(Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’.)
We present his thought for the day ~ ‘The Elusive Pursuit of Eternal Bliss...’ ~We extend our heartiest thanks to the learned author Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi Ji, who is very well conversant with Hindi, Sanskrit, English and Urdu languages for sharing this classic poem.
☆ ~ ‘The Elusive Pursuit of Eternal Bliss…’ ~ ☆
☆
In the relentless quest for happiness, we often find ourselves lost in a labyrinth of fleeting pleasures. We mistake momentary highs for lasting bliss, and in doing so, we sacrifice our very essence on the altar of transience.
The truth is, eternal bliss is not a destination; it’s a state of being. It’s the culmination of a journey that begins with self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-transformation.
We must recognize that the happiness we derive from worldly pleasures is but a pale imitation of true bliss. It’s a temporary reprieve from the existential despair that gnaws at our very soul.
To experience eternal bliss, we must transcend the mundane and tap into the divine. We must silence the cacophony of our ego and listen to the whispers of our conscience.
It’s a journey that requires courage, conviction, and perseverance. But the reward is worth the effort. For when we finally attain eternal bliss, we realize that it’s not something we’ve acquired; it’s something we’ve always been.
So let us embark on this journey of self-discovery, and may we find the eternal bliss that lies within us.
☆ – The Foundations of Happiness and Well-being: A Positive Psychology Perspective – ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆
Happiness is more than fleeting joy; it encompasses a sense of contentment, purpose, and the belief that one’s life is meaningful and worthwhile. Positive psychology offers insights into how we can cultivate this deeper sense of well-being by focusing on key elements and practical strategies.
The Five Pillars of Well-being:
Positive psychology identifies five essential components of well-being:
Positive Emotion: Experiencing joy, hope, warmth, and contentment. These emotions can relate to the past (e.g., satisfaction, pride), the present (e.g., calm, pleasure, flow), or the future (e.g., hope, optimism).
Engagement: Deep involvement in activities that capture our interest and challenge us. This state, known as “flow,” occurs when we lose track of time and are fully absorbed in what we are doing.
Relationships: Strong connections with family, friends, and colleagues bring richness to life. Relationships flourish through mutual support, regular interactions, and meaningful communication.
Meaning: Finding purpose by connecting to something larger than ourselves, whether through work, spirituality, or contributing to society.
Accomplishment: Achieving goals and recognising our successes provides motivation and fulfilment.
Each of these pillars can be cultivated to enhance overall well-being.
Understanding the Happiness Formula:
Happiness, according to positive psychology, is influenced by three factors:
H = S + C + V
H: Enduring level of happiness.
S: Set range of happiness, influenced by genetics (approximately 50%).
C: Circumstances of life (around 10%).
V: Voluntary activities (about 40%), which we can control.
While our genetic predisposition and life circumstances play a role, a significant portion of our happiness comes from intentional actions.
Common Barriers to Happiness:
The Happiness Thermostat: Our happiness tends to revert to a baseline level regardless of life’s highs or lows.
The Hedonic Treadmill: We quickly adapt to positive changes, leading to rising expectations and diminishing satisfaction.
Strategies to Boost Happiness:
Practise Gratitude: Reflect daily on three things you are grateful for. This “What-Went-Well” exercise shifts focus to the positives.
Engage Fully: Immerse yourself in activities that bring you joy or challenge you. Pursue hobbies, sports, or creative endeavours.
Foster Relationships: Build strong social ties by showing interest, offering support, and creating rituals, such as shared meals or regular outings.
Find Meaning: Contribute to a cause larger than yourself. Volunteer, mentor, or participate in activities that resonate with your values.
Savour Life’s Pleasures: Take time to enjoy small joys, like a beautiful sunset or a heartfelt conversation.
Simplify: Declutter your schedule and focus on what truly matters. Say no to unnecessary commitments.
Cultivating Virtues and Strengths:
Happiness also stems from living virtuously. Positive psychology highlights six universal virtues:
Wisdom: Gained through curiosity and learning.
Courage: Shown through perseverance and integrity.
Humanity: Expressed in kindness and generosity.
Justice: Fostered by fairness and leadership.
Temperance: Practised through self-control and humility.
Transcendence: Found in gratitude, spirituality, and a sense of purpose.
Discovering and using your personal strengths daily can create lasting fulfilment.
The Three Lives of Happiness:
Positive psychology outlines three types of fulfilling lives:
The Pleasant Life: Enjoying positive emotions and simple pleasures.
The Good Life: Using personal strengths to find gratification in work, relationships, and play.
The Meaningful Life: Connecting your strengths and virtues to a higher purpose.
Practical Exercises for Happiness:
The Gratitude Visit: Write a heartfelt letter to someone who has positively influenced your life, and deliver it in person.
Acts of Kindness: Perform three kind acts weekly, whether for friends, strangers, or family.
Mindful Living: Practise meditation, yoga, or mindful breathing to reduce stress and cultivate peace.
Forgiveness Exercise: Write a letter forgiving someone who hurt you, even if you don’t send it.
Embracing a Happier Life:
Happiness isn’t a destination but a journey. Engage deeply in meaningful activities, nurture your relationships, and practise gratitude. By aligning your actions with your values and strengths, you can build a life rich in joy, purpose, and connection.
A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.
The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.
Please feel free to call/WhatsApp us at +917389938255 or email [email protected] if you wish to attend our program or would like to arrange one at your end.
☆ – World Meditation Day: A Gateway to Inner Bliss – ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆
In a world filled with chaos, conflict, and ceaseless activity, humanity finds itself yearning for an oasis of peace. As we stand on the threshold of the first-ever World Meditation Day on December 21, 2024, a unique opportunity arises for us to reflect on the timeless wisdom of meditation, a practice that has nurtured countless souls across millennia. Today, let us embark on a journey inward, seeking solace and serenity in the art of meditation—a journey that could transform our lives forever.
The Path to Freedom:
Amidst life’s turbulence, the ancient question persists: Is there a way to end suffering? Over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha illuminated this path. Through meditation, he discovered liberation from pain and sorrow, attaining enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. His teachings, rooted in mindfulness and deep observation, offer a practical guide for cultivating inner peace.
Meditation is more than a practice—it is a profound healing process. As Matthieu Ricard aptly puts it, “Meditation is a practice that makes it possible to cultivate and develop certain basic positive human qualities in the same way as other forms of training make it possible to play a musical instrument or acquire any other skill.”
When we meditate, we calm the storm within. The mind finds clarity, anger dissipates, and the heart fills with love, compassion, and wisdom. With regular practice, meditation transforms us, leading to Nibbana—a state of supreme bliss where suffering ceases.
The Science of Stillness:
Meditation not only elevates the spirit but also nourishes the body and mind. Research reveals that long-term meditators experience a reduced cortisol response under stress, promoting biological calm and overall well-being. As Daniel Goleman emphasizes, “Meditation has the effect of creating biological calm and reducing stress.”
The simplicity of meditation is its beauty. In essence, it is “simply sitting, simply breathing, simply being.” The practice allows us to reconnect with our breath, described by Thich Nhat Hanh as “the bridge which connects life to consciousness.” This bridge anchors us in the present moment, helping us to let go of distractions and reclaim inner peace.
Insights from the Buddha:
The Buddha’s teachings on meditation offer a twofold approach: serenity meditation (samatha bhavana) and insight meditation (vipassana bhavana). Serenity meditation cultivates a calm and concentrated mind, while insight meditation reveals the true nature of reality. Central to these practices is the mindfulness of breathing, a meditation the Buddha practiced to achieve enlightenment.
His instructions are straightforward yet profound: observe the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena with unwavering mindfulness. These are the foundations of liberation. As the Buddha declared, “These four establishments of mindfulness, when developed and cultivated, lead to going beyond from the near shore to the far shore.”
A Call to Meditate:
Meditation is not merely an exercise; it is an exploration of life’s deepest truths. It empowers us to see things as they are, untangling the web of ignorance and attachment. Paramahansa Yogananda beautifully described it as “a portable paradise.”
For those seeking guidance, Meditate Like the Buddha: A Step-by-Step Guide by Jagat Singh Bisht offers practical insights. This book demystifies the art of meditation, presenting it as a universal practice that has enriched lives for centuries.
An Invitation to Stillness:
As we celebrate the inaugural World Meditation Day, let us resolve to embrace this timeless practice. Sit in stillness, breathe deeply, and embark on the journey within. The peace we cultivate today can ripple outward, touching the lives of those around us and creating a harmonious world.
In the words of the Buddha, “There is this one way to the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow and distress, for the disappearance of pain and sadness…that is to say, the four foundations of mindfulness.”
Let us make this day a turning point—a moment to awaken to our true potential and weave meditation into the fabric of our lives. For in the quietude of meditation lies the answer to life’s most profound questions. Will you take the first step today?
A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.
The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.
Please feel free to call/WhatsApp us at +917389938255 or email [email protected] if you wish to attend our program or would like to arrange one at your end.
☆ – The Citizenship journey: A Memoir – ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆
Life has a way of presenting opportunities that shape not just our careers but also our inner selves. My journey with Citizen SBI was one such transformative experience. It began with my selection as faculty for the State Bank Academy, Gurgaon—a position I never assumed. Instead, I was posted as the head of the learning center at Indore, a role that coincided with my appointment as the intervention leader for the Citizen-SBI program.
Citizen SBI was more than a training program. Inspired by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, it aimed to cultivate ‘enlightened citizenship.’ This concept transcended political citizenship—focused on rights and freedoms—and emphasized a deeper engagement with collective welfare and individual fulfillment. The program was the brainchild of our chairman, O.P. Bhatt, who envisioned its impact extending to 200,000 employees and, through them, to 140 million customers.
The foundation of this initiative was engagement—true, deep involvement in one’s work. As I immersed myself in its philosophy, I discovered the transformative power of meaningful contribution. No longer was work just a duty; it became a purpose-driven act of service. This shift in mindset was a spiritual awakening for me.
The journey began with workshops and pilots across locations, from Mumbai to Hyderabad and Gurgaon. I remember vividly my first interaction with V. Srinivas, the visionary CEO of Illumine Knowledge Resources. His conviction was palpable, though his ideas initially seemed abstract to many. Over time, through detailed workshops and apprenticeships, the abstract became tangible, and the facilitators, including myself, underwent a profound transformation.
The program’s influence extended beyond professional training. It created a rich network of facilitators, bonded by a shared purpose. The ‘facilitator gym’ sessions at the Bandra-Kurla Complex honed our skills and deepened our understanding of citizenship. These moments of camaraderie and collective learning were deeply fulfilling.
Back in Indore, I was tasked with implementing Citizen SBI in the State Bank of Indore. Initially, there was resistance—they did not yet see themselves as citizens of SBI. However, with the help of facilitators like Suresh Iyer, Harinaxi Sharma, and Arun Kalway, we gradually earned their trust. The program’s ethos resonated, bringing about a noticeable shift in their attitudes.
The essence of Citizen SBI was not about personal gain but about contributing positively to others. It wasn’t ‘swantah sukhai’—happiness for oneself—but a collective welfare-driven joy. This philosophy became my way of life, influencing not just my work but my personal ethos.
The program’s success was also a testament to the incredible people involved. Intervention leaders like Bijaya Dash, R. Natarajan, and Balachandra Bhat became cherished friends. Vasudha Sundararaman, our deputy general manager, coordinated the program with unmatched efficiency and warmth. Yashi Sinha, general manager, was an epitome of grace and wisdom. Above all, V. Srinivas, with his dedication to the cause, became a source of inspiration—a guru whose example I sought to follow in words and deeds.
As I reflect on this journey, I find myself deeply fulfilled. I have reaped not only the ‘outer fruits’ of professional growth and recognition but also the ‘inner fruits’ of spiritual evolution and the joy of contribution. My experiences as a behavioral science trainer and student of positive psychology further enriched this journey, grounding it in the principles of authentic happiness.
Citizen SBI was not merely a program; it was a movement, a way of life. It taught me that true citizenship is an internal transformation, a continuous journey of growth, contribution, and engagement. It is a journey I carry forward with pride and gratitude, knowing that it has shaped me into not just a professional but a better human being.
A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.
The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.
Please feel free to call/WhatsApp us at +917389938255 or email [email protected] if you wish to attend our program or would like to arrange one at your end.
(We present an article ‘Memories of the Victory Day 1971’ written by Shri Ajeet Singh ji, Ex-Director (News), Doordarshan.)
☆ Victory Day Special – Memories of the Victory Day 1971 ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh ☆
(Vijay Diwas – 16 December)
(Mr. Ajeet Singh is a Hisar based free lancer. He worked as Sub Editor in All India Radio, Shimla in early 1970’s and later as Sr. Corespondent in Srinagar during 1990s and retired as Director of News. Doordarshan Hisar in 2006.)
Bliss was it to be in the newsroom of All India Radio Simla this day 53 years ago. And it was heaven to be a young Sub-Editor listening to the relay of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressing Parliament on the fall of Dhaka garrison after the 16-day long Bangladesh liberation war. Clapping and celebratory gestures erupted as she announced, “Dhaka is now the free capital of a free nation”.
Member after member hailed the indian victory over the Pakistani forces. I still remember Srinagar MP Shamim Ahmad Shamim who while congratulating the Prime Minister said, “She has not only created a new history but also a new geography”.
It was a bigger bliss for me as I was to read that evening’s regional news bulletin as our regular Newsreader veteran Ramkumar Kale had taken ill since the eruption of war itself.
A senior announcer had been very keen to read a news bulletin. He frequently demanded to be given a chance but Assistant News Editor Puran Chand didn’t oblige.
In his usual jovial manner, the announcer would plead that he had been PA to actor Premnath and was experienced enough.
The first reason to deny him reading a news bulletin was that he was a perpetual paan- eater and we non-paan eaters were scared of his spitting paan while talking. Some time we even told him that.
Paan is essential for a clear throat. An announcer has to speak a lot. Paan, therefore, is a must for him. Your newsreader Ramkumar Kale speaks only for 10 minutes. That is no job. I speak for six hours”.
Ramkumar Kale would say that job of a newsreader and that of an announcer are quite different. “An announcer could make a mess of a news bulletin if he didn’t practice off air in a studio for one month and listen to his recordings under professional guidance”.
When the December 1971 India- Pakistan war broke out, Newsreader Ramkumar Kale fell sick and the Regional News Unit Simla did not have a panel of casual newsreaders.
It was decided , though reluctantly, to try the senior Announcer for newsreading as he only was available on announcer duty that day.
The jovial Announcer was thrilled. “You should listen to the bulletin today. You will forget Ramkumar Kale”.
We pleaded with him to practice hard as this was his first chance. He didn’t care much.
I, as standby news editor in the studio, wished him all the best.
Hardly two minutes into the bulletin, he closed the fader switch and said, ” This bloody thing is choking my breath”.
I gestured him not to talk and concentrate on the bulletin. He opened the fader and read the next item but to close it again saying, “You will kill me today”.
I showed my eyes hinting that he should calm down and read the bulletin.
At half time, he rose from his seat after closing the fader. I was shocked. I just got hold of him by his arm and gave a big rap on his back dragging him to the seat.
There was a gap of about half a minute or so. The Duty Officer and the Engineer on Duty rushed to the studio. By that time a humbled Announcer was in the chair and reading bulletin at a much slower speed. He threw no tantrums .
As he, somehow, finished the bulletin, the Duty Officer and the Engineer-on-Duty, still in the studio, wanted to know what had happened. The Announcer mumbled something that wasn’t much audible.
They turned to me. I told them it may be a short studio failure. Check it up tomorrow.
I told the factual story in the newsroom. Everybody laughed. ANE Puranchand said, “No more chance taking with announcers. Ajeet Singh, you will read bulletins from tomorrow. Take these old bulletins home and practice. Will record you off air tomorrow at 2 PM”.
The jovial Announcer was friend from the following day but he never pestered for newsreading.
And I read the bulletins for the next about three months.
1971 war had ended after 17 days. We had started an additional daily bulletin that continued long after.
The bulletins were also used to be relayed through a public address system on the Mall road Simla where people would crowd to listen to the latest on the war front. It was still the Radio age. Television had arrived but was still in its infancy, confined mainly to the national capital Delhi.
Due to some strategic consideration, Jalandhar and other stations of All India Radio used to stop transmission early as the enemy could locate the position of their transmitters and bombard , especially during night when engaging them was rather difficult. Simla located among hills didn’t suffer this disadvantage. So it was listened to even in the plains of Punjab and Haryana.
It did give some sort of image or recognition to me. People in my home village near Panipat would tell me having listened to the bulletins from Simla. It did please me.
Every experience makes one a better person. By and by I became more confident.
War ended and bulletins also came back to development and local stories. After about two months of my newsreading, came a letter from some listener saying that one Ajeet Singh who read news that day mispronounced
the word ‘zila’ as ‘jila’ 13 times. He was right as we counted the word was used 14 times in the bulletin, may be he missed one count. I improved not only that but started rehearsing for all Urdu words. Mr. Puranchand ANE was an Urdu man and a big help.
Newsreader Kale joined after about three months. He trained me in voice acculturation.
Jasdev Singh, the ace sports commentator used to do Newsreel from Delhi. I got hooked to that.
During 1980s and 90s when I was in J&K, SFH Naqvi was incharge of the Newsreel section in the News Services Division in Delhi. The Statesman used to carry detailed review of radio programmes of the week those days. One of my despatches was praised therein. HT also appreciated some despatch later.
I met a friend, after many months. Upon meeting, she enveloped me in a warm hug and on the heels, came her reaction,”Now you can write about this!”. I waited a beat, of course internally. Frankly, I felt like ChatGPT. Someone can give me a prompt and hey presto, I have the result ready!! Of all the requests that I have received, to date, to write, this took the cake! And believe you me, I have received plenty!!
I’ve been asked to write travelogues. Now, you might wonder why this would be weird. The answer is, not every place that I visit triggers anything, even though the places might be interesting in their own right. I am a vibe person. So, I can write only when a place, or rather a space, speaks to me. Sometimes, the vibe is so strong that you can lose yourself in that. Taking photos is also forgotten. And then, when I do write, I don’t write about what I saw, but rather what I felt. And for that, I don’t need any references or photos That vibe I enjoyed, flows out effortlessly in my writing.
I’ve been asked to write about movies, particularly if that movie carries a message. Firstly, I’m not a movie buff and secondly, again, only if a movie speaks to me, can I write. More often than not, the movies are lopsided and overdramatic, and it certainly doesn’t bode well for me ☺
I have people writing to me their opinions about certain matters and then, wanting me to write a piece about that or my reaction about that. Like I said before, it’s difficult to respond or react to a cause, if it doesn’t speak to me.
In fact, I often wonder myself, what sets me off and to date, I haven’t had any satisfactory answer. Sometimes, I have pent up emotions and have a feeling that they would come gushing out on paper. In fact, at times I want to unburden myself. But no, the pen doesn’t budge, if it doesn’t want to. And sometimes, a very small gesture, yes, even a hug or two words in a seminar are all that are needed to push me over. Thus, no, that hug did not push me into writing anything that day. But here I am, almost a month later, reacting to it, because it did push me into a purge. Though I didn’t write about what feeling the hug incited, I did think about what does provoke me. And I also came to the realisation that I’m not ChatGPT 😀 beholden to write at a prompt!
I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Respected Ratan Tata ji. I vividly remember our meeting at a Tata Hospital function where I had the pleasure of performing. After my concert he met me warmly and was so appreciative. I also had the honour of presenting to him the portrait of JRD crafted by my father Shankar Phenany thru a now forgotten but a very difficult art form called Scrapper board. He was thrilled to receive this portrait.
I am confident that his soul must have been welcomed in Heaven with Great enthusiasm. So let us celebrate the legacy of this great Human being and try to imbibe in our lives the path of rightiousness & Morality which he proudly prescribed all his life. OM SHANTI 🙏🏻🕉️
☆ Ratan Tata… । In His Own Words! ☆ Compiled by – Mrs Manjusha Sunit Mulay ☆
“I had a happy childhood, but as my brother & I got older, we faced ragging because of our parent’s divorce, which in those days wasn’t as common. My grandmom brought us up.
“Soon after, when my mother remarried, the boys at school started saying all kinds of things about us. But our grandmother taught us to retain dignity at all costs, a value that’s always stayed with me. It involved walking away from these situations instead of fighting back.
“And if it weren’t for grandmom, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.
“My father and I couldn’t agree on the same thing – I wanted to go to college in the US, he insisted on UK. I wanted to be an architect, he insisted on me becoming an engineer. If it weren’t for my grandmother, I wouldn’t have ended up at Cornell University in the US. It was because of her that even though I enrolled for mechanical engineering, I switched majors & graduated with a degree in architecture. My father was upset, but I was finally my own, independent person in college & it was my grandmother who taught me that courage to speak up can also be soft.
“After college, I landed a job at an architecture firm in LA, where I worked for 2 years. It was a great time – the weather was beautiful & I loved my job. It was in LA that I fell in love & almost got married. But at the same time I’d made the decision to move back, at least temporarily, since grandmom wasn’t keeping too well. So I came back to visit her & thought that the person I wanted to marry would come to India with me, but because of the 1962 Indo-China war her parent’s weren’t okay with her making the move anymore & the relationship fell apart.
“After the move, I did spend some time with my grandmom. I’d run with my dog, catch up with her & we’d have long chats. I’m glad I got that time with her before she passed, because right after I moved to Jamshedpur for an internship at what’s known as Tata Motors now.
It was a waste of time – I was moved from one department to another & since I was a family member, no one told me what to do – I spent 6 months trying to be ‘useful’.
“It was only after I moved to Tata Steel that I got specific work & my job got interesting. I started from the floor & understood the plight of those working there. So years later, when we downsized Tata Steel from 78,000 to 40,000, we ensured to pay them their present day wages until retirement–it’s been in our DNA to serve those who serve us.
“Then, in 1991, JRD stepped down as the Chairman of Tata Industries and then from Tata Sons, there was vicious criticism.
There were other aspirants, who were vocal of him having made the wrong decision. I had been through this before, so I did what I knew best–maintained silence & focused on proving myself.
The criticism was personal–JRD got clubbed with nepotism & I, as the wrong choice. I was under scrutiny, but the time I spent on the floor served as a big plus – I hadn’t gotten there from nowhere!
“All in all, it was a big move. I remember after I was appointed Chairman, I walked with JRD to his office, where he told his secretary that he had to move out. I said, ‘No, J, don’t move out, this is your office for as long as you want.’ He said, ‘Where will you sit?’ I said, ‘Where I’m sitting today–I have an office down the hall & that’s fine.’
“I was lucky to have him there. He was my greatest mentor & the years that he was alive, I used to go into his office & say, ‘J, I wish this had happened 10 years ago, we have such a great relationship.’ He was like a father & a brother to me & not enough’s been said about that.
“Ever since, my life has been for & about growing the company. When I was appointed Chairman, it was believed my surname got me the position, but my focus was on creating something bigger than us all & on giving back, which has been in the TATA DNA since the start.
With Jamshedpur for instance, while our workers were thriving, the surrounding villages were suffering. It became our goal to uplift their quality of life as well … things like these came naturally to us.
“Even with the Nano – I remember seeing a family of 4 on a bike in the heavy Bombay rain—I wanted to do more for these families who were risking their lives for lack of an alternative. By the time we launched the Nano, our costs were higher, but I’d made a promise & we delivered. Looking back, I’m proud of the car & the decision to go ahead with it.
“That’s what my life has been about—work became a lifestyle. I was always at Bombay House or travelling, that’s why even though I came close to marriage with 2-3 different partners, I couldn’t go through with it because they’d have to adjust to my lifestyle & that didn’t sit right with me.
“Now that I’m retired, that lifestyle has changed again. People ask if I’m truly ‘retired’ & to that I say—there’s no doubt about it. I’m enjoying the separation from the company—I don’t look at newspapers & worry about the bad stuff anymore.
“But let me tell you, retirement isn’t about playing golf, or reading on a beach, whilst sipping on a cocktail. In fact, never before has the urge to do more, been greater. From affordable cancer treatment, to making the lives in rural India easier—I’m looking forward to making it happen at the Tata Trust. I’m trying to enjoy myself to be honest— I’m spending time with friends —old & new, across age groups, who I’m constantly learning from.
“At 82, I’m still learning, so when you ask me to give advice, I feel like the ‘right advice’ changes over a period of time—but the one thing that remains unchanged is the desire to do the right thing.
“So I’ll say this —leave the advice & do the right thing, even if it isn’t the easiest thing to do. When you look back at your life, that’s what’s going to matter the most. Doing the right thing.”
(Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’.)
We Congratulate Capt. Pravin Raghuvanshi ji who has been appointed as a reviewer for the literary work published by the international poets and littérateurs… It’s a great opportunity to express views on their scintillating literary work. Capt. Pravin Raghuvanshi ji thanked President and his fellow colleagues of Global Writers Academy for this unique honour…!
Ms Leena Thampi whose imposing poem, ‘Encounter with Soul’, is truly एन्थ्राललिंग..। He humbly attempted to deep-dive into her composition to fetch some pearls of wisdom… though unraveling her poetic verses is certainly not a mean task…yet this chutzpah…!
☆ ~ Ms Leena Thampi’s Poem: Encounter with my soul~ ☆
☆
Everything stops for a while
When she’s gone
The sun hides, the birds stop singing
the flowers refuse to bloom,
Trees become still, the clouds don’t care anymore, forget the rains
Nothing breathes and all of life
Turns a dull grey…
Then she returns
And everything falls in place
In whispers soft and sweet, a dance with words and thoughts,
In solitude I meet the lyrics of old songs
A symphony of emotions, in silence, I express,
For in my quietude, I find my soul’s caress.
The shadows of my mind, Unravel in this space,
A canvas of my heart, Where colors fill my grace.
I converse in my solitude, With the echoes of my soul,
A journey through the labyrinth, Of thoughts, I fearlessly control.
In every word, a story,in every breath, a verse,
I converse in my solitude,
As a poet, I confess.
In quiet chambers of my mind,
A dialogue with self,I cherish
Questions arise, answers sought, flow peacefully in this journey of thought.
Reflecting on the path I’ve trod, the choices made, the lessons taught. Emotions stir, a symphony within,
A fountain of joy and sorrow,a subtle kin.
In the mirror of introspection, I see my reflection.
The light and the dark, the highs and lows,
A spectrum of colors, in life’s ebbs and flows.
Valleys ,mountains ,beauty unexplored
You take me through euphoria manifold
This conversation with the self, so deep,
Unveils the mysteries, the secrets to keep.
A journey of growth, of self-discovery,
A path that leads to wisdom, and a heart so free.
It’s where I meet myself
Who could I love more than thee?
~ Leena Thampi
Review:
ENCOUNTER WITH MY SOUL is a beautiful poem by equally beautiful poetess Leena Thampi, where her resplendent beauty reflects in her enigmatic journey in a scintillating poetic form. The flight that she undertakes with her amazing indomitable wings into myriad shades of life…while wandering around the rapturous environment, in the symphony of emotional melodies… oscillating between the crests and troughs of sombreness and exultation…
It’s her blissful interaction with the soul that defines her swing of moods…as she recalls about somberness: “…everything stops for a while when she’s gone…” Takes it further as she sums up:
“Nothing breathes at all and all of life turns into dull grey…!”
But on her return, everything becomes exuberant…as she dances in the whispers of tender sweet words and lovelorn thoughts…
She enjoys her solitude as she dives deep into the reclusive privateness, where the symphony of spirited sentiments, plays ceaselessly…
Finally, she finds her soul’s embrace in her quietude. The shadow of her mind, unravels the canvas of her heart, where myriad rainbowish hues fill her inner self…as she converses with her solitude, with resonating echoes of her enchanting soul.
This deep interaction with the self, unfolds many mysteries, scripting the odyssey of her growth and wisdom, which in turn sets the heart free, where she finds her ultimate love…!
Leena has created a masterpiece which is more of a volcanic eruption of the heart than a willful composition…!
Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.
As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire Duggal Sahab’s Dripping Art.
Duggal Sahab is known as the “Construction King” of our neighborhood. People say that the things he builds are a symbol of stability. However, his definition of stability is a bit different; everything he builds has a delicate lifespan. Duggal Sahab’s famous dialogue is, “Building roads or buildings is an art, and I am an artist!” And it is no secret that his art is very diverse. One day, a new road was supposed to be built in the neighborhood. Duggal Sahab got the contract and proudly said, “This road will be built in such a way that it will shine even in the moonlight.” People thought that maybe a new technology would be used this time. But when the road was built and ready, its shine was indeed visible. But that shine came from scattered rocks and potholes on the road. People thought, “Maybe these are just initial problems and they will be fixed in a few days.” However, the magic of Duggal Sahab’s art was something else. Before the rain even started pouring, the road revealed its real form. A part of the road was washed away by the water, and the other part started dripping like a roof in the rain. People started crossing the road with umbrellas. As for the buildings, Duggal Sahab’s buildings were also amazing. Once he built apartments in a new society. Each apartment was guaranteed ‘luxury’ and ‘comfort’. People shifted there with high hopes. In a few days, people noticed that water was dripping from the roofs of their rooms. Someone said, “Oh, this is a natural waterfall, Duggal Sahab made it a part of art too!” When people complained, Duggal Sahab calmly said, “See, this is natural ventilation. When water drips, you will get natural coolness.” People were amazed by his words. Some local politicians who were building alliances to praise Duggal Sahab’s art also. They inaugurated one of Duggal Sahab’s buildings and said, “This building is the pride of our area.” Just a few days later, that building started dripping in such a way that the politician had to come out wet. He immediately called Duggal Sahab and said, “What is happening?” Duggal Sahab innocently said, “This is ‘Modern Art’, sir. There is no flaw in it, it’s just a matter of your perspective.” The politician said, “The perspective is fine, but why is the water dripping?” Duggal Sahab replied, “Oh, sir, this is the science of water flow. Water makes its own way.” Eventually, people got frustrated and started protesting against Duggal Sahab. They complained, appealed to the government, but all in vain. Duggal Sahab’s grip was so strong that no one could do anything. One day, Duggal Sahab himself inaugurated his new house. That house was the best example of his art. Friends, family, and important people were invited. As soon as the inauguration was done, people entered the house. Tea and snacks were served, and then it started raining. Duggal Sahab was surprised to see the water dripping from the roof of his own house. He couldn’t understand how this could happen. People started laughing there, and Duggal Sahab couldn’t figure out what was happening. After this incident, people started making fun of Duggal Sahab. They said, “Duggal Sahab, if you couldn’t even build the roof of your own house, what can we say to others?” Duggal Sahab was saddened by this. He repaired his house, but after a few days, the same problem came up again. Finally, Duggal Sahab quit the construction work and started living in seclusion. People kept telling stories about his art, but now he had become a subject of comedy. One day, Duggal Sahab passed away. His last words were, “I didn’t leave any flaws in my art, maybe people didn’t understand my art.”
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