. Artists, dancers and musicians from Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and some of the remotest communities in Central romance of Broome’s early days as a world Australia perform. Indigenous musicians drive 100’s renowned producer of Pearls and Pearl shell. of red dusty kilometres to perform in the Bush Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino

24 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 and Europeans flocked to Broome from the late 1800’s to be a part of this prosperity. This unique multicultural population of pearl industry workers, including local Aborigines, contributed to the spirit and energy that is still present in the exotic town of Broome today. Shinju Matsuri in Japanese means “Festival of the Pearl”.

Celebrating the cultural history of the town of Broome, the festival originated from three cultural festivals. Establishing itself as a unique festival in 1970, certification was gained in August 1973 when Shinju Matsuri Inc became incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act.

Volunteer working parties and Boards of Shinju Matsuri have developed and grown the event Broome’s Festival of the Pearl since these beginnings and it is always an important feature of the festival to recognise those contributions from individuals and groups in the community. backdrop to a month-long festival filled with music, cultural celebrations, horticultural workshops, The Festival artistic displays, entertainment and recreational From the high spirited and colourful waking of activities. Floriade runs from mid-September Sammy the Dragon after his year long slumber; to mid-October and attracts more than 400,000 across days of festivity bolstered through events attendees. Floriade 2011 is being celebrated from for and put on by the community; to a spectacular 17 September to 16 October at Commonwealth fireworks finale; Shinju Matsuri is the premier arts, Park, Canberra, ACT. cultural and community event in Broome, Western Australia’s Celebration of Spring Australia. Shinju Matsuri encourages all cultural groups from the Broome community to participate As the aromas waft from the garden beds and in the celebrations to develop constructive and beyond Floriade 2011, a feast for the senses, set the harmonious Broome community relationships. scene for spectacular entertainment, horticultural Shinju Matsuri tempt our senses with an exciting delights and a smorgasbord of activities. Inspired whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the garden bed designs, artistic entertainment, community share with the world this beautiful engaging exhibitions form the beautiful ambient locale and the people who call it home. Floriade Nightfest. Australia’s revered jazz musicians, kicks off Floriade 2011 when he Canberra Floriade Flower Festival & Nightfest performs with his band at the official opening Floriade comes from the Latin word floriat, concert. The horticulture program stimulates our which means to design with flowers. It is the senses with dozens of exciting demonstrations, biggest flower festival in Australia, a spectacular activities, displays and events. The festival lead us celebration of spring. Floriade began in 1988 admire the endless possibilities of floral design and as a spectacular commemoration of Australia’s see the stunning display of creativity and colour Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday. when fashion and flowers come together. Peter Sutton, working closely with his colleague, Floriade showcases the history of war time landscape designer Chris De Bruine, developed a kitchens and gardens at the Australian War proposal for a grand floral display to celebrate Memorial’s Victory Garden, featuring the plants the Bicentenary. Following extensive trials in and vegetables grown by wartime Australian 1987 to select suitable species and determine families during the Second World War. People flowering times. love time out and reconnecting with each other Floriade blossomed for the first time with a floral in Matilda’s Farmyard, kids’ programs, gnome display of exotic bulbs and annuals, which grow painting and amazing creatures at the Riveting beautifully in Canberra’s climate. The community exhibitions. embraced the inaugural Floriade, making it such Floriade NightFest 2011 a success that it became an annual event— Australia’s celebration of spring. Floriade NightFest 2011 features a spectacular new lighting installation. Storm of the Senses will The Festival take visitors on a journey through digital rain Floriade is a world-class floral spectacular. falling between the emotive sounds of a storm, More than one million blooms create a stunning with powerful thunder and gusts of wind. Visitors

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 25 lucky enough to catch a break in the storm will see The garden bed design at Floriade is different every the whole installation spring to life in a series of year. A theme is developed and is carried through vivid lighting displays accompanied by a dramatic from the shape of the garden beds to the type and musical soundtrack. colour of the flowers used to create the meticulous designs. The garden beds so designed make the The Flowers and the Garden Beds festival really unique.

Over 1 million bulbs and annuals are planted each Source: www.festivalaustralia.com.au, year, depending on the garden bed design. Bulbs www.festivalaustralia.com.au, and annuals are planted in autumn each year. www.alicedesertfestival.com.au, Different flowers bloom at different times but www.alicedesertfestival.com.au, there’s always great colour throughout the event. www.shinjumatsuri.com.au, It is constantly changing as the different plants www.shinjumatsuri.com.au, come into flower. A mix of flowers, predominantly www.floriadeaustralia.com bulbs create the kaleidoscope of colours that set the backdrop to Floriade. Some of the blooms include tulips, irises, daffodils, hyacinths, violas, chrysanthemums, ranunculus and daisies.

Canberra Floriade Canberra Floriade Nightfest Flower Festival

Shinju Matsuri

26 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Nonviolent Communication: Mutual Giving from the Heart An interview with Myra Walden

sister always gets better grades than you”; demands, “Go to bed, now”; and the concept of deserving, “Terrorists deserve to die.”

SGIQ: What practical steps can one take to improve communication?

MW: I suggest that you learn to pay attention to your speech, especially when you are unhappy with another person. When expressing yourself, refer to what the other person said or did without evaluating their actions. For example, rather than saying, “When you insult me…,” say, “When you call me inconsiderate…” In the latter expression, you are simply quoting the other person without interpreting the words as “insulting.” Also, practice identifying and expressing your needs Many of us have been brought up in environments and acknowledging other people’s needs. For where competition, judgment, demands and criticism example, if you are unhappy with how many things are the communicative norm; at best these habitual you have to do, identify and express your need ways of thinking and speaking hinder communication for help: “I’m overwhelmed. I need help. Would and create misunderstanding and frustration in others you be willing to come in at 6 pm to help me set up and ourselves. Still worse, they cause anger and the room?” If your supervisor has a sharp tone of pain and may even lead to violence. Even with the voice during a meeting, try to guess and express best intentions, we can generate needless conflict. her need: “I’m guessing you need more cooperation The system of Nonviolent Communication or NVC, on this project. Is this true?” I believe that this developed by Marshall Rosenberg and others at the practice alone can improve communication greatly Center for Nonviolent Communication in the US, because it promotes mutual understanding and begins by assuming we are all compassionate by heart-to-heart connection. We can all relate to the nature and that violent strategies, whether verbal need for understanding, support or cooperation, or physical, are learned behaviors, supported by for instance, because we all have these needs. the prevailing culture. NVC helps people learn how Needs create the common ground where people in to communicate effectively with each other so that conflict can meet. their lives and relationships are transformed. Here, psychotherapist and NVC trainer Myra Walden talks SGIQ: How do we stop ourselves, when we receive about her experience of teaching NVC and how it negative messages, either taking them personally— has transformed her own life and those of the hearing blame and criticism—or blaming others? people she works with. MW: Get in the habit of bypassing what people SGI Quarterly: What blocks the flow of think of you. Go directly to the feelings and needs communication in the normal course of underlying their criticism or blame. It’s a great everyday life? way to protect ourselves from messages that can diminish self-respect if taken personally. If Myra Walden: We believe that the way in which you find yourself getting upset, take time out we have been accustomed to think blocks the flow to connect with your own feelings and needs. of mutual giving from the heart. Most of us have In addition, cultivate a practice that helps you learned patterns of communication that block connect with the within you every compassion. Some examples of these might be day. I need to be connected to compassion in order blaming, “It’s your fault that we’re late”; diagnosing, to meet challenges without violence. My practice “She’s just lazy”; denial of responsibility, “I lied to is to meditate in the morning and evening. Some the client because my boss told me to”; words that connect with their compassionate self through deny choice and imply wrongness, “You should visit music, nature or inspirational readings, your elderly mother more often”; comparisons, “Your for example.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 27 SGIQ: What is the difference between making a demand and making a request? Some Pointers for MW: When we make a request, we are open to Nonviolent Communication hearing “no.” If the other person does not want to do as we request, we are able to respond with • What others do may be the stimulus of our empathy. We may choose to ask another person feelings but not the cause. to help meet our need. But if we want to continue • Expressing our vulnerability can help the dialogue with the first person, we will seek to resolve conflicts. connect with him or her until we can find a strategy • If we express our needs, we have a better that accommodates his or her needs as well as chance of getting them met. ours. We can differentiate a request from a demand • If we don’t value our needs, others may by paying attention to our reaction when we hear not either. “no.” If we hear “no” and still maintain connection • Classifying and judging people with the other, then it was likely a true request. promotes violence. • Judgments of others are alienated expressions SGIQ: When is it in fact appropriate to listen to of our own unmet needs. someone, to empathize with their situation, as • Behind intimidating messages are simply people opposed to attempting to “solve” their problem appealing to us to meet their needs. for them? When we listen, what should we look • When we combine observation with evaluation, out for? people are apt to hear criticism. • The cause of anger lies in our thinking--in MW: When someone shares a painful experience, thoughts of blame or judgment. my rule of thumb is to empathize always. I assume • When the other person hears a demand from us, that the person is seeking understanding. I stay they see two options: submit or rebel. in empathic presence until the person is visibly • Empathizing with someone’s “no” protects us relieved. The words come to a halt, and there is from taking it personally. relaxation of the facial expression and posture. • Empathize with silence by listening for the At this point, if I sense that the person wants feelings and needs behind it. something else, I ask. When listening empathically, listen with a silent mind and an open heart. Try to Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life connect with the person’s feelings and needs. For by Marshall B. Rosenberg, www.cnvc.org example, if someone says to you, “My boyfriend is being deployed to Afghanistan,” connect with the person’s heart. If you want to make sure agreed to my request. When inside the room, I sat you are connecting, you may ask, “Do you fear on the floor and asked, “Are you angry because you for his safety?” want to be treated with respect?” To my surprise, SGIQ: The courageous use of empathy can help the young man listened to me and was suddenly defuse a potentially violent situation. Do you have quiet. At that point, I asked if everyone would leave any examples of this in your own life? the room so I could talk with the young man one- on-one. Although the others in the room expressed MW: A few months ago, I was in my office at the concern for my safety, they agreed with my request community mental health center where I work. at that point. After ample silent time and continued I heard someone scream at the top of his lungs, attempts to connect, he spoke to me. Later on, “Leave me alone!” He proceeded to swear and the doctor and the father came back in, and the curse loudly. I waited for a couple of minutes session ended peacefully. This is an example of a thinking that this would pass, but it didn’t, so I case where I was able to use NVC to intervene in went to the office where the screaming was coming a potentially violent situation and help resolve it from and asked the woman watching the door if I peacefully. could go inside, because I thought I might be able to help in this situation due to my training in NVC. SGIQ: How does empathy help heal? Although she was initially reluctant because a MW: When someone receives our suffering quietly, crisis worker, a doctor and the father of the young openheartedly and without judgment, we are able man were already in the office, she eventually to open ourselves to our pain. We experience it

28 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 From a place of connection with our needs, we can From Emotional Slavery to begin the dance of Nonviolent Communication, Emotional Liberation expressing ourselves vulnerably and receiving the other person empathically. We trust that this dance • First stage: We see ourselves as leads to heart connection, where solutions can responsible for others’ feelings. arise that meet everyone’s needs. • Second stage: We feel angry; we no longer want to be responsible for others’ feelings. SGIQ: How has this work on nonviolence enriched • Third stage: Emotional liberation—we take your own life? responsibility for our intentions and actions. MW: NVC has enriched my life in important ways. Employing NVC processes to address life’s challenges increases my sense of peace and freedom. Identifying and connecting with the needs underlying the actions of others has brought greater harmony to my personal and professional relationships. For these reasons, “Most of us have sharing Nonviolent Communication fills my life with learned patterns of passion and meaning. SGIQ: Marshall Rosenberg writes, “The more you communication that become a connoisseur of gratitude, the less you are a victim of resentment, depression and despair. Gratitude will act as an elixir that will gradually block compassion.” dissolve the hard shell of your ego, your need to possess and control, and transform you into a generous being…” Why is gratitude so important?

MW: Gratitude helps us become more aware and fully, release it, and in so doing, we heal. Clarity enjoy the wonderful things in our lives—being emerges, and we gain access to inner wisdom. alive, having fresh water to drink and friends who support us, the beauty of nature, to name a SGIQ: In nonviolent philosophy, anger is not few. With a grateful heart, we naturally want to an emotion to be suppressed; it is in fact to be contribute to the well-being of others and of the acknowledged but expressed in a responsible planet. Gratitude is powerful fuel that can promote way. How can we use our anger constructively effective social change. for dialogue? Myra Walden is cofounder of the Institute for MW: We use anger constructively when we take Empowering Communication: time to release the thoughts that are causing our www.empoweringcommunicationinc.net. anger and to identify the needs that are not met More information on Nonviolent in a given situation—rather than reacting out Communication is available on of anger. www.cnvc.org Underlying anger, there is always judging and Source: www.sgiquarterly.org blaming. In the privacy of our minds, we give airtime to judging and blaming, such as, “I can’t Picture credit: stand this idiot! How dare he talk to me like that! Simon Watson/Getty Images Ah, the arrogance…,” or, “It’s her fault that we are in this predicament. When will she learn?!” When we become aware that this is how we are thinking, then we can endeavor to identify and connect with unmet needs in the situation. Perhaps we need more respect, consideration and trust from the other person.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 29 Morari Bapu Morari Bapu is today the most famous and the Ramkatha of Morari Bapu never runs in beaten most outstanding Kathakar of Ramcharit Manas channels. As he puts it, his katha is a flowing river and he is in many ways an interesting and and will take its own course with surprising and multidimensional personality in the world of unexpected turns and twists which leaves his religion. Those who attend his katha expecting a audience spell bound. Apart from Ramakatha, routine and somewhat tedious repetition of the Bapu is a great patron of literature, arts and Music. age old story of Ramayan will be surprised and There is hardly any noted musician—be it Bhimsen enthralled by his unique way of presenting the Joshi or Zakir Hussain or Hariprasad Courasia or essence of Katha and of linking the old story with Hema Malini who have not performed for him and the modern issues and problems that we face in who have not been awarded and sumptuously our every day life. Bapu does not waste much rewarded by him. Every year in April he organizes time in narrating the story of Rama as narrated literary conferences that are attended by all the by because the katha is known to one great literary figures in Gujarat. He has organized and all. He usually chooses one or two couplets a conference to discuss the various versions of from Ramcharit Manas that he knows by heart Ramayan in all the major languages in India and and explains the implied meaning and analysis scholars from Bengal, Keral, Tamilnadu, , why Tulsidas said, what he did and how far is Orissa and Gujarat submitted papers that have it applicable to modern context in which we all been now printed in a book form. He convened a are living. multi religious conference inaugurated by Dalai Lama and attended by representatives of While singing and discussing the chosen couplet, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Jainism and Bapu interprets the entire philosophy of Hinduism Sikhism. He was the main convener of a quoting profusely from ancient texts, medieval conference to discuss the contribution of saint poets like Mira or Narsinh or Ganga Sati or female saint poets in India and abroad. Nanak or several others and he very often recites the poems of modern Gujarati poets and writers. Bapu actively promotes communal harmony in All this is done in such a simple and lucid way India and it is his presence and his efforts that has that even the most ignorant of his audience will helped Mahuva his place of residence to become fully understands what Bapu wants to convey. He an island of peace and harmony when furious quotes, he sings, he makes audience dance and Hindu-muslim riots were raging all over Gujarat in recite chants with him and his chants go all the 2002. He was the only religious leader who dared way from Vahe Guruji Ka Khalsa to Ali Maula to lead a peace march in the riot torn streets of to Rama. Ahmedabad and it was his presence that protected those who were trying to restore peace in the Bapu is a man of wide vision and respects all the city. He had the courage and the confidence to religious teachers of all the religions of the world address a Muslim crowd at midnight in the colony from Vedic Rishies to Jesus to Mahomed to of Juhapura which Hindus do not dare to visit even and to Shankaracharya. He accepts everything during the day time. He has done his Katha for and everybody and never rejects anything or any the convicts in a Jail and a katha for raising funds person. He never gives sermons nor does he issue for building toilets for the backward people in the any commands or guidelines. He has a message to rural side of Bardoli near Surat. Bapu is a colorful give to those who listen to him and the message personality surrounded as he is by the scholars, is the message of Love [Prem], Truth [] and artists and simple village folks. He is much in Compassion [Karuna] and this message is very demand as an orator on various occasions. He is effectively delivered in his Kathas. Bapu avoids very approachable by any one for advice, help nothing and even sinners and atheists are welcome and solace and nobody has ever returned empty to his Katha. He himself is a staunch devotee of handed from him. All in all, here is a person whom Rama and but as he says every name it is a great pleasure to listen and whom it would be uttered with love and truth is a divine name. difficult not to love once you know him.

Bapu takes a keen and active interest in all that is Nagindas Sanghavi, Author, going on around him and every day happenings Political Commentator and are keenly observed and noted. He is a very Sanskrit Scholar is a regular keen observer of life and people and makes no commentator on the political distinction between divine and mundane. He does happenings in India and not advocate any difficult or intricate Sahana and his syndicated columns are insists that a simple NamJap and faith and Maun published by various dailies [silence] are all that are needed in the age in which in Mumbai, Surat, Anand we are living. and Ahmedabad.

30 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 As you repeat in your mind, Ik Onkaar..., bring in all the knowledge understood earlier: that He is one without a second; that He pervades the entire universe of names and forms; that He is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer; the entire universe arises in Him, is sustained in Him and gets dissolved in Him; He is the Consciousness that is the one witness of all the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep.

You may take the entire mool- and repeat it, or take any one word from it and repeat it again and again. For those who tend to see the world as full of divisions and differences, without unity or harmony, it would be helpful to place more emphasis on the word Ik Onkaar.

Those whose mind and intellect are not integrated and who find that they cannot live up to their convictions, are insecure and afraid of change, should particularly concentrate on Sat Noam.

Those who have a strong ego with a great sense of vanity and pride should absorb their mind in Kartaa Purakh. Those who suffer from constant fear and anxiety should stress on Nirbhau. Those who harbour enmity and hatred, on Nirvair.

Those who are afraid of dying and are full of Jap Chant attachments should contemplate on Akaal Moorat. Those who wish to end all suffering, on Ajuni. Regularly, constantly, repeat in the mind this Those who seek knowledge and wisdom, on Knowledge which is encapsulated in the mool- Saibangh, and for devotion and surrender one mantra given by the Teacher. should constantly meditate on Gurparsaad.

Ik Onkaar Sat-Naam Kartaa-Purakh Nirbhau Nirvair All these words indicate the one same Truth and Akaal-Moorat Ajuni Saibangh Gurparsaad... It should each divine quality cultivated invariably leads to not be a parrot-like, mechanical, hasty repetition of the other divine qualities. the mantra, the way most people chant it. Rather, it must be a slow, gentle and loving repetition, the Start, start the jap today. The grace of the Lord way a lover calls out the name of his beloved again and the Guru is ever with us. Listen carefully to the and again. meaning, reflect on it, understand, contemplate, meditate and realize. The mere repetition of the mantra over a sustained period brings about concentration and single- Shri Guru Nanakji completes the “Japji” with a mindedness, which is absolutely essential for message in the 30th pauree (verse): “Jat pahaaraa meditation. When done with devotion, this jap dheeraj suniaar, aharan mat ved hathiaar. Bhau serves to purify the mind. But the Truth is revealed kahalaa agan tap taao, bhaandaa bhaao amrit tit only when we contemplate on and understand the dhaal. Ghareeai shabad sachee taksaal, jin kau meaning of the mantra while repeating it in the nadar karam tin kaar. Nanak nadree nadar nihaal. mind again and again. Let forbearance be the furnace and patience the goldsmith, let understanding be the anvil and Veda, Let the mind repeat the mantra and become quiet spiritual knowledge, the hammer. Let fear be the while the intellect rides on the meaning of these bellows and austerity, the fire, and let love be the “secret indicators” of the Reality, and lifts itself to crucible in which pour down thou the ambrosia. dissolve into the Truth in the state of samaadhi Thus in the true mint wilt thou coin the Shabad, the or ‘meditation’. Repeat the names of the Lord, not Name divine. Such alone who have His grace and with mere words but with all the feelings in your kindness adopt this way. On them, O Nanak, rain heart. When you call out to your beloved, or when showers of grace divine. Absorbed are they forever you call out the name of your child or friend, do and ever. Theirs is the eternal bliss.” not all your feelings of love, your knowledge of your loved one, the memories and the relationship, Swami Swaroopananda all come to mind at once? In the same way, understanding its meaning, one should repeat the Source: Meditations on The One Indivisible Truth, mantra with love. Central Chinmaya Mission Trust.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 31 “It is simply of vital importance to find again the path to the sources, to the eternal and central truths of Christ’s message, which has been shaken almost beyond recognition by the profane ambitions of more or less secular institutions arrogating to themselves a religious authority. This is an attempt to open a way to a new future, firmly founded in the true spiritual and religious sources of the past”. - Holger Kersten

Over the centuries, the claim has repeatedly been made that Jesus Christ not only walked the earth but also spent his early and post-crucifixion years in a variety of places, including Persia, Turkey, Egypt, Europe including Great Britain, Japan, America and India. Traditions maintain that Jesus, the great Godman of the West, lived, learned, loved and died in such places. There are many parallels of Christ’s teachings with other religious and cultural traditions and at least some of these figures may have been one and the same personality.

Jesus the Guru

According to legends, Jesus, the great Jewish sage, spent his “lost years,” from between the ages of around 12 to 28 or 30, in India, where, per another tradition, he also escaped after surviving the crucifixion. The Jesus-was-a-guru tale was popularized over a century ago by the Russian traveler Nicholas Notovitch. Nicolas was the first to suggest that Christ may have gone to India. He asserted that in 1887, while at the secluded Hemis or Himis monastery in Ladakh/Tibet, he was shown a manuscript which discussed the “unknown life” of Jesus, or “Issa,” as he was supposedly called in the East. This “Issa” text, translated for Notovitch from Tibetan by a monk/lama, alleged that during his “lost years” Jesus was educated by in Jesus Lived India, and “the Himalaya Mountains.” Notovich was stunned by the remarkable parallels of Issa’s teachings and martyrdom with that of in India Christ’s life, teachings and crucifixion. Stating that he felt the manuscript to be “true and genuine,” Notovich maintained its contents were written “immediately after the Resurrection,” while the manuscript itself purportedly dated from the third century of the Common Era. Notovitch related that the “two manuscripts” he was shown at Himis were “compiled from diverse copies written in the Thibetan tongue, translated from rolls belonging to the Lassa library and brought from India, Nepal, and Maghada 200 years after Christ.”

After travelling for about sixteen years through many places across the globe, Christ finally arrived with Mary to a place near Kashmir where she died. After many years in Kashmir, teaching to an appreciative population, who venerated him as a great prophet, reformer and saint, he died and Sculpted footprints with nail marks was buried in a tomb in Kashmir itself. The many in the Roza Bal shrine Islamic and Hindu historical works recording local history and legends of kings, noblemen and saints

32 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 of the areas thought to be travelled by Jesus also an account of Issa-Masih (Jesus the Messiah). It give evidence of a Christ like man. describes Christ’s arrival in the Kashmir region of India and his encounter with King Shalivahana, According to Apocryphal ‘Acts of Thomas’, Christ who ruled the Kushan area (39-50AD), and who met Thomas several times after the Crucifixion. entertained Christ as a guest for some time. Christ sent Thomas to teach his spirituality in India. This is corroborated by evidence found in The historian Mullah Nadini (1413) also recounts the form of stone inscriptions at Fatehpur Sikri, a story of Yuz Asaf who was a contemporary to near the Taj Mahal, in Northern India. They include King Gopadatta, and confirms that he also used the “Agrapha”, which are sayings of Christ that don’t name Issar, ie. Jesus. There is also much historical exist in the mainstream Bible. Their grammatical truth in the towns and villages of Northern India to form is most similar to that of the Apocryphal prove that Jesus and his mother Mary spent time in gospel of Thomas. This is but one example giving the area. At the border of a small town called Mari, credibility to the idea that texts not recognised by there is nearby a mountain called Pindi Point, upon the Church hold important clues about Christ’s which is an old tomb called Mai Mari da Asthan or true life and his teachings. “The final resting place of Mary”. The tomb is said to be very old and local Muslims venerate it as the Many of Christ’s teachings, which have been grave of Issa’s (ie Christ’s) Mother. The tomb itself gradually edited out of the modern Bible were is oriented East-West consistent with the Jewish originally Eastern in nature showing his movement tradition, despite the fact it is within a Muslim area. to India and beyond. Principles such as Assuming its antiquity, such a tomb could not be and re-incarnation were common knowledge Hindu either since the Hindus contemporary to then, and seem to have been reaffirmed by Christ. Christ cremated their dead and scattered their Further clues are cited from The Apocryphal Acts ashes as do Hindus today. of Thomas, and the Gospel of Thomas which are of Syrian origin and have been dated to the 4th Century AD, or possibly earlier. They are Gnostic Scriptures and despite the evidence indicating “After travelling their authenticity, they are not given credence by mainstream theologians. In these texts Thomas for about sixteen years tells of Christ’s appearance in Andrapolis, through many places across Paphlagonia (today known as in the extreme north of Anatolia) as a guest of the King of Andrappa. the globe, Christ finally There he met with Thomas who had arrived separately. It is at Andrapolis that Christ entreated arrived with Mary to a Thomas to go to India to begin spreading his teachings. Christ and Mary then moved along the place near Kashmir West coast of Turkey, proof of this could be an old stopping place for travellers called the “Home of where she died.” Mary”, found along the ancient silk route.

In his travels through Persia (today’s Iran) Christ Following Christ’s trail into Kashmir, 40km south became known as Yuz Asaf (Leader of the Healed). of Srinagar, between the villages of Naugam and A Kashmiri historical document confirms that Nilmge is a meadow called Yuz-Marg (the meadow Isa (the Koranic name for Christ) was in fact also of Yuz Asaf, ie. Jesus). Then there is the sacred known as Yuz Asaf. The Jami-uf-Tamarik, Volume building called Aish Muqam, 60km south east II, tells that Yuz Asaf visited Masslige, where he of Srinagar and 12km from Bij Bihara. “Aish” is attended the grave of Shem, Noah’s son. There are derived from “Issa” and “Muqam” place of rest or various other accounts such as Agha Mustafa’s repose. Within the Aish Muqam is a sacred relic “Awhali Shahaii-i-paras” that tell of Yuz Asaf’s called the ‘Moses Rod’ or the ‘Jesus Rod’, which travels and teachings all over Persia. It seems that local legend says, belonged to Moses himself. Yuz Asaf blessed Afghanistan and Pakistan with Christ is said to also have held it, perhaps to his presence also. There are two plains in Eastern confirm his Mosaic heritage. Above the town of Afghanistan near Gazni and Jalalabad bearing Srinagar is a temple known as “The Throne of the name of the prophet Yuz Asaf. Again in the Solomon”, which dates back to at least 1000BC, Apocryphal Acts of Thomas, Thomas says that he which King Gopadatta had restored at about the and Christ attended the Court of King Gundafor same time as Christ’s advent. The restoration was of Taxila (now Pakistan), in about 47AD, and that done by a Persian architect who personally left eventually both the King and his brother accepted four inscriptions on the side steps of the temple. Christ’s teachings. There are more than twenty The third and fourth inscription read: “At this time one historical documents that bear witness to Yuz Asaf announced his prophetic calling in Year the existence of Jesus in Kashmir, where he was 50 and 4” and “He is Jesus—Prophet of the Sons known also as Yuz Asaf and Issa. The Bhavishyat of Israel”! Mahapurana (volume 9 verses 17-32) contains

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 33 The Rozabal Tomb

Christ may have travelled to the South of India “derived from Bodhisattva, the technical name also, finally returning to Kashmir to die at the age for one destined to obtain the dignity of a Buddha.” of approximately 80 years. Christ’s tomb lies in (Prajnanananda, 107) Thus, this tomb of a Srinagar’s old town in a building called Rozabal. Bodhisattva could belong to any of thousands of “Rozabal” is an abbreviation of Rauza Bal, meaning such holy men. In like regard, the purported graves “tomb of a prophet”. At the entrance there is an of “Jesus” and “his brother” in Japan are in reality inscription explaining that Yuz Asaf is buried along those of a 16th-century Christian missionary with another Moslem saint. Both have gravestones and his brother. which are oriented in North-South direction, according to Moslem tradition. However, through a Proponents of the Jesus-in-India theory hold up a small opening the true burial chamber can be seen, number of other texts and artifacts they maintain in which there is the Sarcophagus of Yuz Asaf in “prove” not only Jesus’s existence on Earth but East-West (Jewish) orientation! also his presence in India. Such texts and artifacts are closely examined, they serve as no evidence at According to Professor Hassnain, who has studied all, except of priestcraft. With one or two possible this tomb, there are carved footprints on the grave exceptions originating to a few centuries earlier, stones and when closely examined, carved images the Eastern texts regarding “Issa” seem to be of a crucifix and a rosary. The footprints of Yuz late writings, some dating to the 15th and Asaf have what appear to be scars represented on 18th centuries. both feet, if one assumes that they are crucifixion scars, then their position is consistent with the Is “Issa” Jesus—or Shiva? scars shown in the Turin Shroud (left foot nailed over right). Crucifixion was not practised in Asia, By calling Issa “Jesus” or “Christ,” modern writers so it is quite possible that they were inflicted have cemented in the readers’ minds that the elsewhere, such as the Middle East. The tomb is correlation is absolute, an erroneous conclusion. called by some as “Hazrat Issa Sahib” or “Tomb In reality, the name “Issa,” “Isa” or “Isha” is a of the Lord Master Jesus”. Ancient records title and simply means “lord,” “god” or “master,” acknowledge the existence of the tomb as long ago often referring to the Indian god Lord Shiva: as 112AD. The Grand Mufti, a prominent Muslim “‘Isha’ or ‘the Lord’ is another name of Siva…” Cleric, himself has confirmed that Hazrat Isa Sahib (Prajnanananda, 19) Prof. Nunos de Santos says, is indeed the tomb of Yuz Asaf showing that the “…a god variously named Issa, Isha, Ichtos, Iesus, tomb of Jesus Christ Himself is in Kashmir! Ieshuah, Joshuah, Jesus, etc., is indisputably originally from India.” He also states, “ The legends regarding Jesus’s tomb in Srinagar, (Ishwar) is widely worshipped in the Far East, and that of the Virgin Mary in Kashgar, are being also called Isha (or Ishana) in India, Issara in apparently of Islamic origin, emanating largely from Pali, Isuan in Thai, Jizu (or Jizai) in Japanese, and the “heretical” Ahmadiyya sect. Such a creation so on.” Moreover, per the Catholic missionary Huc, would serve a couple of purposes: 1. That, as who traversed India, Tibet and other parts of Asia, asserted in the Koran, Jesus was not the “son of “Yesu” was also a name of the expected avatar God” but a mortal prophet, whose body was buried of the Hindu god Vishnu, of which Krishna in Kashmir; and 2. that some presumably Moslem was an avatar. people are his descendants. “Isa” is likewise another name for Chandra, the Eastern scholars such as Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Indian moon god, as well as for Shiva’s Egyptian state that the name “Joseph” or “Joasaph” is counterpart, the soli-lunar god Osiris, also called

34 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 “Moreover, per the Catholic missionary Huc, who traversed India, Tibet and other parts of Asia, “Yesu” was also a name of the expected avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, of which Krishna was an avatar.”

Iswara in India: likewise Nabatea. Indian merchants, wherever they went, were importers and missionaries of Indian “Iswara, or Isa, and Isani, or Isisi, are… ideas. There need be no surprise therefore if direct unquestionably the Osiris and Isis of Egypt. Iswara, Indian imports are found in the syncretistic medley of Siva, or Hara (for these are his names among nearly Mandean Gnosis”. -(Prajnanananda, 41) a thousand more) united with Isi, represent the secondary causes, whatever they may be, of natural There was westward spread of Indian and phenomena; and principally those of temporary Buddhist concepts centuries before and into the destruction and regeneration.” (Moor, 151) Christian era. A number of them may be found in Prajnanananda’s book, including a Mr. Cust who Osiris or Isa too had a number of tombs in various evinced that trade between India and Yemen “was places, especially in Egypt but likely also in India. established not later than 1000 B.C.” Yemen is very However, Osiris was not a “real person” but a close to Israel, and by the first century CE there fertility and sun god. What mythologists recognize were plenty of Indians in the Roman Empire. is that it was not a “historical Osiris” but his myth that made it to India and diverse places. As in the The Druids case of Osiris, the same phenomenon occurred regarding “Jesus,” who is, in the end, a remake of The Druids were a member of the Celtic Osiris, among others. The title “Isa” or “Issa” could intelligentsia, the highest caste in Britain, Ireland, apply to others, and is a common name even today. and Gaul, and possibly other parts of Celtic western Europe, during the Iron Age. Jesus and The Nestorians his purported teachings were so similar to the god(s) and doctrines of the Druids. The Druids in The Issa myth apparently represents a turn supposedly received their instruction from Christianization of legends regarding Osiris, Shiva, Pythagoras, who himself had travelled to India. Apollonius and other gods and “Bodhisattvas,” by Since the Druidic and Vedic priesthoods, language the Nestorians, an early Christian sect who lived and culture are one at root, separating perhaps in India and elsewhere, and may well have spread three millennia prior to the Christian era (Ellis), it the syncretistic fable to other Asian ports of call. does not surprise us that “Jesus” legends are found Indeed, Nicholas Roerich himself surmised that the in both India and Britain. ancient Nestorian sect spread the tales in the East: The article is an excerpt from Holger Kersten’s “We heard several versions of this legend which German book “Jesus Lived in India” and “Jesus has spread widely through Ladak, Sinkiang and in India? The Myth of the Lost Years” by Acharya Mongolia, but all versions agree on one point, S/D.M. Murdock. The book Jesus Lived in India that during His absence, Christ was in India and is a thorough, methodical and authoritative Asia…. Perhaps [this legend] is of Nestorian origin.” examination of the evidence of Christ’s travels (Prophet, 261) after the Crucifixion, his arrival in India with the Mother Mary and finally his death and Pre-Christian Indo-European Interaction entombment in Kashmir.

Decades and centuries prior to the Christian era, Source: www.sol.com.au, there was much intercourse between India and the www.truthbeknown.com West, including the famous journey by Pythagoras and the Alexandrian incursion. One of the seats of Mandeanism, a Christian baptist sect, was Maisan, a Mesopotamian city colonized by Indians. As Dr. Rudolph Otto relates:

“…Indian caravans passed through Maisan and

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 35 THE NEW POWER GAME

India’s Neighbourhood Watch

New Delhi: Like monsoon flurries, recent among the Pashtun, Afghanistan’s largest tribe, events in the Indian subcontinent have sent and Ghulam Haider Hamidi, the influential mayor conflicting signals. Has Indian diplomacy of Kandahar—have been assassinated in the last finally awakened after its long summer siesta, three months. or is this just an illusion? Perhaps it was inevitable that the atmosphere In late July, after lower-level ministerial officials in Afghanistan would worsen. The recently from India and Pakistan had prepared the ground concluded trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, for their respective foreign ministers to meet, the US, and Pakistan, which called for engaging the the two finally did so, in New Delhi, on July 26 Afghan Taliban to find a political solution to the and 27. This was remarkable in itself, given the country’s troubles, turned out to be largely a pro bomb blasts just a fortnight earlier in Mumbai—a forma exercise. Moreover, President Karzai now terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives and left 130 faces a parliamentary crisis, with his cabinet still people injured. Even more remarkably, given many not complete. Indians’ suspicions that that the attack was, in some way, authored in Pakistan, there were no There are also mounting financial problems. mutually accusatory diplomatic blasts. The International Monetary Fund has not sent any payments to the Afghan central bank in Instead, the two foreign ministers met on recent months, supposedly because of schedule and agreed to meet again, after issuing corruption scandals. an encouragingly meaningful joint statement, which spoke of enhancing trade and implementing India, too, has had to contend with its own share more confidence-building measures. For other of scandals. After engulfing the country’s entire neighboring countries, that may sound humdrum; mobile-telephone sector (the fraudulent sale for India and Pakistan, merely maintaining a of frequencies may have cost Indian taxpayers structure for dialogue counts as notable progress. $39 billion), massive corruption scandals are now hitting the iron-ore mining industry. And, But farther to India’s west, in Afghanistan, things of course, there remains a lingering stench from are far grimmer. Afghanistan is witnessing a the scandalous mismanagement of last year’s surge of violence accompanying the beginning of Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Besides the recent deaths of 30 American soldiers when Accusatory fingers are now being pointed at the their helicopter was downed, seven top Afghan highest and richest people in the land. Separate officials—including President Hamid Karzai’s step- reports, by a former Supreme Court justice and brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, a key power broker current ombudsman, and by the Comptroller

36 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 and Auditor General of India, list many acts of Clinton also touched upon an issue that unites all commission and omission, with “billions of dollars Indians: the desire for a permanent seat on the in royalty, tax, and other payments” having been United Nations Security Council. The US would misappropriated and huge “bribes paid” in the support India’s aspirations, Clinton declared, but iron-ore cases. Likewise, “Mafia-type operations” with three caveats: “a major and defining role in are becoming “routine practice” in India’s southern Myanmar,” meaning that India must push the ruling state of Karnataka. generals towards democratic transition; India’s use of its “good offices” to “convince Iran about These are serious allegations, and they have nuclear proliferation”; and an Indian offer of “all crippled decision-making within Prime Minister help needed to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Maldives” in Manmohan Singh’s Congress Party-led government. joining India as thriving emerging markets. But, to give the government its due, Bangladesh last month conferred its highest official award, In the South Asian subcontinent, crammed as it the “Bangladesh Swadhinata Sanmanona,” on the is with deeply troubled countries, India’s role in late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for her promoting stability and prosperity is essential. But outstanding contribution to Bangladesh’s 1971 can India fulfill that agenda? The US has given India “Liberation War,” when it achieved independence an important and useful test, and its ambitions for a from Pakistan. President Zillur Rahman told global role commensurate with its size and growth Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi that her prospects will depend on its ability to influence its mother-in-law “influenced the course of history and own neighborhood for the better. the fate of generations.” Given the ambivalence that has marked the two countries’ relations, there is Jaswant Singh, a former real hope of a new dawn in bilateral ties. Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, and Defense India’s potential for promoting growth and stability Minister of India, is a in South Asia was also emphasized by US Secretary member of the opposition in of State Hillary Clinton, who spent three fruitful India’s Parliament. He is the days in India last month. In a major speech in Author of Jinnah: India— Chennai, she declared that “Asia’s decisions will be Partition—Independence. shaped by India,” whose “markets will play a major role in South East Asia, Central Asia, and beyond,” Copyright: Project and called on India “to play a role in the democratic Syndicate, 2010, transition in the Middle East.” www.project-syndicate.org

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 37 A Tribute to a Great Teacher Dr S. Radhakrishnan -Vice President of India (1952–1962, President of India (1962–1967)

“The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than remains with us, throughout our life. However, dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to very often, we fail to show our appreciation and teach himself.” gratitude for their altruistic devotion. Teachers do need encouragement and support from the -Edward Bulwer-Lytton community to feel that their efforts are being recognized. To serve the purpose, Teacher’s Day is Teachers or mold the lives that they celebrated throughout the world, year by year. By influence because the lessons learned from celebrating National Teacher’s Day, we thank our teachers remain with their students throughout teachers for providing us their invaluable guidance. life. Teachers have an influencing role in the life of every student. They are like beacons of light, According to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, guiding us in the formative years of our life. Former President of India, ‘Teachers Should Teachers mould us and in the process shape Be Role Models’. our future. What we learn from our teachers remains with us throughout our life. However ‘A student spends 25,000 hours in the campus. we fail to show our appreciation and gratitude The school must have the best of teachers who for their altruistic devotion. Teachers do need have the ability to teach, love teaching and encouragement and support from the community build moral qualities.’ to feel that their efforts are being recognized. To serve the purpose, Teacher’s Day is celebrated To celebrate Teacher’s day cultural programs are throughout the world, year by year. By celebrating held, which include singing competitions, dance National Teacher’s Day, we thank our teachers for and play performances. The students offer flowers, providing us their invaluable guidance. Teacher’s greeting cards and gifts as the token of affection, Day is a tribute to the hard work and devotion of to the teachers. The latest trend is to organize the teachers all year long, to educate us. Teacher’s Day party. Students are keen about throwing a lavish party for their teachers, to show In India, Teacher’s Day (also called Teachers’ how much they care and respect them. Appreciation Day or National Teacher’s Day) is celebrated on 5th of September, every year. The Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan date was selected, because it is the birthday of a timeless teacher and the former President of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan was born on India—Dr . When some 5 September, 1888 in Tirutani, a well-known of his students and friends approached him religious center in the Madras State. He was the and requested him to allow them to celebrate second son of Veera Samayya, a tehsildar in a his birthday, he said, “instead of celebrating Zamindari hailing from a middle-class, respectable my birthday separately, it would be my proud Hindu Brahmin family. privilege, if September 5th is observed as Teacher’s day”. From then onwards, the 5th of September has Radhakrishnan was married in 1906, at the been observed as Teachers Day, in India. tender age of 18 and while still a student, to Sivakamamma, and spent a happy married life Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach with her for fifty years before she died in 1956. a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Bright and precocious, with a scholarly disposition That’s exactly what a teacher has done for us and and a serene demeanor, from the very beginning, we celebrate this joyous occasion in remembrance Radhakrishnan spent the first eight years of his life of the greatest teachers of India on his birthday. happily and fruitfully in his home town with his —Dr S. Radhakrishnan. parents. The tranquil and challenging atmosphere of that famous and well-loved place, as well as Teachers have an influencing role in the life of the benign influence of his parents who, as was every student. They are like beacons of light, common in the South, were intensely religious guiding us in the formative years of our life. in the traditional sense, went far in molding Teachers mould us and in the process and shape his character and sowing a lively seed of our future. What we learn from our teachers religiousness in him.

38 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 The far-sightedness and broad-mindedness of to express very abstract his revered parents to send their son to well- and abstruse philosophical disciplined Christian educational institutions— thoughts in easily intelligible held him in good stead throughout, making it and enchantingly sweet possible for him to acquire specially Occidental language. But Dr Radhakrishnan, like vices like a sense of duty, punctuality, discipline the great and revered Rabindranath, is one and the like, together with specially Oriental of the few who could accomplish this apparently qualities of religiosity, calmness, patience, faith impossible feat. That is why his philosophical in God and men. writings are not ordinary scholarly dissertations, but also melodious poetical perfections of great He studied Sanskrit and Hindi also and garnered a and permanent value. good deal of interest in the traditional languages of India. He also read the Vedas and the Upanishads Dynamic in personality, quiet in demeanor, with great care and reverence. austere in habits, unostentatious in behaviour, just in decision, prompt in action, simple in his In fact, Radhakrishnan was, and is, still today, a dress, sympathetic in his dealings—such is our reader in the true sense of the word. For, what revered Dr Radhakrishnan. He is a living, loving he read—and he read widely and lovingly all symbol and lovely emblem of our age-old Indian kinds of good books—did not remain an external culture and civilization. Nothing much need be acquisition, an ornamental decoration, with said here regarding his ideas and attitude towards him; but blossomed forth in him in fullest glory different issues. For, the central refrain of his and grandeur. Life’s Music reverberates through every walk of his blessed life. That is why he is a Monist in Philosophy, believing in one Reality, viz., Spirit; a “Teacher’s Day is a tribute Monotheist in Religion, believing in one God; an Eudemonist or Perfectionist in Ethics, believing to the hard work and devotion in inner perfection as the summum bonum or the of the teachers all year long, highest end of life; a Socialist in Politics, believing in mass or universal uplift. to educate us.” Radhakrishnan is considered as the greatest living philosopher of India, and one of the For, all throughout his brilliant career, honor after greatest living philosophers of the world. This honor was showered on him. proves beyond doubt that he is universally considered to be one amongst the most notable Radhakrishnan was, and still is, one of the most of modern philosophical luminaries. celebrated writers of the present generation. His works are many and varied on philosophical, According to our Indian view, the highest aim of theological, ethical, educational, social and cultural human life is to be, step by step, a ‘Brahmachari’ subjects. He contributed also numerous articles to (or one who lives and moves about and believes different well-known journals, which too, will prove in ), a ‘Brahmajnani’ (or one who to be of immense value to generations to come. knows Brahman or the Absolute) and finally, a ‘Brahmavadin’ (or one who speaks or His articles are not merely outer expressions of his writes about Brahman or the Absolute). Dr inner thoughts, but, what is more, infinitely more, Radhakrishnan—himself a real ‘Brahmachari’, emblems and embodiments of his very life—life a real ‘Brahmajnani’—subscribed to this theory that merrily dances forth in the fortuitous, zig-zag all along his life. Dr Radhakrishnan is, indeed, a way of the world, removing all its obstacles in its versatile genius—a great scholar, philosopher, own inner irresistible urge and boundless boldness. seer, writer, orator, statesman, administrator Hence, it is that his works, written in an incredibly and above all, a great man. simple, sublime, soft and serene way, are so very enchanting, enlivening, exhilarating to all. As a Source: www.living.oneindia.in, matter of fact, as is well known, it is very difficult www.iloveindia.com

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 39 Remembering Dadabhai Naoroji

Parsi intellectual, Dadabhai Naoroji was an educator and an early Indian political leader. A peerless patriot, he has been considered as the architect who laid the foundation for the Indian freedom struggle. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian National Congress, founded by A.O. Hume and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha in 1885. Dadabhai was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1886 and he held that post thrice. During his third term, he prevented a split between the moderates and extremists in the party. The extremists advocated the boycott of British goods while the moderates wanted to use constitutional methods to gain autonomy. Dadabhai was a staunch moderate within the Congress.

Although Bal Gangadhar Tilak first raised the slogan “Swaraj is my birth right”, it was Dadabhai Naoroji who demanded Swaraj from the platform of Congress in 1906. He was a mentor to both Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was the paternal uncle of J.R.D. Tata, the renowned, industrialist. In politics, Dadabhai was conscious of the benefits that the Indians derived from the British rule in India. However, he was the first Indian who drew the attention of both Indians as well as the Europeans, regarding the economic exploitation of India. He brought to the public notice the drain of Indian wealth to the European countries and the resulting poverty of Indians. His book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India brought attention to this.

40 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 The East India Company acquired a 20-year lease officials from India who had access to members to ‘manage’ India from the British Government of British Parliament. He got a resolution passed in 1833. The Company applied for renewal of the in the British Parliament for holding preliminary lease in 1853, but Dadabhai strongly opposed this. examinations for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) He organised large meetings and sent petitions simultaneously in India and England. Dadabhai’s to the British Government in England to deny efforts were rewarded in 1866 when the Secretary the Company a renewal. The British government of State for India agreed to appoint nine Indians out ignored his pleas and renewed the lease. But his of 60 to the ICS by nomination. petitions dispelled a lot of ignorance regarding India. He felt that the British misrule of India was Dadabhai Naoroji was born in the house of a poor because of illiteracy and hence he set up the Parsi priest in Bombay on September 4, 1825. His Gyan Prasarak Mandali (Society for Promotion of father, Naoroji Palanji Dordi, died when Dadabhai Knowledge) for the education of adult men-folk. was only four years old. He was raised by his He began free literacy classes for girls in Marathi mother Maneckbai who despite being illiterate and Gujarati and established a girls’ high school herself ensured that Dadabhai got the best possible in Bombay for educating women. It is he who English education. established the Bombay Association, the first political association in India in 1852.

He wrote several petitions to Governors and Viceroys regarding India’s problems, as he felt “A peerless patriot, that the British people and the British Parliament must be made aware of them. Dadabhai got an he has been considered opportunity when the Cama family invited him to join in a business venture in England. He as the architect who set sail for England on June 27, 1855 at the age of 30. Later he became a Professor of Gujarati laid the foundation at the University College, London. The British Government had appointed an inquiry into the for the Indian misdeeds of Mulharrao Gaekwar, the Maharaja of Baroda and the latter sought Dadabhai’s help. The Maharaja persuaded Dadabhai to become his freedom struggle.” Diwan (Prime Minister) in 1874. Within a year, the whole administration was reformed and efficiency was brought into the system. Once the task was completed, Dadabhai resigned in 1875 and As a student Dadabhai was very good in became a member of the Legislative Council Mathematics and English. Child marriages were of Bombay (1885-88). common those days and Dadabhai was married to Qulbai at the age of 11. He studied at the Dadabhai moved to Britain once again and Elphinstone Institution (now Elphinstone College), continued his political involvement. He was elected Bombay and on completion of education, he was to British Parliament in 1892 from Central Finsbury appointed the Head Native Assistant Master. as a Liberal Party candidate, he becoming the first Dadabhai became a professor of Mathematics and British Indian MP of the House of Commons and Natural Philosophy at the age of 27 and he was the the first Asian to hold that post. Since he was not first Indian to hold that post. In 1854 he founded a Christian, he refused to take the oath of office on Rast Goftar (The Truth Teller), a fortnightly the Bible, but was allowed to take the oath in the publication to clarify Zoroastrian concepts. name of God on the book of Avesta. In his political campaign and duties as an MP, he was assisted Dadabhai died in Bombay on June 30, 1917, at that by Muhammed Ali Jinnah, the future founder of age of 92. By that time Dadabhai was known as Pakistan. In England, Dadabhai founded the British the ‘Grand Old Man of India’. Two months later, Indian Society to bring Englishmen and Indians the Minto-Morley reforms were passed in British closer to discuss problems concerning the Parliament granting much of what Dadabhai had welfare of India. been fighting for. The great leader served India for over seven decades. He will ever remain one of the He also founded the East India Association in brightest stars in the galaxy of Indian politics. 1897 in order to propagate his ideals among the European people. It was one of the predecessor V.N. Gopalakrishnan organisations of the Indian National Congress Source: Bhavan’s Journal, May 15, 2011 with the aim of putting across the Indian point of view. The Association comprised of high-ranking

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 41 AWAKENING INDIA

Democracy’s Saintly Challenger

New Delhi—India is no stranger to protest supra-institution that could not be challenged, movements, hunger strikes, and the mass reformed, or abolished were overlooked in the mobilization of citizens for a popular cause. But the desire to appease him. If the current agencies recent fast by the Gandhian leader Anna Hazare, tasked with prevention, auditing, and investigation culminating in an extraordinary Saturday session are deemed vulnerable to corruption, what of Parliament to pass a resolution acceding to his guarantee is there that the new institution would main demands, marked a dramatic departure in the be any more resistant? And, if corruption does country’s politics. creep in, what could be done about it, given that Lokpal would be literally a law unto itself? The Anna phenomenon reflects a “perfect storm” of converging factors: widespread disgust Such questions were set aside under the pressure with corruption, particularly after two recent of public passion, which was raised to a crescendo high-profile cases of wrongdoing (in allocating by incessant media coverage, especially by India’s telecoms spectrum and awarding contracts for 81 hyperactive all-news television channels. When the Commonwealth Games); the organizational Hazare ended his 12-day fast, his vital signs had skill of a small group of activists committed to shown dangerous indications of deterioration, transforming India’s governance practices; the leading to serious worry that if he were not mass media’s perennial search for a compelling persuaded to abandon his protest, his life could story; and the availability of a saintly figure be imperiled, with incalculable consequences for to embody the cause. It also raises important public order. questions about civil society’s role in a democracy. The parliamentary resolution that resolved the Hazare fasted to force the government to create a crisis does not in fact create the Lokpal—that still tough new anti-corruption authority, the Lokpal, awaits legislation, including detailed consideration with sweeping powers to investigate, prosecute, by a Standing Committee and further debate in and punish. Finding the government’s draft bill both houses of the Lok Sabha. But Anna Hazare’s insufficiently strong, he demanded provisions that movement nonetheless implies a major intrusion would give the Lokpal complete autonomy, an into lawmaking. extensive presence in all government departments, and authority over all government servants, up to It can be argued that a society makes laws to and including the Prime Minister himself. regulate itself, and that civil society, therefore, is a source of law. Indian democracy accords Concerns that some of Hazare’s proposals risked specific rights to citizens to enable them exercise creating a large, omnipotent, and unaccountable their political freedoms: freedom of speech and

42 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 association permit members of civil society to to substitute its will for that of parliament, is an rally, argue and discuss, debate and criticize, assault on the foundations of democracy. protest and strike, and even go on hunger strikes, in order to support or challenge their governments. India’s political system is built on the idea that This is an essential part of promoting governmental even a country with profound differences of caste, accountability between elections. creed, color, and culture can still rally around a democratic consensus. That consensus consists No Indian seriously argues that a citizen’s in the simple principle that democracy does not democratic rights begin and end with the right require agreement on anything except the ground to vote. But civil society’s impact on lawmaking rules of how to disagree. Indian democracy has is confined to the influence it brings to bear on succeeded because it has maintained a consensus elected legislators. on how to manage without consensus.

Of course, extra-parliamentary pressures cannot Laws emerge from a political process reflective of simply be ignored. In 1952, Prime Minister Indian society, whose thriving free media, energetic Jawaharlal Nehru’s government reversed its human rights groups, and remarkable general position and constituted a States Reorganization elections have all made India a rare example of Commission in response to a hunger strike by the the successful management of diversity in the Gandhian leader Potti Sriramulu, who demanded developing world. India gains “soft power” when its the creation of linguistic states (and died in the nongovernmental organizations actively promote process). The Commission’s report led to the environmentalism and fight injustice. redrawing of India’s administrative and federal map in 1956. But to confuse the roles of parliament and these civil-society institutions does democracy no But the rule remains that lawmaking in India good. If members of civil society want to have is responsive to civil society through the a determining voice in lawmaking, they should process of consultation and debate by people’s organize themselves politically, contest elections, representatives chosen through democratic and enter parliament—where they can write and elections. This constitutional mechanism has been pass the laws they seek with the constitutional strained by recent events. Thanks to Hazare, the legitimacy that democracy requires. idea has gained ground that laws can be dictated from the street. Shashi Tharoor, a former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and UN Under-Secretary In a parliamentary democracy, only elected MPs General, is a member of can make laws. Their claim to represent the people, India’s Parliament and the whose votes they have sought and won, cannot be Author of several books, lightly disregarded in favor of those who have not including, most recently, earned the right to represent the people through a Nehru: the Invention of India democratic election. The notion that the ability to (in German). mobilize a crowd or attract television cameras to a cause is enough to supplant the results of such Copyright: elections is inherently dangerous. To allow any Project Syndicate, 2010, unelected group, however virtuous and idealistic, www.project-syndicate.org

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 43 Madam Bhikaji Cama

Madam Bhikaji Cama nee Bhikaji Patel belongs to History as the lady who hoisted the Indian Flag for the first time in a foreign country. It was in Stuttgart, Germany, and on August 18, 1907 that she staged this bold performance, saying that she was doing it so only to bring the poverty, starvation, oppression and slavery, as also India’s thirst for freedom to the attention of the international assembly of socialists there. Madam Cama was 46 when she did this act of patriotism. It was two years earlier that she, in company with another freedom fighter, Vir Savarkar, designed the Tri-Color flag for a free India. Elegant as a queen, she was a heroic patriot, who left her home to fight for the freedom of India from within and abroad. She helped revolutionaries with money and material as with ideas.

44 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Early Life the first Asian to be elected to the British House of Commons. A prominent personality of the Indian Nationalist Movement, she was born as Bhikaji Rustom When Bhikaji Cama was in Paris, she happened Cama on 24th September, 1861 to a Parsi family to come across a number of notable leaders of in Bombay (Mumbai). She was a great freedom the Indian Nationalist Movement. In Holland, they fighter. Her father Sorabji Framji Patel and mother secretly published and circulated the revolutionary Jijibai belonged to a prosperous Parsi business literature for the Nationalist Movement. During her family. Sorabji Patel was a powerful member of the stay in France, the British Raj authorities requested Parsi community. Their prosperity was evident her extradition, but the French Government did not from the fact that he had left 13 lakhs to each of show their willingness and refused to cooperate. his sons and created a trust of lakh for each of his In return, the Britishers confiscated Madame eight daughters. Very little is known of this affluent Cama’s legacy. family besides that fact that it contributed the first Indian woman revolutionary to fight for India’s Freedom Movement freedom from alien rule. Bhikaji took education from Alexandra Native Girl’s English Institution. She was a powerful speaker and her sharp attacks From the very beginning, she was a very sincere angered the British, and attempts were made to child. She always admired the personalities of the assassinate her. From Europe she continued her Nationalist Movement. campaign against the British rule in India. She brought out books and journals from France and Married Life Germany on Indian revolutionaries. Her book on India’s first war of Independence (1857), was On the 3rd of August in the year 1885, she tied banned even before its publication. But the book her wedding knots with Rustom Cama, an affluent came out through underground channels, reprinted pro-British lawyer. Her given name was Rustum and distributed by greats like Subhash Chandra (Munni) Bhikaji and she came to be known as Bose and Bhagat Singh. When the First World Madam Cama after her marriage with K.R. Cama, War broke out, she called upon the soldiers of a lawyer and social worker who supported the India not to fight for the British who enslaved the British rule (1885). Right from her student days country. She was declared a persona non grata she was interested in the freedom movement. and was ordered to return to India. She defied it She did not enjoy her married life and spent most and became a heroic model for revolutionaries in of her time performing altruistic activities. Her various countries like Turkey, Ireland and China. husband’s pro-British stance and opposition to her anti-British activities created problems in their life Final Days and finally she left her home and became a full-time freedom fighter. She wanted to spend her last years in India. And finally she reached Bombay, after 34 years of Bombay hectic campaign for India, but she had to move to a hospital straight from the port. The treatment was In the year 1896, Bombay was hit by a natural protracted, and the brave revolutionary breathed calamity, which had adverse effects on the her last on August 13, 1936. She was 75. Bhikaji city. Bhikaji was instrumental in the activities Cama had always been actively involved in fighting undertaken to provide assistance to the afflicted for gender equality. There are many cities in India people. While rescuing other people and that have streets and places being named after inoculating them, she herself became a victim of Bhikaiji Cama. On 26th January 1962, the Indian the infection. She became very weak, but somehow Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a stamp managed to survive. In the year 1902, she went to acknowledge her work and give her honour. The to Europe for subsequent medical care and Indian Coast Guard consists of a ship that has been convalescence. Sent to Europe for better treatment named after her. (1902), she was in Germany and Scotland, and finally reached London where she had a Source: www.vandemataram.com, surgical operation. www.iloveindia.com, www.amaltas.org, www.indiavideo.org The Exile

During her stay in London, she got a message that her return to India can take place subject to the promise that she would not participate in the Nationalist Movement. She refused to make such a promise and remained in exile in Europe. While Madam Cama was in London, she served as the private secretary to Dadabhai Naoroji, who was

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 45 Placebo is better than Drugs

An Indian cardiologist, George Thomas, wrote in Charles Schaarsmidst, the editor of the first ever the British Medical Journal (BMJ) that he had to textbook of medicine, in the 19th century in Vienna, treat a poor patient with stable angina who did not had described a disease: Vehement agitation of have money for expensive drugs in a free clinic. the mind with spastic constriction of the vascular George did a thorough search of the evidences bed. He was talking about coronary disease, in modern medicine and reached the conclusion hypertension etc. Charles wrote that the treatment that those costly drugs were not needed. He chose should be: 1) tranquility of the mind; 2) change three cheap drugs (nitrates, aspirin and beta- of mode of living; and 3) nitrates when needed! blockers) that we have been using for decades. Wisdom is universal and timeless.

The patient did very well. George called it as After my long training in the west, I soon realised reverse evidence. The following was the response that India needed only inexpensive medical from me which is also published in the British care even in the 1960s. This lesson came to me Medical Journal. ‘Congratulations, George, for your serendipitously in a District General Hospital in observations which need to be widely known.’ I Mangalore (Wenlock Hospital) with a huge load of have been using those drugs for decades and do poor patients with raised BP. I used to record all so even now. I use only three drugs that George my findings as also the patients’ responses. The used for that poor man; nitrates are the mainstay. textbook regime was prescribed. Sometimes I don’t use even beta-blockers, if the basic heart rate is slow. When the patient next came for review the BP used to be controlled, most of the time, reasonably well. A large percentage of people who go about having I was pleased with my abilities. Many such patients a pacemaker had them in the first place because told me that although I had prescribed the drugs, of the beta-blocker induced bradyarrhythmias, an the pharmacy did not have any stock. iatrogenic disease! Patients on long term beta-blockers and ACE “Nitrates have inhibitors are shown to have significantly increased peri-operative mortality, when they underwent emergency surgeries or trauma as shown both in been with us for 350 the POISE and ACCORD studies. years, coming, as they Our friend in need (under stress) is the autonomic nervous system, nature’s accident insurance. did from homeopathy, Blocking that system with beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARBs is like going to the USA without which we condemn medical insurance! The mainstay of treating coronary artery disease is to emphasise the need today...” to change the faulty life style that most of those patients were used to. Later, I had to learn that the meagre budget that Nitrates have been with us for 350 years, coming, the hospital had in the 1960s was just about as they did from homeopathy, which we condemn enough for the first three months in the year. Rest today, in Germany 350 years ago. A recent report of the time patients had to do without medicines in Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry, the peer- or buy them on their own. All that my patients had, reviewed journal of the Nitric Oxide Society, many a time, was my TLC (Tender Loving Care) and scientists at Wake Forest University’s Translational advice for life style modifications. Science Center looked at how dietary nitrates helped 14 adults aged 70 and older over a period of I had my real medical education that day for the four days. first time. That was my revelation. I then started the first ever intermittent treatment regime for Beet root, a rich source of nitrates among hypertension with very small doses of drugs as a vegetables, significantly lowered BP in healthy research project, which is history now. volunteers as well in a recent study in London’s Queen Mary’s University.

46 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 In retrospect, I am happy as the Placebo effect, The sincere audit on aspirin also is that it does doctor’s TLC, has been scientifically shown to be NOT reduce fatal heart attacks, but will certainly as good, if not better, than our best chemical drugs! increase the incidence of cerebral bleeds! In addition, Professor Kevin O’Malley at the Trinity College, Dublin had shown that even a drug with a The reason I do not use statin is the frightening very short half life of three hours like hydrallazine, picture of a child that I saw when I was a student of when given to hypertensive rats, brought the BP mavalonic acid deficiency syndrome (congenital). down significantly. He waited for the pressure to Statins do just that in lower levels by blocking the go back up before giving the next dose and was enzymes in the liver. surprised that the lowered pressure did not go up back for as long as 148 hours! In short, statins result in milder mavalonic acid deficiency syndromes in the hapless recipients According to our textbooks hydrallazine had to be while lowering the blood cholesterol levels to given 8 hourly as its half life was only 4 hours. Kevin satisfy the drug happy doctors and the anxious was my great supporter while my other colleagues patients. Many literate patients still think that were calling me names for doing that research cholesterol is a disease! work. Marvin Moser of the New York University, a hypertension researcher, wrote an editorial on I would have liked to use this drug regime even intermittent treatment of HBP after that in the 1970s. for the rich and powerful. They also deserve good management. I wouldn’t lose sleep on these RCT Not having drug stocks in the hospital pharmacy evidences, even reversed ones, as they are only could, at times, be a blessing for our poor people, statistical tricks and no good evidence, anyway. See especially for imaginary diseases like BP, sugar, the opinion of the chief of NICE (National Institute and cholesterol, as most of our powerful chemicals of Clinical Excellence), Sir Michael Rawlins, in his are detra-rotatory while the body molecules are Harveian Oration at the RCP in 2008 where he, levo rotatory—a square plug in a round hole. for the first time said: “that randomised controlled trials (RCTs), long regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of The “first pass effect” (words used to denote the evidence, have been put on an undeserved pedestal”. amount of any drug that comes out, after being (The Harveian Oration of 2008, De Testimonio. destroyed by the liver, in any patient) that medical On the evidence for decisions about the use students study in pharmacology should tell them of therapeutic interventions. Royal College of that the liver, our saviour, tries to destroy as much Physicians, London 2008). of the medicines that we put into patients (to save their lives) as is possible! Only when the liver can Long live mankind happily on this planet despite no longer do that do we get serum levels rising. our well intentioned efforts to drug them and That is why we give such large doses of drugs. intervene unnecessarily. Curiously, one of the dictionary meanings of the word intervene is to “go See the latest discovery of Hormesis, which shows in between with malice.” Divine interventionalists that all chemicals, in very small doses, are bio- please take note. “Three things cannot be long positive but, the same, in bigger doses, are bio hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” negative; the main reason behind ADRs-one of the leading killers in the world! - Goutama Buddha.

I must bow to George as most of his colleagues Prof. B.M. Hegde, Padma Bhusan Awardee would have advised that a patient with stable and known as people’s doctor’, is a renowned angina and good LV function and angioplasty or Cardiologist, Eminent Medical CABG, although the real audits show angioplasties Teacher and a distinguished Author in very bad light. CABG, the infamous bypass of many books. He has been a surgery, is needed only in intractable chest pain Former Vice-Chancellor of Manipal (rare these days with good medical management) Academy of Higher Education and or very low LV function. a member of many national and international professional bodies. Knowledgeable readers will laugh at me if I told them that I am yet to use clopidogril in angina Source: Bhavan’s Journal, and very, very, very rarely a statin in my practice. June 15, 2011

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 47 Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary and martyr gave a new direction to revolutionary movement in India. He formed ‘Naujavan Bharat Sabha’ to spread the message of revolution in Punjab, formed ‘Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha’ along with Chandrasekhar Azad to establish a republic in India, assassinated police official Saunders to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, dropped bomb in Central Legislative Assembly along with Batukeshwar Dutt. He took Lala Lajpat Rai’s death revenge by killing Scott. He was a true martyr of Indian freedom struggle.

Early Life

Bhagat Singh was born on 27 September 1907 at Banga in Lyallpur district (now Pakistan) to Kishan Singh and Vidya Vati. From his early childhood, Bhagat Singh was imbued with the family’s spirit of patriotism. At the time of his birth, his father Kishan Singh was in jail. His uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh, was a great freedom fighter and established Shaheed the Indian Patriots’ Association. He was well- supported by his friend Syed Haidar Raza, in organizing the peasants against the Chenab Canal Colony Bill. Ajit Singh had 22 cases against him and Bhagat was forced to flee to Iran.

Jalianwala Bagh

Singh Kishan Singh enrolled Bhagat Singh Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School run by Arya Samaj. While studying at D.A.V. School in Lahore, in 1916, young Bhagat Singh came into contact with some well-known political leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Ras Bihari Bose. Punjab was politically very charged in those days. In 1919, when Jalianwala Bagh massacre took place, Bhagat Singh was only 12 years old. The massacre deeply disturbed him. On the next day of massacre Bhagat Singh went to Jalianwala Bagh and collected soil from the spot and kept it as a memento for the rest of his life. The massacre strengthened his resolve to drive British out from India.

Mahatma Gandhi

In response to Mahatma Gandhi’s call for non- cooperation against British rule in 1921, Bhagat Singh left his school and actively participated in the movement. In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi suspended Non-Cooperation Movement against violence at Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur, Bhagat was greatly disappointed. His faith in non-violence weakened and he came to the conclusion that

48 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 armed revolution was the only practical way of would court arrest after throwing the bomb. On winning freedom. To continue his studies, Bhagat April 8, 1929 Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt Singh joined the National College in Lahore, threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall while founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. At this college, which the Assembly was in session. The bombs did not was a centre of revolutionary activities, he came hurt anyone. After throwing the bombs, Bhagat into contact with revolutionaries such as Bhagwati Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, deliberately courted Charan, Sukhdev and others. arrest by refusing to run away from the scene.

A Born Revolutionary They wanted them to teach a lesson. Both of them got arrested and during their trial in jail, Bhagat To avoid early marriage, Bhagat Singh ran Singh went on a hunger strike in order to protest away from home and went to Kanpur. Here, he against the inhuman treatment given to Indian came into contact with a revolutionary named prisoners. In the court he decided to use the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and learnt his first court as a tool to showcase his protest for Indian lessons as revolutionary. On hearing that his independence. Moreover, the cause of the hunger grandmother was ill, Bhagat Singh returned home. strike was to get newspapers for political prisoners, He continued his revolutionary activities from his good quality of food, better clothing and supply of village. He went to Lahore and formed a union of necessary toiletries. He and other members of his revolutionaries by name ‘Naujavan Bharat Sabha’. party were there on a 63 day hunger strike. After He started spreading the message of revolution this long strike, the British officials had to agree in Punjab. In 1928 he attended a meeting of on their terms and they provided all the necessary revolutionaries in Delhi and came into contact things, which he demanded. with Chandrasekhar Azad. The two formed ‘Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangha’. Its The Execution aim was to establish a republic in India by means of an armed revolution. They deliberately wanted to die and when the court gave the sentence, they were very happy. They Simon Commission wanted to die because they wanted that their death would inspire the youth of our country and they In February 1928, a committee from England, called will get united to fight against the British Empire. Simon Commission visited India. The purpose of its visit was to decide how much freedom and responsibility could be given to the people of “In response to India. But there was no Indian on the committee. This angered Indians and they decided to boycott Mahatma Gandhi’s call Simon Commission. While protesting against Simon Commission in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was for non-cooperation against brutally Lathicharged and later on succumbed British rule in 1921, Bhagat to injuries. Bhagat Singh was determined to avenge Lajpat Rai’s death by shooting the Singh left his school and British official responsible for the killing, Deputy Inspector General Scott. He shot down Assistant actively participated in Superintendent Saunders instead, mistaking him for Scott. Bhagat Singh had to flee from Lahore to the movement.” escape death punishment. On October 7, 1930 Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Central Legislative Assembly Bombing Raj Guru were awarded death sentences. While Bhagat Singh was in prison along with his other Instead of finding the root cause of discontent three friends, he wrote a letter to the Viceroy. He of Indians, the British government took to more wanted that he should treat him as the prisoners repressive measures. Under the Defense of India of war thus; they should not be hanged but, should Act, it gave more power to the police to arrest execute them by firing squad. Bhagat Singh was persons to stop processions with suspicious a true soldier who fought for his country and got movements and actions. The Act brought in hanged when he was just 23 years of age. On March the Central Legislative Assembly was defeated 20, one of Bhagat Singh’s friends visited him in jail by one vote. Even then it was to be passed in as he wanted him to sign on a letter for mercy, but the form of an ordinance in the “interest of the this great man refused to sign that letter. Despite public.” Bhagat Singh who was in hiding all this great popular pressure and numerous appeals while, volunteered to throw a bomb in the Central by political leaders of India, Bhagat Singh and his Legislative Assembly where the meeting to pass associates were hanged in the early hours of the ordinance was being held. It was a carefully laid March 23, 1931. out plot, not to cause death or injury but to draw the attention of the government, that the modes of Source: www.sikh-history.com, its suppression could no more be tolerated. It was www.iloveindia.com, www.peopleforever.org, decided that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt www.culturalindia.net

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 49 Catholic Beliefs and Practices

Many Christian rituals and religious practices be interpreted, and the Church does so using the vary between denomination, individual church Tradition of the Apostles. The Catholic Church and individual Christian, but some practices are (and the Orthodox Church) has retained this common to virtually all forms of Christianity. Most Apostolic authority through Apostolic Succession, Christians attend worship services at church on which is the passing down of authority from the Sundays, which generally include singing, prayer apostles to their successors, our modern-day and a sermon. Most Christian churches have bishops. The pope, the bishop of Rome, has a a special ritual for ordination, or designating a first place among the bishops as the successor person fit for a leadership position in the church. to Peter, the “Rock,” and prince of the apostles, At home, most practicing Christians pray regularly and under certain circumstances, has the grace and many read the Bible. to speak infallibly on issues of faith and morality. However, this does not mean everything the pope Nearly all Christians will have been baptized, says is error free, or that the pope is sinless. While either as an infant or as an adult, and regularly Catholics do not embrace sola scriptura, the 16th participate in communion (Lord’s Supper and century Protestant concept that the Bible alone the Eucharist). Baptism and communion are is our final authority, Catholics hold the Bible in considered sacraments—sacred rituals instituted high regard as the word of God, and cannot teach by Christ himself. The Catholic Church recognizes contrary to the Bible’s Teachings. five additional sacraments, as well as many other distinctive practices that are known as The Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic “sacramentals” or “devotions” and include praying the rosary and going on pilgrimages. Both Catholic The Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus and Orthodox Churches have religious orders. Christ established. Thus the Church subsists in The most distinctive practice of Orthodoxy is the the Catholic Church. However, members of other emphasis on icons, although Catholics use them Christian churches and denominations are also in as well. Following are the beliefs and practices communion with the Catholic Church by virtue of common to most Christians, noting variations their sacraments. The Orthodox Churches possess between denominations, as well as practices fully valid sacraments, and are true particular unique to particular denominations. Churches, whereas Protestant Christians are in communion with the Catholic Church on account of their baptism. The Church is one, because it is unified in Christ across regions and time “If we truly love periods. The Church is Holy on account of the grace of Christ given to it and the holy God and neighbour, then sacraments it provides. The Church is Catholic because it contains the fullness of the Deposit our behavior toward of Faith, thus is it truly “according to the whole” and “universal.” Finally, the Church is Apostolic ourselves and others because its Teachings and Authority come from will reflect this the Apostles themselves. Creation commitment.” Catholics believe that creation is good, and that God uses creation for His purposes, but that it Authority: The Bible, Tradition, Etc has been marred by Original Sin, the result of the sin of the first humans. Catholic theologians Catholics have various sources of authority: The (and Orthodox ones) have never agreed on one Bible, Tradition, the Creeds, the Bishops, and particular interpretation of the creation stories in the Pope, among others. Ultimately, Christ is the the book of Genesis. A few early Christians read authority, but Christ passed his authority to His them literally, others allegorically, and others Apostles. The Bible and Tradition come from the in light of the science of the day. Some read same Apostolic Deposit and do not pit against each them all three ways at the same time. Catholics other. The Church understands that the Bible must may interpret Genesis in a non-literal manner so

50 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 long as the interpretation is faithful to Church Teaching. Catholics are free to understand Genesis literally, but also to read Genesis in light of modern scientific observations, so long as certain conditions are met. For example, Catholics believe that God created the world from nothing (ex nihilo), and that He created the world through His Word, who became incarnate in Jesus Christ.

God: The Trinity

Catholics believe in the Nicene Creed, and therefore believe in one God who exists as three persons. Catholics believe the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all God, one in substance intercedes on our behalf before the Father. He will and will, but distinct in some way, but not divided. come again to judge the living and the dead. Jesus In addition to an intellectual understanding of was a great teacher, and His teachings are the very the Trinity, we are to develop a relationship with teachings of God. the Triune God through prayer and worship. The Trinity is not tritheism (the belief in three gods), Morality but rather a dynamic monotheism. The Catholic Church bases its moral Teachings on Jesus Christ: God and Man the message of Jesus. Morality boils down to love: loving God and loving our neighbours. If we truly Catholics believe Jesus is fully God and fully Man, love God and neighbour, then our behavior toward with a human will and a divine will. He is the King ourselves and others will reflect this commitment. of Cosmos, the Word of God, and the awaited The Catholic Church teaches that we are to strive Messiah of Israel. He was born of a Virgin, Mary, for holiness and perfection, since Jesus told us suffered, was crucified, truly died, and rose again to be perfect as the Father is perfect. However, bodily, all for our sins. He ascended into heaven this is only accomplished with the help of God’s

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 51 Catholic Church Ceremony grace. Catholics believe that we are called to Protestants and even for non-Christians, although turn from evil, and towards the good. This means in Catholic Teaching, all salvation comes through turning away from actions and thoughts that are Jesus, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” contrary to God’s will. Most sins can be traced to the Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Envy, Lust, Wrath, Sin Gluttony, Greed, Sloth). Turning toward the good means developing virtue, that is a habitual and Sin is the deliberate, freely chosen, transgression firm disposition to do good. The core virtues are of divine law. There are two types of sin: mortal divided into the Theological Virtues, which are the sin and venial sin. Sin that expels all charity from foundation of Christian moral activity (faith, hope, the soul is mortal, while sin that merely weakens and love), and the Cardinal Virtues, virtues around charity is venial. For a sin to be mortal, the offense which all others are grouped (Prudence, Justice, must be serious (have grave matter), and the act , Fortitude). done freely, with deliberation. After committing a mortal sin, one must receive the sacrament of The Sacraments reconciliation before receiving communion. Sin entered the world through the disobedience of The sacraments are divinely instituted signs that Adam and Eve. Original Sin is the privation of give the grace that they signify. In other words, grace, inherited by all humans from Adam and Eve. sacraments are rituals and events through which Because of Christ’s atoning death on the cross, we God gives us grace. Catholics and Orthodox have the opportunity to have our sins forgiven, and accept seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, this is not possible apart from God’s grace. Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick. The Virgin Mary

Salvation and Grace Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, thus she is called theotokos (God- Catholics believe we are saved only by God’s grace Bearer) and “mother of God.” Catholics, like working in us. Thus we are justified, transformed Protestants, believe that Mary was a virgin when from the state of unrighteousness into a state she gave birth to Jesus. However, Catholics and of holiness and the sonship of God, on account Orthodox believe that Mary remained a Virgin of Christ. Justification is the merciful and freely her entire life. Catholics believe that Mary was given act of God which takes away our sins and conceived without original sin in order to be a makes us just and holy in our whole being. This sinless bearer of God incarnate: Jesus Christ. This justification is given to us in the sacrament of is known as the immaculate conception. This baptism. Justification is the beginning of our free sinlessness was accomplished only on account of response to God, that is our faith in Christ and God’s grace. The Orthodox too believe that Mary our cooperation with the grace of the Holy Spirit. was sinless when bearing Jesus. Catholics and Catholics believe in salvation by grace alone, solely Orthodox both believe that after Mary completed on account of the work of Christ. However, neither the course of her earthly life, she was assumed into Catholics nor Orthodox accept the reformation heaven, similar to the way the great saint Elijah concept of forensic justification or “justification was. Mary is the Mother of us and the mother of by faith alone.” the Church, and just as Christ is the new Adam, Mary is the new Eve, who obeyed God where Catholic Church does believe a person must be Eve disobeyed. born again to be saved. The Catholic Church recognizes the possibility of salvation for Source: www.ancient-future.net, www.religionfacts.com

52 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Hindi Diwas Day

Hindi is a language of harmony and understanding The Official Language said Ban Ki Moon during the 8th World Hindi Conference on Hindi at United Nations headquarter At the state level, Hindi is the official language in New York and surprised many by inaugurating of the many states in India: Arunachal Pradesh, the ceremony with ! Kya Haal Chaal hai? Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, , Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal September 14 is celebrated as Hindi Day or Hindi Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Diwas and was adopted as the official language of Each of these states may also designate a “co- Constituent assembly in 1949 on this day. The Day official language”; in Uttar Pradesh for instance, marks Hindi as our Raj Bhasha. The Constitution depending on the political formation in power, of India adopted Hindi in Devanagri Script as the sometimes this language is Urdu. Similarly, Hindi official language of the union in 1950. Hindi is is accorded the status of co-official language in a standardised and Sanskritised register of the several states. Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect. Hindi, the primary official language of The celebration of our Independence Day in the the Republic of India, is one of the 22 official month of August leaves us with more reason to languages of India. enjoy the spirit of patriotism by celebrating the Hindi day in September. Our national language has History a special significance in touching our lives each day. Renowned poets and lyricists have conveyed Hindi has a history behind; it belongs to Indo-Aryan via many songs the spirit of freedom felt by branch of indo European language family. The word Indians and also extolled the beauty of poetry ‘Hindi’ itself is a gift of Persian, Mughals added through Hindi. to its flavour, Amir Khusro was first to write Hindi Poem. Though it evolved from Sanskrit The essence of Hindi is felt in mythological but many of its words originated from Arabic characters, school syllabus and our daily exchange or Persian language. as a means of communication. The visit to theatres is characterized by respecting our National Anthem The Link Language in Hindi which expresses wonderful emotions felt by all Hindustanis. Hindi is also called as a ‘link language’, as it has united the vast Indian Diaspora and also minimized Celebrations the gap between South and North India. Hindi language has travelled a long distance to make its Hindi Diwas is celebrated in many schools and presence felt in the World. It is spoken in many colleges. It is fun to enjoy poems and exchanges in parts of the world and is one of the main languages dramatic sequences highlighting the multifarious in Mauritius, Surinam, Trinidad and many others activities that can be conducted through Hindi. including US, South Africa, New Zealand etc. If it Students recite poems and read papers to show is mother tongue of 180 million people then it is the importance of Hindi. Various Religious and also the second language of 300 million people. Cultural Programs are held in the schools. The Mahatma Gandhi used this language to unite the students recite dohas of Kabir, Ravidas, Rahim. The whole India and used this language as ‘language students and teachers use Hindi language in their of unity’. The word Swadeshi revolutionised the conversation throughout the day. On the Day Hindi freedom struggle, and its entry into the Oxford Diwas awards and Raj Bhasha Awards distribution dictionary marks its importance in world history. functions are organized. Hindi being a live language is gaining popularity and on the way to become a global language. Source: www.goodparenting.co.in, en.wikipedia.org, indiascanner.com

“The Constitution of India adopted Hindi in Devanagri Script as the official language of the union in 1950.”

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 53 Christianity in India

Christianity is believed to have reached India soon most ancient churches in Christendom. The seven after the crucifixion of Jesus. The history of Indian churches are at Malankara, Palayur, Paravoor, Christianity begins in 52 AD when St. Thomas is Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Chayal and Kollam. believed to have arrived in the country. Apostle Thomas was martyred in 72 AD by a fanatic St. Thomas at Little Mount at Mylapore near Madras. (Tradition calls this place Kalloor—the place of rock) in St. Thomas was one of the disciples of Jesus. He Tamilnadu State. The traditional date of martyrdom is also known as Didymus, which means the Twin. is 19th of December, 72 AD. His followers took his Thomas means Twin in Aramaic and Didymus body and buried him in the tombs of the Chiefs. means Twin in Greek. He is generally known as the A merchant from Edessa in Syria who visited that Doubting Thomas since he refused to believe the region exhumed his body and took it to Syria where resurrection unless he has verified it himself. His it was entombed in about AD 200. We could see acts are not found in the Acts of the Apostles. these tombs in Mylapore and in Edessa His tomb is venerated until this day. An apocryphal book written around 200 AD called “Acts of Thomas”, describes it. Kerala Archaeology and Indian traditions substantiate the basic historic events in this book. A merchant Kerala is the cradle of Christianity in India. In the Ambassador Habbanes (This is probably a Greek educational field, the work of the Christians of pronouncement of the name Appana) bought him. If Kerala has been noteworthy and it is due to their so, he was probably from the Kingdom of Pandhya efforts together with that of the government and Empire) being sold to him by Jesus the carpenter. of other religious and cultural groups that Kerala He was the ambassador for King Gondaphores became the leading state in India for literacy. the Indo-Parthian Kingdom of Indus Valley Area Kerala Christians have a longer history and a (Sind, Pakistan, Baluchistan and Afghanistan). He higher ancestry than that of Christians of many attended the banquet at the marriage ceremony of of the European countries. Even the European the daughter of Cheraman Perumal (the King of the missionaries, when they first came, landed in Chera Kingdom) where he came across a Jewish Kerala. Many Keralites became Christians even girl in the King’s court. During the period of seven before St. Peter reached Rome in 68 AD. There are days of his stay there, several Jewish people were around 9 million Christians in Kerala at present. converted to Christianity. Historical Evidences It is said that Thomas ordained one Prince Peter to be the head of the church of the Jews and left for There are historical evidences showing that a Takshasila. He established a church in that region group of Syro-Jewish traders under the leadership before he travelled to other areas of India. These of Knai Thomman reached Kodungalloor churches were annihilated during the invasion (Mahodayapuram), in the Kerala coast. The of Kushan and Moughal dynasty. He returned followers of this Thomman in Kerala are known to Kerala where he established seven and half as Knanayars. These Christians were known also churches with 75 Brahmin families as teachers as Syrian Christians and Nasranis. Even before and over 3000 converts from Kshatriyas, Christianity became popular and widespread and Chettiars. These new converts were called in Europe, this religion had taken strong roots St. Thomas Christians. This church is one of the in Kerala and from there to other parts of India.

“Thomas ordained one Prince Peter to be the head of the church of the Jews and left for Takshasila.”

54 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 The Roman Catholic sect reached Kerala when Christianity enjoys in India today the third place Vasco da Gama brought to Kerala coast the first in rank, after Hinduism and Islam. In Kerala, group of European (Portuguese) traders, paving as in Tamil Nadu, the Christians play a crucial the way for the European colonization of India. It and decisive role, as the Muslims, in the social, was these Portuguese who spread the message political and educational fields. There are 25 of Roman Catholic sect in Kerala and other parts million Christians in India which is just below 3% of India. Several Christian missionaries and other of the total population of the Country. Diversity of evangelists reached India in unison with the pace of Christians is noticeable: Syrian Christians, Knanaya colonization of the country. Being actively involved Christians, Goan Christians, Tamil Christians, in educational and social fields in the country, they Anglo-Indians, Naga Christians, etc are the main. made vigorous attempts in a systematic manner They differ in language, social customs and for the propagation of Christian teachings and in economic prosperity. religious conversion. Source: http://indianchristianity.org, In the north eastern states of India a very large www.indiavideo.org number of people belonging to the local tribes converted into Christianity. Majority of people in the states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram are now Christians. At the same time they retain their tribal beliefs and customs. Christianity has very sound basis in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Though a minority religion,

St Andrews Church at Arthunkal in Kerala

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 55 IN SEARCH OF DYNAMISM

Is Inflation the Answer?

Chicago: Recently, a number of commentators have proposed a sharp, contained bout of inflation as a way to reduce debt and reenergize growth in the United States It is an attractive solution at first glance, but a and the rest of the industrial world. Are they right? closer look suggests cause for serious concern. To understand this prescription, we have to Start with the question of whether central comprehend the diagnosis. As Carmen Reinhart banks that have spent decades establishing and and Kenneth Rogoff argue, recoveries from maintaining anti-inflation credibility can generate crises that result from over-leveraged balance faster price growth in an environment of low sheets are slow and typically resistant to interest rates. Japan tried—and failed: banks were traditional macroeconomic stimulus. Over- too willing to hold the reserves that the central levered households cannot spend, over-levered bank released as it bought back bonds. banks cannot lend, and over-levered governments Perhaps if a central bank announced a higher cannot stimulate. So, the prescription goes, why inflation target, and implemented a financial-asset not generate higher inflation for a while? This will purchase program (financed with unremunerated surprise fixed-income investors who agreed in the reserves) until the target were achieved, it could past to lend long term at low rates, bring down the have some effect. But it is more likely that the real value of debt, and eliminate debt “overhang,” concept of a target would lose credibility once it thereby re-starting growth.

56 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 became changeable. Market participants might was to offer targeted and expedited debt relief— conjecture that the program would be abandoned often by bringing in new temporary bankruptcy once it reached an alarming size—and well before legislation that forced limited debt write-downs. the target was achieved. In this vein, a recent proposal by Eric Posner Moreover, the central bank needs rapid, sizeable and Luigi Zingales to facilitate mortgage-debt inflation to bring down real debt values quickly—a renegotiation would give a deeply underwater slow increase in inflation (especially if well signaled homeowner the right to file a pre-packaged Chapter by the central bank) would have limited effect, 13 bankruptcy petition. This would allow her because maturing debt would demand not only to write down the value of her mortgage by the higher nominal rates, but also an inflation-risk average house-price depreciation in her postal premium to roll over claims. Significant inflation zone since the borrowing date, in exchange for might be hard to contain, however, especially if giving the lender a share of the future house-price the central bank loses credibility: Would the public appreciation. A bankruptcy judge would approve really believe that the central bank is willing to the petition, provided the court was satisfied that push interest rates sky high and kill growth in the homeowner could make the reduced payments. order to contain inflation, after it abandoned its earlier inflation target in order to foster growth? Such automatic borrower-initiated filings, if made legal by Congress, could reduce the household- Consider, next, whether the inflationary cure debt overhang without the need for government would work as advertised. Inflation would do little subsidies. To the extent that the alternative for entities with floating-rate liabilities (including is costly foreclosure proceedings that make the many households that borrowed towards the borrowers and lenders worse off, this proposal peak of the boom and are most underwater) or should attract the support of both sides. relatively short-term liabilities (banks). Even the US government, with debt duration of about four No solution is without weaknesses, though. One years, would be unlikely to benefit much from an reason that banks oppose debt write-downs is that inflation surprise, unless it were huge. Meanwhile, many underwater homeowners continue to repay the bulk of its obligations are social security and debt rather than default, even while cutting back health care, which cannot be inflated away. on other spending. If these diligent payers are eventually expected to default, writing down their Even for distressed households that have debt today makes sense. If they are expected to borrowed long term, the effects of higher inflation muddle through, a blanket debt write-down would are uncertain. What would help is if their nominal weaken banks and might slow economic growth. disposable income rose relative to their (fixed) Policymakers espousing debt write-downs to spur debt service. Yet, with high levels of unemployment growth should ask whether they have the political likely to keep nominal wage growth relatively support to recapitalize banks if needed. subdued, typical troubled households could be worse off—with higher food and fuel prices cutting Prescriptions like these—as with those for a jolt into disposable income. of inflation—have gained ground because the obvious solutions to economic stagnation have Of course, any windfall to borrowers has to come been tried and failed. But, as the proposals become from someone else’s wealth. Inflation would clearly more innovative and exotic, we must examine make creditors worse off. Who are they? Some are them carefully to ensure that they wouldn’t end up rich people, but they also include pensioners who making matters worse. moved into bonds as the stock market scared them away; banks that would have to be recapitalized; Raghuram Rajan, a former Chief Economist state pension funds that are already in the red; and of the IMF, is Professor of Finance at the insurance companies that would have to default on University of Chicago and the Author of Fault their claims. Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten In the best of all worlds, it would be foreigners the World Economy. with ample reserves who suffer the losses, but those investors might be needed to finance future Copyright: Project deficits. So central banks would have to regain Syndicate, 2011, www. anti-inflation credibility very soon after subjecting project-syndicate.org investors to a punishing inflation. In such a world, investors would have to be far more trusting than they are in this one.

This does not mean that nothing can be done about the debt problem. The US experienced debt crises periodically during the nineteenth century, and again during the Great Depression. Its response

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 57 DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Nepalese Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal (right) with Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna in

India-Nepal Good Neighbours

Close people-to-people contact and scores calls it, “an extremely close relationship that is of development projects supported by the governed by mutual aspiration and respect.” Indian Government reinforces the India-Nepalese relationship This close relationship was initiated in 1950 with the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship In March this year, students of Shree Saraswati that defined security relations between the two Secondary School in the dusty little village of countries. It also had an agreement governing both Beladevipur in Nepal’s Kailali District had reasons bilateral trade and trade transiting on Indian soil. to cheer. Their school finally had a new three- The treaty paved the way for a special relationship storey building along with brand new furniture. The that granted Nepal preferential economic wait for the new structure had been a long one but treatment. Ever since, India has been at the it was definitely worth it. The spanking new wing forefront of providing financial assistance to the had been constructed with financial assistance development of Nepal’s economy. In fact, for over from the Government of India which had provided six decades, a large part of Nepal’s infrastructure NRs (Nepali Rupees) 3.3 crore under the Nepal- has been developed by India. India Economic Cooperation Programme. The Nepal-India Economic Cooperation Later in April, on his visit to Nepal, India’s External Programme, which is an important component of Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna laid the foundation the India-Nepal relationship, has various projects stone for the Integrated Check Post at Birgunj under its rubric. The Small Project Development as well as for the Birgunj-Thori road. Both these Scheme is one such which covers the needs of the projects are being built with India’s assistance and community at the grassroots level. The projects, are part of the programme. each below NRs 5 crore address local needs such as a school building, hospital, drinking water, rural These are just a few of the innumerable projects electrification and so on. Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, that India has been involved with in Nepal, former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, fondly providing financial assistance and invaluable recalls his involvement with the Small Project expertise. The development projects have been a Development Scheme. “It was a great success. major driver of the age-old relationship between The locals would identify the need and after doing the two countries. This is one relationship that the requisite groundwork, would put in a demand is historical, cultural, ethnic and geographic. for the need to us. We, on our part, would do all “Relations with Nepal are and will continue to be a the mandatory paperwork and assessment and matter of the highest priority for India,” reiterated then release the funds.” What made the scheme Krishna during his visit. Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, special was the complete involvement of the Dr Madan K. Bhattarai, who was in India recently, community which ensured that the project was

58 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Bharat Nepal Maitri Emergency and Trauma Centre

Lumbini Museum

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at the foundation laying ceremony of the Integrated Check Posts at Birgunj

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 59 Devighat Hydropower Station in Trishuli

implemented. It was, as he says, a completely of academic scholarships—nearly 1,800—for the transparent operation. people of Nepal. Besides, it offers two Lines of Credit to the country. In 2006, US $100 million Line There are approximately 400 projects under this of Credit was extended, of which projects totaling scheme and so far 195 have been completed to more than US $60 million have been approved. covering almost all the 75 districts of Nepal. The Last year, another Line of Credit worth US $250 other important scheme comprises intermediate million more was extended. level projects which range from NRs 5 to 25 crores and large projects ranging from NRs 25 crores and Mukherjee believes it’s at the people level that the above. The upcoming Bharat-Nepal Emergency & projects have an enormous impact. He remembers Trauma Centre in Kathmandu is one such large a random instance. “In many schools in Nepal, project. The other important one is the Terai Roads girls would drop out after a few years. This was project which is being built with Indian assistance because these buildings didn’t have toilets. So we amounting to NRs 1,100 crore. “The road project ensured that the buildings we built had toilets for will enhance connectivity between Nepal and the girls. Soon, girls started coming back to the India so that people and goods are able to move schools. It was so heartwarming.” Similarly, seamlessly,” says Sanjiv Ranjan, Director, (North) the 200-bed Bharat-Nepal Emergency & Trauma Northern Division, Ministry of External Affairs. So Centre in Kathmandu being built with world-class far, work on 600km in the first phase has begun. facilities would turn out to be a boon for the Nepalese people. For Nepal, socio-economic development is of prime importance and in that respect they acknowledge It’s the impact of activities like these that make a the role that India has played in the development huge difference to the centuries-old relationship of their economy. “It’s gratifying to know that Mr between India and Nepal. As Ranjan says, Krishna was in Birgunj. India attaches highest “Foreign policy only provides a structure for the priority to Nepal,” says Bhattarai. relationship. It’s the people-to-people contact which provides ballast to bilateral relations.” Even as India goes about extending all financial support—annually it spends more than 150 Indeed, it is this positive synergy which needs to be crore approximately on the projects—there are harnessed to keep alive the relationship between many who feel that we need to do much more. the two countries. Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal, who works on Nepal at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s South Asian -Meenakshi Kumar Studies Centre, is one of them. “We can set up more educational institutes or more hospitals across Source: India Perspectives Vol 25, No. 4, Nepal,” she says. June 2011

Having said that, India continues to be Nepal’s largest trade partner and source of foreign investment. It offers annually the largest number

60 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Swara Yoga and Nataraja Sound Consciousness

Ancient Indian rishis were aware of the energy remain in constant link with the nature’s principles transmission in the human body which enables one and with Universal truth. to remain healthy and efficient. Swara kriya vigyan was the science which dealt with energetics in the Swara kriya is practiced though controlled body, which is the contributory factor for enjoying breathing. It enables the practitioner to achieve good health. a state of integration (or union) by regulating the breath. Indians were aware of the channels which carry the vital force (prana) from one extreme of the body to The ancient text Shiva deals with the another continuously and constantly which inject knowledge of swara and is believed to have first the human body with the daily dose of energy expounded by Lord Shiva, who symbolises the without which no function is possible. Supreme Consciousness. Shiva is believed to have revealed this to his consort, Parvati. According to these ancient scientists, the human body consists of 72 lakh subtle, psychic channels The swaras we have seen, are: ida (Chandra or meandering its entire length and breadth. These moon), pingala (Surya or sun). Sushumna, the third channels aided the flow of prana in the pranamaya one is formed as the contrasting ida and pingala get kosha, one of the five sheaths of the human body. balanced. The chief amongst them are the ‘major’ channels ida, pingala and sushumna which traverse the body To be able to perceive these contrasting swaras carrying impulses during inhalation and exhalation. of ida and pingala and transcending to harmonise them are the major concerns in swara yoga. Thus the energy system was found to be closely coordinating with breathing and hence breathing The system of swara yoga is known to have allowed (pranayama) was given the pride of place amongst great benefits to its practitioners. It is believed to various measures suggested to remain healthy— have enabled people develop and consolidate their mentally, physically and spiritually. inherent and inborn powers, which could help them from coping with the problems of day-to-day One could control the movement of prana through life, stress or depression, which are the natural one’s breathing. results of mechanical lifestyles adopted by us.

The present-day acousticians know that The practice could help in sensitising us with any movement anywhere in the universe is nature’s laws, logic and wisdom besides slowing accompanied with sound or tone—sometimes us down from the rat-race in which we are audible to the human ears and sometimes not— mindlessly engaged. being ultrasonic or infrasonic. Through Swara Yoga one’s dormant powers are The flow of prana has to necessarily involve kindled so that there is complete harmony between creation of sound (swara) perceptible to the body nature and ourselves. or the ears. Swara refers to the frequency of sound of one’s breath. T.V. Sairam

Neverthelsss these subtle sounds are lauded by Source: Bhavan’s Journal December 15, 2010 yogis in making them refined and sublime and to

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 61 It is very clear that its aim was to benefit people. According to Syhamasastri, “Kautilya belongs Kautilya’s to that school of politicians whose policy is to justify the means by the noble end sought to be : achieved,” which Kautilya as a conqueror had to win at any costs. For Kautilya, the end was more Domestic Trade important and ranked higher than the means. Modern economics talks about the concept of Introduction ‘value add’. Kautilya broadly divides the economy After agriculture and manufacturing, trade was into three sectors: (i) state/ government/king, (ii) considered to be the third most important activity. private, and (iii) service providers such as banks It was the King’s responsibility to promote trade and financial institutions. Kautilya’s Arthashastra and commerce by setting up trade routes over land was very clear about the role of different sectors, and water and to designate markets and towns but it was the King who was at the center of including ports. It was clear that these trade routes decision making. In trade involving the private were to be kept free of harassment by courtiers, sector, only the safety of the routes was ensured state officials, thieves and frontier guards, and that by the State, and compensation in the case of these routes were not to be damaged by herds of loss was prescribed. Sale proceeds from mining cattle. In other words, cattle rearing which was a activity accrued to the State, since it controlled the big part of the agricultural economic area would in land. Private trade, however, consisted of selling no way interfere with the trade routes. manufactured products to households; these were supplemented by imports, in case of shortage. I. Protection of Trade Routes Exports were freely encouraged. The trade control system was well defined and articulated. One The King had to protect those using trade of the policies laid down was that commodities routes from harassment by courtiers, state were to be brought to designated markets where officials, thieves and frontier guards. Frontier only these were to be sold, and not at their place officers had to make good what was lost. Kautilya of production. The officers in charge of the sale felt that just as it was impossible not to taste honey of government commodities had to deposit the or poison which was on the tip of one’s tongue, proceeds in a box with a lid with only one hole so so also it was impossible for those dealing with that there was no scope for taking out the same government funds not to taste, at least a little once deposited. At the end of the day, accounts bit, of the King’s wealth. would be given and the money handed over after taking the balance stock. The policy and This is a powerful assertion signifying two facts. the procedure laid down showed that Kautilya First is the realisation that trade routes were was fully conscious of the possibility of officials important for the development of the economy engaging in corrupt practices. and their safety thus needed to be assured. The second is a warning about corruption in III. Relative Merits of Different Types of matters relating to trade. Under no circumstances Economic Activity should those who were entrusted with the job of maintaining safety of trade routes be permitted • An ideal Janapada was one which was easily to indulge in corrupt practices which by virtue of defined and which had a lot of productive land holding public office would succeed in diverting with cultivable fields, mines, timber forests, the resources from the State to private hands. Even elephant forests, and pastures. at that time, the King or his advisors were aware of the possibility of the officials and frontier guards • Agriculture was the most important economic indulging in corruption. activity. Cultivable land is better than mines because mines fill only the treasury while II. Typology of Domestic Trade agricultural production fills both treasury and store houses. The concept of gross margins was practised in Kautilya’s time rather than that of ‘Value added’. • The King had to ensure that agriculture was The King prescribed that gross margins of the protected from harassment by not levying trader should not be excessive so that the products onerous taxes or fines, and by not making undue available to the consumers were at reasonable demands for free labour. rates. Unlike today, profit margins were not market determined, perhaps, in keeping with an era in • Building forts (defence preparedness), water which a benevolent king cared for the welfare works and reservoirs as the source of crops. of the people. The system of State trading was • Trade routes were also a means of out- well established and there were prescriptions maneuvering the enemy because it was through on how trading was to be conducted. Kautilya’s these that the King could send secret agents and Arthashastra meant ‘the science of material gain’. bring in weapons and other war material.

62 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 • It was better to have a large production of low to the trader. It is thus seen that the importance value minerals than a small production of high of the trader was recognised by Kautilya as also value ones. the importance of the rule of law, by restoration for any loss caused. At the same time traders • Productive forests should be large, near the were prevented from oppressing people. This borders of the country with a river and yield clearly shows that the welfare of the people was material of high value. uppermost in the mind of the King.

• It was better to have a large number of trade Appendix: Chief Controller of Private Trading routes even if they were not all built to high (a) Responsibilities standards. Kautilya’s order of preference for (i) To ensure fair trading in new and old establishing trade routes: land route preferably articles to the south, a water route on the coast and the (ii) To allow sale/pledging of old articles only inland waterway. if seller/pledger would provide proof of ownership • Cart-tracks and tracks usable by draught (iii) To inspect the weights and measures used animals were preferred over footpaths. As by merchants in order to prevent fraudulent earlier mentioned, trade was the third pillar of use. economic activity, and the Arthashastra details every aspect of trade. Apart from promoting (b) Contract over Merchants trade by improving infrastructure, the State was (i) To ensure that profit margins of 5% on required to keep trade routes free of harassment domestically produced goods, and 10% on by courtiers, state officials, thieves and frontier imported goods were adhered to guards. Kautilya appears to mistrust traders (ii) To ensure that goods were sold at the prices believing them to be thieves with a propensity fixed for them to form cartels to fix prices and make excessive (iii) To ensure that merchants did not deal in profits as also to deal in stolen property. He stolen goods. prescribed heavy fines to discourage such offences by traders and with a view to protect (c) Assistance to Merchants consumers. (i) To provide appropriate exemptions, if goods held by the merchants were damaged for Further, the law on dealings among private unforeseen reasons. merchants included: (a) Selling on agency basis (d) Brokers and Middlemen (b) Revocation of contracts between traders (i) To ensure that merchants did not count the (c) Traders travelling together and pooling brokerage paid to middlemen as part of their their goods costs in calculating their profit margins (ii) To allow brokers to hold stocks of grain IV. Safety in Transit and other commodities to the extent they were authorised It was also enjoined upon the frontier officers to (iii) To confiscate any stock held by brokers in ensure the safe passage of the merchandise and excess of authorised limits, and to deliver to make good any loss incurred. Responsibility to these to the chief controller of state trading recompense loss to traders vested with the village for sale to the public. headman, barring, of course, goods that were stolen or sent away. Further, if any property of (e) Orderly Marketing trader was lost or driven away in an area between To prevent the collective purchase by merchants of villages, the person responsible was the Chief commodities as long as the goods of an earlier joint Superintendent of Pastures (CSP). In the regions purchase remained unsold. which did not fall under the control of CSP, the responsibility was that of Chora Raju. Finally, if the Source: Kautilya’s Arthashastra, The Way responsibility could not be fixed on any official, the of Financial Management and Economic people of the village within whose boundaries the Governance, Priyadarshni Academy and Jaico loss had occurred were collectively responsible Publishing House, Mumbai, India

(To be continued…) “...only the safety of the routes was ensured by the State, and compensation in the case of loss was prescribed. Sale proceeds from mining activity accrued to the State, since it controlled the land.”

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 63 Krishna back Ajeet? Ajeet might have taken him into his gang because of his lust for his sisters.

The evening was waning into night when Rajeev went to see Smita. She was in the room Twilight concentrating over a book. Her face looked seriously composed. Two of her sisters sat with Glimmering and Hazy Landscape their old parents discussing their employment of Indian Politics prospects. These days it is not to submit. We are doomed if we do not make efforts. One of them Her voice was punctuated with sentimental ups and expressed her views. The old man spoke rather in downs. What could they do? Poverty sat staring gloomy tones. ‘I have to sit home. Being a man I at their door blankly at them and Rajeev thought should earn. But my eyes? I can hardly see...’ of an agitation. Krishna could not be brought back with an agitation. He was gone to the land of Sona protested ‘No father. Do not wail. Old age is no return. ‘It is not only Krishna’s death. It is to for every one of us. Why to discriminate between draw attention to innocent deaths. The country man and woman? Why should not we work? Why is full of them. Human life thrown to dogs. Just should not we earn?’ Rakhi supported her sister like that.’ ‘Who is responsible?’ Smita’s glance and patted her old father’s shoulder. ‘Why should was deep and bewitching. The other two looked you remind us we are girls? Why to use a different with their eyes down-cast. ‘Why should we follow yardstick for girls? I say, let’s give up different our leaders blindly? A wave in the religion or any moral yardsticks for the two sexes. Society makes other blind cause sweeps them along.’ ‘But without us docile and domesticated. Are we just dolls?’ She protest issues do not surface. These do not catch displayed a lot of self-confidence. Her emotions the public eyes. ‘That’s necessary. I understand were explicit on her face. Tears welled up in her causes for agitations should be selfless. These days eyes, perhaps a faint recollection of her dead agitations are for self-glorification and to establish brother. Rajeev suddenly took hold of Smita’s hand leadership and not for the welfare of masses.’ and looked deeply into her eyes before departing. ‘I’ll come to inform you.’ He spoke with an emotion. Sona and Rekha were not interested in this intellectual see-saw. They hardly bothered about Rajeev’s face was aglow with a deep-rooted things beyond their immediate existence. How to sentiment. No disillusionment. There was no sustain their existence? The moot question ate cynicism in his thinking. It, perhaps, comes them like a canker. Smita’s mind pondered over only with advancing age. He must fight the total issues and was given to daydreaming. ‘How do power system. For the last two years he has been you take the idea of going on fast?’ ‘I don’t exactly contesting college elections. He often told students know. Will it succeed?’ Clouds of doubt hung in that college unions are not meant to agitate the room. Sona and Rekha walked out of the room students; to incite them to go on strikes. It is to without uttering a word. There was no idea in help them in self-growth. He would often express talking to the couple. ‘Have you worked out the himself to crowds of students. His opponents implications of fasting Rajeev?’ ‘We have to make a talked of something which students liked. ‘Delay beginning. Any more friends?’ ‘I shall talk. Political in examinations or their cancellations and no parties are ready. But...’ ‘But.’ ‘Let us not politicize attendance. Maximum help in copying.’ The Krishna’s death.’ As such Smita did not take any students would go mad with clapping, whistling interest in politics. She was a thinking sort and and thumping. Whenever Rajeev tried to protest, always maintained an inner identity. ‘At times you he was cowed down ‘No body wants to listen to say things unexpected of your age, Smita.’ Rajeev you. These things are of the past. These just don’t often told her. For a while there was a meaningful carry any value whatsoever. If you don’t keep silence in the room. They seemed to be struggling shut, we would throw you.’ Ajeet’s closeones with their ideas. ‘I feel fasting as a protest almost chanted a chorus. ‘Don’t give false hopes becoming out-dated and meaningless. Most of us to your mates. What type of leaders are you? believe protests are a humbug. Just a contrivance.’ No responsibility!’ ‘May be loss of faith in Gandhi’s methods.’ ‘Why, there are other methods to raise protest strikes? ‘Shame, Shame!’ Rajeev’s voice would be lost Dharnas? Violence?” somewhere in a deep valley of confused voices. Ajeet would shout, ‘Rajeev is crazy, mad and ‘No, the only sensible way is to remain non-violent, stupid. A chumcha, a dog...’ Then he would blast the only way of fighting.’ Rajeev was moved beyond him, ‘Rajeev, you just get lost, otherwise. I just words. He was charged with emotion. Leaders like can’t control my supporters. Unruly consequences, Ajeet must be fought as they were multiplying in not my fault. You see.’ More than once he was numbers. Their aims were wicked. Rajeev knew whisked away from such gatherings. It was the that his straggle was going to be lonesome one. dead night when Ajeet and his accomplices Most of them were with Ajeet. He had means and had knocked at the door ‘We have come with funds to satisfy their low desires. But why did offers.’ The second-in-command had spoken in

64 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 no uncertain words. ‘Accept them. Money, wine, President of the college union. Morning shadows woman...you can opt for all of them...’ It took him were already evident before Rajeev went to sleep. sometime to recognize the faces in darkness. The import of their visit did not immediately dawn on Almost a week elapsed before Rajeev gave final his sleepy nerves. A feeble female voice struck their touches to his determination regarding the ears, ‘Who is there? I say... who is there?’ ‘Mother... pitching up a tent for fasting. To begin with, it don’t you mind. Continue sleeping. No worry... no could be a lonesome affair and might not attract problem.’ ‘I shall talk to you later on, Ajeet. Yes... in much attention. He might meet a lot of opposition the morning in the college canteen.’ Rajeev almost from his rival groups. These would not like to pushed them away from his doorstep. be exposed political connections. To them these were a cosy shelter for their way-ward desires A surging black silence was left behind with their and whims. They had already played havoc with departure. Rajeev stood mute at the door staring public establishments. From time to time shop- in vacancy. Shocked to the brim, he fell into a keepers were pestered to yield money. It was done contemplative reverie. Leaders of tomorrow! They to create panic in the town. No resistance? Why? will nourish the foundations? He felt dizzy. People Shopkeepers always compromised on not very like Ajeet emerging as leaders! He was confronted exorbitant sums of money. with a crumble, a crumble involving the entire built up of political system. (To be Continued...)

‘Curious? he mumbled to himself. Others will follow Dharam Pal him. The serious ones, the thinking ones. We can’t measure up such situations. Quiet and aloof and Born on October 1, 1941, Prof Dharam Pal, Retd right thinking people cut off and driven to the edge Head, Department of English, Hindu College, like standing water.’ The tranquil aspect of his Sonepat, Haryana, India has published Novels, thinking was thrown into a violent emotion. He Short-stories in Hindi and English. These include, was almost on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Upnevesh, Mukti, Raj ki Aur, Tharav, Basti, He walked into the interior of the house. His Avshes, Nirvastra, Ramsharnam, Twilight, The mother lay in the charpoy caught in the snatches Eclipsed Serialized in Indo-Asian Literature and of dozing. ‘Who was at the door? At this time? other stories. Two students have been awarded No danger?’ She uttered broken sentences. Her MPhil Degrees on his utterances invariably sandwiched, ‘No danger.’ Hindi Works. His plays, The oft repeated words indicated her mental stories have also been sickness, a malady she had imbibed after the broadcast on Indian death of her husband. Radio. He has been twice honoured by Governor She dozed off into a mumble of no meaning. Rajeev of Haryana, India. He was left awake. All sorts of ideas entered and re- has won Hindi Rashtriya entered his sub-conscious. Rajeev was left awake. Shatabdi Samman, 200 Should he withdraw from college elections? One and also Penguin Award. is not objective and tranquil in some moments of one’s life. What pained Rajeev most was the rejection of his right type of solutions to problems? His disillusionments were yet to have their sway. These came at a much later stage. He must contest the elections. May be sanity prevails on some students in the college and he is able to win. His mind was criss-cross of conflicting ideas. Ajeet wanted him to withdraw. The past stood like a looming reality before Rajeev’s eyes playing many ups and downs in his psyche. Earlier he was not able to win elections but his fights did not go waste.

His presence in the college politics could not be dismissed as a riff-raff. It was positive. It was to reckon with. Most of us are rendered passive spectators. During elections Rajeev had his supporters but to Ajeet a lot of help came from unknown sources. They were beaten upon installing Ajeet as the

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 65 The Purpose of Religion

Religion is the means of realising , is earned is porul. Porul may be corn, money, , and moksa. These four are called house. It is this porul that is the way to happiness. purusarthas. In Tamil, dharma is called “aram”; But the pleasure gained from material possession is artha is known as “porul; and kama and moksa are momentary and you keep constantly hungering for called “inbam”and “vidu”1 respectively. “Artha” more. occurs in the term “purusarthas”, but it is itself one of the purusarthas. What a man wants for Moksa is the state of supreme bliss and there is no himself in his life—the aims of a man’s life—are the quest beyond it. We keep going from place to place purusarthas. What does a man want to have? He and suffer hardships of all kinds. Our destination is wants to live happily without lacking for anything. our home. A prisoner goes to his vidu or his home There are two types of happiness: the first is after he is released. But the word vidu also means ephemeral; and the second is everlasting and not release or liberation. Since we are now imprisoned subject to diminution. Kama or inbam is ephemeral in our body, we commit the grave mistake of happiness and denotes worldly pleasure, worldly believing that we are the body. The body is in fact desires. Moksa or vidu is everlasting happiness, our gaol. Our real home is the bliss called moksa. not transient pleasure. It is because people are We must find release from the gaol that is our body ignorant about such happiness, how elevated and and dwell in our true home. God has sentenced us enduring it is, that they hanker after the trivial and to gaol (that is he has imprisoned us in our body) momentary joys of kama. for our sins. If we practise virtue he will condone our sins and release us from the prison of our body Our true quest must be for the fourth artha, that is before the expiry of the sentence. We must desist vidu or moksa. The majority of people today yearn from committing sinful acts so that our term of for the third artha that is kama. When you eat you imprisonment is not extended and endeavour to are happy. When you are appointed a judge of free ourselves and arrive in our true home, our the high court you feel elated. You are delighted true home that is the Lord. This home is bliss that when presented with a welcome address by some passeth understanding, bliss that is not bound by institution, aren’t you? Such types of happiness are the limitations of time, space and matter. not enduring. The means by which such happiness

Candrasekharendra Saraswati

66 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Lastly, I speak of the first purusartha, dharma. practise it, then we are instructed in the right Dharma denotes beneficent action, good or manner in which material goods are to be acquired virtuous deeds. The word has come to mean giving, so as to practise this dharma; and, thirdly, we are charity. “Give me dharmam. Do dharmam, mother,” taught the proper manner in which desires may cries the beggar2. We speak of “dana-dharma” [as a be satisfied. It is a process of gaining maturity and portmanteau word]. The commandments relating wisdom to forsake petty pleasure for the ultimate to charity are called “ara-kattalai” in Tamil. Looked bliss of moksa. at in this way, giving away our artha or porul will be seen to be dharma. But how do we, in the first place, acquire the goods to be given away in charity? The charity practised in our former birth— “If we practice dharma by giving away our artha—it is that brings us rewards in this birth. The very purpose of owning material goods is the practice of dharma. Just as without expecting any material possessions are a means of pleasure, so is dharma a means of material possession. It is not reward—in the belief charity alone that yields rewards in the form of material goods; all practices coming under dharma that Isvara gives us will bring their own material rewards. what he wills—and in a If we practise dharma without expecting any reward—in the belief that Isvara gives us what he spirit of dedication, the wills—and in a spirit of dedication, the impurities tainting our being will be removed and we will impurities tainting our obtain the bliss that is exalted. The pursuit of dharma that brings in its wake material rewards being will be removed will itself become the means of attaining the Paramporul3. Thus we see that dharma, while being and we will obtain an instrument for making material gain and through it of pleasure, becomes the means of liberation the bliss that is exalted.” also if it is practised unselfishly. Through it we acquire material goods and are helped to keep up the practice of dharma. This means that artha itself becomes a basis of dharma. It is kama or Moksa is release from all attachments. It is a state desire alone that neither fulfils itself nor becomes in which the Self remains ever in untrammeled an instrument of fulfilling some other purpose. It is freedom and blessedness. The chief purpose of like the water poured on burning sands. Worse, it is religion is to teach us how this supreme state may an instrument that destroys everything—dharmic be attained. thoughts, material possessions, liberation itself. We know for certain that ordinarily people do All the same it is difficult, to start with, to be not achieve eternal happiness. The purpose without any desire altogether. Religion serves of any religion is to lead them towards such to rein in desire little by little and take a man, happiness. Everlasting blessedness is obtained step by step, from petty ephemeral pleasure only by forsaking the quest for petty treasures. to the ultimate bliss. First we are taught the The dictates of dharma help us to abandon the meaning and implications of dharma and how to pursuit of sensual enjoyments and endeavour for eternal bliss. They are also essential to create a social order that has the same high purpose, the liberation of all. Religion, with its goal of liberation, lays down the tenets of dharma. That is why the great understand the word dharma itself to mean religion.

Source: Candrasekharendra Saraswati, Hindu Dharma The Universal Way of Life, Bhavan’s Book University, Mumbai

Bhagavad Gita

Notes 1 “Vidu” also means “home”. 2 This cry is more commonly heard in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 3 “Paramporul” is the supreme porul, which means the Supreme Reality (Paramartha). Porul or artha here becomes indirectly a means of attaining the Paramporul.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 67 The Vedas and the Bible

Hinduism was the original name of the religion and essential and necessary to maintain the Aryan culture that were in vogue in the territory of the ethos and ethnic identity in its original integrity. river Sindhu (Indus). India itself derived its name This knowledge was so ancient that it has never as the geographic area through which the river been attributed or attributable to any single flowed. Philologists tell us that the ancient Persian patriarchal or prophetic sage or guru. language enunciated the palatal sounds as an aspirated guttural H. This was how and why Sindhu Hence Hinduism holds its scriptures to be became Hindu. absolute divine revelations rather than the insights or discoveries of particular human authors The same change of sound or pronunciation or historic personalities. The Vedas have been suggests implicitly something about the people grouped under four distinct, but socially related who made that change, namely that they were categories called the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama foreign immigrants from ancient Persia. Today we Veda and Atharva Veda. refer to them as ancient Aryans. Since that time, their religion, very much mixed and got interwoven The Rig Veda is a collection of prayer chants. The with that of the earlier settlers of the same Sama Veda is similar to Rig Veda in that it consists territory, has come to be known as Hinduism. of a select number of those lyrics which have been set to music suited for particular sacrificial rites. Syncretistic absorption of the faiths and practices Yajur Veda consists of the rules or order according it encountered across the times and spaces to which the sacrificial rituals are to be performed. through which it moved has constituted a source of Atharva Veda is a collection of ethical laws, which its strength and continuing vitality. regulated community health and hygiene.

The Vedas summed up the “knowledge” (vidya) The Rig and Sama Vedas together are comparable through which the immigrant Aryans transmitted to the book of Psalms in the Bible. The intelligent their culturally inherited beliefs and values to reader would be able to recognise the phonetic their successive offsprings. Eventually, acquiring similarity between the names Sama and Psalms, in the force of law, this knowledge defined what was which the p is not sounded. The Yajur and Atharva Vedas are analogous to the biblical books of Leviticus and Numbers, since the contents of these books are about various sacrificial rites, some of them connected to health and hygienic cleanliness.

But a major difference of the Vedas from the Bible, is in the way their contents are organised in the two religious traditions. Each Veda is traditionally divided into four distinct parts, which are referred to as , , and Upanishads. The Samhitas are the very hymns, which form the opening part of every Veda. The

68 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Brahmanas are not the priestly caste, but the ritualistic portion, which describes the sacrificial act to be performed by the priests and those making the offering. The Aranyakas are the various meditations related to the sacrifices offered in the forests by those who had withdrawn to the forests from the mainstream of social life and its routine ethno-ethical obligations. Finally, the Upanishads are the contemplative meditations of the invisible truth behind the visible universe, human life in it and the attainment of its goal. Samhitas. The book of Deuteronomy and the Thus cumulatively viewed, the Vedas sum up the Israelite history of desert-sojourn, narrated in ancient Aryan society’s beliefs and the way they the book of Numbers, would correspond to the gave symbolic expression to them in ritualised Vedic Aranyakas. cult. When the sacrificial cult tended to solidify into the central core of Aryan ethos, opposition to The priestly source data of the Bible would it emerged from within through the Upanishads, correspond to the Vedic Brahmanas. And finally, and from without in the revolts, which Buddhism the Elohist source data of our current Bible would and Jainism represented. Biblical scholars tell us correspond to the Vedic Upanishads, in so far as that the currently available version of this sacred those data represent a contemplative recall of the scripture is derived from what they call four Israelite identity and its eagerly projected historic different documentary sources or traditions. purpose or destiny.

They name them as the Yahwist, the Elohist, By way of conclusion, we may be warranted to the Deuteronomic and the Priestly sources or make the following observations: traditions. The Yahwist and the Elohist refer to Placing and viewing the two scriptures side by side the way or manner in which different portions of reveals a remarkable similarity and parallelism the Bible name God. Those, which name God as of the two textual contents. That may explain Yahweh are said to be from the Yahwist source, typically why they have not yet come to look at while those that refer to God as Elohim are said each other face to face, and why, when they do to be from the Elohist source. In biblical Hebrew meet, they tend to collide in a gesture of mutual language, Yahweh means Lord, while Elohim is the destruction. This would seem to tell us that, as plural form of God, suggesting both respect and a religious believers, we still have a long way to go plurality of gods. The Deuteronomic source dealt before we come to recognise the common real with the laws, which revolved around Abrahamic essence and destiny of all religions. We have much monotheism versus the prevalent polytheism of to learn from one another and from the older and other ethnic groups which surrounded them. the wiser of our religions. The priestly source concerned the cult of the J. Ignatius Israelite ethnic deity. The Yahwist source data are mytho-poetic narratives like the Rig Vedic Source: Bhavan’s Journal April 15, 2011

“The Vedas summed up the “knowledge” (vidya) through which the immigrant Aryans transmitted their culturally inherited beliefs and values to their successive offsprings.”

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 69 Vinoba Bhave: A Missionary for the Mother Earth

Vinoba stands as a symbol for the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi the good against the evil, of spiritual against the mundane. He was a spiritual visionary, whose The report in the newspapers about Gandhiji’s spirituality had a pragmatic stance with intense speech at the newly founded Benaras Hindu concern for the deprived. A brilliant scholar, he University attracted Vinoba’s attention. He wrote was Gandhiji’s ardent follower, who could retain a letter to Gandhiji. After an exchange of letters, originality in thinking. S. Radhakrishnan pointed Gandhiji advised Vinoba to come for a personal out, “Indeed his life represents harmonious blend of meeting at Kochrab in Ahmedabad. learning, spiritual perception and compassion for the Vinoba went and met Gandhiji on June 7, 1916. lowly and the lost.” His Bhoodan (Gift of the Land) This meeting changed the course of Vinoba’s life. movement attracted the attention of the world. He had said later “When I was in Kashi, my main Untouched by publicity and attention, Vinoba ambition was to go to the Himalayas. Also there had continued his efforts for a just and equitable was an inner longing to visit Bengal. But neither of society. His life is a saga of his commitment to non- the two dreams could realise. Providence took me violent ways of bringing change, his yearning for to Gandhiji and I found in him not only the peace the highest level of spirituality and his unwavering of the Himalayas but also the burning fervour of faith in human values and love. resolution, typical of Bengal”. I said to myself that both of my desires had been fulfilled. Over the Early Life years, the bond between Vinoba and Gandhiji grew stronger. Vinoba participated with keen Vinoba was born in a Brahmin family on September interest in the activities at Gandhiji’s ashram, 11, 1895 at the village of Gagoda in Raigad district like teaching, studying, spinning and improving of Maharashtra. He was named Vinayak at birth the life of the community. and was influenced by his mother Rukmini Devi, a religious woman. His younger brother, Balkoba Asked by Gandhiji to take charge of the ashram at Shivaji, remained unmarried and adopted a life of Wardha, Vinoba went to Wardha on April 8, 1921. renunciation and service to humanity like him. In 1923, he brought out ‘Maharashtra Dharma’, a monthly in Marathi (regional language), which Man of Knowledge had his essays on the Upanishads. Later on, this monthly became a weekly and continued for Vinoba, well-read in the writings of Maharashtra’s three years. His articles on the Abhangas of Sant saints and philosophers at a young age and deeply (a saint poet) published in it became interested in Mathematics, was attracted to the popular. A time passed Vinoba continued his core of learning. Naturally, the routine course-work search for the self which task him to spiritual was not enough to quench his thirst for knowledge. heights. His involvement with Gandhiji’s He took a fateful decision to go to . This constructive programmes related to Khadi, village decision was motivated by his longing to attain the industries, new education (Nai Talim), sanitation imperishable and all pervading Brahma. He got into and hygiene also kept on increasing. the study of ancient Sanskrit test.

70 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Freedom Movement independent power of the people—this is to say, we must demonstrate a power opposed to the power of Vinoba’s involvement in the freedom movement violence and other than the power to punish. The during this period remained. In 1923, he was jailed people are our God.” Connected with Bhoodan and for months at Nagda jail and Akola jail for taking a Gramdan, there were other programs. Important prominent part in the flag Satyagraha at . In of these were Sampatti-Dan (Gift of the Wealth), 1925, he was sent by Gandhiji to Vykon (in Kerala) Shramdan (Gift of the Labour), Shanti Sena (Army to supervise the entry of the Harijans to the temple. for Peace), Sarvodaya-Patra (the pot where every In 1932, he was jailed for six months to Dhulia for household gives daily handful of grain) and raising his voice against the British rule. In 1940, Jeevandan (Gift of Life). he was selected by Gandhiji as the first individual Satyagrahi. He was jailed thrice during 1940–41 for individual Satyagraha at Nagpur jails; first time for three months, second time for six months and third time for one year. Vinoba took part in the “After an exchange Quit India movement of 1942 for which he got an imprisonment of three years at Vellore and Seoni jails. of letters, Gandhiji

Sarvodaya Samaj advised Vinoba to come In March 1948, Gandhiji’s followers and for a personal meeting constructive workers met at Sevagram. The idea of Sarvodaya Samaj (society) surfaced and started getting acceptance. Vinoba got busy with at Kochrab Ashram activities which would sooth the wounds of the partition of the nation. In the beginning of 1950, in Ahmedabad.” he launched the programme of Kanchan-mukti (freedom from dependence on gold, i.e. money) and Rishi-Kheti (cultivation without the use of bullocks as was practised by Rishis, i.e. the sages A Padayatri of ancient times). In April 1951, after attending the Sarvodaya conference at Shivnampalli, he started Vinoba knew the strength of the Padayatra (march his peace-trek on foot through the violence-torn on foot). He walked for 13 years throughout India. region of Telangana (now in Andhra Pradesh). The He had left Paunar on September 12, 1951 and disturbances were caused by the communists. On returned on April 10, 1964. He covered thousands April 18, 1951, his meeting with the villagers at of miles, addressed thousands of meetings and Pochampalli opened a new chapter in the history of mobilized the people cutting the barriers of caste, non-violent struggle. The Harijans of the village told class, language and religion. him that they needed 80 acres of land to make a living. Referring to this, Vinoba asked the villagers On June 7, 1966, 50 years after his meeting with if they could do something to solve this problem. Gandhiji, Vinoba announced that he was feeling To everybody’s surprise, Ram Chandra Reddy, a a strong urge to free himself from outer visible landlord, got up and showed his willingness to give activities and enter inward hidden form of spiritual 100 acres of land. This incident, unplanned and action. After travelling through India, he returned unheard, showed a way to solve the problem of the to Paunar on November 2, 1969 and on October landless. The Bhoodan (Gift of the Land) movement 7, 1970, he announced his decision to stay in was launched. one place. He observed a year of silence from December 25, 1974 to December 25, 1975. In 1976, The response to the movement was spontaneous. he undertook a fast to stop the slaughter of cows. In Telangana, the gift of land averaged 200 acres of His spiritual pursuits intensified as he withdrew land per day. On the journey from Pavnar to Delhi, from the activities. He breathed his last on the average gift was 300 acres a day. Vinoba had November 15, 1982 at this ashram. put five crore acres as the target. While walking in Uttar Pradesh in May 1952, Vinoba received Source: www.vinobabhave.org the gift of the whole village of Mangrath. This meant the people were prepared to donate all their land for the benefit of all the villagers, not as individual bhoodan, but as community Gramdan (Gift of the Village). Vinoba received lakhs of acres of land in Bihar, while walking from September 1952 to December 1954. Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala contributed significantly to Gramdan. Vinoba firmly believed that, “We must establish the

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 71 Soon after the Flag hoisting ceremony the crowd relished on some delicious laddoos (traditional Indian sweet) before proceeding to watch the cultural performances inside ASB Theatre. At the onset Mr Jeet Suchdev, Chairperson Bhartiya Samaj called upon Chief Guest, Mayor of Auckland his Worship Len Brown, Hon Phill Goff, Leader Labour Party along with other MPs from Labour Party, Rt Hon Winston Peters, Leader New Zealand First National Party, MP Hon Or, Jackie Blue and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi to speak a few words. The dignitaries addressed the packed house congratulating India on its 65th Independence Day and spoke high about India’s progress in the past 64 years since Independence. Dr Bruce Hucker, Patron Bhartiya Samaj was also called upon to honor Hon Dr Ashraf Choudhary who announced his retirement from politics after 9 years of dedicated service to the community.

Mr Jeet Suchdev also emphasized on the urgent Bhartiya Samaj’s 65th need of “Culturally Appropriate Old Age Home” for the elderly of the South Asian Community India Independence in New Zealand. Everybody present agreed to his views and vowed to support the “Culturally Day Celebrations Appropriate Rest Home” project. Dr Ashraf Choudhary signed a cheque of $1000 in front of the whole crowd as a contribution towards the project. Hon David Cunliff donated $250, others also contributed towards the worthy cause. A visibly emotional Mr Jeet Suchdev conveyed his heartfelt thanks to all for their generosity.

On this occasion Mr Jeet Suchdev also handed Over 5000 people rejoice at India’s over a cheque of $3500 to Hon Kanwaljit Singh 65th- Independence Bakshi. The amount was collected by Bhartiya Day Celebration organised by Bhartiya Samaj at ASB Samaj’s seniors and children towards the victim Theatre Aotea Centre, Auckland. of Christchurch earthquake. The highlight of the day was the cultural performances which saw Auckland, August 15, 2011: Bhartiya Samaj, performers from many organisations presenting a charitable trust and a non-profit making their items. The entire crowd including dignitaries organisation working towards forming friendly thoroughly enjoyed the performances as most of socio-cultural relations amongst South Asian them stayed back to watch the performances. communities, celebrated India’s 65th Independence Day amidst much festivity and fervor. Various Bhartiya Samaj has been organising the India performances showcasing the diversity of Indian Independence Day Celebrations in New Zealand culture were presented throughout the day. for the past 16 years providing everybody a glimpse of the diverse Indian culture. This year The Flag hoisting ceremony at 10:30 am marked the over 5000 people attended and rejoiced the 65th beginning of the day long India Independence Day Indian Independence Day Celebrations. The Celebrations. The Indian Tricolor was hoisted by charged up atmosphere at Aotea Centre Square Mr Robert Khan, MD Radio Tarana at Aotea Centre left everybody wanting for more. Square with sounds of Burundian drums and the desi dhol (Indian Drums) beating at the back. As I sincerely thank all the participating organisations, soon as the flag was hoisted, the crowd went into sponsors, performers, volunteers and everyone frenzy as Bhangra beats rolled off the dhol and who supported us for making the 65th India everybody started dancing. Also seen dancing Independence Day Celebrations a memorable one. amongst the crowd were dignitaries like Mayor The success we have achieved would not have Len Grown, Members of Parliament Hon David been possible without your support. Cunliff, Hon Dr Jackie Blue, Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Mr Robert Khan and many more. The sight Jai Hind, Jai New Zealand at Aotea Centre Square was of an absolute cultural amalgamation where everybody felt a sense of Roopa Suchdev, QSM, unity amongst diversity. Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust

72 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Swaminathan Dr. MSS with and wife Mina Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee with Dr. Swaminthan Norman Borlaug Dr. M.S. Swaminathan The ‘Evergreen’ Revolutionary

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan’s Biography titled, tuber-bearing Solanums’, under the guidance Scientist and Humanist was released on May 25, of Dr. Harbhajan Singh, a pioneer in the field of 2002 by Dr. P.C. Alexander, the then Governor Plant Exploration & Introduction. Although he of Maharashtra, in Mumbai, in the presence of was selected for the Indian Police Service in 1948, former President Shri R. Venkataraman, Shri S. Swaminathan preferred the UNESCO Research Ramakrishnan, Bhavan’s Director General, Prof. Fellowship to study in Netherlands at the Institute M.S. Swaminathan and the Mayor of Mumbai. I of Plant Breeding in Wageningen Agricultural am indebted to Shri P.V. Sankarankutty, Bhavan’s University, on transferring genes for golden Additional Registrar, for asking me to contribute nematode resistance in Potato. this Article in honour of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, as a tribute for his 86th Birthday on August 7. From Holland he moved to the Cambridge University School of Agriculture, Trumpington, Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was born U.K., to complete his Doctoral Thesis on, ‘Species on August 7, 1925, as the second son of Dr. M.K. Differentiation and Nature of Polyplody in certain Sambasivan and Smt Parvathi Thangammal, at the species of the genus Solanum—Section Tuberarium’, temple town of Kumbakonam in Tanjavur District with Prof. H.W. Howard as his guide. From of Tamil Nadu. His father hailed from the famous Cambridge, Dr. Swaminathan moved to the USA agricultural family of Kottarathumadom in Kuttanad on a Post-Doctoral Research Associateship, to of Alappuzha District of Kerala, whose scions continue his work on Potato at the University of were pioneers in ‘Below sea-level Rice farming’, Wisconsin during 1952-54, where he produced and instrumental in eradicating the dreaded novel genetic combinations like the Alaska Frostless filarial mosquito, by mobilising people power, as transferring frost-resistance genes from Solanum Kumbakonam’s Municipal Chairman. He was a acaule. Although he was offered a Professorship in role model for young Swaminathan, who imbibed Wisconsin University, Dr. Swaminathan chose to his staunch Swadeshi Gandhian spirit of selfless return to his motherland. service to his motherland, by giving away all his surplus needs. Dr. Swaminathan got married on April 11, 1955 to Mina, the only daughter of the distinguished When he was only 11 years old, Swaminathan Civil servant, Shri S. Bhoothalingam, ICS, former lost his father following an attack of pancreatitis. Secretary, Union Finance Ministry. Her mother, After completing his schooling at the Catholic Little Smt. Madhuram Bhoothalingam, was a famous Flower High School, Kumbakonam, Swaminathan writer of children’s books. Dr. Swaminathan met went to Trivandrum along with elder brother his future wife at Cambridge where she was doing M.S. Krishnamurthy, for higher studies, under the her Tripos in Economics, with whom he shared care of M.K. Nilakanta Iyer, then Chief Secretary patriotic values, Swadeshi spirit, humanism of Travancore. and dislike of material wealth, which greatly strengthened his personal convictions and goals. Swaminathan earned his Post-graduate Diploma She has been his principal guide and inspiration, in Agriculture at the Indian Agricultural who encouraged his work at considerable sacrifice Research Institute in 1949 with high distinction of her own personal and professional life. in Cytogenetics, working for his Thesis on ‘Non-

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 73 World Food Prize award presented to Dr. With Indira Gandhi M.S.Swaminathan by Mr. Ferguson of General Foods

Swaminathans are blessed with three daughters, along with advanced breeding lines of Mexico sent Soumya, Madhura and Nitya. On his return from by Dr. Borlaug. The formidable team of Borlaug & USA, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan joined as Assistant Swaminathan which transformed wheat production Botanist in a temporary FAO Scheme on indica- in the developing world, was a symbolic meet of japonica Hybridization Scheme. Six months later he the East & West to make agricultural history. moved to the IARI, New Delhi, to work as Assistant Cytogeneticist, and succeeded Prof. RN. Bhaduri as Dr. Swaminathan emphasises the importance of Cytogeneticist in 1956. I first met Dr. Swaminathan, population performance of wheat cultivars, and when I came to invite him to deliver a Special the collective excellence of wheat Scientists’, and Lecture on ‘Polyploidy & Mutation Breeding for Crop repeatedly stresses the fact that the real credit Improvement’, at Delhi University Botanical Society. for agricultural progress should primarily go to farmers. He has always placed much stress on That lecture was a turning point in my life, when collective rather than individual excellence. The after getting my Master’s degree, I joined IARI as Wheat programme became a role model for all Honorary Research Fellow with Dr. Swaminathan. other Coordinated Projects, in bringing together After six months, I was appointed as a Teaching Breeders, Agronomists, Plant Pathologists & Assistant in Cytogenetics in the IARI RG. School, Physiologists, Quality Analysts, Extention & with Dr. Swaminathan as Course Leader. Social Scientists, who worked in unison, with the right kind of inter-disciplinary collaboration I partook of the exciting Green Revolution Era under Dr. Swaminathan’s leadership, leading to of Agricultural Renaissance, leading to what Dr. the International view that the ‘Swaminathan Swaminathan calls, ‘begging bowl to bread-basket’ Wheat Group’ was like a fine-tuned ‘Wheat transformation in Indian Agriculture, when he Symphony Orchestra’. liberated our country from the indebtedness of US PL-480 Wheat Loans, or what he called He hails the Green Revolution Era as, the ‘a ship-to-mouth existence’. ‘Golden Age of Inter-disciplinary & International Collaboration in Wheat Improvement for Dr. Swaminathan succeeded Dr. S.M. Sikka as Head, Sustainable Global Food Security’. Dr. Swaminathan Division of Botany, in 1961, during which period has always paid rich tributes to then Agricultural he spearheaded the Green Revolution movement Ministers C. Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram, in collaboration with Dr. Norman E. Borlaug of Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Mexico, who generously shared not only his semi- Gandhi, and Agriculture Secretary Shri B. dwarf hybridisation and ‘shuttle-breeding’ strategy, Sivaraman, for taking firm and timely decisions, but also his early segregating breeding lines of to make major investments in building up the short-strawed Mexican semi-dwarf wheat cultivars, country’s grain reserves. Sonora-64 and Lerma Rojo-64A, which yielded over 50 quintals/ha in 150 days (2 to 3 times the local During his Presidential Address ‘The Age of Algeny, Tall cultivars). From these lines, our breeders Genetic Destruction of Yield Barriers and Agricultural developed the high-yielding Kalyan Sona and Transformation’ delivered in the Agricultural Sonalika with amber grains, which became popular Sciences Section of the 55th Indian Science for its chappathi-making quality. Dr. Swaminathan Congress in 1968, Dr. Swaminathan sounded a passionately pursued the rapid demonstration of prophetic warning on the potential dangers of the high-yielding, fertilizer-responsive Mexican the Green Revolution (much before this term was semi-dwarf wheat lines, to herald the Era of Green coined by Dr. William Gaud of USA), in these words: Revolution in Wheat, which had resulted in a “Exploitative Agriculture offers great possibilities quantum jump in wheat production from 12 million if carried out in a scientific manner, but poses tonnes in 1965 to 17mn tonnes in 1968, when over great dangers if carried out with only an immediate 200,000 ha were planted to these two semi-dwarfs profit or production motive. Intensive cultivation of

74 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 his work a missionary zeal which is infectious, and a sense of dedication which is inspiring. In spite of so much pressure of work, he finds time to answer every letter he receives, promptly and precisely. He has fine-tuned these Spartan habits from the very beginning, since he values not only his time but also that of other people who come to see him. I have never heard him condemn or criticise anyone for his/her faults, or even of his critics, who were always around. Borlaug once wrote to him, “There is no remedy for human jealousy. The only remedy is to ignore”.

Dr. Swaminathan amidst wheat production Awards and Accolades

He has been decorated with many Awards, both land without conservation of soil fertility and soil National (35) and International (31), Honorary structure would lead, ultimately, to the springing Doctorates (61 - 18 foreign), Fellow of Science up of deserts. Academies (30 - 20 foreign), Committee/ Commission Chairman (30), with over 650 research Irrigation without arrangements for proper publications and several Books authored, co- drainage would result in soils getting alkaline or authored or Edited/Co-edited by him. Recently, saline. Indiscriminate use of pesticides, fungicides he has been asked to lead a Team of experts to and herbicides could cause adverse changes in prepare a Blueprint for establishing a National biological balance as well as lead to an increase Agricultural Research Institute in Yezin, Myanmar, in the incidence of cancer and other diseases, where he had already helped set up a National Rice through the toxic residues present in the grains or Research Centre as an outreach programme of other edible parts. Unscientific tapping of ground IRRI, Philippines, where he had served as Director water will lead to the rapid exhaustion of this General, during 1982-88. He continues to serve as resource left to us through ages of Natural Farming. Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) since 2007, The rapid replacement of numerous locally National Advisory Council of Govt of India, as the adapted varieties with one or two high-yielding Chairman, FAO High-level Committee on Food strains in large, contiguous areas, would result in Security, IGNOU Chair on Sustainable Development, the spread of serious diseases capable of wiping and of his own MSSRF, Chennai, where he out entire crops. The initiation of Exploitative also holds the UNESCO-Cousteau Chair on Agriculture without a proper understanding of the Ecotechnology. He was voted by TIME magazine, various consequences of everyone of the changes as Asia’s most influential person, being bracketed introduced into Traditional Agriculture, and with Tagore and Gandhi from India. without first building up a proper scientific and training base to sustain it, may only lead us, in the He is also the first recipient of the World Food long run, to an Era of Agricultural Disaster rather Prize (1987), considered as equivalent of Nobel than one of Agricultural Prosperity”. Prize in Agricultural field. In fact, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan was nominated four times during If the farming community and the critics of 2000 for the Nobel Peace Prize, first by a group of the Green Revolution had taken note of Dr. seven Professors of Goteborg University, who are Swaminathan’s words, much of the present Members of Royal Society of Arts & Sciences, and ecological consequences like water-logging, again by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Chairman, CGIAR, ground-water pollution, micro-nutrient deficiencies, USA, third by Dr. James Gustave Speth, Dean, and outbreak of pesticide-related diseases could School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Yale have been prevented. He combines in himself the University, USA, and fourth Nomination was by Her qualities of a passionate teacher with his unique Majesty the Queen Noor al-Hussein of Jordan. He communicative skills and clarity of thought and was also nominated for the Presidentship of the expression. As a research guide, Prof. Swaminathan Indian Republic by the Industrial Economist Journal has few parallels. He found time for every student of May-June 2002. Strangely both these honours are to visit his experimental field to share the joy of eluding him so far. any new finding. I pray to the Almighty that these two long overdue Although he is a perfectionist, he will never recognitions come his way very soon as also a pressurise a student. He has his own uniquely befitting Bharat Ratna award. gentle way of encouraging the student to excel. When my Ph.D. Thesis received the Jawaharlal R.D. Iyer, Retd Principal Scientist, CPCRI, Nehru Award of ICAR for the Best Thesis in Plant & Jt. Managing Trustee, Navasakti Trust, Breeding and Genetics for that year, I was most Thazhava, Kerala happy to receive his most encouraging letter of appreciation. Dr. Swaminathan brings to bear on Source: Bhavan’s Journal, July 31, 2011

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 75 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Where Men Stand: Men’s Roles in ending Violence against Women

Introduction a groundswell of efforts to reduce and prevent physical and sexual assault of women. Two shifts Where do men stand when it comes to violence have characterised the field in recent years: a against women? This report describes how many growing emphasis on the need to prevent violence men use violence against women, what men think against women before it occurs, and an emerging about violence against women, and what role men emphasis on engaging boys and men in prevention. can and do play in reducing and preventing this violence. The report is guided by the fundamental Involving Men belief that men can play a positive role in preventing men’s violence against women. Indeed, There are growing efforts to involve boys and men without men’s involvement, efforts to reduce and in the prevention of violence against women. The prevent violence against women will fail. report outlines the rationale for this. It begins with three facts: (1) while most men do not use Most men in Australia do not use violence against violence against women, when such violence women, and most believe such violence to be occurs, it is perpetrated largely by men; (2) unacceptable. A silent majority of men disapproves ideas and behaviours linked to masculinity or of violence, but does little to prevent it. Of most manhood are highly influential in some men’s use concern, significant numbers of men excuse or of violence against women; and (3) men have a justify violence against women. The silence, and positive and vital role to play in helping to stop encouragement, of male bystanders allows men’s violence against women. violence against women to continue. Violence against women is a men’s issue. This Raise the bar violence harms the women and girls men love, gives all men a bad name, is perpetrated by men We must raise the bar for what it means to be a we know, and will only stop when the majority of ‘decent bloke’, a ‘nice guy’. To stop violence against men step up to help create a culture in which it is women, well-meaning men must do more than unthinkable. Where then do men stand in relation merely avoid perpetrating the grossest forms of to violence against women? The report then maps physical or sexual violence themselves. Men must the state of play among men. It focuses on four key strive for equitable and respectful relationships. dimensions of men’s relations to violence against They must challenge the violence of other men. women: the use of violence, attitudes towards And they must work to undermine the social and violence, immediate responses when violence cultural supports for violence against women occurs, and efforts to prevent violence. The report evident in communities throughout Australia—the draws on various datasets, including a national sexist and violence-supportive norms, the callous Australian survey of community attitudes towards behaviours, and the gender inequalities which feed violence against women. violence against women. Part 2: Men’s Use of Violence against Women To the extent that men stay silent in the face of other men’s violence against women, they are How many men use violence against women? not perpetrators but perpetuators, allowing this Australian data is very limited, and is focused on violence to continue. The report begins in Part 1 individuals’ use of various aggressive behaviours with the basic facts on violence against women. against partners or ex-partners. Still, it does Violence against women is a widespread social indicate that most men do not practise violence problem, and a blunt expression of injustice and against women at least in its bluntest forms. inequality. Men’s violence against women has identifiable causes, and it can be prevented. Part 3: Men’s Attitudes towards Violence against Women Part 1: Men’s Violence against Women and its Prevention What do men know and think about violence against women? This report documents that: Men’s violence against women is now firmly on • Most men do not tolerate violence against the public agenda. The last 40 years has seen women, although:

76 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 – A significant minority do hold violence- • Violence prevention efforts among men do supportive attitudes; work—if they’re done well. There is a growing evidence base, suggesting that well-designed – Men’s attitudes are worse than women’s; interventions can shift violence-related attitudes and behaviours. – Men with more conservative attitudes towards gender have worse attitudes towards violence The report then examines the inspirations for, against women—they are more likely to condone, and barriers to, men’s involvements in violence excuse, or justify this violence than other men. prevention. First, what prompts men to become involved in this work? Men are ‘sensitised’ to • Overall, men’s attitudes towards violence against the issue of violence against women through women are becoming less violence supportive. hearing women’s disclosures of violence, their love for and loyalties to particular women, their Part 4: Men’s Responses when Violence Occurs political and ethical commitments to justice and equality, and related experiences. They receive What do men do when violence against women or find opportunities for involvement in violence occurs? Most men say that they are willing to prevention work, and give meanings to this intervene in situations of domestic violence. involvement that foster greater awareness Similarly, most boys say that, faced with a situation and commitment. in which a boy was sexually coercing a girl, they would support the girl. At the same time, men’s Second, what prevents individual men from interventions may not be helpful, while some boys taking steps to reduce or prevent men’s violence will support the coercive boy instead. against women? One obvious barrier is some men’s support for sexist and violence-supportive Part 5: Men’s Involvement in Violence Prevention attitudes and norms, but another, more subtle, To what extent are men actively taking part, barrier is men’s overestimation of other men’s or being engaged, in efforts to reduce and comfort with violence. Men may fear others’ prevent violence against women? The report reactions to attempts at intervention, have negative documents that: views of violence prevention itself, lack knowledge of or skills in intervention, or lack opportunities or • Men find it hard to speak about violence invitations to play a role. against women. On the other hand, at least from US data, most men believe that they can help to Conclusion end this violence. Men can play vital roles in helping to reduce and • A growing number of men are joining the effort prevent men’s violence against women. Indeed, to end violence against women in Australia. some men, both individually and in groups and In particular, the contemporary White Ribbon often in partnership with women, are already Campaign represents the most substantial and making a difference. Preventing men’s violence significant manifestation of men’s involvement against women will require sustained and in preventing violence against women this systematic efforts in families and relationships, country has seen. communities, and in society at large. It is time for men to join with women in building a world of non- • Men are increasingly the targets of education violence and gender justice. and other forms of intervention. A range of initiatives engaging men, at various levels of the Michael Flood, A White Ribbon Foundation ‘spectrum of prevention’, are under way both in Report, White Ribbon Prevention Research Australia and around the world. Series, Publication 2, 2010

• Men’s involvement in violence prevention is on the public agenda, receiving endorsement in both state and Federal plans of action regarding violence against women.

“A silent majority of men disapproves of violence, but does little to prevent it. Of most concern, significant numbers of men excuse or justify violence against women.”

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 77 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Who Reads the Bible?

This document summarises the findings of a range answers to their prayers and specific guidance. of studies of young people in relation to patterns They are reading the Bible as a means of and social drivers of Bible reading. The most communication, expecting God to speak to them comprehensive study of the religion and spirituality through the Bible. Those who see faith primarily of young Australians is the Spirit of Generation Y as providing them with values for life, who do not Project (2002 to 2008) and the associated Schools put the same emphasis on access to God, or expect Spirituality Project which involved a national God to intervene in the daily events of life, read the random telephone survey, web-based surveys in Bible less frequently. schools, and hundreds of in-depth face-to-face interviews. Other surveys used include the Search There is some evidence that a few young people Institute Survey of Spiritual Development (2008) turn to the Bible because life is not going well. and the Wellbeing and Security Survey conducted They look for comfort and hope within the text by Edith Cowan University, Deakin University, when they are ‘hurting deep inside’. About 1 Anglicare and NCLS Research. per cent of young people who do not have a connection with a church turn to the Bible, often Conservatively interpreted, the surveys show that as part of a search for a resource to help them around 4 per cent of young people read the Bible through the challenges of life. daily, another 6 per cent read it weekly, and 15 to 20 per cent read it very occasionally. About 70 per When asked about barriers to reading the Bible, cent never read it. The frequency of Bible reading is many young people said it was hard to understand, a little greater among older young people, although that it had contradictions in it, and did not fit this is probably a result of changing history well with their experience. When asked if “all the patterns over generations and not related to age. miracles stories in the Bible really happened”, 8 per cent felt that it was definitely true and 12 per cent Of those who read the Bible daily or weekly, that it was generally true. Many find it difficult to most attend church services and youth believe in miracles. Those who read the Bible have activities, such as a Bible study group. Most different values to those who do not. They place also have parents and friends who attend more importance on the spiritual life and less on church frequently. Those who read it frequently excitement in life. They also place greater emphasis are mostly involved in Protestant Evangelical on helping others and on social justice. It was also or Charismatic denominations, such as the found that they contribute significantly more hours Pentecostals, Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, of voluntary work and community service. and Seventh-day Adventists. Major Influences and Social Drivers of Young Attitudes to Reading the Bible People’s Attitudes to the Bible

Most of those who read the Bible frequently Among most young people, religious faith have made a personal commitment to God, feel is seen as having little significance to their close to God, and expect God to give definite thinking about life. Overall, about 9 per cent of

78 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 students in church-run schools said it was a very of excitement. When life is not going well, most important influence. The generation that grew up young people turn first to music. However, religion in the late 1960s and 1970s had a very different remains a resource for some. worldview to previous generations. Many members of this generation rejected traditions, The major cause of distress and hurt among young including the traditional authority of religion, people is breakdown in family relationships. There and many institutions including the institution is some social data which suggests that there of the Church. It was influenced by many factors, is a widening gap between well-functioning and including changed patterns of child-rearing and dysfunctional families. While those in families family life. It is likely that childhood experiences, which function well may feel little need to turn to influenced by television, new patterns of education, the Bible or religion, many of those in dysfunctional and living in a pluralistic world, were also families tend to see religion only as a source of significantly changed. welfare, and more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with the pain of life. Technology is one of the drivers of social change. It has changed the nature of community, which is Implications now largely based on electronic communications, with occasional face-to-face meeting rather than Bible reading is largely a product of communities being dependent on face-to-face meetings. It has which value the Bible as a means by which meant that young people network with people God speaks to the individual. If these communities of common interests around the globe are to be developed, then efforts need to be rather than join face-to-face organisations in placed on the building of youth groups in their neighbourhood. which Bible study is a significant component. Providing materials or developing programs that Knowledge has become accessible, but is accessed encourage the formation and operation of such primarily in ‘bite-sized’ quantities, as needed groups is likely to be a helpful strategy. This to solve particular problems. Audio-visual media development will most likely occur in a theological has, to a significant extent, replaced books as context which stresses the interventions of God in the main source of knowledge. There has been the life of the individual. increasing control over health outcomes, with people now living longer. Most people focus on this life, rather than on life after death. This sense of personal control is likely to develop “When asked about further, and may have the consequence of people expecting that they can change whatever does not barriers to reading the suit them, including their appearance and their relationships. Threats to life and to an enjoyable Bible, many young future also have a major impact on social change. Recent terrorist attacks of civilians on Western people said it was hard countries have challenged the sense of security. While increasing people’s awareness of religion, to understand, that it it has led to many seeing religious extremism as harmful. had contradictions in it, However, the major threat to the world is currently and did not fit well with seen as being environmental. Currently, solutions to this threat are seen primarily as coming through their experience.” changes in technology, such as the development of renewable energy sources. However, if the human spirit and religious faith were also seen to provide For other young people who read the Bible part of the solution, there could be a renewed occasionally, it is important to provide ways in emphasis given to the place of religion in the which the ‘message’ of the Bible is shown to be Western world. relevant to life. Most young people will dismiss the Bible as irrelevant and out-dated, unless they A third set of social drivers has to do with are shown the enduring principles relevant to media, advertising and popular culture. Analysis daily life. Materials focussed on themes, such as of popular culture in Britain suggests that there ‘what the Bible says about relationships’, may be is a common story-line in young people’s view helpful in these contexts. More research is needed of the world, which the researchers described to understand more about the catalysts of Bible as a ‘Happy Midi-narrative’. A similar picture of reading and the ways it is interpreted and applied the personal world of Australian young people has to life among different groups of young people. been drawn using survey results. What most people want is an enjoyable life, including feeling good Source: www.cra.org.au about themselves, having good friends and times

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 79 of Lila (devotional) poetry, Razdan was a Sanskrit scholar also. Being a prolific writer, he soon attained a distinct place among the writers of his age. Writing about Krishnajoo Razdan, Master Zinda Koul says: “He is very good in technique and excels even Paramanand in clearness of language, in description of nature, in local colour and perhaps in musicality of verse also.”

Krishnajoo’s language is simple and sweet. Rich in musical quality, his lyrics display great metrical variety. His diction is lucid, and he does not shy away from making use of Sanskrit words wherever required. His works, the Shiva Parinay, Lila lyrics Krishnajoo Razdan and Harihar Kalyan reflect his true poetic genius and passion. Being well acquainted with Sanskrit, Pandit Razdan enjoyed great respect among the A Great Saint Poet writers of metrical romances of his times.

Shiva Lagna immortalised him as a saint-poet In the 19th century, Kashmir produced some great because of its beautiful lyricism and profundity poets whose rich and prolific poetry created quite of thought. His skill as a narrator and his weaving an impact on the people. Although Kashmiri poetry stretches of mystic symbolism into his highly in this century was highly Persianised and imitated musical verses makes him stand apart from other to the style of Persian classics, the credit goes to poets of his age. poets who liberated Kashmiri language from the dominance of Persian diction in a way that it The advent of the 20th century saw Krishnajoo th withered away gradually. The 19 century also saw Razdan emerge as one of the greatest writers of profusion in various genres and forms of Kashmiri devotional poetry. But he did not keep himself poetry. Devotional Kashmiri poetry too got a fillip. confined to devotional themes alone; he tried his hand at writing on other subjects and themes too. Sahib Koul’s devotional poetry had already carved a niche for itself. It was not till Parmanand Some critics have said that Krishnajoo Razdan was appeared on the scene that it got finally established the first devotional poet to highlight the spirit of as a trend. Paramanand was not just a pioneer patriotism in the beginning of 20th century. This in writing devotional songs in Kashmiri, but created a basis for poets like Azad and Mehjoor surpassed all his predecessors in both profundity for strengthening the trend of patriotic poetry of thought and poetic merits. It was during this in Kashmiri. period that many poetic works on the theme of Shiva-Parvati marriage were written. In his poems, Razdan highlighted the plight of craftsmen and other professional workers like the Prakash Ram Kurigami, Paramanand and potter, the jester, the blacksmith, the wrestler, the Krishnajoo Razdan, all composed works titled cook, the gardener etc. He regarded this world as ‘Shivalagna’, but Krishnajoo Razdan’s ‘Shivalagna’ a “Bhand Jashan” or a folk-play. Krishnajoo Razdan published by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, excels was indeed intensely devoted to Shiva-Shiva who is all other works on the theme. Jnana, the self-luminous light of lights.

Krishnajoo Razdan was born in Vanpoh in 1850, Shiva is the creator, infinite consciousness, eternal, some say 1851, and went to his heavenly abode in omnipresent. Shiva is the Ultimate Reality and the 1925—in 1926 according to some. A famous writer Absolute, without a beginning or an end. Shiva is

80 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 destroyer also—destroyer of Asuras, the evil-doers. Why should we renounce He swallows poison to save the universe. The rich the world? devotional songs in praise of Shiva written by We will devote ourselves Razdan are a great treasure of immense value for wholly to the love of Kashmiri literature. Krishna. For us that is austerity and In one of his poems he says: yogic practice. My childhood passed asking only for you, Razdan remained continuously engaged in penance O Shiva. and spiritual practices throughout his life. He Have mercy on me writes: Liberate me from the yoke “I follow you Shiva, of materialistic life. searching you on the Harmukha He further says: My Lord, bestow upon me You are my only hope, your grace Take pity on me by granting me your 1 am your disciple, Darshana.” get me out of this difficult situation, O Lord Shiva. Like Lalla, Krishnajoo wants to take his Lord in his lap and sing a lullaby to Him. He wants to love Him While praying to Lord Shiva, Krishnajoo asks from the bottom of his heart. for strength from “the hermit whose body is besmeared with ashes”. He surrenders himself at Whether it is Ganesha, Shiva, Rama or Krishna, his lotus-feet. In another hymn in praise of Shiva, all of them represent the ultimate reality, a union Krishnajoo says: which is to be achieved by the spiritual aspirant. The hermit whose neck is adorned by Krishnajoo had attained eternal peace by turning And from whose matted his mind away from worldly pleasures and adoring locks emerges the Ganga, the divine in his heart. This gave him freedom Is none other than from want, worries, anxieties and fear. He believed ‘Shambhoo’, my great Lord. sincerely in the oneness of the universe and in the brotherhood of mankind. “Let us all unite”, he God creates the world by his mere will. Maya exhorts, “and go in for introspection. Let us stand produces illusion. Karma or action pays only united and strive for peace”. Again like Lalla, he if it is Nishkama or unattached to any desire. seems to believe that, it is “we who existed in the Renunciation means to get rid of Maya that keeps past and we who shall exist in the future”. us in shackles. Fear of God is a deterrent to evil deeds. God is aware of all our actions, whether While the great saint-poet has become a household good or bad. We cannot hide our misdeeds from name in Kashmir, he is not totally unknown in him when he already knows about them. other parts of the country. Sir George Grierson got his ‘Shiva Lagna’ published by the Asiatic Society In this manner Krishnajoo advocates detachment of Bengal. Well-known Kashmiri scholar, Professor from those earthly and mundane desires which S.K. Toshakhani also published some of his songs. hamper one’s union with Shiva. Let me merge in thee forever Krishnajoo does not believe in in the Namah Shivaya! prevalent sense of the word, or in renouncing the world. For him renouncement meant giving up kama, krodha, lobha, moha and ahankara. He questions the very basis of renunciation and sannyasa in the following lines.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 81 Exquisite Verbal Painting

Prof. Kanhaya Lal Moza calls Razdan’s devotional poetry as exquisite verbal painting, as he refers to the numerous passages in ‘Shiva Parinay’. Instead of hurrying through such narrative segments, we observe him luxuriating in deliberate verbal strokes for conjuring up some captivating aspects of the nineteenth century Kashmiri Hindu life.

Actuated by infinite patience and wonderful artistic discipline, the immortal bard’s creative effort illustrates his consummate artistic detachment and “Shiva Lagna high objectivity. immortalised him as In this respect, he stands uniquely apart from all other devotional poets in Kashmiri literature. Krishnajoo Razdan as a verbal painter is a topic a saint-poet because of of vast critical scope. Here I consider only two pieces from the immortal bard’s Shiv Parinay its beautiful lyricism and for illustrating this scintillating feature of his profundity of thought. great poetry. In ‘Daya Gon Gyav Pyath Tumbakhnare’, Pt. His skill as a narrator Krishnajoo Razdan celebrates the maanzi raath of and his weaving stretches Girija, the divine consort of Lord Shiva. The poet wonderfully conjures up the atmosphere of mystic symbolism into of a contemporary Kashmiri Hindu household on such a festive occasion. The guests in the his highly musical verses magnificent hall designed and erected by King Himal (Himalaya) for the matrimonial celebrations are crowded around the cauldron containing henna makes him stand apart and they are singing the praises of the Lord to the from other poets tune of tumbakhnaar. The assembled guests have been singing of his age” throughout the night to the great appreciation of the Lord who is himself both Shiva and Keshava. They have been enjoying nectar trickling down from the heavens. They have sung away the night and the sun has made his presence felt. The shower of bliss sent by Siriya Div has made flowers bloom in floral tufts.

The poet here beautifully portrays a Kashmiri maanzi raath gradually yielding place to twilight dawn.

The cauldron containing henna is meticulously garnished with gold. All the assembled guests have

82 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 applied henna to their hands and feet singing the At this point of narration Razdan Sahib luxuriates praises of Ishaan to the melody of the percussion in the verbal painting of Kashmir landscape laced instrument. There are jubilations and celebrations with thickly falling filigree flakes of snow. everywhere and goddess Divath has brought good fortune in abundance. Kashmiri Hindu populace crowds wooden roofs covered with birch-bark sheets and thick layers of The night of maaenz has come after jostling clay for pushing down massive loads of scintillating away numerous nights in succession. Jyotirup pearls and golden snow. Shiva renders bringing of Laayi Boi and Ganga Vyas imperative and every object around gets They find it difficult to garner the mushy wealth covered by Shiva’s sacred ashes. On this festive in baskets and other containers; they fear the occasion, goddess Barkat has come laden with an towering of their paths above the roofy turrets; inexhaustible treasure of bounty. Goddess Siddeth they propose repairs of barns and garners for entering the portals sits at the window. She listens storing the precious wealth; the streets and alleys to the praises of the Lord sung to the beats of become bleak as shopkeepers rush away to their the tumbakhnaaer. homes after downing shutters of their shops.

The bride Parvati, whom Pt. Krishnajoo Razdan informs the supplicating relations of Parvati calls Vaak Devi, the goddess of the primeval that their cries are bound to be futile unless Lord sound, is embellished by goddess Sharada for the Shiva himself sweeps the glossy firmament off the matrimonial occasion. Goddess Siddha Laxmi binds pearly rich pregnant clouds. her long hair into charming plaits. At the conclusion of the poetic artifact saint-poet In ‘Daya Gon Gyav peth Tumbakhnaare,’ Pooshi Nool Razdan reaffirms his conviction that Shiva is (golden oriole) symbolises human consciousness realisable only through an unguarded plunge into and Vana Haaer (starling) is the body. Razdan the mysterium tremendrum constantly dogging obviously desires that human consciousness human existence. should subordinate the body to singing perpetually the praises of the Lord. The eulogizing frenzy persistently generated by the Lalleshwari is a manifestation of the same atavistic This ideal was preached long ago by the great critical predilection. It is due to the same reason Greek philosopher Socrates. In recent India, Saint that numerous scholars have miserably failed to Razdan and Mahatma Gandhi strove assiduously appreciate the beauty of the poetic artifacts where for the realisation of this ideal. saint-poet Razdan, adopting the Shiva Mahapurana as the scaffolding, luxuriates in the painting of In Daya Gon Gyav Peth Tumbakhnaare, Pt. Kashmir landscape and Kashmiri Hindu life. Krishnajoo Razdan catalogues Divath, Ganga Vyas, Laayi Boi, Barkat and Siddeth, the typical In medieval times poetry was a handmaiden of characters from Kashmiri Hindu pantheon, philosophy. We observe a persistent recurrence of alongside the pan-Hindu beneficent goddesses like this phenomenon down the centuries. Vakh Devi and Sidda Laxmi. Pt. Krishnajoo Razdan deserves being highly In Samivoo Lukav Sona Shin Vaalav, Pt. Krishnajoo credited for his mature artistic efforts to attempts a painting of Kashmiri landscape under a disentangle poetry from philosophy. Most of his chaste immaculate sheet of snowy alabaster. The poetic compositions transparently objectify his poet wonderfully captures the stir and commotion deep conviction that the principal concern of which a heavy snowfall inevitably ushers into the literature should be to portray and not to preach. heavenly vale. Ravinder Ravi As Lord Ishaan, accompanied by horrible creatures constituting his marriage procession is asked Source: Bhavan’s Journal October 15, 2010 by Girija’s relations to produce ornaments for bedecking the bride, he brings down from heavens filigree flakes of gold.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 83 Yoga and Naturopathy for Autism

Autism is a condition born out of man’s teachers trained to understand the problems they disharmony with nature. Disharmony of the have with communicating and learning. mind leads to stress, tension, anger and a host of negative emotions. This disharmony of a person Natural Therapies also leads to physical diseases. Since, Autism is a condition caused by chemical toxicity, solutions Diet must logically be found in medical systems which are intertwined with Nature. For these problems, to recover and manage, main changes are to be made in diet. The diet plays Autism is a term used for a number of main role for the improvement of children with developmental disabilities called Autism Spectrum autism. Most children with autism face a number Disorders (ASD). Autism spectrum disorders of digestive and allergic problems. Medical vary in severity and impact, from individual to researchers confirm that relationship exists individual and emerge in the first 3 yrs of a child’s between digestion, allergy, motility and behavior. life. It can affect the child’s ability to communicate, The following problem can lead to disturbances in understand languages and social relationships. autistic children: • Low stomach hydrochloric acid levels. Autistic child acts in unusual ways, they might flap • Lack of digestive enzymes. their hands, have impairment of communication • Low pancreatic function and other such as mute, repeat certain words over and over, decreased production of bicarbonates have temper tantrums, problems with sleeping, and other secretions. feeding and irrational fear, colour phobia, objects • Chronic candidiasis. and noise, etc. The main feature is that they like to • Increased intestinal permeability or leaky stick on to a particular schedule and any changes gut syndrome. will lead to irritation. To prevent the above problems the following diet Causes of Autism should be followed regularly:

The brain contains nerve cells called Neurons; Drinking warm water (roughly 200 to 400 ml) early each neuron may have hundreds or thousands in the morning on empty stomach, cleans the entire of connections that carry messages to other nerve digestive system. This helps to solve the problem cells in the brain and body. The connections and of constipation. Tulsi has anti-gene toxic effect. the chemical messages they send (called Neuro penetrates deep into tissues and imparts transmitters) let the neurons help to see, feel, confidence and ability to the body. Most of the food move, remember and work together as they advocated by Indian System of Medicine is liquid should do. or semisolid (like porridge, soups and juices). Particularly for neurological diseases, intake of For some reason, some of the cells and connections underground rhizomes, sour foods like tamarind in the brain of a child with autism, especially those and deep fried junk foods are to be discouraged. that affect communication, emotions, and senses, don’t develop properly or get damaged. Digestion Food to be Avoided problems like, constipation, pain in abdomen and • All dairy products including and cheese. at times ulcers may also occur, which the child • Wheat products like bread and pastas. cannot express himself. • Corn products other than fresh corns. • Peanut . There is no cure for autism, but doctors, special • Coffee, tea, alcohol. teachers can help kids with autism to overcome • Non-vegetarian food. or adjust with difficulties like improving digestion, • Sugar, Nutrasweet and all sweeteners except the speech, reduce the temper, improve honey and jaggery. communication skills, etc. Few Students with mild • Fried food and processed food. autism can go to regular school. They also need

84 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 “Autistic child acts in unusual ways... The main feature is that they like to stick on to a particular schedule and any changes will lead to irritation.”

Yoga Massage

Yoga is a powerful tool towards the well being of Massage provides relaxation, stress reduction body and mind. However, children with autism and calms muscle spasm. It also helps the child to cannot learn like others. Therefore, customized become more accustomed to tactile stimulation Yoga is required to meet the specific needs of and aids in body awareness, feelings of warmth children with autism. Each child needs to be taken and a decrease in stress. The relaxing benefits of care of in a different way. The entire program has massage and touch therapy contribute to more to be structured on one to one basis. Initially the restful sleep, including less sleep disruption and child will be passive. But a routine, structured longer sleep duration. Studies show that these programming will help the child perform exercises children show less autistic behaviour and become on his own, very shortly. By Yogic practices, more social and attentive after receiving massage different groups of muscle fibres contract therapy. This safe, nurturing touch and regular alternately; a steady tension is maintained in the sensory integration is beneficial in reducing whole muscle without fatigue. inattentiveness, touch aversion and withdrawal.

With the improvement in muscular tone the Steam Bath gait and postures of the children with autism have shown incredible improvements. Steam bath is designed to induce sweating, which help to massage muscles and organs so as to occurs through the skin, through hair follicles. enhance blood flow and stimulate blocked As a result, the body’s fiery content increases, nervous connections. Yoga is especially valuable stimulating agni (fire), which facilitates the in digestive disorders of all kinds. Children with rounding up of ‘ama’ from the system. The child autism who perform Yoga, regularly are less looks and feels healthier. Appetite and taste are prone to constipation, indigestion, flatulence enhanced. After the therapy, the children are less and diarrhoea. tense and more aware of themselves. We also find improvements in children with tactile problems. It is found that children have better lung capacity and less respiratory infections when they follow Music Therapy routine Yoga exercises. However since children with autism cannot follow instructions and act The playing or listening to music can bring on them, they are taught Yoga exercises where relaxation and emotional refreshment. But it is the breathing is automatically regulated in the something else to employ music to achieve specific exercise. Pranayama helps regulate the metabolic health promoting goals. Music has a tranquilizing processes at the cellular level. effect on the children with autism. Chanting ‘OM’ during Yoga sessions has a calming effect on the Play Therapy children and even helps imitation. ‘OM’ chant also regulates the central nervous system and Sensory motor play teaches young infants about peripheral nervous system. The vibrations have their own body specialities in the immediate a purifying effect on the cortical and sub-cortical environment. Explorative play teaches the older levels. It is found that the children are far more children about objects and their properties in receptive and co-operative, when mild classical the world around them. Physical play, including music is played during the massage. rough and tumble play, teaches toddlers and pre- schoolers, gross motor skills. It provides both Yuvaraj Paul, Junior Naturopath, National interactions with other children, as well as, objects Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, India in their environment. Social play makes children aware about social relationships and cultural Source: Nisargopachar Varta, March 2011 norms of the society in which the child is born. Sports activities like jogging, cycling, badminton, skating, throw ball, basketball and football help the child not only to engage himself constructively but also helps the child become calm and co-operative.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 85 Teratali performers at Desert Wedding Kailash Kher

Parramatta Town Hall

Parramasala Parramasala offers an international cultural feast of outstanding arts

From striking contemporary dance and profound The central city precinct around Town Hall and harmonic chant to one-off international concerts, St John’s Cathedral Square and the Riverside a dynamic South Asian film program, an immersive Theatres precinct will be focal points for the performance experience and contemporary art festival, featuring a free outdoor stage, daily exhibitions, Parramasala, the annual Australian ‘Masala’ markets and various performance, film and Festival of South Asian Arts, will transform the city exhibition venues. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. of Parramatta from 30 October to 6 November 2011. The exciting program includes: Artists in the program, announced today, will The world renowned percussionist come from all parts of the world and each has been Trilok Gurtu and his band performing in a inspired by the multitude of cultural influences concert with guest artist, the young sitar from the South Asian region of the world. Director extraordinaire, Niladri Kumar. of Parramasala, Philip Rolfe said the festival will delight a wide range of audiences with eight days of The acknowledged masterpiece by India’s exceptional sights, sounds and tastes through free legendary contemporary choreographer, and accessibly priced, ticketed performances. Chandralekha, performed by The Chandralekha Group from Chennai, is a highlight of the dance “We have some of the world’s most renowned program. Challenging the traditional notions international artists presenting a number of of classical dance in India, Sharira includes Australian exclusives right in the heart of the contemporary dance, yoga practice, traditional city. The festival is a concentrated set of unique Keralan marital arts and live Dhrupad song and experiences—ones you can have only in central music by the world famous Gundecha Brothers, in Parramatta. All major artists and attractions in a stunning, intimate production. the festival program will not be going to any other destinations in Australia. You can be part of a one- Audiences will experience the rare pleasure of a off, never to be repeated event,” he said. group of Bangladeshi Baul performers with Baul Shilpi and singer/songwriter Akkas Dewan, who Rolfe continued, “You have the chance to listen, are distinguished for celebrating their ancient see, learn about, experience and importantly, traditions with infectious high spirits, distinctive enjoy the cultural richness of a region of the world costumes and fascinating instruments. that is becoming more and more important to us and our futures. What you experience is also Global music’s pioneering leader in electronic indicative of the transforming nature of Australia fusion, Karsh Kale and his band hailing from New and the embracing of more diversity. The arts on York, mix the disparate genres of Indian classical show at Parramasala are as important to modern and folk music with pop, ambient and funky electro Australia as those from our Anglo Celtic and beats, performing his new album Cinema, the European heritages.” recent number one hit on the iTunes world music charts.

86 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Parramatta’s historic St John’s Cathedral will in public spaces of Parramatta inspired by the act resonate with the transcendent music of the of folding fabric. world’s most accomplished overtone music ensemble, David Hykes and the Harmonic Choir Jubilee Hall at Town Hall will transform into a pop from France, in their first appearance in Australia up licensed Festival Lounge, offering a chance to in 23 years. hang out with artists and relax before and after seeing a performance until midnight most nights. Hykes and his ensemble, influenced by Tibetan, Middle Eastern, Mongolian and Gregorian music, The Outdoor Stage in Church Street will host a will also feature in a not-to-be-missed closing free program of outstanding music, dance and night concert on Sunday 6 November at Riverside visual delights. Artists on this stage through the Theatre with the Sufi musicians and singers Dr festival include the electronica, vj, percussion and Madan Gopal Singh and Chaar Yaar and Qawwali performance group, Tablatronics, the outstanding and Sufi artist, Dhruv Sangari. Madhumita Roy dance company from Kolkata, Sekaa Gong Tirta Sinar (Sydney Another dance highlight will be one of the University’s gamelan orchestra, playing Australian world’s most exciting male dancers, Mavin Khoo, Museum owned instruments), and Bobby Singh from Malaysia, who is trained in both western with his groups Rasa Duende and Circle of contemporary and Indian classical styles. He is Rhythm. Full details of the Outdoor Stage program accompanied by the master Carnatic musician will be announced in October on the Parramasala OS Arun from India and will present the solo website along with the details of a series of artist dance production Devi In Absolution at the workshops, masterclasses and yoga lessons that Riverside Theatre. will be featuring throughout the festival.

Parramasala presents the six-day South Asian On the last night of Parramasala The Bombay Film in Focus, a brilliant program of eye-opening Royale will host the closing night fun on the independent film far removed from the glitzy world Outdoor Stage, surrounded by the festival’s Masala of Bollywood. Curated by Ravi Kambhoj, it’s a Market. For the first time in Sydney this iconic must see for film buffs and lovers of world movies Melbourne band dusts of its repertoire of unheard who are keen to experience the dynamism of this of Bollywood classics mixed with outrageous most vibrant film culture. Free documentaries surfadelic Hindi originals. at lunchtime, premiere features in the evening, a Satyajit Ray retrospective and more, will screen at Parramasala is presented by Parramasala Limited the Lennox Theatre, Riverside. and is supported by Destination NSW through Events NSW and Parramatta City Council. Film is a common theme of this year’s festival The festival is a key arts event on the NSW with many of the live productions having screen Events Calendar. components. One of these is the highly polished and totally riveting, cut-down version of arguably For the full Parramasala program visit the greatest film in Indian cinema history, the http://parramasala.com Academy Award nominated ‘Mother India’. This Mother India 21st Century Remix by English Tickets go on sale at 9am on August 30. company Kala Phool sees the three hours of original film reduced to 45 minutes and rescored What: Parramasala with a live band and the impressive DJ Tigerstyle. When: 30 October – 6 November 2011 Another highlight of the festival is an experiential Where: Parramatta – The Town Hall, St John’s theatre work, The Other Journey: Leaving Lanka Cathedral square precinct of Church Street, the and Becoming A Battler by the Sydney multi-media Riverside Theatres and riverbank precinct arts company, CuriousWorks. Commissioned by Parramasala and presented on the Parramatta Media contact: River, this production, based on stories of recent Rebecca George, Avviso PR, Ph: 02 9368 7277/0421 Sri Lankan refugees, takes audiences on a moving 988 035, Email: [email protected] journey with large scale outdoor projections, a boat tour and luscious Eastern and Western PARRAMASALA, AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF influenced music, relayed to personal headsets by SOUTH ASIAN ARTS individual mp3 players. An international contemporary arts festival that Parramatta Artists’ Studios presents two celebrates the global impact of South Asian arts. contemporary exhibitions. Pattern-ship features The city of Parramatta comes alive with 8 days of Sydney artists Lada Dedic and Kiri Morcombe vibrant arts and entertainment including music, collaborating with works from the Rabari and dance, theatre, film, markets and visual arts from Khatri artist collectives of the Kachchh region of around the world. Gujarat, India. USA artist Surabhi Saraf and Sydney artist and curator Fiona Davies will present works

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 87 MS Subbulakshmi is a name synonymous with the world of . This flawless singer whose voice had a divine power is the first singer in India to be presented with the Bharat Ratna, the highest award given to any civilian. Her full name was Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi and she was fondly known as MS or MSS. Her mother tongue was Kannada. Famous for rendering devotional songs she was called as Nightingale of India. Her rendering of bhajans (devotional songs) was divine and used to enthrall and transfix listeners, and transport them into a different world.

Early Life MS Subbulakshmi Little Kunjamma born in the temple town of Madurai on 16 September 1916, to veena player Shanmukhavadivu, little Kunjamma, brother Sakthivel and sister Vadivambal grew up surrounded and filled by music. Her Grandmother Akkammal was a violinist. The family was rich only in music. That was all the wealth they had. For the mother and children, it was a frugal existence. Her formal schooling was stopped in the 5th grade when a teacher’s beating brought on her an attack of whooping cough. But she practiced music for long hours, lost in the vibrations of the thambura, which she would tune reverently.

First Disc

Intrigued by the gramophone records, Kunjamma would roll a piece of paper for the speaker and sing into it for hours. This game became real when she accompanied her mother to Madras and cut her first disc at the age of ten. The songs were ‘Marakata vadivu’ and ‘Oothukuzhiyinile’ in an impossibly high pitch. In fact, it was through the Columbia Gramophone company records she was first noticed in the city of Madras before she was in her teens.

Vidwans

By 1932, MS had already become a sort of cult figure to a whole generation of young rasikas. Music in the household was of the highest quality. Young MS learnt music not only from her mother and her first guru Madurai Srinivasa Iyengar, but also from listening to almost all the great musicians of her time, who visited her mother’s house. When Dakshinamurthy Pillai, the famous Mridangist visited their home, he was so impressed by the young MS’s singing that he brought Ariyakkudi Ayyangar with him when he visited the house the next time. Ariyakkudi taught her a thodi varnam and Saraguna Palimpa in Kedara Gowla.

Breaking the Barrier

Her advantage, apart from the undeniable beautiful voice and charming looks was her obvious earnestness about music. An elderly Madras rasika rembers...“There was a feeling, until then, that

88 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 women sang principally to attract male attention. In 1947, Mahathma Gandhi had sent words to MS to Consequently, we didn’t quite know what to make sing ‘Bhajans’ for him. MS was unable to honor his out of this young woman from Madurai who sang request, but sent a recorded version of ‘Hari Tuma as if her life depended on it. There was no flippant Haro’ to him. All India Radio (A.I.R.) played this stage mannerisms. She essayed into serious after the announcement of the Mahatma’s death. elaborations of ragas without apparently being aware that she was breaking fresh ground as a The Philanthrophist female vocalist...”. Madras audiences began to sit up and take notice of MS Subbulakshmi. MS conducted a series of benefit concerts to collect funds for the Kasthurba Memorial Fund. This was The Debut perhaps the first (known) of the benefit concerts which MS has been conducting ever since to collect MS was invited to give a concert at the Music funds for a variety of social and religious causes. Academy. MS had just turned seventeen few MS treasured the letter she received from Gandhiji months before that. She went up the dias at the in appreciation of her work. festival to sing for the most elite gathering of music lovers in Madras. She had indeed broken the male The Suprabhatams oriented music barrier at this point. Those who knew MS in those days speak of her gaiety and Through the years, both MS and her husband infectious laughter. She continued to be a diligent Sadasivam helped a staggering variety of public student of music, learning, growing, but there causes both by donating royalties and by holding was also a certain flowering of her personality benefit performances for raising funds—the from the reserved and shy girl from Madurai amount ran to crores and crores of rupees. to a more open, more friendly young woman. MS’s recordings played a big part in this activity. Magazines especially like Ananda Vikatan had Her ‘Venkateswara Suprabaatham’, the proceeds begun reviewing her performances regularly. She of which went to the Thiruppathi Devasthanam, was constantly referred to by the press as Kokilam set a trend following which every south Indian or nightingale. singer cut at least one ‘suprabhaatham’ disc. The ‘Vishnu Saharanaamam’ proceeds went the ‘ Math’.

“Intrigued by the Awards

gramophone records, MS Subbulakshmi received many honours and Kunjamma would roll a awards. These include Padma Bhushan in 1954, Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1968 (She was the first piece of paper for the speaker woman recipient of the title), Ramon Magsaysay award in 1974, the Padma Vibhushan in 1975, the and sing into it for hours.” Kalidasa Samman in 1988, the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1990, and the Bharat Married Life Ratna in 1998. She was also honored as the court- singer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. MS met Sadasivam, a fairly well-known figure in the Madras Congress circle. He was a tall personable Final Days man with a can-do attitude. Such was the man After the death of her husband Sadasivam who was to change MS’s life for forever. With his in 1997, MS Subbulakshmi stopped all her wide connections in the journalistic and political public performances. She had no children. MS world, he became instrumental in the continued Subbulakshmi died on December 11, 2004 after success of her music career. She was a contented a brief illness. happy woman when the couple were married in . Source: http://famousmusicartist.blogspot.com, www.scribd.com, www.iloveindia.com Mahatma Gandhi

Sadasivam took her to see Mahathma Gandhi. She sang ‘Bhajans’ for him. In 1944, MS started conducting benefit performances to collect funds for a variety of social and religious causes. The part of ‘Kalki’ magazine in her image building was not small. Almost every other cover featured her, with a reverential little article inside about her charity performances. Kalki, in fact played a big role in projecting MS as a saintly musician, that has endured to this day. MS, thus had arrived at the national scene, as a personage, not just a musician.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 89 Living and Dying in Dignity

There is a constitutional way to ending life but it The Supreme Court has found the need to invent is unconstitutional to end life. The former course “passive euthanasia” to provide room for cases like is now defined by the Supreme Court of India as that of Shanbhag. It invokes Article 226 of “passive euthanasia” and the latter can be the Constitution which empowers the High Courts achieved in many ways from murder, massacre, to approve removal of life support systems in cases poison gas leak and police encounter to suicide where patients have long been declared incurable and mercy killing. and incapable of life outside the hospitals.

That’s the vision of clarity that the Supreme Court Since most of the suffering persons may also be has given to the nation in the case of a nurse who incapable of expressing their own views on ending was brutally raped in 1973 and rendered incapable of life, passive euthanasia can be resorted to with of a normal life both physically and mentally expert medical advice and consent from close ever since. relatives of the patient.

A dedicated journalist, moved more by compassion Allowing mercy killing, on the other hand, might and angered by the denial of a life in dignity for give rise to heinous crimes specially in families Aruna Shanbhag, the rape victim, sought a legal with claimants to ancestral assets. The real sanction to end the agony and suffering of the question is: “At what stage does an individual victim by euthanasia (mercy killing). claim the right to live and die the way he/she likes?” Ancient Indian tradition does not grant the In a country which upholds the absurdity that individual the right to take one’s own life. But it has attempt to commit suicide is against the law while very little basis for slapping a crime on someone it is perfectly normal and legal to allow people to who attempts to take one’s own life. die of starvation and malnutrition, mercy killing, an extreme way to end the suffering of individuals Suicide is more a crime against nature than a crime with no prospects of normal life, persons who have in law. The worldwide campaign for euthanasia no life to live but aren’t ‘brain dead’ cannot devise disagrees with this perspective in as much as they their own ways of saying goodbye to life. argue that the motive for mercy killing emphasises mercy and compassion, an utmost concern for the Living in dignity is neither a citizen’s right nor a endlessness of the suffering of the individual rather government’s obligation. Indians do not even have than the aspect of killing. a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right to life except in Article 21 which seeks to protect Patients with incurable diseases have been known people from being deprived of their right to hold to get back to active life but those few humans who property and exist thereon. That is perhaps the have lost all hopes of active life should be afforded reason why the people’s faith in God and religion a chance to make a dignified exit. to protect their interests is much greater than their faith in the state and their rulers. Indeed, no government or ruler can really assure the people the conditions for dignified living; It is in this context of defenceless people that the should they have the right to deny death in dignity? Supreme Court’s decision on euthanasia must be seen and evaluated. The law forbids mercy killing Source: Bhavan’s Journal March 31, 2011 as it does most other forms of killing.

Aruna Shanbag

90 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Rabindranath Tagore’s Geetanjali

Last Curtain

I know that the day will come when my sight of this earth shall be lost, and life will take its leave in silence, drawing the last curtain over my eyes. Yet stars will watch at night, and morning rise as before, and hours heave like sea waves casting up pleasures and pains. When I think of this end of my moments, the barrier of the moments breaks and I see by the light of death thy world with its careless treasures. Rare is its lowliest seat, rare is its meanest of lives. Things that I longed for in vain and things that I got ---let them pass. Let me but truly possess the things that I ever spurned and overlooked.

Farewell

I have got my leave. Bid me farewell, my brothers! I bow to you all and take my departure. Here I give back the keys of my door ---and I give up all claims to my house. I only ask for last kind words from you. We were neighbors for long, but I received more than I could give. Now the day has dawned and the lamp that lit my dark corner is out. A summons has come and I am ready for my journey.

Threshold

I was not aware of the moment when I first crossed the threshold of this life. What was the power that made me open out into this vast mystery like a bud in the forest at midnight! When in the morning I looked upon the light I felt in a moment that I was no stranger in this world, that the inscrutable without name and form had taken me in its arms in the form of my own mother. Even so, in death the same unknown will appear as ever known to me. And because I love this life, I know I shall love death as well. The child cries out when from the right breast the mother takes it away, in the very next moment to find in the left one its consolation.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 91 reader.com

White Ribbon Ambassador of the Year Award 2011

Ambassador of the Year—Mick Doleman, Deputy National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)

Of the eleven outstanding finalists, one has been chosen to carry the torch and lead the Campaign as the 2011 Ambassador of the Year. Mick was chosen as the 2011 Ambassador of the Year in recognition of the impact his advocacy has had in extending the White Ribbon Campaign into all aspects of the Union’s activities.

Mick was instrumental in the MUA’s unique Not Silent, Not Violent t-shirts and flags which have been displayed everywhere from oil rigs off the North West coast, to Antarctica, Sydney ferries and all Australian container terminals—taking White Ribbon to horizons beyond the reach of anyone “Having spoken on White Ribbon in NZ, Malaysia, else. As a result of Mick’s efforts all male MUA PNG, UK and shortly Durban, South Africa, I know officials, officers and many members have become White Ribbon is a truly global movement of great White Ribbon Ambassadors. importance.”

Upon receiving the award, Mick commented: “The Congratulations Mick, you are an inspiration White Ribbon model is a fantastic opportunity to to us all. raise the consciousness of men in the workforce and, with a predominantly male workforce, the maritime industry is a great opportunity for the reader.com work of the White Ribbon movement. Note: We invite frank opinion from our readers.

Advertise With Us!

Advertising in Bhavan Australia offers the best opportunity to brand your company and showcase your products and/or services in a cultural and ethical editorial environment.

Bhavan Australia is the platform to hold aloft the best of Indian traditions and at the same time encouraging the multiculturalism integration.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

92 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Transfer of warmth can also be achieved by employing heat compress, abdomen packs, etc. Care should be taken to maintain the temperature at approximately 104°F (40°C) in all such therapies. Exceeding this limit poses damage to the tissues.

As a rule of thumb, bowels should be kept clean. With mild laxatives like guava, banana, raisins it should be supported to eliminate the wastes. Even if constipated a Luke warm water enema shall be had to prevent any auto intoxications.

Naturopath’s Advice Herbal Remedy: An Infusion of 1 tbsp. of Chamomile (Babunphul) with 2 slices of fresh ginger is a very Question & Answer effective treatment for menstrual cramps.

Q. My wife (30 years old) suffers from severe Ginger tea made with an inch length ginger, a table abdominal and waist pain during her periods. spoon of coriander seeds and jaggery will help to She says the pain starts just a day before from her relieve nausea and bloating during the periods. periods. She is having this pain since the beginning of her first period. We have a girl child of one and The acupuncture system has certain pain relieving half year’s age. Will my child suffer from similar points which when stimulated, eases the symptoms problem? Kindly suggest the treatment. of dysmenorrhoea. Aromatherapy with topically- (Name not disclosed) applied lavender, sage, and rose oils help to ease menstrual cramps. A. The condition, your wife is suffering from can be primary dysmenorrhoea. It is termed ‘primary’ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve as the underlying cause is not identifiable or Stimulation (TENS) absent. Painful periods are common in teenagers and young adults. But periods tend to become This is an option for women who become non- less painful as one gets older. Early attention, as ambulatory during their periods. The treatment prescribed below, if given in time, even in primary works by giving out a small electrical current, dysmenorrhoea, good result can be achieved. which interferes with pain signals which are sent to Though genetic factors play a role in the primary the brain from the nerves. dysmenorrhoea, studies have revealed that the After the ovulation period, i.e. around the mid practice of yoga has the power to switch off even of the cycle, massage with sesame oil on the inherited ailments. Hence it is suggested to induct abdomen below umbilicus should be done followed Yoga practices to your kid from the age of 12. by sudation. Cold hip bath can be taken every Symptom alternate day, two days prior to the periods. This gives the tonic effect to the uterine muscles. The main symptom is crampy pain in the lower abdomen. The pain As a precaution, it is a must to exercise regularly. • May spread to the lower back or to the thighs. Studies have shown that regular physical activity • Usually starts as the bleeding starts, but it may can reduce the duration and severity of menstrual start up to a day before. pain. Swimming in case of youngsters and yoga for • Usually lasts 12-24 hours, but lasts 2-3 days in all age group are the best among the activities one some cases. can resort to. • Can vary with each period. Some periods are Dr. D. Sathyanath, Nature Cure Physician, worse than others. National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Dept. of Co-occurring symptoms may include nausea and Ayush, Ministry of Health & F.W., Govt of India, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, based at Bapu Bhavan, Tadiwala Road, Pune, dizziness, disorientation, hypersensitivity to sound, India. NIN provides multifaceted Services and light, smell and touch, fainting and fatigue. Monthly Activities including, OPD Clinic, Yoga Classes, Magazine, Weekly Lectures, Monthly Naturopathic Treatment Workshop, Naturopathy Diet Centre, Courses and Acupressure Clinic etc. For more details visit: Warmth: Applying warmth to the lower abdomen www.punenin.org, Email: [email protected]. with the help of a fomentation bag, douche, hip bath or shower, will be soothing and pain relieving Source: Nisargopachar Varta, for cramps of the uterine muscles. If the pain often National Institute of Naturopathy, does not last long, this may be all that one need. Vol. 3, Issue 8, August-September 2011

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 93 Bhavan’s children Untold Stories of King Bhoja Bewailed Bhoja: ‘A priceless gem has slipped through my Bhoja meets Sarpati hands. When and where shall I meet this great man again?’ At the palace, the king ordered elaborate arrangements for the comfortable stay of the “Sthita-prajnas or men of steadfast wisdom differ visitor and placed at his disposal men and things from others in this respect that, even when faced for all his requirements. After completing all with the bleakest of prospects, they neither despair arrangements, the king went to his quarters. nor give up hope. They will make a springboard of such a situation and try their best to overcome For a time the siddha lived in the palace it by their resourcefulness. King Bhoja, being comfortably. But soon he started fidgeting. One admittedly one, thought furiously for some time night, thought he: ‘The king brought me here out of how best he could rectify his mistake. He decided a sense of propriety or even wonder. But is it right on a plan of action. for me to keep idling in his company? No, I have other duties. But before I leave, let me do him a Sarpati was a siddha and Bhoja reasoned that, good turn’. besides dhuma-vidya, he might perhaps be in possession of a few other popular vidyas. But the Thus thinking, he moved out of his apartment rarest of vidyas was sabda-vidya, i.e., the art of unnoticed and reaching the throne-room, saw effecting miracles by means of sound. He made the empty throne which was made of an alloy a reasonable guess that Sarpati could not be in of the five metals. A small oil lamp was burning possession of it. From his own experience of the near it. The siddha fed on the flame some herbal passion for learning, he concluded that Sarpati preparation and slipped out of the palace when the could not fail to be attracted by sabda-vidya. entire room became golden. Anyway he decided to take a risk, and made it widely known both in his kingdom and elsewhere Sarpati curses Bhoja that he, Bhoja, was in possession of sabda-vidya. Early on the following morning King Bhoja This news created a great furore all through completed his ablutions and after performing his the world, and particularly among the siddhas routine worship, came to the durbar. On the way everywhere, many of whom naturally came to two of his servants appeared before him in an see Bhoja and felicitate him on his exceptional agitated frame of mind and submitted: attainments. ‘Lord! We kept careful vigil of this palace all For his part, Bhoja had his throne-room dismantled through the night and yet without our knowledge and converted all the gold so got into water-pots the entire throne-room, its metalled walls, and begging-bowls which he gifted away liberally to structure, the throne and all items of furniture have the siddhas who came to see him. turned golden as if by magic’ In due course Sarpati too came to know from the When King Bhoja heard this, he immediately siddhas, who had received those princely gifts, of concluded that such transformation could have King Bhoja’s rare attainment, namely possession been effected only by a dhumavedi or one who of sabda-vidya. It turned out that King Bhoja’s knew dhumavidya, an occult science. And he knew guess was hundred per cent correct; for Sarpati that his anchorite guest, Sarpati, was a dhuma-vedi. immediately reacted: ‘What a fool have I been! So, he hurried to the room where Sarpati stayed, Had I known his accomplishment earlier, I would but to his surprise, he found it empty and Sarpati certainly have learnt the vidya from Bhoja who missing. would never have refused my request.’ Along with the palace guards he made a frantic search for Sarpati, but no trace of him could be To be continued… found. King Bhoja who had developed a consuming passion for learning dhuma-vidya then felt that a V.A.K. Ayer heaven-sent opportunity had slipped out of his Source: Untold Stories of King Bhoja, Bhavan’s hands, for he could have learnt it from Sarpati! Book University, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

94 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 Bhavan’s children Charter of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia Bhavan) is a non-profit, non-religious, non- The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan ( political Non Government Organisation (NGO). Bhavan has been playing a crucial role in educational and cultural interactions in the world, holding aloft the best of Indian traditions and at the same time meeting the needs of modernity and multiculturalism. Bhavan’s ideal ‘is the whole world is but one family’ and its motto: ‘let noble thoughts come to us from all sides’.

Like Bhavan’s other centres around the world, Bhavan Australia facilitates intercultural activities and provides a forum for true understanding of Indian culture, multiculturalism and foster closer cultural ties among individuals, Governments and cultural institutions in Australia.

Bhavan Australia Charter derived from its constitution is:

• To advance the education of the public in: a) the cultures (both spiritual and temporal) of the world, b) literature, music, the dance, c) the arts, d) languages of the world, e) philosophies of the world.

• To foster awareness of the contribution of a diversity of cultures to the continuing development of multicultural society of Australia.

• To foster understanding and acceptance of the cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity of the Australian people of widely diverse heritages.

• To edit, publish and issue books, journals and periodicals, documentaries in Sanskrit, English and other languages, to promote the objects of the Bhavan or to impart or further education as authorized.

• To foster and undertake research studies in the areas of interest to Bhavan and to print and publish the results of any research which is undertaken.

www.bhavanaustralia.org

The Test of Bhavan’s Right to Exist

The test of Bhavan’s right to exist is whether those who work for it in different spheres and in different places and those who study in its many institutions can develop a sense of mission as would enable them to translate the fundamental values, even in a small measure, into their individual life.

Creative vitality of a culture consists in this: whether the ‘best’ among those who belong to it, however small their number, find self-fulfilment by living up to the fundamental values of our ageless culture.

It must be realised that the history of the world is a story of men who had faith in themselves and in their mission. When an age does not produce men of such faith, its culture is on its way to extinction. The real strength of the Bhavan, therefore, would lie not so much in the number of its buildings or institutions it conducts, nor in the volume of its assets and budgets, nor even in its growing publication, cultural and educational activities. It would lie in the character, humility, selflessness and dedicated work of its devoted workers, honorary and stipendiary. They alone can release the regenerative influences, bringing into play the invisible pressure which alone can transform human nature.

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 95 From Bhavan’s Journal August 20, 1961 Reprinted in Bhavan’s Journal August 31, 2011

Arise, Awake, Great India! Freedom of Education: - Sister Nivedita Guarantee against Thought builds the universe. The mind alone is Dictatorship real. All that is seen is but a dream. There is such - Kishore K. Koticha a thing as the conscious holding of a thought. When this is done, all that opposes it, or seems Liberty of thought is based on the dictum: “The contradictory to it, gradually melts away, and we voice of reason is more really heard when it can wonder what has become of it, or why we were at persuade but no longer coerce.” Therefore, it is a one time under its illusion. thing which a citizen in a democracy enjoys and values most, for that is the only sure guarantee Anything may be achieved by thought. Death, against the emergence of dictatorship and disease, poverty, humiliation, any or all of these authoritarian regimes. Liberty of thought and may be overcome. The one thought, “I am the liberty of education are interlinked. If there is strong! I am the strong!” earnestly held, calmly, real liberty of thought there must be liberty to unwaveringly, and yet silently asserted, is enough. experiment in the matter of education and also the In the presence of one strong thought, all of a right of a parent to decide what kind of education contrary opinion or party become apologetic, and his child shall receive. Therefore, democrats seek to defend themselves, or to explain why they have always regarded education and acquisition cannot quite agree. And this without one word of knowledge as matters of supreme importance being said. which should be diligently promoted. Immense batteries may be made, by numbers of But in the modern times, as Bertrand Russell, people uniting together to think a given thought. the great philosopher, has put it: “We are faced If the whole of India could agree to give, say ten with the paradoxical fact that education has minutes every evening, at the oncoming of darkness, become one of the chief obstacles to intelligence to thinking a single thought, “we are one. We are and freedom of thought.” Why is this so? In the one. Nothing can prevail against us to make us think present-day world, especially in the countries with we are divided. For we are one. We are one and all backward economies, the problems before the antagonisms amongst us are illusion,”—the power rulers are stupendous, though not without solution. that would be generated can hardly be measured. Their solution, however, in a rational manner would demand some sacrifice from the members This force ought always to be used to constructive of the ruling class, which they are generally not forms. We ought always to devote it to what are prepared to make. The only solution which appeals called positive ends. We ought never to use it for to most of them, who possess an authoritarian or a hatred or jealousy or anger, but always in love and dictatorial bent of mind, is to reduce the diversity faith, and for the upbuilding of something. Even of men’s minds to some kind of manageable when evil is to be destroyed, or a lie overcome, we uniformity so that failure of the ruling class to solve must think of the truth that is to be revealed or the the grave problems facing a nation does not lead to good to be done, and not the evil or the falsehood. their overthrow from power.

The less selfish the things we wish for the greater and keener will be the accumulated and multiplied power of our thought battery. “Awake, awake, great India” is an ejaculation Flashback which, said within the mind quietly by hundreds < < < of thousands of persons at a given hour, would produce immeasurable force, in proportion to the depth of their concentration on the thing itself.

96 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 yogayukto vishuddhaatmaa Holy & Wise vijitaatmaa jitendriyah sarvabhootaatmabhootaatmaa kurvannapi na lippyate If a child is given love, he The karmayogi, who has becomes loving ... If he’s fully conquered his mind and helped when he needs help, subdued his senses, whose he becomes helpful. And if he heart is pure and who has has been truly valued at home identified his self with the self ... he grows up secure enough of all beings (God), remains to look beyond himself to the unaffected, even though welfare of others. performing action. -Dr. Joyce Brothers - V-7

You have learnt so much And read a thousand books. Have you even read your self? Nonviolence should never be used as a You have gone to mosque and temple. Have you ever visited your soul? shield for cowardice. It was a weapon of the brave. -Bulle Shah -Mahatma Gandhi

Kulapativani

Freedom

Men and women have to be free and equal, subject only to the law of truth and service.

Freedom is easier to gain than to preserve. At all times a free nation has to be vigilant and determined in safeguarding it.

For this purpose we have to replenish its faith in freedom from time to time by recapturing in its imagination the struggles, trials and sufferings through which it passed before freedom was secured.

We have also to maintain the spirit of freedom by keeping alive the memory of the heroes and martyrs whose undaunted courage paved the path to freedom.

For we have to weave the spirit into the texture of our Collective Unconscious, so that no one can enslave us any more.

Dr K.M. Munshi

Founder, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 97 98 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011 September 2011 | Bhavan Australia | 99 2611 BMG amcham ad:Layout 1 15/10/10 9:46 AM Page 1

comprehensive business services - concept to commissioning

BMG Group Australia provides expert comprehensive business advice, and trade services.

We pride ourselves on supplying a highly personalised, ‘one stop shop’ service.

Our services include: • Advisory services for new business startups from concept to commissioning, including coordination and follow-up with relevant government agencies in Australia; India; USA; UK; Europe and Japan • Assistance with sourcing technological and financial collaboration; joint venture partners and other forms of alliances • Business planning including financial projections, taxation planning & associated services • Appropriate and efficient business structures – domestic and offshore • Assistance with compliance, accounting and taxation needs including financial and management accounting • Comprehensive taxation advice and planning • Assistance with developing wholesome multicultural strategies for medium and large corporations and government and semi-government organizations

Suite 100, Level 4, 515 Kent Street, Sydney t. +612 9267 9255 e. [email protected] w. www.bmgw.com aqua.2611

100 | Bhavan Australia | September 2011