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

By Hemant Bawankar2 Comments

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 ☆

Bliss was it to be in the newsroom of All India Radio Simla this day 50 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 listened 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 Shimla 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 may 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 news reading.

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 Shimla 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. Shimla 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 Shimla. 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 news reading, 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.

Joint Director of News, Jag Mohan Lal Mathur rang me up once to say that one of my Samayiki programme was appreciated in the Director’s meeting following its newspaper review. I asked him if he had listened to the programme, he said none had. Newspaper reference only thrilled everybody. Now tape was being located to listen in the evening meeting.

Instances are numerous but I think this grinding must have shaped me to be awarded the Akashvani Award for the “Correspondent of the Year” for 1990.

It was all very thrilling that took me through about 20 years in J&K . The Kargil war, Hazratbal shrine seize and a lot  more.

Thank you dear jovial Announcer, thanks Puranchand ji, Kale ji, SFH Naqvi and everybody who helped me shape what I am.

©  Shri Ajeet Singh 

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

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

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मराठी साहित्य – वाचताना वेचलेले ☆ दार… “Door” ☆ संग्राहक – श्री सुहास सोहोनी

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

श्री सुहास सोहोनी

? वाचताना वेचलेले ?

☆दार… “Door” ☆ संग्राहक – श्री सुहास सोहोनी ☆ 

“Door”

One was “this” and one was “she”.

Both are peers and have been neighbors for many years.

That is, “she” should stay on the first floor and “she” on the second.

But the neighborhood was forever.

Sometimes it seems like the Haqqanis want to tell each other.

At least one box or bowl of both the houses should always be in the other house.

One day, they could not bring groceries because of the rain.

So what He took the last bowl and brought it to her.

“She” also greeted “Hee” with a smile and immediately gave sugar.

“She” whispered loudly as if she was wearing slippers.

“I have a fever every day. .

Saying this, Vaitagun slammed the door.

“Hey” is heard.

“She” was loud enough to be heard by most.

Then the “he” but a little bit escaped.

She came to our house in a hurry.

“What if you ask for a cup of sugar?”

“Like asking for some estate for” she “!!”.

“He” slammed his door twice as loudly.

So much so that “she” should be heard on purpose.

Ever since then.

The conversation between “he” and “she” is closed.

“She” doesn’t know what happened.

So let’s talk once or twice.

But I don’t even want to cover “she” with “she”

Friendship cracks …

Within a few days, the building received a warning from the municipality.

Then everything dispersed in different directions.

There is no connection between the two.

Time has passed .. age has increased.

There was a four-day spiritual camp nearby.

Both of them had registered there.

Coincidentally, both of them lived in the same room.

Even though I feel like chatting a lot, I still feel distant.

But the teaching in the camp is “Leave everything old and communicate anew”.

So once spoken on the last day.

The tension of “this” continues from the previous page.

“What? xxxxxxxx .. Did you ask for an estate? “.. etc.

“Why? Why do you think so ?? ”

“Then I knocked on the door so loudly saying my daily quarrel, is it mine?”

“She” shook her head.

“Father !! So you haven’t been talking for so many years ?? “

“Oh my gosh I was calling you that door !!”

“Remember, when it was raining ??”

“What a swollen” door “.. when you put it on, you have to come to Naki Nau !!”

“It was called daily fever ss !!”

“Is it Ayyasss ?? .. Yes, that’s right .. when our door was very swollen.

“Ruswa” of both because the door is “inflated”.

Remember, “Doors swell in the rain.”

There should be no misunderstanding if someone slammed the door in front of you.

The sound of doors can be heard in a building.

Do not immediately conclude that the husband and wife have a quarrel.

And yes ss ..

But let us all save the “doors of the mind” from being inflated.

Let’s keep the diagnosis.

Good thoughts come in and bad ones go out.

Last but not least …

If you ever feel like it, let’s talk to each other immediately without any hesitation.

Often the cause is trivial but we take it seriously.

Many years of good friendship between “he and she” have been wasted.

And because of the “swollen house” and “swollen mind” .. “door”

Shri Kshitij Date, Thane

Source: WhatsApp

Collected  by: Shri Suhas Sohoni, Ratnagiri

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English Literature – Article ☆ Independence Day Special – All ‘Reborn’ on the 15th of August! ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh, Ex-Director (News) Doordarshan

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Shri Ajeet Singh 

(We present an article ‘All ‘Reborn’ on the 15th of August!’ written by Shri Ajeet Singh ji, Ex-Director (News), Doordarshan.)

☆ Independence Day Special – All ‘Reborn’ on the 15th of August! ☆ Shri Ajeet Singh ☆

Dr. Subhash Kalra, an 82-year old senior citizen of Hisar in Haryana, celebrates his birthday every year on the 15th of August. A senior citizens’ group , the Vanprastha, gives him the honour of unfurling the national flag at the Senior Citizens Club to mark the occasion.

Last year he wished everybody Happy Independence Day and surprised by disclosing that all his brothers, sisters and cousins also celebrate their birthdays on the 15th of August in different towns they live.

How could that be? Coincidence could be in respect of one or two members being born on a particular day, but about a dozen people born on the same date in an extended family, though in different years, seemed almost impossible.

Dr. Kalra narrated the story behind it .

His family migrated in 1947 from Kamalia town in Pakistan. He was about nine years old and remembers the hardships the family went through in their journey from Kamalia to Lahore and Amritsar.

A very young child, just a few months old, couldn’t stand the heat and humidity of tough rail journey. He died. How to bury his body ?

The family elder, his Tayaji, a freedom fighter, took the dead child in his hands and let it slip into the Ravi as the train crossed over the river bridge.

The extended family of about 50 people, young and old, reached a refugee camp in Amritsar. The women were wailing for the dead child.

Tayaji asked all to gather immediately. He announced that nobody will grieve for what they had lost. Rather, all will celebrate what they achieved, the gift of azadi.

He further announced that from then onward everyone would declare and celebrate his or her birthday on the 15th of August. Years of birth would, of course, be different.

Tayaji’s logic was that arriving alive in India in that madness of violence of partition, was a rebirth for everyone.

And everybody has been following his dictates since then.

Tayaji and other elderly people of the family are no more. The children of partition time are now themselves elderly. They recall the incident regarding their birthday every year on the 15th of August.

Dreams of azadi were very intense among the people of the era of the freedom struggle.

Prof. Swaraj Kumari, a retired teacher from the Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, says that she was born about a year before the Independence came in 1947. Her father, a freedom fighter, named her Swaraj as he thought she was gift of God prior to the soon-to-come, azadi that was so much in the air.

Another university teacher, Prof. A.L. Khurana says that the joy of celebrating the Independence Day was very intense in the initial years of post -independence era and has been going down since then. “Early in the morning, an elderly gentleman named Mr. Bedi, would ride a horse and move throughout Hisar city exhorting people to gather at the site of the Independence Day celebrations.

Those were the days.

Happy Independence Day.

©  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 ≈

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English Literature – Article ☆ Buddha Purnima Special– Nirvana – The Highest Happiness ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

☆ Nirvana – The Highest Happiness ☆ 

The present times are turbulent indeed. One needs to have peace of mind to tide through the pandemic. There is a greater need to follow the doctrine and the discipline enunciated by the Buddha. His teaching is simple and easy to practice.

On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima it is worth to share two interesting facts:

 1.   Buddha Purnima is actually 3-in-1:

              • Buddha’s Happy Birthday,
              • Day of attaining enlightenment,
              • and also Maha Parinirvana Day!

 2. Buddha was born under a tree in Lumbini, found awakening while meditating under a tree in Gaya, gave his first sermon in  Saranath under a tree and all his important sermons under trees, and also reached Maha Parinirvana under a tree in Kushinagar!

Nirvana is described as the highest happiness – the supreme state of bliss. Those who have attained Nirvana live in utter bliss, free from hatred and mental illness.

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

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

Video Link >>>>>>>

Meditate Like Buddha!

The Buddha realized Nirvana through his enlightenment, and for the next forty-five years of his life he endeavoured to help others to realize it for themselves.

He said, “Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvana the highest happiness.”

Nirvana is the culmination of the quest for perfection and happiness. It is a state to be attained here and now in this very life and not a state that is attained only after death.

Nirvana is the destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, and the destruction of delusion.

Nirvana is a state of moral perfection. For one who has attained Nibbana, all unwholesome motivational roots such as greed, hatred, and delusion have been fully eradicated with no possibility of their ever becoming active again.

The realization of Nirvana comes with the blossoming of wisdom and brings perfect peace, untarnished happiness, and the stilling of the mind’s compulsive drives.

Nirvana is the destruction of thirst – the thirst of craving. It is the destruction of greed, hatred, and delusion. It is an island of safety amid the raging currents of old age, sickness, and death.

The way for realization of Nirvana is the Noble Eightfold Path – that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

We must guard our thoughts, actions, and speech so that no harm is caused to any living being. We must cultivate loving-kindness and compassion for all sentient beings.

If we seek the serenity of the Buddha, we must learn to meditate like the Buddha. Meditation brings calm and peace of mind. It enables us to live our life optimally.

One also needs to develop and cultivate one’s mind by continuously imbibing spiritual wisdom that is inherent in the teachings of the Buddha.

Let us strive to be a Buddha in the modern world. May all be happy, be peaceful, be liberated!

 

©  Jagat Singh Bisht

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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.

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English Literature – Weekly Column☆ Samudramanthanam – 26 – Amrit ☆ Mr. Ashish Kumar

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Mr Ashish Kumar

(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing.  He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized.  I am sure you will be also amazed.  We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book  “Samudramanthanam” .  According to Mr Ashish  “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and taken references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.”  Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)    

Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam 

☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 26 – Amrita ☆ 

Finally, the day has come for which Sura and Asura join their hands, for which they were doing all efforts from ages.

Out of the ocean of milk ‘Kshirasāgara’ emerged a radiant golden pot. “I am the Lord of Good Health and Medicine,” he announced. “Here is the amrita that you seek. Those who drink it will gain strength and immortality.”

There was a great cheer as the devas and Asuras realized that their task was over. Both Lords Indra and Bali stepped forward to take the pot.

“As it was our idea, we will drink it first,” said Indra, tugging it to the right.

“Without us, you would not have had the strength to churn the ocean,” retorted Bali, tugging it to the left. “Give it to us first.”

And so on, it went, back and forth, right and left. Tempers flared and it almost came to blows, four drops split from the pot and fall over earth. Those four drops of amrita fall on ‘Haridwar’, ‘Paryagraj’, ‘Ujjan’ and ‘Nasik’ and these four are places where Kumbh melas are organised. Kumbh means a pot.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, appeared a beautiful maiden such as they had never seen! Her dark eyes were like blue lotuses and her air of mystery enchanted devas and Asuras alike. It was Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a lovely girl, to divert the attention of the Asuras.

Smiling sweetly and coyly, she took the pot from them. “Silly men, why quarrel over this?” she scolded playfully. “Sit down and I will serve it equally amongst you.”

Meekly they sat down, devas facing north and Asuras facing south, as the beautiful maiden danced between them. Flirting outrageously with the Asuras, she distracted them while she slyly served the amrita to the devas. Soon, all the devas had received the magic potion and there was not a drop left for the Asuras.

The beautiful maiden then threw down the pot and, laughing scornfully, vanished as suddenly as she had appeared.

© Ashish Kumar

New Delhi

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

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English Literature – Weekly Column☆ Samudramanthanam – 25 – Kalpavriksha ☆ Mr. Ashish Kumar

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Mr Ashish Kumar

(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing.  He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized.  I am sure you will be also amazed.  We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book  “Samudramanthanam” .  According to Mr Ashish  “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and taken references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.”  Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)    

Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam 

☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 25 – Kalpavriksha ☆ 

Last phase of churning of ocean of milk ‘Kshirasāgara’ was going on. All were waiting for amrita now. After one more round of push and pull of mount Mandara with the help of Naga Vasuki by Sura and Asura a tree with golden green leaves seen over ocean surface. Indira and other wondered that what is this. The glory of that tree was looking immeasurable. The roots and timber were below the ocean and only branches and leaves were visible above ocean.

Meantime an Asura started thinking in his mind about Rajasavik food. Soon a big plate of Rajsavik food appeared in front of him from nowhere.

All were amazed.

Other hand one Sura thinking about ornaments and soon he got them.

Then Lord Bharma said, “this is ‘Kalpavriksha’ that can fulfill wish only about thinking them. Now question is to whom this ‘Kalpavriksha’ belongs to”

Indira said, “No, question about it ‘Kalpavriksha’ is born to be a part of Indira’s  heaven”

Soon Bali said, “No, Indira till now we haven’t objected on anything. Even I have given Parijaat to your wife and make her my own sister’ but this ‘Kalpavriksha’ go to only underworld and if not, then war will surely take place”

After listing these words of their king against first time Asura felt very proud over him.

Soon both the teams lost their grips over Naga Vasuki and be ready for war.

Indira picked his Vajra and about to attack over Bali. Bali is actually ready for this attack and stop and hold Indira hand from his right hand.

Then one to one dual is started in between Indira and Bali and other hand both the teams also doing war against each other team members.

Brahma and other sage present there were trying to stop them but they were unable to listen.

This war is taking serious shape.

Then a big blast happened at place where ‘Kalpavriksha’ appeared from ocean. That was vanished and no mark of ‘Kalpavriksha’ remained.

© Ashish Kumar

New Delhi

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

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English Literature – Weekly Column☆ Samudramanthanam – 24 – Nidra ☆ Mr. Ashish Kumar

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Mr Ashish Kumar

(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing.  He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized.  I am sure you will be also amazed.  We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book  “Samudramanthanam” .  According to Mr Ashish  “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and taken references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.”  Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)    

Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam 

☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 24 – Nidra ☆ 

Cycle on churning was nonstop going on. Sura and Asura want to end this process soon. It was the beautiful day of Kartik maas. Day of Ekadashi called Devutthan Ekadashi. Time to consciously waking up of Lord Vishnu.

As one more round of churning of ‘Kshirasāgara’ was about to end. One side Lord Vishnu started opening his eyes over Sheshnaga and started yawning at the other end all Sura, Asura even Lord Brahma started feeling heaviness in their heads and asleep.

Soon many lifeful creature felt down over the surface of ocean of milk ‘Kshirasāgara’.

Lord Brahma fall sleep over his pink lotus. Due to which lotus started tilting a side. Soon Goddess of knowledge ‘Sarswati’ came on her white swan and held the head of sleeping Brahma.

All other sages also slept, only Spatrishis, the seven great sage were awake and all wonder. They soon approached towards Sheshnaga, place where Lord Vishnu use to sleep.

As they reach near Sheshnaga, they saw Lord Vishnu was awake and sitting over Sheshnaga with gentle smile.

One of Saptrishi sage said, “Lord, on the site of churning all Sura, Asura, sage even Lord Brahma is sleeping. Naga Vasuki hood is fallen apart and he is seeping as well. What is this Maya, illusion, O! Mayadhra only you can know”

Lord Vishnu do salute to seven great sage and said, “come with me on site and I’ll explain you there”

Then all reached at the site of churning of ocean ‘Kshirasāgara’ where seems to be whole universe is paused.

Lord Vishnu started saying, “great seven sage, this is due to our Yoga Maya which is creation of ego and desires of individual. Which keeps people bound on their realms.

You can say it is Nidra or sleep of ignorance. It is a Tamsik shakti of mine. See towards the ocean where churning is happening”

All seven sage looked toward the churning site. They saw a beautiful black color Goddess is standing and smiling. All sage does salute to her and ask, “who are you mother?”

That Goddess replied with lazy voice, “I am Yoga Nidra or Yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. I am a state in which the one’s body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a set of verbal instructions. This state of consciousness is different from meditation, in which concentration on a single focus is required. In Yoga Nidra the practitioner remains in a state of light withdrawal of the 5 senses (pratyahara) with four senses internalized, that is, withdrawn, and only hearing still connects to any instructions given.

© Ashish Kumar

New Delhi

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

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English Literature – Weekly Column☆ Samudramanthanam – 23 – Parijata ☆ Mr. Ashish Kumar

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Mr Ashish Kumar

(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing.  He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized.  I am sure you will be also amazed.  We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book  “Samudramanthanam” .  According to Mr Ashish  “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and take references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.”  Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)    

Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam 

☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 23 – Parijata ☆ 

Sura and Asura were now fed up from the churning of ocean of milk ‘Kshirasāgara’. They all were bore from this churning now. They all were missing their actual work and fun. Narada muni is aware of it. He knows that now this churning must stop soon. Soon Amrita will appear but only Lord Vishnu knows how long this will go.

Then after thinking something in his mind Narada muni proceeded towards Lord Brahma and said to him,” Prmapita Parmeshvar, father of all, Lord, are you thinking same which I am? I can see that both the teams are desperately want to end this churning of ocean. They are no more interested in it.”

Lord Brahma said,” your observation is right Narada, actually they are bored from routine task. They want some rest and relaxation and enjoyment of their senses. You do one thing. Go near ‘Indira’ and ‘Bali’ and told them that Brahma has given command to do a short break from this churning. You request Indira that he will order Apsaras do come here and do dance with Gandharva who will play music and also request from ‘Bali’ that he will order their team members to arrange food for everyone.

Narada muni does the same.   Now all Sura and Asura were enjoying a surprise party in which many types of sense engagements were present. Different types of foods were available there. Gandharva were playing their music instruments and Apsaras were dancing over their instrument tunes.

Bali looks towards an apsara ‘Urmila’ and said, “you all are very beautiful but your body is lacking the decoration of nature”

Indira interpreted and said, “what do you mean Bali?”

Bali said, “Indira you don’t know how to respect and decorate a woman. Your heaven’s beauties are lacking the natural decoration”

After listing these words of ‘Bali’ a tree starts emerging from ocean ‘Kshirasāgara’. It is night-flowering coral jasmine, or simply fragrance. Tree growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall, with flaky grey bark. The leaves were opposite, simple, 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 inches) long and 2–6.5 cm (0.79–2.56 inches) broad, with an entire margin. The flowers were fragrant, with a five- to eight-lobed white corolla with an orange-red center; they were produced in clusters of two to seven together, with individual flowers opening at dusk and finishing at dawn. The fruit is a bilobed, flat brown heart-shaped to round capsule 2 cm (0.79 inch) diameter, each lobe containing a single seed. The fragrance of flower of Parijata and its appearance as white and orange color make to lose sense to all people present there.

Bali said to Indira, “this is the tree and flower of Patal lok, underworld which bloom here as a result of ‘Kshirasāgara’ churning only on my request and I am going to give this tree with flowers to my sister and your wife ‘Indrani’ on the day of ‘Bhaiya Dooj’.

Everyone were amazed from Bali’s act. Indira is not believing on it what Bali has done. Even he was still thinking that this must be some trick of Asura. Some Asura thinking that ‘Bali’ has done wrong to give precious tree of underworld to Indira’s wife.

Bali has won hearts of many.

Churning started again.

 

© Ashish Kumar

New Delhi

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

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English Literature ☆ Happy New Year 2021 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM (Editor, E-Abhivyakti (English))

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

(Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. Presently, he is serving as Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad is 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’. )

? Happy New Year 2021!?

Having bid farewell to year 2020, we’re ushering in the New Year 2021, which calls for a celebration, as it is an occasion to  spend frolicking time with near-and-dear ones, and exchange Happy New Year wishes and greetings.

A great deal of things happen in the  year just gone by, mostly unprecedented, melancholic and sombre. The pandemic Covid-19 did unleash its catastrophic spell on the humanity.

The 2020 was a life time unique experience in many aspects: societal, economic, profession, science. World has changed in this period perhaps busy in establishing human superiority over the nature. Conceited mankind did attempt to takeover nature’s all functions in totality with Artificial Intelligence, robotics and cloning humans. But then suddenly the nature gave one of its little gentle but lethal slap, and made the human world realise its pygmy status बी bringing the world to its knees in a jiffy. All socio-economic theories, architectural shapes and even rituals lost meaning and got changed forever.

Mankind will try to find an answer to this pandemic and also the ruffling of nature but it would be wise if we offset the course at least to remain parallel to nature if not converging, while maintaining its due reverence and obeisance!

Let us usher in the year 2021 with full vigour and sensitivities, keeping the lessons learnt from the 2020 in our memory box guarding against the auto delete.

 Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Let’s write a good one…as the adage goes: “A job well done is half done!”

 Let’s dream a new dream…Hoping smiles from the threshold of the year just rang the bell, whispering: ‘It will be happier…with promising newer vistas of wellness and prosperity!’

Happy New Year 2021!

Bouquet on WhatsApp 2.20.206.24

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Editor (E-Abhivyakti – English)

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English Literature ☆ Stories ☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 21 – Lakshmi ☆ Mr. Ashish Kumar

By Hemant BawankarNo Comments

Mr Ashish Kumar

(It is difficult to comment about young author Mr Ashish Kumar and his mythological/spiritual writing.  He has well researched Hindu Philosophy, Science and quest of success beyond the material realms. I am really mesmerized.  I am sure you will be also amazed.  We are pleased to begin a series on excerpts from his well acclaimed book  “Samudramanthanam” .  According to Mr Ashish  “Samudramanthanam is less explained and explored till date. I have tried to give broad way of this one of the most important chapter of Hindu mythology. I have read many scriptures and take references from many temples and folk stories, to present the all possible aspects of portrait of Samudramanthanam.”  Now our distinguished readers will be able to read this series on every Saturday.)    

Amazon Link – Samudramanthanam 

☆ Weekly Column – Samudramanthanam – 21 – Lakshmi☆ 

Now green color lotus emerges from ocean over which another form of Goddess was sitting.  She was Santana Lakshmi (“Progeny Lakshmi “) is the goddess of bestowing offspring.

She emerges with eight arms from which one arm has holding a baby, who by itself holds a lotus in its hands. Two of her arms has a shield and a sword, with two more holding a water pitcher decorated with mango leaves and topped with a coconut. One hand is in the Abhaya Mudra which signifies the dispelling of darkness and conferring the boon of a child. She is seated on a green color lotus attired in red and yellow garments, wearing a garland of flowers and draped in gold jewelry.

She takes east position in sky to witness churning.

All these incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi were emerging on the Kartik month Amavasya or Diwali.

Next yellow color lotus starts appearing over which Veera Lakshmi (“Valorous Lakshmi “) or Dhairya Lakshmi (“Courage Lakshmi “) the goddess who bestows valor during battles and courage plus strength for overcoming difficulties in life was sitting.

Veera Lakshmi appears with eight arms, dressed in red clothing and draped in gold ornaments and flowers. She was seated on a yellow lotus and wields several weapons in her hands like a disc, bow, arrow and a trident or sword. She also holds a conch and several palm leaf scriptures. Two hands were portrayed in the Abhaya Mudra and Varadh Mudra postures that dispels fear, while signifying safety, reassurance and generosity. Her charming and peaceful countenance evokes a feeling of love and compassion, which instills fortitude and determination in the hearts of her devotees.

She takes south position in the sky to welcome her Goddess Maha Lakshmi.

Once again churning started. It is noon time and soon a light pink lotus appear over which Vijaya Lakshmi was sitting. Vijaya Lakshmi or Jaya Lakshmi (“Victorious Lakshmi “) is the goddess and the giver of victory, not only in battles. but also, for conquering hurdles in order to achieve success. She came as eight-armed, in red garments, carrying the chakra, shankh, sword, shield, lotus, pasha, other two hands in Abhaya mudra and Varada mudra.

She takes north east position in the sky.

Again, churning started. Next comes blue lotus over which sitting Vidya Lakshmi (“Knowledge Lakshmi “) the goddess and the bestowed of knowledge of arts and sciences. She is dressed in a white saree and has a resemblance to the goddess Saraswati. She holds a book of Vedas, a peacock feather as a pen, Varad mudra and Abhay mudra.

She takes north west position in the sky.

So, seven forms of Goddess Lakshmi till now appeared who were waiting to welcome Goddess MahaLakshmi the wife and other half of Lord Vishnu.

Then different types of smell started  coming and a special white lotus appears over which four goddesses were seating. These four were also minor incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi apart from seven form of Goddess Lakshmi who appeared before.

These four are:

Aishwarya Lakshmi (“Prosperity Lakshmi “) the Goddess of riches only form of Lakshmi Goddess who mounts horse.

Saubhagya Lakshmi (“Giver of good Fortune”) she Gives prosperity in general.

Rajya Lakshmi (“Royal Lakshmi “) She who blesses rulers (with power) and

Vara Lakshmi (“Boon Lakshmi “) The goddess who bestows boons.

All these minor forms of Goddess Lakshmi take position of middle in sky.

Then Lord Vishnu appears and said, “This is the most auspicious time of year the kuhu kala moon of Amavasya of Kartik month. Night of Diwali and this is the time to emerge Goddess ‘Maha Lakshmi’.

Soon Lord Shiv with Goddess Parvati also appear. Then all three Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take position before Lord Brahma.

After sometimes Goddess Saraswati also comes to welcome Goddess ‘Laskhmi’ in real form.

All remaining goddess and god have secured their position to witness most beautiful moment of the universe ever saw.

Then come Goddess Alakshmi, the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi on her Mount ‘Owl’.

Lord Vishnu said, “all possible incarnation of mine. Which already incarnated and also whose about to incarnation wants to see this beautiful moment. So, from my inside all my ten Avtars will appears”

Then Lord Vishnu form start growing all around and ten faces, five at one side and five other side emerge from Lord Vishnu body. Yes, ten Avtars Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narasimha; Vamana; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna; Buddha Krishna; and Kalki. Faces were visible all-around Lord Vishnu.

Gandharvas came from heaven and started to play their divine instruments of music and apsaras started dancing all around.

All great sage doing chanting of holy mantras of Vedas.

Then at the most auspicious moment of universe on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi appears as a calm and loving lady with golden complexion dressed in bright colors red and adorned with precious jewels.

She has Four arms which represents the four ends of human life, Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires) and Moksha (liberation).

She wears bright clothes and Ornaments: represent prosperity.

She holds lotus bud in two of her hands, which stands for beauty, purity, spirituality and fertility.

She sits on a fully blossomed dark pink lotus which signifies the seat of divine truth. It also indicates rising above worldly impurities. The four elephants which showering over her four kind of divine liquids symbolize the royal power.

A cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, this represents her as goddess of wealth. the one who blesses everyone with wealth.

An aura of divine happiness, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exists around Maha Lakshmi.

An owl emerges from the body of her elder sister Alakshmi and sits near Maha Lakshmi as a vehicle for Maha Lakshmi. Owl sleeps through the day and keeps awake during night. This denotes that if you want to attain success, you must remain awake when others are sleeping.

As Goddess Maha Lakshmi’s first view appears all the suffering of world vanished. Then Lord Shiva said, “Goddess of abundant Lord Vishnu is lifeless without you. You are one for which this churning of ocean is happening. Now you are here again to guide people, I think this churning must be stopped and I declare and request Saprtrishi to do a marriage of you with Lord Vishnu”

Lord Vishnu looks towards Lord Shiva and said with smile, “Mahdeva, your gentility is beyond world. Yes, Vishnu is incomplete without his power Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Now we will marriage and will take blessings of yours and Spatrishis and of Lord Brahma. As you said for common people this churning is end because Goddess of prosperity is here in absent of which life is not worth of living for people of earth but there is one more important aspect is there to do this churning and that is to get liquid of immortality ‘Amrita’. As blessings of Goddess Lakshmi are necessary for people of earth. The amrita is required for Sura of heaven and Asura of underworld. So, I request you to allow your permission to start this churning again.”

Lord Shiva said, “As you please Lord”

Then marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi happened and after enjoyment and festival celebration churning of ocean started again.

Goddess MahaLakshmi starts living with God Vishnu.

Dhana Lakshmi with people who use money wisely to run house of poor people.

Dhanya Lakshmi with farmers.

Gaja Lakshmi with people who understand and give equal right to animals.

Santana Lakshmi bless children to whom who never do partiality between children.

Veera/Dhairya Lakshmi starts live with people who show bravery to help who required help.

Jaya/Vijaya Lakshmi bless people victory who can justify that.

Vidya Lakshmi with people who do regular study of nature.

Aishwarya Lakshmi gives nine types of luxuries.

Saubhagya Lakshmi make people fortunate.

Rajya Lakshmi gives kingdom.

Vara Lakshmi gives  people boon who deserved it.

 

© Ashish Kumar

New Delhi

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

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