ఎందరో మహానుభావులు

జీవితం అమూల్యం ,చెయ్యకు దానిని మాలిన్యం

చెల్లిస్తున్నాము మూల్యం, ధన దాహం తో

ధనమేరా అన్నిటికి మూలం అన్నట్టు,

దీని మూలాలు మనకి తెలుసు,కాని యెందుకీ మౌనం?

మనం ఓడిపొయామా అనే భావన కలిగింది కదూ!

కపట వేష ధారులకు పట్టం కట్టి, మనం పట్టించు కోక పోతే,

వారి లక్ష్యం డబ్బే అయితే, దేశ మూలాలకు చేస్తారు వారు హాని ,

మన శత్రువులు బయట లేరు, మనలోనే వున్నారు

వారిని గుర్తించి, మనిషి విలువ తెలియ చెయ్యి,

మంచి మార్గంలోకి తీసుకురా-

వీలైతే నువ్వే మహాత్ముల బాటలో నడచి చూప్పించు,

నవ చైతన్యంతో, మట్టిలో మాణిక్యంలా.

ఓ నాయకుల్లారా!

జగము లోని ధనమనే మాయా ముసుగును తీసి చూడండి,

"ధన్నాన్ని సాగదీస్తే దానమే అవుతుంది.

"ధనం" "దానం"

ఈ చిన్ని సూక్ష్మం గ్రహించు జీవితమే పరమార్ధమౌతుంది.

http://www.chimatamusic.com/playcmd.php?plist=4003

Apoorva LifeTips(అపూర్వ జీవితచిట్కాలు)1

We listen to these words very often:

SAVINGS, GREEN, ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, CLEAN COAL, NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES.

Wondering what is the relevance of all these personally. I just remembered Apoorva and her money and energy saving tips .

In an age, where being a technocrat and working for a Navratna Company (In India,,the top Oil Companies, steel industry or simple Major industries which are major revenue earners to the Government fall in this category or India's public sector majors or Fortune companies) was seen as an achievement.

The distance from hostel to office was 6 miles and being in public sector township in a not so developed region, commutation was the first hurdle. Initially, friends helped us and we purchased two-wheelers. My friend did not purchase one. I wondered how she would commute daily. She managed without a vehicle for nearly 6 months and we insisted that she purchase a bike for her safety as she had to work in shifts. At last she bounced upon secondhand moped. So days are passing off smoothly.

But she was regularly not using it for 4 days a week. When we enquired, she gave vague reasons (but saving fuel).

Now everybody has concluded that she is similar to a character in the movie "ఆహా నా పెళ్ళంట
Aaha Naa Pellanta" ( but lady Kota Srinivasa Rao).

One day I had a problem with my scooter and as everyone left the hostel early, i knew Apoorva would be there. Hesitantly I approached her.

Wondering why?


Just wait----- There is a reason for it.


Yes, if you guessed it right, Hey presto! I wish you have already become a fan of Apoorva.

You are on the path of Apoorva .


She goes to office just in the nick of time before the gate closes avoiding the rush hour not because of traffic but to conserve fuel by rushing so that the bike will not consume more fuel by slowing down or stopping at signals etc etc. (TIP 1)


Are you awestruck?


Just hold your breath---- there is more to come

As I was telling you, with all this background, one day I had to ask her to drop me at office.

Did you expect the reply?

Can you guess what she told me--


-You have to bear the expenses of the fuel.

-You have to pay me the fare as if you paid the Auto,

-Or ask for somebody's help to take me to Office .


పప్పులో కాలు వేసినట్టే


Suspense -----


She told me, my friend, I would love to take you and drop you at Office, but oh, my poor moped cannot carry a second person, as you know I am very conscious of energy conservation. If I take you, the load on the moped will increase and fuel consumption will be more and also the tyres will be worn out. (TIP 2)

It came as a shock for me! (I thought I should check my BMI urgently as I was wondering when did I suddenly become obese? or is she seeing me through a magnifying glass!)

She started lecturing me on the importance of fuel and methodology of tyre manufacturing and blah,blah,blah. I was in no mood to listen to her pep-talk and at one point got angry with the conservationists. But currently I had to rush to catch an Auto to go to office.

I said to myself-


"Principles scientifically correct but application wrong".


Now tell me friends, should I treat her as a conservationist with lot of concern for our future energies and learn the tips at the cost of losing friends?


"Any act that has no concern for the real purpose of the needy and without human touch is not worth considering."

*******

"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being." - Mahatma Gandhi .


*******

Muggulu-Rangulaharivillu(ముగ్గులు రంగులహరివిల్లు)5

MUGGULU-FESTIVALS:

1Tiruppavai:

This is a festival of 30 days in praise of Sri Narayana by Sri Andal(Goda Devi).

Chanting 30 pasurams -one every day for the Lord Krishna in this Dhanurmasam is very auspicious.It is a prayer to keep the world in peace,prosperity and provide the needs of everyone helping fellow beings.

Early morning vratham, in this month starts with putting huge designs before every house and rendering the prayers to the Lord.

2 Christmas:

This is a very important festival for all . It signifies the spirit of helping others,giving the needy and peaceful living. A symbol of extreme sacrifice of the lord for the benefit of the mankind. The birth of the Lord is welcomed by everyone through the prayers,Santa giving gifts,Christmas tree ,bright candle lights and singing Jingle bells

Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way !

Oh, what fun it is to ride a one horse open sleigh!

Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way !

Oh, what fun it is to ride a one horse open sleigh!

Sankranthi:

Maha Siva Rathri:

Muggulu-Rangulaharivillu(ముగ్గులు రంగులహరివిల్లు)3

Muggulu -Songs

The importance of Muggulu has been written by many prominent writers.It is a visual festival for the eyes. Its a representation of prosperity auspiciousness and well being.

Ardent devotee of Sri VenkateshwaraSwamy, Tallapaka Annamacharya has composed a beautiful rendering in praise of god 600 years back. Gobillu are symbolic to the Sankranti festival and they are placed over the muggulu and decorated .All the ladies and girls of the village circumambulate around the Muggu decorated with gobbillu.

కొలనిదోపరికి గొబ్బిళ్ళో, యదుకుల స్వామికి గొబ్బిళ్ళో,

కొండ గొడుగుగా గోవుల గాచిన కొండొక శిశువునకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో

దండగంపు దైత్యుల కెల్లను తల గుండు గండనికి గొబ్బిళ్ళో !!

పాప విధుల శిశుపాలుని తిట్టుల కోపగానికిని గొబ్బిళ్ళో

యేపున కంసుని ఇడుమలబెట్టీన గోపబాలునికి గొబ్బిళ్ళో !!

దండివైరులను తరిమినదనుజుల గుండె దిగులునకు గొబ్బిళ్ళో

వెండిపైడి యగు వేంకటగిరిపై కొండలయ్యకును గొబ్బిళ్ళో !!

kolanidOpariki gobbiLLO yadukula svAmiki gobbiLLO

koMDa goDugugA gOvula gAchina koMDoka SiSuvunaku gobbiLLO

dMDagampu deityula kellanu tala gunDu ganDaniki gobbiLLO !!

pApa vidhula SiSupAluni tiTTula kOpagAnikini gobbiLLO

yEpuna kamsuni iDumalabeTTIna gOpabAluniki gobbiLLO !!

danDivairulanu tariminadanujula gunDe digulunaku gobbiLLO

venDipaiDi yagu vEmkaTagiripai konDalayyakunu gobbiLLO !!

**********

In this aspect 3 songs from the following movies come to mind

1 Muthyala Muggu (ముత్యాల ముగ్గు )

The telugu film “Mutyala Muggu” in 1975 ,produced by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana and directed by none other than the great artist /director Bapu has become an instant success bagging many awards. The song written by Arudra, music composed by K.V.Mahadevan, sung by our melody queen Smt P.Susheela has become a household song for every auspicious occasion with native touch and perfect settings.

“ముత్యమంతా పసుపు ముఖమెంతో చాయ, ముత్తైదు కుంకుమా బతుకంతా చాయ,
ముద్దు మురిపాలొలుకు ముంగిళ్ళలోన, మూడు పువ్వులు ఆరు కాయల్లు కాయ….

ఆర నైదోతనము ఏ చోట నుండు? అరుగులలికే వరి అరచేత నుండు,

తీరైన సంపద ఎవరింట నుండు ? దినదినము ముగ్గున్న లోగిళ్ళ నుండు.

కోటలో తులిసమ్మ కొలువున్న తీరు ,కోరి కొలిచే వారి కొంగు బంగారు,

గోవు మా లక్ష్మీకి కోటి దండాలు,కోరినంథ పాడి నిండు కడవళ్ళు ,

మగడు మెచ్చిన చాన కాపురం లోనా, మొగలి పూలా గాలి ముత్యాల వాన,

ఇంటి ఇల్లాలికి ఎంత సౌభాగ్యం,ఇంటిల్లి పాదికి అంత వైభోగం

To listen to the song,click on the link below:

http://chimatamusic.com/playcmd.php?plist=4701

“mutyamantaa pasupu mukhamentO chAya, muttaidu kunkumaa batukantA cAya,
muddu muripaaloluku mungiLLalOna, mooDu puvvulu aaru kaayallu kAya….

Ara naidOtanamu E chOTa nunDu? arugulalikE vari arachEta nunDu,

teeraina sampada evarinTa nunDu ? dinadinamu muggunna lOgiLLa nunDu.

kOTalO tulisamma koluvunna tIru ,kOri kolichE vAri kongu bangAru,

gOvu maa lakshmIki kOTi danDAlu,kOrinantha paaDi ninDu kaDavaLLu ,

magaDu mecchina chaana kApuram lOnaa, mogali poolA gaali mutyAla vAna,

inTi illAliki enta soubhAgyam,inTilli pAdiki anta vaiBOgam

***********

2 Undamma Bottu Pedatha (ఉండమ్మా!బొట్టు పెడతా )

The song is written by the great Devulapalli Krishna Sastry ,with music by K.V.Mahadevan , sung by S.P.BalaSubramanniam and P.Susheela. It was dramatized excellently by Jamuna and Dhulipala as Haridasu.

The silhouetted ambiance and the festive mood has to be seen and listened to be experienced

The lyrics have a deep meaning ,

Its inviting Goddess Lakshmi to bring in prosperity and describes the the surroundings in a very subtle way-the birds are chirping, the sun brought light to the world and whole village has woken to embrace the grace of the divine energies .

The courtyard of every house is sprinkled with water to draw the muggulu with rice flour or limestone powdervto invite the goddess .In the auspicious month of margasira ,which is very sacred and Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Geetha has told that among all months he is Margasira , and the Sun transits in Dhanur rasi (Sagittarius ). Praying in the mornings is said to be sacred during this month.We place gobbiluu (Ball of cow dung )on the muggu and apply turmeric and kumkum ,decorate with flowers, lighting the agarbhatti (aroma sticks) treating it as goddess.

Showing our gratitude to nature , animals and people and seeking gods blessings is the motto of the song.

రావమ్మా మహాలక్ష్మీ రావమ్మా

రావమ్మా మహాలక్ష్మీ రావమ్మా

నీ కోవెల ఈ ఇల్లు, కొలువై వుందువు గాని

కొలువైవుందువు గానీ కలుమూలా రాణీ

గురివింద పొదకింద గొరవంక పలికె, గోరింట కొమ్మల్లో కొయిల్లు పలికె,

తెల్లారి పోయింది, పల్లె లేచింది,పల్లియలో ప్రతి ఇల్లు కళ్ళు తెరచింది .
కడివెడు నీళ్ళు కలాపి చల్లి గొబ్బిళ్ళో గొబ్బిళ్ళో,

కావెడు పసుపు గడపకు పూసి గొబ్బిళ్ళో గొబ్బిళ్ళో,

ముత్యాల ముగ్గుల్లో, ముగ్గుల్లో గొబ్బిళ్ళో,

రతనాల ముగ్గుల్లో, ముగ్గుల్లో గొబ్బిళ్ళో.

క్రిష్ణార్పణం

పాడిచ్చే గోవులకు పసుపు కుంకుం,

పని చేసే బసవనికి పత్రీ పుష్పం,

గాదుల్లో ధాన్యం, చావిండ్ల భాగ్యం,

కష్టించే కాపులకు కలకాలం సౌఖ్యం

క్రిష్ణార్పణం

To listen to the song,click on the link below:

http://chimatamusic.com/playcmd.php?plist=3508

rAvammA mahAlakshmI rAvammA
nI kOvela I illu, koluvai vunduvu gaanikoluvaivunduvu gAnI kalumUlA rANI

gurivinda podakinda goravanka palike, gOrinTa kommallO koyillu palike,

tellAri pOyindi, palle lEchindi,palliyalO prati illu kaLLu terachindi
kaDiveDu nILLu kalaapi challi gobbiLLO gobbiLLO

kAveDu pasupu gaDapaku pUsi gobbiLLO gobbiLLO

mutyAla muggullO, muggullO gobbiLLO

ratanAla muggullO, muggullO gobbiLLO

kriShNArpaNam

pADiccE gOvulaku pasupu kumkum

pani chEsE basavaniki patrI pushpam

gAdullO dhAnyam, chAvinDla bhAgyam

kashTinchE kApulaku kalakAlam saukhyam
kriShNArpaNam

***********

3 Seetha Ramayya gari manavaraalu (సీతారామయ్యగారి మనవరాలు)

This 1992 blockbluster movie is another feather in the cap of nativity movies.Music by M.M.Keeravani sung by Chitra,Jikki and chorus is an instant hit and it is a situational song of Shastipurti .Who else can fit the role but DadaSahebPhalke award winner ANR and its a harbinger for Meena's film career.

వెలుగూ రేఖలు వారు,తెలవారి తామొచ్చి ఎండ ముగ్గులు పెట్టంగా

చిలుకా ముక్కులవారు చీకటితో తామొచ్చీ చిగురు తోరణ కట్టంగ---

To listen to the song,click on the link below:

http://chimatamusic.com/playcmd.php?plist=12463

velugU rEKalu vAru,telavAri tAmocci enDa muggulu peTTMgA

chilukA mukkulavAru chIkaTitO tAmoccI chiguru tOraNa kaTTMga

***********

Muggulu are thus an integral part of every day life of every home.

* Thankyou http://www.chimatamusic.com/ (for the songs).

Muggulu-Rangulaharivillu(ముగ్గులు రంగులహరివిల్లు)4

BORDERS AND MUGGULU

Another important feature of the Rangoli/Muggu are the borders on the four sides of the main design.It enhances the beauty of the Muggu and moreover creates a specific space vision. There are many beautiful patterns like creepers, flowers and also matching to the main theme of the design.

In some States like Tamilnadu, the border is smeared with brick red color liquid to give a wholesomeness to the design inside the border.It also is a symbol to keep away the evil eyes on the home.

Namaste India

After the recent terror attacks on India, we have religiously done our routine way of protest( We have great habit of following our filmi heroes)-Candle light marches,sending SMSs to TV channels and friends (making the cell phone companies more rich )and

Now

We are back to our routines.

What is the Government doing?
Enjoying the fruits of election result and celebrating without an iota of concern for the common people.

Where are we heading toooooo?

India, its a wake up call. We cannot switch off the alarm, relax and sleep cozily.It is time to burn the midnight oil and work hard.

*Government , don't wait and procrastinate. Constant measures to make our lives more secure is the need of the hour.

*We need a public forum who constantly questions the Government on the efforts being made to make our voice heard in the world for the right reasons.

It is disheartening to listen to news in Hyderabad,AndhraPradesh that, some Law enforcing Officers who have to secure the lives of the public are fighting over construction of an additional room in their housing complex.Can they afford to waste any time ? Doesn't it seem trivial when our own place in the country is so fragile.

Can we have confidence on such people who are enjoying the facilities at the cost of public money.Can the same Officers work together on security issues???

God, Save us.

Another biggest enemy internalised and spread its tentacles in every sphere of life is Corruption.

This is costing our lives.Are we so large hearted that we can afford to accommodate more such instances. Its an utter disgrace on the part of leadership.

Now is the time to make the security issue TOP PRIORITY.

• 
  
  Make honest moves.Equip our Army and Police with the right and latest gadgets and make the higher Officers more accountable.
  


• 
  
  It should start from the recruitment phase ,pay them more salaries,give them incentives so that day to day mundane issues don't bother them in doing their duties .
  


• 
  
  Upgrade,update and use new technologies to fight the impending situations.

Instill a sense of pride in the force.

All security to lesser known politicians who can afford to engage private security can be retracted, so that the police can look after the public safety.

Secondly Government needs to be responsive and show action more effectively by

1 Checking on all illegal immigrants

2 Stopping illegal money transactions

3 Make the issue of passports and visas in strict vigilant way ,not giving scope to Monica Bedis to increase.

4 Make punishments stringent especially in national security issues.

5 Securing our borders and make them impregnable.

6 Take action on culprits without wasting time and enforce them immediately and send strong signals that our country cannot be shaken by a hand full of disgruntled youth and bargain our Sovereignty . Don't show kindliness to wrongdoers.No pardons .Enough is enough,they cannot recreate another Kandahar.

7 Build confidence in public on the working of the Government.

Its said by the architect of the Declaration of Independence, the 3rd President of America that
"The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson

What will the public do? Do we always comment ,curse and forget? No

We dooooo have duties, to work alongside the Government

• 1 Develop neighbourhood associations .
  If a virus comes in one home, it is time to eradicate it as it may ruin the entire neighbourhood,city,State and nation. Surat city has learned from its epidemic long back.
  


• 2 Constantly ask the Government what its doing for its welfare,oh now it is safety.


• 3Use RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT .Its a weapon in the hands of the people to make the Government answerable and keeps itself vigilant.


• 4 Basic education and removal of illiteracy


• 5 Media needs to take a more responsible, play responsive role and act as a harbinger of the emergence of New Thinking with values of our Great leaders worldwide.Its role in putting "Country First" will be laudable and they have the power to influence and enter to every home with spirit of Unity and Nationalism.


• 6 Have a broad vision of the world around

Let the message be spread that, we are strong and united and no forces can make us vulnerable.

We as citizens of one of the largest democracies ,need to remember the words of the our Mahatma Gandhi ,

"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

- One of the last notes left behind by Gandhi in 1948, expressing his deepest social

thought.

http://www.mkgandhi.org/gquots1.htm

Listen to this song

http://www.chimatamusic.com/playcmd.php?plist=2012

MERA BHARAT MAHAN

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THE THANKSGIVING STORY

1607

A group of people living in England was not pleased because both the government and religious bodies told them that they could only worship God according to certain laws. They decided to go to Holland where they could have freedom to worship.

1620

The people became unhappy after a few years because their children were beginning to speak and act like the Dutch children.They decided to go and build homes in a new country.On September 6, 1620, 110 people boarded a ship named the Mayflower at Plymouth,England and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to find a new home.

November 10-December 12, 1620

The voyage took 65 days before they saw land.The weather was very cold and damp;they could not have any fires because they were ona wooden ship.They could not even cook their food.The ship first landed at Newfoundland,but they continued to sail along the coast until they found a harbor.They decided to build their homes at Plymouth.They called themselves Pilgrims, which means "travelers in a foreign land"

December 11, 1620

The Pilgrims stepped on the shore at Plymouth on a huge boulder, later named Plymouth Rock. They had to build houses but the weather was very cold with much snow and their houses were not warm; many of the Pilgrims became sick and died during the winter.When spring arrived only 46 of the Pilgrims were still alive.

Then something happened!

March 16, 1621

A native American named Samoset walked into the Pilgrims' village and called out "Welcome" in English. He had learned English from the captains of fishing boats along the coast. After staying one night he left but soon returned with another native American named Squanto, who also spoke English. Squanto was very important to the Pilgrims because he taught them how to grow squash and corn.He also showed them how to tap maple trees for sap and to fine wild plants and berries that were good to eat.

October 1621

The harvest was very successful and the Pilgrims had enough food put away to take care of them through the winter - corn, fruits, vegetable, fish and meat.Governor William Bradford set a special time for the Pilgrims to give praise and thanks to God for his goodness. Governor Bradford also called for a celebration to be shared by the Pilgrims and their friendly native American neighbours. Squanto,Cheif Massasoit and 90 braves came to the celebration,which lasted for the 3 days. They played games,ran races,marched and played drums. The native Americans demonstrated their skills with the bows and arrows and the Pilgrims showed their skills with muskets.

November 29, 1623

Although Thanksgiving was not celebrated in 1622, Governor Bradford proclaimed another Thanksgiving day on November 29, 1623.Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday until many years later.

1789

George Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving.

1863

Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thurday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

1939, 1941

Thanksgiving Day was set as the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin D.Roosevelt ; two years later Congress officially approved the day as a National Holiday.

A PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY

Oh Thou who led the Pilgrims
To that far wilderness,
Who guarded and sustained them
In moments of distress,
Look down upon Thy children
Who take their place today
And help us when we falter
And hear us when we pray

For now we need Thy guidance,
Dangers beset our land.
Send our leaders strong hearts
which will know and understand
Give us the faith and courage
To follow where they lead
And with Thy hand to guide us,
We will be strong indeed!

!!! LONG LIVE AMERICA-MERA BHARAT MAHAN !!!

OUR PLACE IN TIME

Everytime we call on somebody,the regular answer is "I am too busy".


Busy -at work ,office,home,road.
Busy-Standing,eating,talking.


Where has all the time vanished ? Into the blackhole ? Wonder what...


Every event in life is just passing by and we as bystanders. Did we anytime try to take time to understand ?


Probably we dont have time for this and seems to be a stupid question.
But think for a while.Are we using our time efficiently and effectively in our whole life span. Just we are lost in the mirages of the present,and not working for future-hey wait a minute, not monetarily but intellectual upgradation.


Today ,majority of the younger generation hardly have time to play, to talk (even to parents )save friends,read books ,research new things and improve intellectually. Their lifestyles revolve around-IMAX,Cartoons,Video games,and of course the tutions.


Its simple-school,college (aim for a professional course),MS in a foreign country and learn a computer language.Once this is outdated run for a new course. In this race, the poor one is again to square one"Rat race".So naturally in the struggle for existence all other things take a back seat.
Even years of hard work by seniors has fallen like twin towers with the financial crumble.Now we feel, what is permanent and what is worth living for? Monetary loss can be made up to some extent ,but what about all the years of hardwork and sacrifices. Whose time was it?
We thought we earned everything and now in the crisis ,we have not earned the mental strength to cope with the situation.


Whos fault is it anyway?Towards whom do we point our fingers-on our parents ,whom we left them at oldage homes who have given us this life ,our teachers,our friends,our relatives.
Now is the time to brood our past few years to make a life worth more than billions.


Yes,think---


When we were born we learned to laugh, cry,play,recognise our parents and had too sharp sensibilities.We could make a decision what is right or wrong.Our concious would not allow us to tell lies.Today we call it management.It helped only the CEOs of the so called fortune companies,alas,to the misfortune of whom we believed. We dont trust our shadow and our parents or family but we put trust on the numbergame who cornered us to the wall.Made us come on to the streets,speculating our future from nowhere.
We need our own intellect back intact.


-Listen to your inner voice. It never fails you.
-Trust and do good.

-Put others before self and treat them as you want them to be treated.
-Self realisation is our great virtue.



For this we dont need to be in an ivy league college or in a satsang.Our conscious mind directs us correctly. Catch the signal and transmit to aothers to make the world a better place to live.


What we give our children is not monetary inheritance but intellectual prowness.

What will the child who grows up to an adult ,do to all the money, when he doesnt have a peaceful,calm,serene,greenand amicable atmosphere to spend.

Does he have to suffer from insecurity and fear of looters who are hitech.


It is time for every human in this world to think about the entire world and make himself strong mentally and spiritually to face the hard facts of life with courage.


Do we have the necessary gadgets to make a strong person


1 Faith in self and abundant faith in god the invisible power.
2 Systematic thinking
3 Time management
4 Develop strong family ties
5 Earn true friends and treasure the ones we already have.
6 Help the needy
7 Associate with nature
8 Make time for small things in life
9 Laugh heartfully

Above all be true to yourself.

Deepavali

నిత్య దీపావళి

త్రేతా యుగంలో నిత్య కల్యాణం పచ్చతోరణం

శ్రీరామ రక్ష సర్వజగత్ రక్ష

ద్వాపర యుగంలో వెలుగుల వెల్లువ

క్రిష్ణం వందే జగత్గురుం

మరి ఇప్పుడు,

కలియుగ శ్రీవేంకటేశ్వరుని సాక్షిగా

ప్రతిరోజు నిప్పుతో చెలగాటంపవర్ కట్ల పుణ్యమా అని,

లో వ్లోటేజి తో భగ్గుమన్న విద్యుత్ పరికరాలు

తారాజువ్వల్లా నింగికి యెగసిన నిత్యావసర ధరలు

ఇంధనం క్రుత్రిమ కరువు వలన కాలుతున్న జేబులు

ఏ మూల చూసినా బాంబుల భయం

దేశం ఉగ్రవాదుల చేత్తుల్లో ఆట వస్తువైపోతే,

మన రాజకీయ నాయకులు, కుంభకొణాల్తో సేద తీరుతుంటే

ఇంతలో రంగు పూసుకున్న కళాకారులు, అసలు రంగులు బయటపెడుతుంటే

మన మనసులకు భ్రమ కల్పించి,దారి తప్పిస్తుంటే,

సగటు మనిషికి, దీపావళి మాయమై, ఇంటిలో పొయ్యి వెలిగించే వీలులేక

బతికే స్థొమత లేక విలవిల లాడు తుంటే,

స్వామీ,

ఇన్ని చూస్తూ ఎలా వున్నావు?

నీ పేరు తో మోసం చేస్తూ వుంటే,

ఎలా వారిని వదిలిపెడు తున్నావు?

దుష్ట శిక్షణ శిష్ట రక్షణ చేసిన రోజు కావాలి

మనం కోరుకొనే పండుగ.

దీపావళి మళ్ళీ మళ్ళి రావాలి.

MUGGULU-RANGULA HARIVILLU (ముగ్గులు రంగులహరివిల్లు)2

MUGGULU-DIVINITY-YOGASANAS

In the second series of Muggulu –Rangula Harivillu, a detailed explanation of the designs, drawing techniques and significance are detailed.

BASICS :

Basically they can be are drawn as
1 Guided
2 Freehand

Guided is further divided
1 By dots
2 By lines

Dots are placed uniformally in two ways

1 Parallel to each other (Count is same or reduces evenly by 2)
Pattern 1: Eg: 5-3-1 (forms a triangle pattern).If both sides the count is reduced it will form a diamond pattern



.
. .
. . .
. .
.



Pattern 2: Eg: 5 @ 5 times (forms a square pattern)


. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .




2 Middle dots (Count reduces by 1)
Eg: 5-4-3-2-1(Forms a diamond) For a hexagon

Also while drawing the pattern there are 2 ways,

1 By joining the dots. Dots become the integral part of the design and not visible. We see them at intersections of lines. (It will be seen in different forms,shapes and designs) (Akruti Muggulu)















2 By drawing a curved line between gaps. The dots are visible along with the lines (Muthyala Muggulu).














DIVINITY IN RANGOLI:

Rangoli is considered as auspicious and divine as Sree MahaLakshmi Devi .Daily cleaning the front of the house ,hallway or pooja room and putting Muggulu is a way of inviting the goddess to our homes and where the goddess resides there will be prosperity.So it has got a great significance in our culture and no event is started without the Muggu welcoming the event. Even the Yagna havans and homams are decorated with the symmetric patterns of rangoli before the actual performance of the yagna.

లక్ష్మీ క్షీర సముద్ర రాజ తనయా శ్రీరంగ ధామేశ్వరీం
దాసీభూత సమస్త దేవవనితాం లోకైక దీపాకురాం
శ్రీ మన్మంద కటాక్ష లబ్ద విభవత్ బ్రహ్మేంద్ర గంగాధరం

త్వాంత్త్రెలోక్యకుటుంబినీం సరసిజాం వందేముకుందప్రియాం


lakshmi kshIra samudra rAja tanayA SrIranga dhAmESvarIM
dAsIBUta samasta dEvavanitAM lOkeika deepAkuraaM
Sree manmaMda kaTAksha labda vibhavat brahmEndra gaMgAdharaM
tvAMttrelOkyakuTumbinIM sarasijAM vaMdEmukundapriyAM





The patterns signify the occasion and by seeing the entrance of a house decorated with the muggu reveals the significance of the day.

Our elders have always given importance to morning prayers and every action of us –like eating,drinking water,taking bath etc is only possible with the Gods’ grace So we need to thank them at everystage of our lives. They say Goddess lakshmi resides at the tip of the hand ,in the center of the palm resides Sarasvati,the goddess of wisdom and at the base of the palm is Govinda. So early morning praying to these gods and showing our obeisance is possible when we start drawing the rangoli with our hand.


కరాగ్రే వసతే లక్ష్మీ
కరమధ్య సరస్వతీ
కరమూలే తు గోవింద
ప్రభాతే కరదర్శనం

Karagre vasate Lakshmih
Karamadhya Sarasvati
Karamulee tu Govinda
Prabhatee karadarsanam







YOGASANAS AND MUGGULU:

Also when we are preparing for drawing the muggu ,the postures we sit ,lean or stand are the yoga asanas.such is the greatness of our culture that every action of ours becomes a guidance to more purposeful life and imbibed in it are the life’s secrets.

Now you must be wondering what is the relation between the Muggu and Yogasanas.

In early days and even in some homes today,Rangoli is put 2 times a day –Morning and Evening.It is the way of inviting the gods to bring peace,happiness and good to all in the home and world in general.Surya namaskarams and Sandhya vandhanam.So now we can understand the relation. The lady of the home,


1 When she is cleaning the floor-the bending posture-Pada hastasana
2 When bringing water in the bucket and sprinkling water-Udaraka Asana,Pavana Muktha Asanas,ParsvaThadasan
3 While putting kolam-eyes,hands,neck,fingers wrist rotation movement- Pavanamuktha Asanas
4 When leaning forward-Pada hastasana
5 When sitting and drawing-Katichakra Asana

So these asanas put the required physical movement on the particular parts of the body, which will enhance the health of the lady enormously.It cures lot of health related issues of ladies like back pain,abdomenal problems,thyroid,hormonal secretion and above all the psychological well being as she draws the patterns ,the creative mind is being sharpened.

In a broadway,it perfectly fits the concise definition of Yogasanas in Pantanjalis “Yoga Sutras”---

స్థిరం సుఖం ఆసనం

STHIRAM SUKHAM ASANAM

-meaning that position which is comfortable and steady.That implies ,it make our body to comfortably be in a position for an extended length of time,as is necessary for meditation.

Don’t you see reason and purpose in all this?

Unfortunately, in todays society and jetstream patterns of life,we have given this task to our helping maids or totally taken to sticking a plastic paper with glue on oneside with a colorful design on the otherside and in some homes it is a forgotten daily routine except for festivals. Thank god at least its just an occasional ritual in some homes. Some solace atleast!


Also another interesting relation to the importance of rangoli is ,”Salutations to the Mother Earth” , or “Bhoomi vandanam “ who is the daughter of god of oceans and the consort of Lord Vishnu,on whom we daily walk do our daily chores and which gives us the food to eat,and daily oxygen for our lives. We are asking the mother goddess to pardon us .

సముద్రవసనే దేవీ
పర్వతస్తన మండలే
విష్ణుపత్నీ నమస్తుభ్యం
పాదస్పర్శం క్షమస్వ మే



Samudravasane devi
Parvatastana mandale
Vishnupatni namstubhyam
Padasparsam ksamasva me

We are invoking the goddess to bless and reside in our homes with auspiciousness,prosperity,good health,wealth and destruction of ignorance.


నమస్తేతు మహామాయే
శ్రీపీఠే సురపూజితే
శంఖచక్ర గదాహస్తే
మహాలక్ష్మీ నమోస్తుతే


Namastetu mahamaye
Sripeetee surapoojithe
Sankhachakra gadaahasthe
Mahalakshmi namostuthee


Goddess Mahalakshmi,my obeisance to you ,who is adorned by sankham,chakran in hands and seated on the highest pedestal and Srichakra which is a symbol of your divineness and I invite you to my home through the medium of muggu to bless us.


The patterns signify the occasion and by seeing the entrance of a house decorated with the muggu reveals the significance of the day.





FESTIVALS AND MUGGULU:

1Padmam or lotus patterns,flowers,creepers,plants: Ganesha,Lakshmi,Dasara,Batukamma,,temple festivals
2 Sankha, chakras: Vaikunta ekadasi,
3 Pots,coconuts,sugarcane,kites,bullocks carts ,cocks,chariot : Pongal,Sankranthi,harvest festivals
4 Themes designs : Independence day ,New year and marriages and festivals
5 Cartoons of dolls,animals: Kids specials festivals,cradle ceremony,childrens day




GROUP EVENTS :

There is culture in India that at any school,college or University level talent functions rangoli competition is a must.Even on special occasions and festivals Rangoli competitions are an integral part .
The best part is it is not taught in any classroom sessions but is a family tradition where the children learn from the parents and it is passed on for generations .

Muggulu -RANGULA HARIVILLU(ముగ్గులు రంగులహరివిల్లు)1

దీపావళి /Deepavali









Ganesh Puja
Sankranti/Pongal

లక్ష్మీపూజ / లక్ష్మీపూజ

న్యూ ఇయర్ / New Year

World is full of colors.Every color is unique and w cannot imagine a life without colors. We represent the seasons by colors, festivals ,occasions and even each day every second we observe our surroundings are filled with colors.


We associate our feelings with colors-like



White-Peace,calmness,Pleasant


Green-Prosperity,Serenity,Good omens


Yellow-Traditional ,auspicious


Red-Energy,


Blue-Vibrations,


Black-Deep Silence ,Simple





Like wise every fetival has a specific color dominating


Ganesh Chathurdhi-Orange,Yellow


Pongal-Green


Dassera-Red


and Holi-a festival of colors





Even political parties


Congress-White


TDP-Yellow


TRS-Pink


other parties have green, blue and multiple colors.





Like wise artists create paintings in various hues and express their views through the medium of colors. There canvas is paper,cardboard cloth ,glass,wood etc.


The lesser known artists in every home in India ,who have made ,mother earth as their canvas and paint their designs are the seed for the big artists to bloom.An insiration-Mother,sister,wife,friend.


This artform is RANGOLI.


It is called by different names in every State of India.



Rangoli-in most parts of India


Muggulu-In Andhra Pradesh


Kolam- In Tamilnadu and Kerala


Alpana-In Bengal


Aripana -in Bihar





Each has a distinct style and mediums and motifs.



Basically it can be wet floor or dry.


Wet floor: Front of the home is cleaned and cowdung is smeared.After it is dried, rice powder is used as a medium to draw the designs.


Dry floor:With space constraint in cities,and apartment culture booming ,floors are washed and chalkpiece or rice powder in water is used as a medium.



Why rice powder?



We live in harmony with nature. When in specific seasons food is not adequate ,small ants depend on this powder for food. in fact, its seeing that even minute creatures are given food and shoe our generousness and share what god has given us with the needy.


Such small act but big moral.Isnt it unique ?Its not taught in any school.



Patterns:


Round,Square,Diagonal,Pentagonal,Hexagonal depending on the occasion


Styles:

Free hand with motifs and figurines-Flowers,creepers,fruits,portraits

Using Dots

Dots are important before drawing a design as they give a definite shape to the pattern.


1 The designs attach dot to dot and line formations give the shape to the motifs-Bommala muggulu


2 Dots are visible and line are drawn in between dots-Chukkala /Melika /Muthyala muggulu

Now coming to the adding life to muggulu-oh,i mean adding colors to the pattern is very important and meticulous job


We need

1 Colors

2 Medium to mix the color for easy spreading-This medium can be the limestone powder, fine sand ,rock salt,rava (coarse rice powder)

3 Flowers

4 Diyas

It is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in the homes which welcomes her through the art of rangoli.


Some festivals have rangoli in the forefront like


*Onam in kerala-Rangoli is done with flowers

*Sankranthi-Where beautiful rangolis are drawn and small balls of cowdung decorated with flowers and turmeric and kumkum are put and puja is performed around the rangoli.

One article says


Rangoli:
A design, usually geometric, drawn on the ground in front of a house or other dwelling in the colors of the morning sun, to represent inner awakening.


This tradition has to be handed over to the next generations .It is not only a culture but enhances the creativity of the childrens' mind and the right side part of the brain which is creative will develop .

Aged aches

My short time in US has made me think about my ownself and a gripping and undescribable future came before me.
What will be my oldage like?When will that start?Is there any indication like the weather.

I felt ,apart from health conditions another major important factor to know you are aged is by the behavoiur of people around us. If we are strong it doesnt affect us but usually we have too much reliability on our near and dear ones. Once our expectations are not met we crumble and this has profound effect on health and energy drains.

We in India have aspirations and surrender ourselfs to children and beg them. .Thats the problem
Other aspect is being outside country our people learn escapist tendencies by throwing the blame on the new society,but dont learn from the faciltities this country is providing to the elderly - mobile vehicle to sit and move, parking lots for aged, facilities in public transportations, shopping malls,hospitals,Insurance,Banks and latest electronic gadgets to aid them to move, listen etc.

I observed that most people have good family bonding and old people are given good respect at any place they go. Help is available and grandparents are seen very nicely and one more thing is they take care of themselves. They have a strong willpower and do their own jobs. I was surprised to see 90 years old man learning tennis and 55 years old woman learning computer basics. They engage.

They bring LIFE TO LIVING AND NOT JUST LIVING A LIFE.

Thats the difference and essence of life.

Ultimately whether in India or America, we need to have affection on our people and concern ,sense of belongingness, than all these problems will be reduced. If we become selfish ,god will show the same path what we have shown to our parents. LOVE ,AFFECTION and COMPASSION will rule and money is secondary. Somehow this is losing track in our society and we are happy to the short term goals and monthly salary we get-enjoy in shopping, pubs .

Its not that everything is bad, but the ratio of such non considerate class is rising. We need to watch out for this class and its time we as a society should do more for the elderly. So far its been the job of voluntary organizations and NGOs to set up oldage homes. But now we need to tap this resource fully for nation building.

In developed countries, there is a new trend to recruit old people as they are experienced, more attached to the job (which leads to less attrition rates),no training costs for the company, demand for salaries is not much and commitment to job is more. From the side of elders, its spending valuable time, getting paid(a sense of security)and more so not thinking in the oblivion.

It’s a win-win situation for both. Some companies are providing them perks like-transportations, emergency calls, food, Doctor consultations, dental checkups for its aged employees.

In India, we need a special government cell for Gerontology (it may not be surprising if a demand for a separate ministry comes up in future as most of our ministers are in the elderly category).More services and priorities for elderly in public transportation, hospitals and at many other places would be a welcome sign.

The need of the hour is STRONG ELDERS with COMPASSIONATE YOUNG GENERATION.
The feeling that our children are our moral support and vice versa will fill the gap of insecurity and distances doesnt bother.

Duties of elders:

1 Be healthy
2 Engage in an activity they like
3 Financial security
4 Independendent living
5 Always thinking that they are young
6 Creating there own time schedule for daily duties
7 Associating with other elders
8 Contributing (ideas,time ) to the well being of the society
9 Learning new things
10 Adaptability to the new environs of modern world
11 Above all feeling wanted


Duties of children:
1 Be affectionate and loving
2 Provide all support unconditionally
3 Involving them in major decisions
4 Develop patience and sense of being human
5 Respect elders at public places
6 Spread the message of being responsible
7 Try to learn more things and pass on to the next generation
8 Use new technology to provide more comfort to the elders
9 Provide more centres like activity centres
10 Not to make them your kids caretakers but give them a place of dignity
11 Above all talk to them more often

All these doesnt cost much but the time we spend is worhwhile and it increases our energy levels and we tend to be more worthful,important and this goodness spreads to people around us and on the whole, the atmosphere would be pleasant .This sets an example to kids who will be more considerate towards the elderly.


Matru devobhava,pithru devobhava,acharya devabhava,athithi devobhava,
mari eppudu

vruddha sikhamani devobhava-----

Making others happy will give you more inner peace and makes you a better person .


* These are exclusively my owm personal thoughts and not intended towards anyone.

MAHARDASA

Om Sri Siddi Vinayakaya Namah

Prasannaga vunte Arogyam (Pleasantness is good for Health)

Chakkani dusthulu dharisthe Tejassu (Fine attire spreads radiance)

Okariki sahayapadithe Skhemam (Helping others is always good for self)

Navvutu vunte Divya soundaryam (Smiling enhances inner beauty which is divine)

Madhuramuga mataladithe Mangalkaram (Talking sweetly is always auspicious)

Suvarnabharanalu dharisthe Ayurvruddhi (Wearing jewels increases longevity)

Eppudu anandhamuga vunte Lakshmipradham (Always being cheerful is divine)

Mithanga bujjisthe Chakkani rupam (Well balanced diet gives good physique)

Thrupthi vunte Nityanandam (Control over wants/Satisfaction will lead to happiness)

Pattudalato krushi chesthe Sampoorna Vijayam (Working hard is the pathway for success and victory)

Chetana

I regularly go to religious places and everytime, i come across something new to learn. Learning is not only from books,but from people of all ages and experiences and incidents in life. Some change our thinking,some strengthen our beliefs,some add value and some pave the path for new thinking.

One such experience is the meaning of the word "PRADAKSHINA"

PRA-Samastha papala vinasananiki suchakam (Destroys all the sins)
DA - Korikalanni theradam (Fulfillmant of all that we ask for and pray god)
KSHI-Raboye janmalanu suchisthundi (Indicative of future births)
NA- Agnanam nunchi vimukthi prapthi (Realising from the bond of ignorance)


"Yani kanicha papani janmanthara kruthanicha,
Tahni thani pranasyanthi pradakshinam padhe padhe"

Cheerful Readiness

We have known from history and social text books that achieving independence was a great struggle. One aspect that goes into the reading of these gives a clear understanding of the readiness of people to come out and fight for our just cause.
Think for a while , if everyone were happy doing their jobs and counting on the money earned which they may not be able to spend on themselves .We would still be in the clutches of slavery and outside domination.
Now, where did they get all that energy to fight the mighty empire-All it needed was a strong will and conviction and undeterred path and focus on the welfare of people. The true leadership qualities. Names are many and some anonymous leaders who instilled the spirit of common good and sense of worthfulness.

Now the current era. We have no one to fight but for our inner self. How many of us are ready to atleast mark our unhappiness and show it through secret ballot. There is a reason for all this. We feel we are too weak to fight the mighty virus of corruption, redtapism and favouritism.
Everything is now rounded to the benefit of individual for personal benefit and to fill the coffers. Do these people realise there is something called humanity.

This blog is an attempt to atleast make our presence felt and we make an iota of difference in the reapective fields which needs only willpower. We need to work and show the change.

This alacrity has to be rekindled in everyone and should enlighten our innerself to show the world we can make our world a better place to live and give a safe and good future to the next generations.

EMPOWERMENT WITH KNOWLEGDE .