World Cultural Festival

11th March 2016


Opening day of the WCF. Event was scheduled to commence 5 pm but artistes and dignitaries started arriving at the venue of the epic Cultural Olympics as early as 2 pm.

Padma Bhushan Awardee Vikku Vinayak Ram Ji from Chennai with his talented grandson. Many would remember, this humble percussionist was also bestowed the renowned Grammy award by the US music Industry.

The magnificent stage was for everyone. Amidst Vedic chants, an Islamic scholar prayed. Isn’t this harmony in the the world that we are seeking?

Most cameras were focussed on the ground level happenings oblivious to a celestial spectacle that was unfolding in the sky. A giant peacock feather image appeared symbolizing perhaps the vault of heaven, and the 'eyes' of the stars. Stellar replay of sequence beside Yamuna in Dwapar Yuga?

Interaction with Dr. Richard Cash

Interaction with Dr. Richard Cash, a distinguished professor, humanitarian from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. He has done some pioneering work in scaling up Health programs in Low-income countries.

Dharmo rakshadi rakshida:

In 1985, along with friends in Rotary Calcutta, we were visiting the Sundarbans, the small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests WB. Our focus then, as tourists, was on spotting species of birds, spotted deers and the eponymous Royal Bengal tiger. Yet we did not fail to spot the suffering of the native dwellers who had to traverse in boats long distances, to fetch potable water every day. On our return, the idea of sinking several deep tube wells took shape. It got implemented swiftly. Whilst the beneficiaries were deeply grateful, we felt fulfilled and blessed.

On a global level, the same year, the Polio- plus initiative to tackle polio eradication was launched. Rotary has already contributed a few billion dollars and countless volunteer hours to immunize over 2.5 billion children across the globe.The Institution is 111 years old, nurtured on dharmic principles especially their 4 -Way Test.

Was invited to deliver a special address to an august assembly in the presence of the genial RI President from Evanston,IL. and RI Director.

May their tribe increase.

A life with a motto: Earn to Give.

02-02-2016

M.S.Subbulakshmi: Centenary Tribute

A music critic once wrote “Her music has the power to soothe a savage beast, soften rocks and bend a knotted tree." The nightingale of India, her bhajans and sacred chants   resonated in Carnegie Hall and UNGA and even today from the hills of Tirupati to temples across continents.

M.S. cut her first disc at the age of 10 and maiden public concert at 11. She starred in many successful films, including the all-time Indian classic Meera. It created a wave and gave her an all India status as a musician.

Following her meeting with  Mahatma Gandhi in 1941, she performed many concerts to raise funds for the Kasturba Memorial Trust.  Her immortal bhajans Hari thumo haro and Vaishnava Janatho were Bapu’s favourites.

She led a life of detachment, without being a slave to material and terrestrial needs. A Magsaysay award winner, she donated her entire prize money to welfare schemes. In 1996, she was honoured with the nation's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Today we were fortunate to pay our Centennial tribute to such a saintly musician. When we sang her very popular number,   Kurai ondrum illai  (I have no regrets), all of us on stage and the assembly in rapt attention felt truly blessed.

Sparkling millennial generation

Over the last six decades, the GRG brand has come to signify excellence in education in Southern India. Today, their Institutions are home to over 13000 students pursuing a wide spectrum of studies from nursery to doctoral programmes in an inspiring ambience. They are part of the PSG lineage that is synonymous with the growth of Coimbatore City.

On 19th January 2016, was at a vast assembly of faculty, staff and students who came together to celebrate and pay tribute to the Founders who have set a gold standard in empowerment of women through education. Been at this venue some fourteen years ago (see first pic) and could now see a great transformation in the campus.

The theme of the special address was ‘Challenges of Change”. What better example than the enterprising PSG brothers who were the first, in 1931, to use electric power in their mills from the Pykara Electricity System, replacing the older technology of generating power through steam engines.

Senjeri Hills,TN:

We returned to the venue after an interval of 14 years filled with nostalgia. The Thai poosam festive exuberance was evident all around. Gratifying to see several thousands, in all age groups, who thronged at the Maha satsang went ecstatic with the vibrant Thaen amudham bhajans on Lord Shanmukha.

Thai poosam is popular not only in the State but also in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. One of the austerities during this time is Kavadi. It is a beautiful synthesis of Bhakti-Hatha-Raja Yogas. The sadhak is made to beg from door to door both in known and unknown locations. While some offer alms, there are those who drive him away as well, thus crushing and powdering his ego! His simple attire, satvik diet and celibacy kindle viveka and mental endurance. He learns the glory of silence with constant remembrance and one pointed devotion to the Lord.

The Art of Silence Retreat with Ram Gita and Bhagwad Gita - All smiles!

Green Initiative

27 December 2015

The saplings that were planted a few years back at the venue of our Silence Retreat( concluded today) can be seen in the backdrop. They were well protected and nurtured and are today adding natural beauty to the surroundings, serving as a habitat for the fauna and enhancing the quality of air. Heartening to hear the large assembly of green enthusiasts singing the newly composed thematic anthem “we are not just planting a tree, but our future”

Arunji

Satsang with green warriors

13th December 2015

Change of setting from the metropolis to a rural belt evoked a sense of gratitude and fulfillment with a great opportunity to interact and sing for the farming community.

The green warriors in the District under the banner of VETRY deserve special mention. As their contribution to reduce global warming, this social forestry group is in the midst of a campaign – Vanathukkul Tirupur. They have so far planted over 1.25 lakh saplings in 100 days. A total of 84 companies, schools, colleges, social welfare organizations even temples are participating. 24 firms provided GPS- fitted tractors to water the saplings and protect them in the years ahead. Operations thus monitored from the Control room.

The Community has already achieved, first of its kind, zero liquid discharge in processing units saving eight crore litres of water per day – effective saving of pumped fresh water. May their tribe increase!

Dina Malar Tamil Newspaper interview.

Please click the image to enlarge.

Privilege to address a very large women’s assembly at Shangri-La

12 December 2015

It was a privilege to address a very large women’s assembly at Shangri-La this morning. 
Their welcome was unique ushering in the Xmas spirits - Santa adorning us with special stole and cookies too! The exuberance of the IW organising team blended with their meticulous attention to details. Lively Q&A followed. Returning from the venue, remembered the lyrics: “Komal hai kamzor nahi tu, Shakti ka nam hi nari hai; jag ko jiwan dene wali maut bhi tujhse hari hai”

AOL's magnum opus event

"Vishwa ek pariwar hai; prem hai sanskar hai

Sadhana Satsang Seva bhav ka sanchar hai"

95 days to go for the AOL's magnum opus event of 

World Culture Festival ‪#‎WCF‬

March 11-13,2016 @ New Delhi.