English Literature – Articles ☆ World Meditation Day: A Gateway to Inner Bliss ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

☆ – 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?

© Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Founder:  LifeSkills

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.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Memoir ☆ The Citizenship journey: A Memoir ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

☆ – 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.

© Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Founder:  LifeSkills

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.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Article ☆ Victory Day Special – Memories of the Victory Day 1971 ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh, Ex-Director (News) Doordarshan

Shri Ajeet Singh 

(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.

©  Shri Ajeet Singh 

Shri Ajeet Singh ji is a freelance journalist based at Hisar. He retired as Director of News , Doordarshan Hisar in 2006.

Mo. – 9466647037

≈  Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Article ☆ The Human Prompt ☆ Ms. Ashwini Abhyankar ☆

Ms. Ashwini Abhyankar

 

 ☆The Human Prompt ☆ Ms. Ashwini Abhyankar☆

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!

 Written by : Ms. Ashwini Abhyankar

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Article – ☆ Tribute – Ratan Tata ☆ Padmashree Padmaja Phenany Joglekar ☆

Padmashree Padmaja Phenany Joglekar

☆ Tribute – Ratan Tata ☆ Padmashree Padmaja Phenany Joglekar ☆

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 🙏🏻🕉️

Padmashree Padmaja Phenany Joglekar

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Article – ☆ Ratan Tata… । In His Own Words! ☆ Compiled by – Mrs Manjusha Sunit Mulay ☆

Mrs. Manjusha Sunit Mulay  

☆ 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.”

# RatanTata

Compiled by – Mrs Manjusha Sunit Mulay 

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Poetry ☆ Review – Ms Leena Thampi’s Poem: Encounter with my soul – ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

(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…!

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

24 September 2024

Pune

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈



English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth#14 – Duggal Sahab’s Dripping Art ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

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

☆ Witful Warmth # 14 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ Duggal Sahab’s Dripping Art ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

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.”

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

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≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Article ☆ Reminiscences of Kargil war… ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh, Ex-Director (News) Doordarshan

Shri Ajeet Singh 

(We present an article ‘Reminiscences of Kargil war…’ written by Shri Ajeet Singh ji, Ex-Director (News), Doordarshan.)

☆ Reminiscences of Kargil war… ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh ☆

As the nation celebrates the silver Jubilee of the victory in Kargil war of 1999, I am flooded with the memories of event that I covered for All India 25 years ago.

Kargil was largely a deserted town when I entered it for four days to report the war in the first week of July 1999.

527 Indian army men laid down their lives as they evicted the Pakistani intruders from the commanding heights of the Himalayan ranges.

I was part of an army conducted media party from Srinagar. The party comprising correspondents from major media networks had waited for over three weeks in Srinagar to get army permission to move into the battle field.

I was travelling in a van along the Film Division team. They had stocked sufficient quota of bread, butter, biscuits, and rice to cope with the situation of getting stranded in some cut off place in war zone.

I had a satellite phone too beside my tape recorder. 

Crossing the 12000 feet high Zojila, our first halt was a Bofor Guns battery that was pounding the Pakistan army positions across the high hill to provide covering fire to our advancing troops there. That was quite a show for the visual media and the artillery unit obliged them abundantly. We were convinced about the efficacy of the gun that otherwise was mired into allegations of commission in its purchase from Sweden during a previous regime.

Shortly ahead was a briefing by senior army officers about the area and the position of Indian army. The Tololing ridge overlooking Drass town had been cleared of the intruders who comprised of Pakistan army soldiers and militants. 

Some young officers were in high spirits as we talked to them during the lunch hour. I gathered that main focus at that time was on the Tiger Hill that stands tall behind Drass town. Flash lights of bombardment with guided missiles were visible as we crossed Drass taking a right turn towards Kargil town.

The narrow road runs along a river and some parts of it are in the firing range of Pakistani troops sitting on high hills on the Kaksar range.

A BSF man stopped our vehicles at a check post for some urgent precautions. 

“You are in the firing range of the enemy. Keep a distance of about 100 meters between your vehicles. No lights during darkness. Drive fast and do not stop even if you are fired upon”.

The last instruction was quite chilling. We saw the wreckage of some vehicles down in the river and that heightened the fear. 

By late evening we reached a hotel in Kargil.  The town had faced daily artillery shelling from across the Line of Control. 

The hotel was a three storied structure but all media persons wanted the first-floor rooms. By now they had learnt that the top floor could face a direct hit from an artillery shell and if the shell exploded in the hotel compound, its splinters could get into ground floor rooms. 

DC Kargil too was functioning from a nearby hotel as his office was in the firing range.

Most people from Kargil town had been shifted to tents at a safe place some distance away on the Zanskar road. We visited them the next day to listen to their tales of woe. They had abandoned their animals as there was none to look after them in home steads.

Next day we were taken on to the road that leads to the Aryans inhabited five villages along the Indus river in the Batalik range . Aryans have features quite different from the majority Ladakhi people.

They support local flowers in their headgears except for the time when there is some mourning in their family.

They usually work as labourers for the Army.

It was an Aryan shepherd who first noticed the armed intruders and informed the Army. A reccy team from the army was ambushed by the Pakistani soldiers. All its members were brutally killed and their highly mutilated bodies were handed over to the Indian Army. This was in clear violation of the international norms. 

We talked to the Aryan people who gave details of Pakistani intruders.

Back into the hotel next evening, the owner cum manager came to my room as I just finished filing my despatch to All India Radio newsroom in New Delhi over the satellite phone. He said he knew me through my frequent bylines in All India Radio news bulletins till about an year ago. I had functioned as AIR’s Senior Correspondent in Srinagar for over six years before being transferred to Delhi.

We got talking and I found in him an interesting person. 

“Sir, this is not correct that Indian Army didn’t have information regarding Pakistani plans to intrude and capture positions on high hills the following spring. They had full details from their spying agents in Pakistan”.

I interrupted him saying how could he be so sure.

“Sir, a letter containing all details of the areas of intrusion was received in October of 1998. It was in Urdu and I was called to the Army Officers’ Mess to read its contents as they couldn’t read Urdu”, he elaborated.  He sounded some convincing. 

And at one point, he even started sobbing. I tried to console him.

“Sir, Pakistan is not an option for us, the Kargil people. We are Shias and we know what Shias are facing in Pakistan. We have to stay in India only. There is no other home for us. 

“But the Indian army won’t be able to protect us”.

Why you feel like that? I asked.

“The evening, I went to read out the Urdu letter for the army, I witnessed something shocking. The Army officers were dancing with each other’s wives. Holding wives’ waists they were dancing and singing making a train like formation as school children would do. They were also drinking. They made me sit for over an hour outside the mess in cold weather. Do you think such people could save us? The officer who called me was also drunk. He might not have even properly listened to me as I read the letter”.

He was a bit agitated and somewhat desperate.

I told the matter in confidence to an army officer. He said, “Letters from the spies come every year as winter comes and we vacate the higher pickets. These are duly noticed but contents are found highly exaggerated or even totally baseless.  Some of the spies are double agents. You never know if these letters were planted by Pakistan agencies in an effort to extend our resources. It is extremely difficult to man higher pickets during winters.

I didn’t report the story. I couldn’t. On the fourth day, as the press party headed back to Srinagar, the Army spokesman in New Delhi, Colonel Bikram Singh announced that the Tiger Hill had been recaptured. Col. Bikram Singh was to become the Chief of the Army Staff in due course of time. In between he had a stint in Anantnag as a Brigadier. 

The saga of the recapture of the Tiger Hill was to unfold in weeks and months to come. Sepoy Sanjay Kumar was to be decorated with the highest gallantry award of Param Vir Chakra on the following Republic Day of 2020.

That is the history that would continue to be told every year every time anyone talks of how the Kargil war was won by brave Indian soldiers defeating the evil designs and machination of a devious enemy, defeated many times but still not giving up.

 © Shri Ajeet Singh 

Shri Ajeet Singh is a freelance journalist based at Hisar in Haryana. He was All India Radio’s Correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir for over 19 years. He retired as Director of News, Doordarshan Hisar.

 

Mo. – 9466647037

≈  Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈




English Literature – Articles ☆ The Real Journey… ☆ Ms. Divya Trivedi ☆

Ms. Divya Trivedi

☆ The Real Journey of Founder & CEO of SGHS Publications ☆ Ms. Divya Trivedi ☆

Divya Trivedi is the Founder and CEO of SGSH Publications. She lives in the City of dreams Mumbai. She graduated in Bsc Chemistry in 2022. She received many awards and certificates in her childhood journey. She eventually started her writing journey on 9th November 2020. And she published her first book titled “The Beauty Of Quotes” on the 4th of April 2021. As a writer, Divya Trivedi was always curious about how publishing companies are printing and listing the books. Like the processes behind it, what makes a publication best, the processes of start-up, what kind of impact it creates in the writing community, etc.

She never thought of starting a publication house, but as we know hard work always pays off. First she was the co author in many publications, then she have compiled many books in other publications, then she worked as a project head and then she felt something is missing in the publishing industry. So After learning and getting to know everything one by one, she decided to start her publication, not for anything else but just to Spread Goodness Spread Happiness around the world through books. That’s why she started a publication named SGSH Publication. SGSH publication was started on 30th October 2021 founded by Miss Divya Trivedi. She worked really hard to establish a well-known publication with a good mission like SGSH but due to some problems she decided to handover the publication to other member and she wanted to start her own publication named as Satyamev Jayate Publication but some founder of other publications make her realise the hard work in SGSH Publications, so that time she continued but later she realised publication is a business and in business sometimes we have to be strict, we have to be bold, we have to say Truth. But with SGSH name she was uncomfortable working in publication so she decided to Change the SGSH Publication to Kitab Writing Publication on 4th of March 2023. Till now, she has published 1000+ solo books, 200+ anthologies and 10000+ books printed by her publication which is not possible without her constant and dedicated efforts from her side. Divya Trivedi aims no matter what always stay real and honest with customers. She wants to achieve this only with sincerity, honesty, and hard Work. She knows there are thousands of Publications, many even at top positions, but for Kitab Writing Publication she aims not just to provide publishing services but also she tries to provide writers Motivation and to Spread Truth. In the meantime 15th May, 2024 she have purchased one underrated publication Story Spinner Publication but that was her biggest lost.

Kitab Writing Publication grew well, 5 star rating on Google reviews, 99% Return ration but again the publication has to face this challenge and the challenge is for Trademark ™️ Registration Kitab Writing was very common name, and there was complications; so again she have started SGSH Publications. It’s not easy to start and close, close and start but her aim is right, maybe some decisions are wrong. She has learned many things. And as she was not from a commerce background so she is trying her best to serve the best.

Now SGSH Publications have fire in her work. She is going to make it big. No matter what Divya Trivedi will never give up.

Her biggest inspiration was people around her, who always inspired her and trusted her work. In SGSH Publications

She has been awarded multiple and prestigious titles mentioned below:

  1. Best publication of the year 2022 from Incredible Indian Awards
  2. National book of records
  3. Fastest growing publication in 2023 from World wide book of records
  4. Asia’s Top 100 Entrepreneur 2023
  5. Indian archiver forum and many more Google articles, magazine.

She publishes books and anthologies. Her publication is unique because of her Honesty, Hard Work and consistent efforts. In her opinion, earning money from the business is a little easy but when she has authors coming to her again and approaching her to publish their write-ups with full happiness and satisfaction is what makes her unique. Each of her team members are very happy to work. More than a work and for money, they too are inspired by the mission of the publication and work for that. So not just the founder herself but every last member of her team is working for the same motto and writers are happy. She just sees this publication as the Best Publication in this world and also she sees herself as a Best Motivational Speaker for writers and Best Entrepreneur in the world. With her constant dedication she is going to reach the skies beyond the limit with flying colors. Her journey was a bit up and down, but setting up this publication is one of the best choices she has ever made.

Spread Goodness, Spread Happiness!

 Ms. Divya Trivedi,

Founder, SGSH PUBLICATION  

 5C, 507 Navin Shankrman Shibir, Magathane, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066.

Mob.  075069 94878

Email – [email protected]

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar / Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈