Triumph of the human spirit is seen when humans, despite great odds, rise above. For instance, people of New York City pulling together and pulling the city back to order after 9/11 reflects a triumph of human spirit. Closer home the example of Tehri Garhwal on the southern slopes of outer Himalayas.
In June last year, a multi-day cloudburst here caused devastating floods and landslides, the worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. Destruction of bridges and roads left thousands of pilgrims and tourists trapped in the valleys and Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The Indian Air Force, the Army, and paramilitary troops, Border Road Organization rendered laudable service in rescue and restoration work. Braving the rigors of extreme weather conditions, these forces also keep their vigil on the encroachment- prone international borders. We salute their spirit of sacrifice.
People in the region bank upon eco-tourism and yatras; but both the segments have suffered setbacks this year due to reduced footfalls. The locals believe that the oft- repeated images of Ganga’s fury in TV Channels might be playing in the minds of pilgrims. Our long drive up to Mana, the last Indian village before the China border, was hassle free. The sign boards “No race, no rally, just enjoy the valley” are befitting the season that has just unfolded in the region in May.
Ever since the origin of time and the birth of civilization, superstition has always been an inextricable part of life. Most superstitions, especially those believed to portend the future, were conceived with the aim to protect and nourish mankind. Though they were based on sound reasoning, with time, much of the reasoning has been forgotten and the beliefs appear unsubstantiated. Often, what we may have dismissed as superstitious lore, has a deeper significance and meaning behind it. At times, this meaning may have even been misconstrued, exaggerated or even misinterpreted by subsequent generations.
In the hoary traditions of India, indications are given about how the Universe communicates through Omens and symbolism. In the pantheon of mythological icons, Jaadu is associated with the negative consciousness of Jyestha. She is regarded as the elder sister and an antithesis of Lakshmi. People believe that carrying a broom over one’s shoulder spells bad luck.
Release of a white pigeon these days is done perhaps in the belief that it is symbolism of good luck. But superstition evolved over centuries tells otherwise. For instance the working population of miners saw the bird as an ill omen. For them it was reputedly too dangerous to go underground if this bird was seen near a pit shaft. A lone white pigeon perching on a chimney or to have one tapping on the window or flying near the room of a sick person is deemed ominous. For a long time when feather beds were popular, pigeon feathers were never favored as they only prolonged the agonies of ill stricken.
Waves of happiness swept through the lawns of Casabella on the eve of Mein tera celebrations.
Audience served a 3- in- 1 treat of Gaan, Dhyan and Gyan.
Jaipur 13th May 2014:
The Jaipur Ashram was resplendent with happy faces turning up in large numbers, colorful decor, the famed Rajasthani hospitality all of which marked the setting for a memorable Sumeru Sandhya.
4th May 2014:
With a bounteous magical spell of auspicious rains at the venue preceding, Sankara Jayanthi was celebrated with divine fervor. The satsangees interestingly represented different streams of social life of Coimbatore and all neighboring districts,urban and rural. In the immediate proximity of the historic Navakoti Narayan shrine of Saint Ramanuja, the day marked the Ramanuja Jayanthi as well!
Some ten years ago, OK Mandap and the vicinity of Echanari wouldn't have dreamt of a full fledged University functioning in the area with a strength of some 15000 students. Today it is a reality. The Chancellor of the University along with the Principal of our Veda Agama Gurukul were honored at the event.
