Make a Difference - GUJJU Style

Hello world,

I would like to share a portion from an email that I received from our HR dept today:

"......we found that there are a number of patients who have to stay in the hospital for the treatment for a very long time... for months, even for a year or more... And most of them are from poor families.

This time we are targeting patients who are admitted for treatment for Dialysis and kidney transplant.

They have to be admitted for 6-8 months and they have to follow a strict diet plan.

As per doctors' suggestion "Ganthiya and Jalebi" is very good for kidney patients due to the use of sodium bi-carbonate in their preparation.

So our social committee has planned for distribution of "Ganthia and Jalebi" on 27 June - Sunday to the Civil hospital kidney patients.

We have a target to distribute......"

Amazing! I never knew Gathiya-Jalebi is good for my Kidney!!! The best thing that Jalebi reminds me about is its mouth-watering golden-warm taste and the "Shuddh Dhara" ad in which li'l Chunnu who runs away from home comes back just to hog his Mom-made Jalebis!!! But that’s not the point.

I just want to share or rather point out that there are so many small little things in life that seem very casual to us, but can make a huge difference in someone's life! A casual snack for me could be a life saving (I know I am exaggerating) medicine for someone (at least it could be an aid to the treatment)!!! It truly is ironic that there are people around us who cant afford these things even when they are highly needed.

Most of us may not have to think twice about a lavish dinner at Barbecue Nation or a casual breakfast at IIM or Vastrapur or Iscon, but there are people who cant even afford a prescribed meal or a drug! It is our moral responsibility to come forward to help them.

But of course, we have our social responsibilities as well towards our families and work which may not allow us to spend time in helping others. These kind of efforts put at an organizational level help in bridging that gap. I cannot go to the civil hospital everyday to offer gathiya-jalebi to the patients there, but at least I can contribute financially if my company is assuring me that she will do it on my behalf. (Yes, 'company' too, is definitely a female - why do you think she is so unpredictable and demanding and yet so much needed???)

Jokes apart, but we all should be proud that there are millions of organizations worldwide who are putting efforts to help those who are in need today. And I really appreciate the idea 'coz even a small contribution from each individual in an organization would result into a huge aid at the end of the day.

So, I request you all to participate actively in these kind of official-charity events and encourage your organization to organize these sort of events on a regular basis. Not just organizations, even Co-Op Societies, clubs and other groups should think on these lines.

Two thumbs up to all the companies and individuals who have been putting efforts towards helping each other by helping the society.

And last but not the least, A heart felt congratulations to all the makers of Gathiya - Jalebi!!!

God Bless!

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The "Mind-Lifting" LIFT!

Thanks to my wonderful wife, its a routine for me to drop her everyday at 12:30 afternoon at her pickup point. Today, as always, I was performing my gentleman's act by making sure she got safely on board her company cab... However, on my way back home, something interesting happened that I want to share in here.

Our home is 1.5 km straight drive from the main road (SG Highway); but this straight drive is through a very busy street of a local market and its obvious to find familiar faces of your neighbors while you are driving/riding there.

It is impossible not to find someone from our colony or our apartment shopping something or going somewhere while you are crossing this 1.5 km. Today, the familiar face was of our watchman. It so happened that he recognized me and I recognized him - and in that one fraction of a second that we saw each other - we realized the need of the minute - that he wanted a lift back home!

So, I stopped my bike and said "Chal aaja - ghar hi ja raha hai na?" ("Guess you are goin home, so hop on!") And so he gladly accepted the offered lift and became the pylon on my bike. Now its obvious that when you are giving a lift to someone, you ask questions like "What had you come here for?" and show some curiosity in other person's business while you are riding together for 5-7 mins.

Hence, I did the same and showing interest in Bhuppi's (our watchman) business, I asked him what he had come to buy at the market. To which his reply was that he had come to get "chaas" (buttermilk) from a dairy shop in the market - not that I dint see the buttermilk packet in his hands when I first saw him. So, trying to be his well wisher, I suggested that he can buy the same thing from the supermarket right next to our building.

I also asked him how much does he get the packet for at this shop - and I found out, that infact it was 50 paisa costlier than the supermarket. You get amul buttermilk for Rs. 7.50 at Hind Supermarket, where you can shop in Air conditioned environment without having to walk almost 1.5 km in rain or scorching heat to reach a local dairy and buying the same thing by paying a higher cost everyday.

Astonishingly, my watchman's reply to my advice was "Nahi sa'ab, udhar jana humare liye thik nahi hai" (Its not appropriate for me to go there...)!!!

In my last to last blog, I had spoken about the rich-poor divide. These kind of incidents make me realize that this divide is so intensely carved in the minds of the lower middle and poor class people, that they simply deny even if they are aware of any privileges that they might be offered or have a right on.

Their upbringing and their outlook towards the world doesn’t allow them to savor even their most obvious rights. Of course, I am not saying that everyone thinks like this - but what I have observed is many of them do! Unless these people are practically taught to exercise their rights as well as their responsibilities, they will not be comfortable doing that.

We easily notice if a laborer or some such person is littering or doing something abnormal according to the social standards. But have we ever wondered - If we expect someone / everyone to be responsible, are we ready to give equal privileges to everyone as well? If a person wearing a watchman's uniform or looking like a laborer is shopping next to you at big bazaar - wouldn't you get surprised or even suspicious for that matter?

I asked Bhuppi to let me know (which I doubt he would) when he goes to buy buttermilk again, and I will go along with him to the supermarket to change his thinking. I believe this should make a small difference. Ironically, he needs that 50 paise saving more than I do; and still he chooses not to go for it!

Thinking of change, now I wonder, this divide is not just a small gap or a crack between the two strata of society. But it is a vast river which is created by ideologies which are conceptionalized from the very birth and nurtured through out their upbringing in both the classes. It is taken very much for granted and considered as a universal fact that they are to stay separate, to remain divided.

Not done bhuppi - I don’t care if these two classes unite or not, or if this divide is bridged or not; But you my friend, are going to save that 50 paisa the next time you buy buttermilk.

God bless all of us, Hind Supermarket and the dairy-wala as well!

-- 

Ayodhya - The fight over faith!

This has been the most difficult one to write. Very sensitive and very very controversial... I was honestly going to just avoid writing this post for two reasons:

a) There are a lot of facts which have been lost with time - and this is one topic on which noone should make any assumptions since they can be very misleading. Without knowing absolute truth about the matter, you cannot dare to write a conclusive and transparent post.

b) The more I researched on this, the more disappointed I was - this can be called the biggest stigma of Indian Politics. My brain actually started hurting the more I read and researched on this issue.

I feel like abusing some people, make personal comments and insulting the political and judicial paradigm of this nation which existed back in 1992, and has evidently improved now - but I will not be personal. I am writing this post being strictly an observer, a 3rd person.

I don't consider myself worthy enough to comment or conclude anything out of the available facts. So, I would simply share the knowledge in here - and I request YOU not to be judgmental. I visited more than 25 different sites and online books and video libraries to know more about the root cause and the most relevant solution to it. The only article that I found which in my opinion is the most rational is Eric Wolf's thesis on the controversy.

I have uploaded the synopsis of the same in here at the bottom. If you feel like reading it, start from page 18 and read till 31. Rest all is irrelevant (though interesting). If you are not so fond of reading, don't read it.

My solution (solely my opinion) : Construct a mosque and a temple on either side of the hill (the controversial land is on a hill - if you dint know that!) And construct a flag post on the top of the hill - hoist the National Flag on the top of it, and call it a day!

This will symbolize that First, we are one as Indians and then we are Muslims or Hindus or whatever. (Though I am against even patriotism - I support humanism! - The "One World" concept). I am quite sure neither Babar nor Lord Ram would have wanted so many people to die and kill others in their names or for their lands.

And frankly, I dont care what "they" wanted (there it goes... but I have to say this...) What I want, and I think what any common man would want is peace in his surroundings, a good system to dwell in and a democratically respectful and harmonious environment - which gives equal rights to all, without any sort of discrimination whatsoever.

I don't want to discuss who has done what harm; and I certainly don't want to play the blame game. All I say is, as a Hindu or as a Muslim - my responsibility is to create a better today and tomorrow. As a human being, I should think about a solution rather than wasting time on cribbing about the problem.

However, to find an appropriate solution, you should know the problem first. The following document strictly sticks to fact and helps us realize the problem. It also provides a hint about the solution. I think 95% of the people who read my posts wont bother reading it, and I dont blame them. In fact, I love you people... Be what you are!

If you do read it, start from page 18 and read till you get bored. Don't research any further on this issue unless you are 100% rational and 0% religious, the information available on web is extremely provocative and unnecessarily decorated.

And remember, its U and I who created the war - since its U and I who created the religion. And it will always be U and I who CAN and who WILL create PEACE!

May peace be with you! God Bless!

Eric Wolf Envisions Power: the Babri Masjid-Ramjanambhoomi Controversy

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Fight over Faith

Note: Kindly read the following as plain and simple information with a rational outlook, this is not intended to hurt or offend anyone's thoughts, faith or opinions.
Whether we believe in God or not, we always do possess more or less information about different religions, different myths and different Gods and Faiths. Religion and politics are two most controversial, confusing and highly influencing creations of the human mind... FAITH as we know it, has been around since a long long time now. The Origin of Faith can never be sited in terms of any particular era in time, but the origin of most of the religions are known. 


*** For example, it is a known fact that Christ had his last supper at a place called "the Cenacle" located on "the Mount Zion". And the day next to that, he was crucified at a place nearby called Golgotha. Now it is said that Christ was resurrected exactly after 40 days (thats when we celebrate Easter Sunday). Till crucifixion, Jesus Christ was a miraculous inspiring man with extreme courage and immense faith in his deeds. After resurrection, he became God - and Christianity was born! 


***Another fact, one of the most significant events in the history of Islam is Prophet Muhammad's Night of Ascention (AD 620) - when he was miraculously transported from Mecca to the Temple Mount: al-Aqsa (the farthest mosque); and from here, as mentioned in the first verse of Surat al-Isra, he ascended to heaven to meet the previous prophets. As a matter of fact, this "Dome of the Rock" which stands over the Foundation Stone (from which Muhammed ascended to Heaven) was considered as the Quibla (the direction of prayer) for Muslims prior to Kabba in Mecca. This site today, is the third holiest site in Islam.

***One more fact, one of the most religious sites in Jewism or the Jewish history is the First Temple or the Solomon's Temple (constructed in 960 BCE). It is termed as the "Holy of Holies" or the "Hekhal". The Solomon's temple is the biggest and the most significant Synagogue (Jewish temple) amongst the other more then 1200 small Synagogues that surround it. 


Now, I am not a preacher or a religious scholar, but I definitely am an information seeker and a peace lover. The reason that I am talking about these things is as follows:The Mount Zion and Golgotha; the mosque al-Aqsa and the foundation stone; and the Solomon's Temple or the Tomb of David - All of these are located in a single city called Jerusalem. In fact, all these sites are within 1 square kilometer of area (760 square meters to be exact).

Isnt it amazing??? Three of the worlds largest (see the top ten religions list link at the bottom) sort of ORIGINATED from this small piece of land during different time periods! 


Imagine, a piece of land where Jesus preached his followers, where Muhammed connected with the divine heaven, where the first ever Synagogue was built, where Moses spoke with the angel of Yahweh through the burning bush (although there is no confirmed evidence about the location of Mt. Horeb). Imagine, a place so divine - a place which is the biggest symbol of unity of human kind and different religions!

But what is the current state of this place??? The status of Jerusalem right now is a matter of immense controversy within the international community. There have been so many wars fought on this land, that the land of God has now become a no man's land. It is atrocious that we as humans can fight even for out faiths. Such an irony! Faith - is to unite and not to divide! All religions preach peace and harmony - and still we create wars in the name of religions. 

But I am sure, there is a way to unite. We can have a unified peaceful resolution to end this controversy, and infact every controversy that exists. God must be laughing at us from up above that we are fighting and messing up with his very own home! 


Lets unite people - and make this world a better place. Lets be good human beings first, and then follow a religion or be patriotic. If you feel we as Indians have nothing to do with this, think again. Watch out for the next post - Ayodhya - The Land of Ram or Rahim???

Join the cause - a revolution starts with an idea of a single mind and support of a few or many other similar minds. 

Post comments, opinions, knowledge and personal experiences. From Jan 2011, the blog will go online as a separate entity - and your inputs will be highly appreciated.

Peace! God Bless!

Check out the following links for references or verification: (you may refer to several sources available on the internet, but here I am siting only wikipedia since it is all facts and information with 0% discrimination of any kind)

• The Cenacle
• The Mount Zion/Sion
• Crucifixion
• Easter
• Resurrection
• Night of Ascention
• Al-Aqsa (the farthest mosque)
• Quibla
• Solomon's Temple
• Synagogues
• The angel of Yahweh
• Mount Horeb
• Top ten religions in terms of population

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The Not-So-Reasonable War!

You must know this - if you are least concerned about your own self, and the people around you. To begin with, don't get too involved with the figures I am mentioning (although they are from very reliable sources and you can do further research if you want), just read this with an open and relaxed mind - although I am quite sure you would feel surprised or even disgusted if you pay a little attention to the figures.

This is my effort to bring to notice of a common man like YOU and I - what exactly is going on in a radius of 2500 kms around him/her.

Where exactly is almost half of his/her tax money going to? How is international disconnects and world politics affecting YOU and I as individuals. You might find this of far-relevance to you, sitting in your cozy chair in a secured environment. But trust me, the way things are going on - we need to realize a few facts and figures before its too late - before knowingly or unknowingly, we become a part of this massacre.

Here are a few very interesting facts about the military expenses of our country and our neighbors: (Mind well, I am not bluffing - ask me if you want the source of any of this information.)

This is the amount of money that these nations spent on their defense in the last ONE YEAR:

Pakistan - 3.21% of its GDP

- which is 267,000,000,000 INR (26,700 Crores)

India - 2.41% of its GDP

- which is 1,348,000,000,000 INR (1,34,800 Crores)

China - 1.96% of its GDP

- which is 4,330,000,000,000 INR (4,33,000 Crores)

And just FYI:
US - 4.28% of its GDP
- which would be 2,73,49,200 crore INR (Yes - Rs. 3 Crore Crore!)

Yes! You are thinking right. This means - in 2009, India spent more then ONE LAC CRORE as its defense expenses only!

You know why? Check out the weapons menu: 

cost of 1 bullet - 60-80 Rs. - could be upto 350 Rs. as well!
cost of 1 INSAS rifle - 17 thousand

cost of 1 low category tank ammo - 60-80 thousand
cost of 1 anti tank guided missile - 3 crores
cost of 1 fully loaded battle tank - 28 crores

cost of 1 mig fighter - guess!

cost of 1 fully operational battle ship - can you even imagine? 

Can you imagine how many of these are fired just for target practice or for experiments? Can you imagine how many are fired during actual war? Not to mention the cost of the ships and the planes we are so happy to display at the 26th Jan parade. If you are interested for the entire list, check out these links:

Indian Army Menu Card

Pakistan Army Brief Inventory

Chinese dont say much on net 

Now, since we know how much we are spending, lets see where and most importantly WHY we are spending. 
Before you begin, understand one FACT. The sentences to follow refer to a a few individuals - AND NOT AN ENTIRE REGION, NATION OR COMMUNITY or ANY COMMON MAN like you and I living in that region. A common man has too much to do to get involved in these nobel activities! 

Kindly pay attention to the following TOP 5 LIST:

Some great battles going on in the South Asian Continent - of which we all should be proud of:*********** 
Ranking 5

The Incredible Insurgency in North East India 

Why?
The 7 north eastern states want to create their own independent country - considering their linguistic and cultural differences from "mainland india" - as they call it.
Central government is accused of avoiding these states and they are highly influenced by neighbour China - its communist ideology and trade benefits (and of course the linguistic similarities). 

Since When?
1964 till date 

How many lives lost so far? 

1000 plus - as on records

*********** 
Ranking 4 
The Baffled Battle of Balochistan 

Why?

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran fighting over a piece of land which was previously the Free Sovereign state of Kalat. Half of it belongs to Pakistan right now, this area being the least populated and least developed - as good as a no man's land.

The trouble is that there is no such decision maker for this land right now. Population comprises of Muslims, Sikhs and Jews. 

Since When?
1964 - as on records 
1948 - as per common sense

How many lives lost so far?

7000 plus - as on records

***********

Ranking 3 
The Naughty Naxalites within India 

Why?

One word - Marxism and Communism (dont get confused with religious communal-ism) This is a demand by some intelligent men to eradicate the differences created by the capitalist government. I need to write 3 pages to explain this entire concept - so lets not get into that for now.
So, in a nutshell, this concept promotes that instead of huge corporations sucking our blood, the government itself does it all. Or, everyone is equal - since everyone is the owner of his business, or no one really is the owner. Or, everyone has equal profit and loss. You can find a million sources to learn more about this. 

Since When?
1967 - eastern India till date
1988 - southern India till date 

How many lives lost so far?

7500 plus - Let me know if you dont believe this - I wld give you the sources

*********** 
Ranking 2

The Weird Waziristan

Or The Nonsense of North West Pakistan

Why?
This one is funny. It is a war between Pakistani Militants and the Al-Queda! Now, the reason is really vague. There are certain tribes in the north west Pak, near to Afghan border - who consider themselves a part of Pak, but wont allow it to enter to search for Al-Queda group members. This region is called Waziristan. 

Since When?
2004 till date 

How many lives lost so far?
30,500 plus

***********

Number 1 
The Killer Kashmir

Why?

Kashmir wants independent Kashmir! Pakistan and India want Kashmir as their own territory! There are more then 50 official - unofficial organizations working on this - to create a Kashmir as they want it to be.
Again, lets not forget China - who also wants a piece of cake - noone in India remebers the battle of 1962 - since we lost it!

Since When?
1947 till date

How many lives lost so far?

90,000 - as on records

***********
After stating all these facts, I have only one word to say... "WHY???"

Are we out of our minds? I dont think so. I believe the majority of population - no matter which country, religion or language they follow or belong to - wants peace. Noone wants to spend their time, money or energy on rockets, tanks or fighter jets. Only 5% of the population wants war. The problem is this 5-10% are the ones making decisions.

Is a piece of land or implementation of a concept so important that these people are okay with killing innocents and wasting so much of our valuable resources? Considering the current global environment - if we dont do something to save earth in the first place - the piece of land for which we are fighting may not exist tomorrow! Or the human species may be in danger - is that not a reason enough to worry?

Think - Is it really worth losing so many human lives and spending so much of resources and energy just for a Conceptional dispute? I dont think so. And I strongly believe that any common man, no matter if he is Indian, Pakistani or Chinese would agree with me. This needs to be put forth to all the organizations (-social and antisocial) and governments who are taking decisions on behalf of their communities and their people to act and enforce these things.

All we need is communication. Let us all talk - communicate with each other. Let us forget our regional, religious and linguistic differences. Let us share our ideas - and ways to implement them. If a majority of the people of these nations take a united stand and express it in an effective way to their governments - there can be a change made.

Let us all unite - and form a Common Man's Nation - where there are expenses only on things like better education, commuting systems, technological advancements and such productive things. Where the reasons behind losing a life can only be medical.

Let us do something to make words like "terrorist" and "war" extinct and historical like "dinosaur" or "witch hunting". So that after two-three generations from now - children are taught in schools that there used to be a social evil called "war" - which now no longer exists! Please guys - if this makes sense to you, forward this link to as many you know. Let us all unite and fight against the fight itself. I sincerely request all of you to propagate this message, and make additions or modifications as per your will. Mail this link, write comments in here, share this on networking sites - be innovative. The success of this blog will only be completed when it would reach Meghalaya, Pakistan, Singapore and the rest of the world. Difficult - but not impossible!

Let us share and care. Let us forget and forgive. Let us unite and unify. Let us create a new future - a new history. Let us all have PEACE IN ITS TRUE SENSE.

-Amen!

One World - Useful or Harmful?

I don't really know who has made this vid, but it definitely is very "dexterous"! (Don' feel bad if you dint understand the humour!) 

Anyway, this certainly suits as theme video for the community that I have created on face book - so 'm glad I found it! Really guys, I think if we can simply make a list of these pointers, put it in a small book and preach it to the generations to come - we would not need a Religion to follow. This says it all... Or I shall say "almost all" to be on a safer side! 

Question: What is the definition of "Religion" according to a new born? 

How does a 5 year old perceive religion? For him, it is more application based then fundamental. 

Why? - Because his/her parents (or other sources of information) educate him/her about their perception of the religion, and not the religion itself. It is more like a compilation of norms to live a socially acceptable life in their own community and environment then to live a life as good human being.
The same thing applies to all the other classifications that we have created - based on regions, languages, political views and every other concept that divides us. 

Again, there is nothing wrong with an applicable approach to religion or anything else - infact, its good. But that should not be limited to a perception. I know I am talking very theoretical, so let me site an interesting practical and feasible example: 

A child is born - and his dad never ever talks to him about anything that has to do with following any religion, belonging to any community or about being a part of a nation or a territory. He doesnt even share any political views. All that the dad and mom share with him is how we evolved as human beings, how important the nature is, how to be nice to everyone, how good we feel when we pray to God, etc. etc...

Obviously, the kid will not find the same environment at school, so one fine day he would ask his dad - "Papa what is India/Pakistan?" or "Mumma what is Hindu/Muslim?" So the mom or dad tells him that that is the name of the part of this beautiful world that we live in, like our street's name is XYZ - its just a part of our address. Now hang on before you curse me, I love my country - but not in competitive terms. I dont think the greatness of any nation lies in how many battles she/he/it has fought or won - but in how many other nations she/he/it has helped and maintained peace and harmony with. And thats exactly why I love my country. 

But more then my country - I love this planet. I love the human race and all the .other animals and trees that exist with us. Can anyone imagine this? Apply this? Forgetting your patriotic feelings for the sake of the human race? Think about it! (Let me know in your comments!) 


Ok, about religion - mom and dad say that beta Chunnu, religion is a way to learn more about God(s) and about how to be a good man overall. It is a way defined by some wise men to lead a good life. There are several ways to be good, and you learn all of them - and choose the best one according to you when you are old enough to decide. We will teach you the best that we know about everything. So they share the good things about the religion that they follow, explain the logic and reasons behind all the festivals, traditions, etc. and ask Chunnu to ask questions to them if he doesnt understand something; and to have faith in one supreme energy responsible for all the goodness around - without naming it. 


What do you think this Chunnu will become tomorrow? Imagine, he has no sense of patriotism, religiousness or any other concept that gives him a feeling of being different then the rest of the human race. Dont like it? Think again. The only classification that is carved in his brain is Useful and Harmful. Dont confuse this with good/bad or right/wrong - these again are perceptional - I would have to write another blog to explain that. Only one classification - USEFUL/HARMFUL - not only as an individual, but for EVERYONE - for the entire race - every idea,concept or thing classified as - USEFUL OR HARMFUL. Thats it!

Enjoy the video and give it a thought. God Bless!