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SACRED SPACE BOOK REVIEW Power of Prayer India's Emerging Future and Disruptive Innovations Dr Vishal Gupta ego, and increases our faith. In due course, energy. These resultant positive energies can Ashok Ogra used for a variety of difference applications creating 'superhumans' or producing tailor regular prayers can help to pacify our shat- be channelised for healing from any disease leading to immersive learning." made babies." Prayer is generally recognised in both tered soul and provide access to the supreme or any emotional distress. Prayers by induc- Is the future all about flying cars, robots, Providing a clue to the 'Classrooms of the Conferred with Padma Shri, Kiran Karnik ancient and modern period as a true supernat- soul. It is also a valuable way of arousing our ing optimistic feelings in us can activate the space odyssey and cyborgs? What about the future,' Kiran predicts movement of educa- describes himself a 'public un-intellectual'- a ural intervention for alleviating illness and divine emotion (bhav) and getting pleasure good genes to fight against any deadly dis- ethical questions that bionic beings and tion from the gurushikshya mode to corpora- non-academic with a strong interest in public promoting good health. All the religions, such from spiritual union with God and the Bliss ease. immortality are bound to throw up? If in the tized entities as exemplified by Byju's. policy and strategy. He has worked in various as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism (Anand) that results from it. It is usually observed that the people who future technology is going to mediate most of He envisages a different technological fields over the last few decades, including the use prayer as a means to communicate with a In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna gives suffered from some life-threatening illness, our interactions, will it lead to depersonaliza- scenario - a revolutionary, rather than evolu- India's space programme and the television god or deity. Every religion believes in prayer us the promise that the people, who are accident or some kind of emotional turmoil tion and, ultimately, to dehumanization. tionary one: a memory and learning chip industry. He was Managing Director of for healing and cleansing the mind. Prayer as engrossed in God consciousness, are freed in their life often turn towards spirituality. The prevailing pandemic has given fresh implanted into humans, which would not Discovery Channel, India and also served as an act or practice may vary but in crisis all reli- eternally from the attachments of worldly When the life gets difficult and mysteries due ammunition to those who believe that there only provide existing information and knowl- President of NASSCOM. gions use it as remedy to their source of life. Prayers bring into line our hearts and to the uncertainties of future, even the most are limits to what science and technology can edge on a subject, but ensure continuous He also discusses the role of technology in authority. In the Christian church, for exam- minds with the uppermost purpose of our atheistic people started praying heavily. At do - particularly in meeting health related learning based on AI. bettering governance and how it is affecting challenges, arising from environmental dis- ple, prayers of intercession are part of the serv- lives, which is salvation or self-realization. All some stage of life, every person is likely to In the chapter 'Dr. Google's Clinic', the democracy. "It is possible that the context aster we have invited upon ourselves. ice with the congregation praying for the the spiritual gurus assure that there is no pass through extreme emotions of family author elaborates on the internet and tech- determines the impact of technology. In a cli- However, there are those who ascribe the issues, relationship issues, job issues and ulti- nology transforming health care: "the con- mate of ultra-nationalism and heightened huge progress human civilization has made mately has to move towards spirituality for vergence of electronics, computers and soft- cultural and religious schisms, technology in the last two centuries or so to major scien- ware, with the broad discipline of medicine, seems to aid alienation and a sense of 'other- wellbeing and revival. Sometimes an individ- tific discoveries and technological break- ual doesn't even require a major setback to has resulted in a host of new devices that are ness.' In a more benign context, it may well throughs. radically altering healthcare. First generation promote better communication and under- shift his focus towards God. Like, kids and What we need to acknowledge, however, teens doesn't get so much fascinated towards standing.'' is that human history is replete with exam- Is it then an amplifier, with the role of visiting holy places, but with the increase in ples of major health, ecological etc. crisis fol- age, they slowly but surely move to read holy accelerating and widening the dominant ten- lowed by major discoveries. In the words of dency? It is not Kiran's fault that he does not scriptures and spend time praying. the noted historian of present times, Yuval We should not live out spirituality as a fash- pause to address this important question in Noah Harari, 'it's always been this way. greater detail. He is honest to admit that it ion and thereby add more complications to it. Humans face problems, they find solutions to We should not fear to pray. The two main pre- may be too early to reach a definitive conclu- these problems, but the solutions create new sion, which would require more data over a requisites for true prayers are faith and problems, often worse than the original ones. Surrender. Most of people pray passionately at longer period. The technologies we have developed in the Invariably, most books that deal with their religious places and to their God for the modern age have enabled us to eradicate the technologies having implications for the soci- eradication of problems, yet they always incidence of famine, plague and war - but ety tend to be beyond the comprehension of a remain restless and bothered about the prob- these very same technologies now threaten to common reader. But this book is devoid of lems. Instead of this, a person should pray with disrupt the ecology, restrain human freedom, health of someone who is sick or hospitalized. scientific jargon and makes for easy reading. problem that cannot be solved by prayer, no paramount faith. To build our faith in God, We and perhaps make humans themselves The author manages to present a visual map Muslims attend the mosque for worship and misery that cannot be allayed by prayer, no should offer gratitude and calculate our bless- redundant.' ask the Imam to say a special prayer for a per- of how culture, communication and ideas complexity that cannot be overcome by ing or things given by God. For instance: One can argue with Harari that not all influence the way technology is used and how son who is ill, with the congregation affirming prayer and no evil that cannot be conquered "Thank God for blessing the oxygen, the food- solutions delivered by scientific discoveries the prayer. Hindus pray for good health at the societies in turn absorb and benefit from by prayer. There is no supremacy in the stuff, the sweet water and the sunshine." have had negative fallout, and that in most these new interventions. He provides fasci- temple or in shrines or gathering for worship world except the power of prayer that can When faced with horror of the some mys- cases the positives outweigh the negatives! at their homes. In Hinduism we have rhythmi- nating insights into the interplay of science, take us so close to God in ways which we can- terious thing, turning to an all knowing and All the inventions have not been destructive. technology and society. cal prayers in the form of stotras and Aartis to not even visualise. We can transform our all-pervading God is a good place to start. The electric light is a case in point. In fact, one worship the God. In Sikhism, Prayer or Ardaas In the last chapter 'India's Tech lives and our fortunes, via the power of Research studies in modern times showed of the most brilliant knowledge advances of Triumphs', the author sounds optimist that (prayer in the form of request) is one of the prayers. Even the most complicated prob- that prayer trims down worry and despair. A the twentieth century - as great as computer, three basics of Sikh religious thought, along ECG and ultrasound equipment is being sup- India will be able to enter the 'fourth industri- lems can be solved with coolness when we reduction in anxiety makes people to deal as great as abolition of racial inferiority and al revolution' with greater confidence - with Faith and Grace. plemented and sometimes even replaced by mingle the spiritual power of our prayers and react to outer events with a more obser- the growing awareness of the spaceship cheaper and better products, including thanks to new tech companies that are gener- The word prayer or prarthana (in with the power of our intent. vant rather than emotional manner. More earth- has been the conquest of infectious portable and low-cost ECG and ultrasound ating new products and services. However, Sanskrit) is derivative from two words 'pra' True prayer is all about sincere spirituali- than ever, under the present circumstances diseases. devices… Digital X-rays and software driven he cautions that there are two major possibil- and 'artha', meaning demanding zealously. ty and it is free from all rituals. For the trans- of Corona virus pandemic with no vaccine or It is against this background that I find image processing techniques are improving ities that hold our future hostage. The first is In other sense, it is requesting God for some- mission of your prayers to God, we don't have effectual cure visible prayer can make a big 'Evolution: Decoding India's Disruptive Tech accuracy and enabling better massive nuclear war that will kill millions thing with passionate desire and it comprises to be a religious human being and we don't difference. We have to believe in the wonders Story ' by Kiran Karnik a fascinating read. It diagnosis."Kiran asserts that the important and result in radio activity that will threaten reverence, worship and faith. Prayer is a key- need to visit some religious shrine. of God and have to combine hands and join is a book that builds its narrative on the benefit is that most of these devices are sim- the survivors. The second is industrialization- stone in religious practice because it Everything including human begin is just a the forces of all faiths together for the single major technological breakthroughs we have ple enough to be used by a patient or an induced climate change, which will make the improves the strength of peoples' liaison with bundle of energy and a prayer done with a cause of saving humanity from this pandem- already achieved, and how 'technology of untrained caregiver. Telemedicine offers an Earth uninhabitable. Both these - while trig- God, gives us divine protection, decreases divine emotions assist in generating positive ic. future' will impact the way we live, work and alternative possibility for un-reached rural gered by technology- are actually caused by think. The author is careful not to indulge in population, at least as an interim solution. human short-sightedness. In both cases, the crystal gazing thus saving us from yet anoth- Possibly, the government will upgrade the control button is yet in human hands er book under sci-fiction genre. each Public Health Centre and sub-centre (though, in the case of climate change, it may When he started his career in ISRO and into telemedicine access points. He informs become irreversible after a point). Therefore, "Destiny, Not Always..." worked with late Vikram Sarabhai, education us that ISRO recently deployed a telemedi- it is humans, not technology- that must be and, in particular, use of technology to cine facility in Saichen. held responsible. Gehna Kochhar sometimes it'll drift you apart as well. you do not follow, you won't look cool or improve access to quality education and Convinced that the only way to improve Scientific confidence asserts that there is a For years once we are born and until we without which you cannot preach that you enhance learning, has been one of the key our social indicators is through the use of solution to every problem but history teaches age, we were always brought up with a con- love yourself. areas that Kiran has been passionately technology, he lauds the ventures being that there is a problem to every solution. ception " If it's destined to be yours, it'll be But, engaged in. "Computer technology and wide- launched by many young Indians aimed at Kiran is mindful of serious concerns about yours." It takes a minute for you to say that, but spread internet connectivity opened up new rescuing the large mass of people from back- the dangers of a new man-machine equation IS IT? years for a heart to accept that... vistas for education, especially with the avail- wardness, disease and illiteracy. and of climate change. Above all, it is no Do things really work that way? The heart that once breaks, ability of broadband connections and He is honest to pose an ethical question longer a question of redeeming the past. In If we leave things hanging, Takes years to rebuild, decreasing cost of communication….. that 'science excites, but also scares-' particu- the eyes of many including the author who Hoping without any effort of yours, it'll To convince a heart that's been once Globally, the advent of the Massive Online larly when discussing 'bionic beings' - a can clearly see the portents, it is now a matter be yours always, broken, Open Courses (MOOCs) was not just a machine replacing part of a body to carry out of saving the future. Victory will never be yours. To let it love again, semantic change from the earlier distance key body functions. "The ability to remove or However, the broad point Kiran is mak- The reason why we cause thousands of Repeat the cycle all over, learning, but it took it to a new level through add genes in the basic DNA structure of a ing is that whatever the development strate- gy, the need for both appropriate technolo- relationships to die, Is equivalent to demanding the use of contemporary technology…. human body makes it possible to manipulate Another technological innovation is the gam- gies and appropriate products will remain People to suffer, The dead to return. this building block. While the positive aspect ification of learning. This seeks to use the paramount. Hopefully, nobody will contest Tears to fall, "Kismat mei hoga, toh zaroor Milega." is is that this could enable the prevention of popularity and excitement of computer that assertion. Us to hurt, what has been raising hope and life in our hereditary diseases, the technology could also games to promote learning. Emerging tech- (The author is Advisor(MC) with reputed Is because we let go of the string holding hearts for centuries now. But, here comes be used for other purposes. Some are already nologies and augmented reality are being Apeejay Education Society, New Delhi) us together the dilemma, let it go because it isn't meant With a mere anticipation that no matter to be or hold onto it until it rips your heart? what, destiny will work for us. What's sad is choosing any of them, will But we forget, how do we expect the des- burn your soul. Hatash's emotion-packed Urdu Ghazals impress tiny to be our way, if the bond wasn't strong You just need to decide what is worth enough? setting your soul on fire... O P Sharma Department, Kashmir University and ( My heart is always in a fix, at all times If we did not try enough to make it feel It's very easy to say that "We do not wish No doubt, we have spent our lives focus- Name of Book : Sabza se Sehra Tak Central University, Srinagar as well as emi- this helpless is in need of help.) to have you in our lives anymore.", it has ing on the destiny, but continuous efforts to you actually wanted it? (Collection of Urdu Ghazals ) nent Professor Sahab Ali, Head of Urdu In an interview, Piarey Hatash narrated Not every time can destiny protect you, become a trend now, which if after a while turn it into a reality is what matters. Department, Mumbai University, and both his literary journey and discussed his attain- Author : Piarey Hatash have expressed good words for the author as ments over the years. Asserting that he start- Publisher : Gulshan Publishers, well as the quality of the poetic compositions. ed writing in Kashmiri while still in the 9th Residency Road, Srinagar, The author has dedicated the book to Dr. class student in Anantnag and later the Wonders of Kashmiri sufism! Kashmir. Shujat Bukhari, an eminent journalist and process went apace. He has carved out a writer, who was assassinated in Srinagar by niche for himself and rendered good service Eminent writer Piarey Hatash has the Javaid Beigh While there existed in Kashmir valley Pundits subjected majority of the Kashmiri the militants on June 14, 2018. to the literature and the society. Sufism in Kashmir valley is something since medieval era, some of the more tradi- population to poverty and destitution. distinction of having authored 33 books-in GHAZAL IS 'KING' that is integrated with the soul of its people tional and conventional schools of Sufism The greatest spiritual influence on Sheikh Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi languages so far Mr Hatash said: " Ghazal is considered and has been the sole guiding factor that has with roots in Central Asia like the Nuruddin Noorani was a charismatic female and is still actively engaged in using his pen the king of the Urdu poetry and is being liked for creative expression. He has migrated led the people of Kashmir through all of their Suhrawardis, the Naqshbandis, the Qadris rebel Kashmiri Hindu Pundit of the 14th cen- by the people even to this time. Further,talk- from turbulent Kashmir valley to Jammu turbulent history and is something upon and Kubrawis the Sufi order that actually tury Kashmir – “Lal Ded” also known as ing about the prominent Urdu poets, he and is doing literary work putting out regu- which the social foundations of a Kashmiri took roots in Kashmir valley and spread its “Mata Laleshwari” to Kashmiri Pundits and made mention of leading lights like Mir Taqi larly one publication or the other. He has society resides. influence among the people of Kashmir was a “Lala Arifa” to Kashmiri Muslims. She was of Mir, Mirza Galib, " Daag", Faiz Ahmad some projects in hand and, in fact, is a writer Kashmiri Sufism not only reflects the Hindu – Muslim syncretic and unconven- the greatest philosophers and thinkers of Faiz,Momin among others in the country of hope and fresh ideas. behavior of a Kashmiri person – both Pundit tional form of Sufism called – “Rishism” or Kashmiri Rishi order, who was immensely and also Jammu and Kashmir has eminent & Muslim, but is also a sum total of the spiri- “Rishi order” that produced many “Rishis” or critical of the dominant hold of Brahmin The author has written this book entitled " Sabza Se Sehra Tak" ( From Greenery to Urdu including Hamid Kashmiri, Shafaq tual wisdom of all saints and sages, who have Sufis from both Hindu Pundit and Kashmiri priests and Muslim Mullahs over common Sopori , Prem Romani, Rafiq Raaz, Nazir Muslim communities and spread the mes- Kashmiri masses and encouraged them to Desert) which has been well received in the lived in Kashmir valley right from the time of Azad, Sahiba Sheryay and many others. Kashyapa Rishi (from whose name, the word sage of reaching out to God through both the connect directly with God in Kashmiri lan- Urdu literary circles as also by the general Mr Hatash proudly claims that he has Kashmir is derived from). teachings of the holy Quran and hadiths as guage- the language of the masses, rather public. This is his 8th book of Urdu poetic authored 33 books in three languages, done Yet, the amazing thing about Kashmiri well as philosophies of Hindu Vedas and that than Sanskrit or Persian/Arabic- the lan- compositions as the earlier titles are: Yaad-e- notable translation works which include Sufism is that it is not like other Sufi tradi- of Shaivism. This secular and indigenous guage of the elite. Her teachings called “Lal Zafran, Lahoo Lahoo Angan, Gardish-i- tions that exist in various parts of Central Asia character of Kashmiri Sufism was the founda- Vaakhs” composed in poetic form in native Ayam, Haalizar,0Karbi-Wajppd, Waad-i- 1200-page biography of Munshi Prem Koshur language promoting communal har- Ashqbar and Lahmai Gumshuda Chand written by his son Amrit Rai to mony between Kashmiri Muslims and FLIGHT OF IMAGINATION Kashmiri ; translation of Ved Rahi's famous Kashmiri Pundits, made her a true Sufi Rishi The book under review has choicest Urdu Dogri novel "Anant" in Kashmiri; he has also of the Kashmiri masses. poetic compositions in simple language giv- translated the monograph of Dr S Together, the teachings of Nund Rishi ing expression to his hard experiences Radhakrishnan and many other assign- ments. He has bagged awards and prizes. and Mata Laleshwari presented a harmo- including pangs of mass migration of EMOTION-CHARGED POETRY PROFIT & PLEASURE nious, tolerant and affectionate face of Kashmiri Pandit community and others due Some of the poetic compositions are This book of Ghazals has been well pro- Kashmiri Sufism based on the principles of to turbulence in the Valley during 1989-90. mature and meaningful. Two stanzas given Piarey Hatash, hailing from Anantnag had to duced with quality printing on a fine paper oneness and religious humanism, which laid below are particularly impressive: leave his hearth and home in the Kashmir but to my mind its price is on the higher side. foundations for a secular Kashmiri society, Apney Gam to Sabi Uthatey Hai where a Hindu Shiva temple existed besides a valley. It is worth mentioning that he has He has his own style and substance and Dusrooo key Gam Bhee Utha Laina Sufi “Astana” or a shrine and where both been vigorously carrying on his literary pur- bears his imprint. His experiences of life and ( Everyone is concerned about one's own Kashmiri Pundits and Kashmiri Muslims suits. intimate study of literature has lot of new worries; but one must take care of others' participated together in each other’s festivals This 174-page book has a total of 134 sorrows) ideas and ideals. In my opinion, everyone and revered all the saints of the Rishi order. Ghazals in Urdu. Its Foreword has been writ- Just example of another couplet: will enjoy reading this emotion-packed poet- Such teachings of Kashmiri Rishism were ten by two prominent persons like Professor Dil Mey Har Lamhee Bekarari Hai ry having breeze of fresh ideas and poetry of also promoted by many Kashmiri Muslim Qadurus Javaid, former Head of Urdu Har Gharee Lab Pey Aaho Zari Hai hope. Sultans like Zain-ul-Abidin ( also known as Bud Shah) who reversed many of the anti- non-Muslim policies and practices of earlier Muslim Sultans and brought back many exiled Kashmiri Pundits with honor and dig- Prayers, purity always Pays nity back into Kashmir valley. He practiced Name of Book : Nityachar Ba Sandyopasana BENEFICIAL BOOK and promoted teachings and principles of (in Hinid) The book contains special prayers for Kashmiri Rishism, wherein he would partici- the variety of gods and goddesses for Author : Ayodhya Nath Kerni and South Asia. While many of the early Sufi tion upon which the Kashmiri Hindu Pundit pate as a chief presiding priest in celebrating prompt benefits and spiritual uplift. The preachers came to Kashmir valley from and Kashmiri Muslim syncretic tradition of the birth of River Vitista (Jhelum) much to Publisher : Brahmin Sabha J&K (Regd), author, Mr Kerni has rendered a service by Central Asia, the shape and character of the “Kashmiriyat” was born, which earned the the annoyance of orthodox Muslim clergy. Hq Benisang (Chenani) devoting his time and energy towards Sufism that eventually developed in the Kashmir valley a title of “Rish Vaer” and “Pir The Kashmiri Sufi Rishi order laid down focussing on giving very useful tips for lead- Vaer” (valley of Rishis and Pirs). the foundations of a secular and syncretic Rooted deep in our ancient scriptures, Kashmir valley was completely indigenous ing a spiritually and socially strong and sta- that incorporated the local tradition and The greatest Rishi of this unique “Rishi Kashmiri society, where Kashmiri Pundits Ayodhya Nath Kerni has come out with a ble life. philosophies, including that of Kashmiri order” was Sheikh Nuruddin Noorani also and Kashmiri Muslims lived together in com- new publication titled: "Nityachar Ba This 174-page book contains 55 chapters Buddhism and Kashmiri Shaivism (a sect of known as “Nund Rishi” or Rishi Sahazanand plete love and harmony for centuries. Such Sandhyopasna" in Hindi giving detailed Hinduism dedicated to the philosophical (the blissful one). The Sufi Rishism that he was the closeness between these two commu- account of basic routines and everyday spelling out the art and craft of simple and practices; the power of prayers as also the teachings of Hindu Lord Shiva). This is some- promoted among the people of Kashmir nities facilitated by Kashmiri Sufi Rishism spiritual life with sustainable health and beneficial practices which form part of our thing which makes Kashmiri Sufism also dif- taught the universal principles of peace, har- that it was nearly impossible to distinguish happiness. The readers will be highly bene- spiritual heritage and also few of them ferent and distinct from Barelvi school of mony, brotherhood and love, something between a Kashmiri Pundit and a Kashmiri fitted by going through this useful book of based on scientific knowledge. codes of life as also prayers devoted to var- Islam from which most Sufi traditions of which is common to both Islam and Muslim. This useful book, published by the ious gods and goddresses for seeking their India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have evolved. Hinduism. He incorporated spiritual teach- Today, there is a need to further revive the Brahman Sabha, J&K (Regd) Benisang in The Kashmiri Sufism has a character of its ings of Islam with yogic traditions of secular spirit of Kashmir’s unique and indige- Chenani of Udhampur district, gives graph- blessings and bounty. I strongly opine that own, which incorporates mystical philoso- Buddhism and Shaivism and encouraged nous Sufi Rishi order that guided the people ically the art of living techniques. The maximum number of people, particularly phies of Islamic teachings with tantric tradi- meditation in caves and other yogic practices of Kashmir through all these years and bound description of each and every daily routine the youth and students must read this book tions of Buddhism and Hindu Shaivite as personal means of communicating with them together in the spirit of oneness and practices vouches for healthful and harmo- and adopt the ancient code of living advo- philosophies of Lord Shiva. This is some- the Allah. He was fiercely critical of Kashmir’s togetherness. nious living in tune with the mother nature. exercise or yoga; cleanliness, daily bath in cated by the eminent writer Ayodya Nath thing, which is unparalleled in the entire spir- Brahminical order and caste system, wherein (The author served as PRO to ExCM of The author lays stress on sayings early to suitable way , simple but nutritious food as Kerni. also strict adoption of suitable way of living. itual landscape of South & Central Asia. few upper caste Kashmiri Muslims and erstwhile State of J&K) bed and early to rise, the benefits of daily ([email protected])