My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Noted My Watching Of Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel Beamed From Tirumala In Andhra Pradesh State In India

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Noted My Watching Of Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel Beamed From Tirumala In Andhra Pradesh State In India

As I watched Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Vari Varshika Brahmotsavams from Srinivasamangapuram in Andhra Pradesh I was reminded of watching Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) since 2008. That was the time when set box had not made inroads and one could watch umpteen number of channels with cable connection coming handy. My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans was in the know of my liking for SVBC and equally my desire to visit Tirumala now and then. My Father visited Tirumala for the first time in 1980 or 1981 and after that he would visit Tirumala as and when Lord Venkateswara/Lord Govinda called him. That time there were no sighting of serpentine queues and one could sight Lord Venkateswara with ease. Lord Venkateswara has been kind enough to the entire world and would continue to shower blessings with prayer put by billion devotees now and then.

When cable connection came through set box SVBC channel was there in the beginning and later it was removed. That was a harsh reality we had to face. My Father too was not able to watch SVBC and on occasions I would bring laptop so that he could sight the proceedings from Tirumala.  Now with another set box watching of SVBC has become possible and this is gratifying to say the least. My Father is not amidst us but he would be happy to note that I have got the chance to watch SVBC proceedings from time to time. We are able to watch temple rituals from Tirumala to Tiruchanur to Srinivasamangapuram and hats off to the priests who perform temple proceedings with enough reverence. 

As for 2020 when I visited Tirumala the stay was in Tirupati given the fact that accommodation is not provided to single person. The first day I trekked from Alipiri Gate to Tirumala on foot with 3550 steps to be ascended. It took little under three hours. For foothpath pilgrims after reaching Tirumala the walk to sanctum sanctorum took no time and now there are enough turns and twists before reaching the compartments and henceforth the sanctum sanctorum housing Lord Venkateswara. The stay in Tirumala/Tirupati was for three days with food taken from Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Anna Prasada Centre after having Darshan in Tirumala and in Tirupati in Hotel Vikram and Sarvana Bhavan. 

As for Srinivasam Complex for Darshan Ticket I came across a group from Maharashtra and during the course of interaction I came to know there were two Lord Shiva Jyotirlinga Baidyanath in Aurangabad and Bhimashankar near Mancher near Pune. Notably this discussion cropped up when I mentioned I had visited Srisailam Jyotirlinga (Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Resides Here)  before coming to Tirumala. Though much has changed in Tirumala with the rush gaining traction and the best part is we are able to sight proceedings thanks to SVBC. 

My Father's blessings are with us and that is precisely the reason we are able to watch SVBC on TV sets and put in a prayer for the entire world. Lord Venkateswara would see us through the challenges confronting the mankind and his larger message is peace is the oath everyone takes while navigating the life journey.   

South Indian Channels we watch are Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC TTD), ETV Andhra Pradesh, Gemini, ETV Telugu, Sun Channel, Jaya Channel, DD Podhigai, Surya Channel, News First, Public TV, DD Malayalam, Manorama News, Mazhavil Manorama beamed from States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

Spare A Thought For Tens Of Thousands Of Ukrainian Refugees (Over 1, 20,000 And Counting) Who Have No Access To Food Water And Shelter; Civilians Are Getting Hit Each Passing Hour

Spare A Thought For Tens Of Thousands Of  Ukrainian Refugees (Over 1, 20,000 And Counting) Who Have No Access To Food Water And Shelter; Civilians Are Getting Hit Each Passing Hour

In The War Against East Europe unleashed by Russian Establishment Civilians are getting hit in Ukraine cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, Mariupol, Kramtovsk and others. The pounding that cities of Ukraine have taken bears testimony to the fact that assault is multipronged and brings untold suffering to Civilians. This exposes lies and blatant lies of Russian Establishment that no Civilian would take the hit in the ongoing Ukraine invasion. Over tens of thousands of Civilians have fled Ukraine and moved to Poland and other places the odyssey itself bringing its share of pitfalls. In the aforementioned places these refugees are without food, water and shelter as the countries that host them can take a load up to a point only. The plight of refugees can move any person leave alone a establishment with deaf ears which should have understood that people in vast numbers would get displaced in the wake of Ukraine invasion. The families are split with those in the age group of 18 to 60 staying put in Ukraine and rest of the family members taking refuge in other nations. Miserable are the plight of those who are old and are stuck with nowhere to go. They too come in millions. According to a rough estimate there would be nearly 5 million refugees that would wish to travel to other countries to save their lives and that too in an environment where access to basic needs would be hard to come by. 

In cities across Ukraine and especially in the capital city Kyiv fierce resistance is being put by Ukrainians with the valor and sacrifice by Ukrainian soldiers that won't go in vain. This open defiance by soldiers and common man on street would show the Russian foray is mined with challenges that would be hard to be nipped in the bud. The Russian Establishment would not have thought in their wildest dreams that resistance being put by men in uniform or minus uniform would be so lethal that taking the entire country under their belt in their operation would be impossible. The Russian assault won't bear fruitful results. It may leave Ukraine in ruins with the last man on the street defying all odds and taking Russian armoury head on and the desire of installing a military regime looking to be a mirage. Even if military regime loyal to Russia comes into shape what to talk of weeks even for days it won't be able to stay given the fact that ruling the entire nation from Kyiv would be a tall order. The Russian side is bound to face resistance from 40 million people even if five million take refuge in other countries and to earn the ire of these 40 million people on day to day basis would make the Russian Design fall apart. The Russian Establishment needs to do soul searching and their tall claims of no civilian casualties would be recorded in this Russian military proceedings have underpinnings of dishonesty and deceit. Civilian casualties are being reported from all corners of Ukraine and Russia can't deny this reality.

The Russian Establishment should know if similar invasion were to take place in their country how many people would get displaced and how many would risk losing their lives. A nation which is a stalwart at one point of time can turn somnolent and docile the other moment and no nation can claim to be strong all the time. This War On Ukraine Is A War On Civilised Fabric Of The World As Civilians Are Taking Hit Each Passing Hour. To break this logjam talks are the way out and if Ukraine gives undertaking that it won't join NATO and would remain neutral in its ties with the West would that suffice Russia hard to tell. For now Russia is at fault for its shenanigans and attempt to tie the Ukrainians in knot. Untie the knot and let freedom reign and let there be order and no suffering and no pain. After all it is civilians that make the world and peace at their doorstep should not be in spell of lull.

The Set Of Sanctions Announced By The West Against Russia Is Not Sufficient. Bring SWIFT Banking System Sanction And Make It Evident. The Russian Tyrant Who Didn't Give Peace A Chance And His Ukraine Invasion Has The World Sit Up And Glance

The Set Of Sanctions Announced By The West Against Russia Is Not Sufficient. Bring SWIFT Banking System Sanction And Make It Evident. The Russian Tyrant Who Didn't Give Peace A Chance And His Ukraine Invasion Has The World Sit Up And Glance

The Russian Tyrant Putin Is On A Prowl Leaving Large Scale Destruction And Toll

The Set Of Sanctions Announced By The West Is Not Sufficient

Removing Russia From SWIFT Banking System Should Be Put In Place And Make It Evident

Once SWIFT Banking Sanction Kick In The Russian Tyrant And Oligarchs Would Feel The Heat

Putting Sanction On Russian Tyrant Itself Should Be Done Now To Take Away His Long Standing Cleat

Oil And Gas Sanctions Too Need To Set In 

And It Is From Oil And Gas It Gets The Remuneration And Let The Oligarchs Chair Cling

Russia Is On A Mission Where Destruction Is Written All Over The Place

Even If Kyiv Falls The Russian Tyrant Can't Lay Claim That His Side Has Won The Race

Shame To This Tyrant And His Destructive Prowess

He Is Opening Doors For An Europe That Is 24X7 Under Duress

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Is All By Himself

With Limited Troops And Armoury He Is That Honest That He Doesn't Indulge In Pelf

Why Doesn't West Send Troops And Armaments To Ukraine 

As All Along Ukraine President Has Maintained His People Are Feeling The Heat And The Pain

Colossal Loss That Ukraine Is Witnessing Brings Tears To Its Brothers And Sisters

All Across The World There Is Fervent Prayer That Ukraine Is Freed From Unwelcome Russian Visitors

The Logic That Russian Tyrant Spun That There Was Threat To Russia's Security Is Hogwash

His Diplomatic Outreach Was A Bluff and Eyewash

When Would Ukraine Get Away From This Climate Of Uncertainty No One Knows

Are Their Threats To Former Soviet States Latvia, Estonia And Lithuania As Well That Has Made The Residents Browse

The Road To Take Over Kyiv Has Been Stitched By Russians From North Side Particularly Belarus 

And Clashes Are Widespread That Would Give Kyiv Residents Much To Ponder And Bruise

One Feels Sad For Ukraine And Its People 

Its Territorial Integrity And Sovereignty Has Been Smashed By Russian Oligarch Triple

The Road Ahead Is Patchy With Enough Air Strikes And Troop Movement

The Resistance To Be Offered By Ukrainian People And For How Long Looks Sketchy

Does Russian Tyrant Has Any Clue On How Many Lives Would Be Lost In This Aggression

Why Make Ukraine Suffer For The Very Fact That It Has Workable Tangy West Equation

And Here Peace Has Suffered A Lot For The Very Reason That Some European Nations Suffice Their Energy Needs From Russia

And Time Has Come For Them To Sever All Ties With Russian Tyrant Who Is A Pariah 

What Is To Unfold The Next Moment Is Not Known

The Ukraine Territory Has Been Seized By A Dictator Who Has Never Heard of Mynamar's Prome

This Unprovoked Invasion Would Make The Russian Side Pay A Price

Once Oil And Gas Sanctions Set In It Would See Shrinking Ties

Let Russia Be Told From World Quarters

That Autocrats Have Limited Innings And Can Drown In Avalanche Of Waters

Unlawful, Unwarranted And Unforgiving Is Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine; This May Spill Over To Russian Leader's Courtyard As Well

Unlawful, Unwarranted And Unforgiving Is Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine; This May Spill Over To Russian Leader's Courtyard As Well

The multipronged attack on Ukraine has shown the West Intelligence spot on and the invasion that would invite retribution of sorts.  Governed by a logic that is sick Russian leader Putin is traversing a path that would bring unending spell of pain and suffering. He should have looked inside, inside his country/courtyard and construct a narrative that would not have allowed his economy to get hobbled, ameliorate the suffering of his people far and wide and instead he went on to lead aggression against Ukraine for no fault of Kyiv. Right from Kviv to Lviv to Kharviv the places are being bombed with an understanding that entire Ukraine would fall at Russian leader's feet but that is easier said than done. In the city of Kyiv tens of thousands of people are holed up in subway station and with no food and water they are at receiving end and for how long they can hold is not known. The Russian leader is making the Ukraine people live the World War II moments and his interpretation that he was left with no choice cut little ice. The casualties on either side would be hard to count.

A Russian leader with blurred vision. A Russian leader with expansionist designs. A Russian leader who thinks his clinical invasion would make Ukraine resistance fall apart. But from no angle this is no clinical intervention as there would be resistance from quarter after quarter. Bring Kyiv to its knees and oust Volodymyr Zelenskyy Govt and put in place a regime that is puppet and puppet to say the least may be the intention of assault. The Russian leader's strategic foray would be in doldrums in the coming days given the fact that he may be able to oust the present govt but to have control over entire country would be a tall order. 

A pared down opposition across country won't happen.  Clandestine are Russian leader's motives and underestimating the undercurrents of antipathy towards Putin the uncertain template is what Ukraine would have to live with. Kyiv may fall one day but to have a sway over the entire country with 44 million people would make the Russian leader understand that this is impregnable fort not easy to bring down. How long the attacks would continue no one knows but one thing is clear the Russian side is in for a long haul and annexing Crimea in 2014 doesn't mean he would have the same amount of success as the two operations are entirely different. The aggressor has shown his sinister moves are meant to unruffle the world but he doesn't know that retribution is in the pipeline with sanctions kicking in and untold suffering of Ukraine people may spill over to his courtyard as well.

Colossal Are The Colours Of Russian Leader

Colossal Loss He Would Suffer With War Cry He Be A Quitter

NATO Needs To Send Reinforcements To Ukraine Even Though It Is Not Its Member

To See Russian Forces Essay A Tale Of Unending Pain, These Forces Hail From Russian City Of Tver

This Russian Leader Wants To Raise A Climate Of Hatred In Europe

This Russian Leader Is Tied To Sadistic Rope

Of Tamil Nadu Local Body Polls And From Coimbatore To Kanchipuram Hols

Of Tamil Nadu Local Body Polls And From Coimbatore To Kanchipuram Hols

As Tamil Nadu Local Body Polls were swept by one party, it was time to break into celebrations with enough gaiety. These local body polls augur well for the State that has rivulets to sea with bumper to bumper cargo freight. Tamil Nadu is known for idyllic surroundings and enriched innings played by political and film world stalwarts with enough gainings. We hope these polls would bring curtains on uncertainty index with the State galloping in growth and this approved by the likes of Pontifex.

Ensnared by Tamil Nadu effervescent beauty travelers from around the world trek to this State with the understanding that the time spent here is priceless the imprints left by them are not traceless. Travelers throng this State all round the year in umpteen numbers the change in weather pattern augments the release of diminutive fears. Travelers hail the proceedings of the places they have covered hoping against hope that they would scan the entire State in one go be it in fleeting glimpse and flow. Somnolent is not this State's beauty and hiatus doesn't figure in its forward march kitty.

Tamil Nadu is one State where rock solid is the temperature and essaying a path of progress with enough resilience in a momentum maintained pavilion. Here Idly to Vada to Uthpam are delightful delicacies and they are good on stomach and in return giving enough earnings to the vendors and adding to their fantasies. I can still recall the coffee I took in the outer courtyard of Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai one day when the Tamil Nadu Gentleman described the coffee as super and this take of coffee in the vicinity of this temple millions prefer.

As we have traveled from Chennai to Kanchipuram and from Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) to Kanniyakumari and from Coimbatore to Udhagamandalam everywhere we have been greeted by the awesome rise of Sun. The Sun shines in this State all through day making the State residents vibrant and occasionally engaging in pray. From Madurai to Rameswaram the news creep in of development gaining strength this is one State that has industries surface now and then essaying strong industrial front. 

This news of local polls triumph would make the govt of the day work in concert with people and address their grievances which won't take the shape of Antarctica Mountain Siple. These local polls would cheer the State waiting in the wings for long to be Number One State in India and this could be very much realised with apt reminder that constructive criticism are welcome irrespective of gargantuan size. Let other States of India mirror a growth pattern that give voice to the voiceless and myriad of challenges are met with an aptitude that is minus gutless. Hail Tamil Nadu, Hail the State for its foray and enormous are future challenges that could be trey. 

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans made trips to Tamil Nadu now and then and earned the much deserved blessings and kudo. 

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Made A Mental Note Of My Visit To Srisailam

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Made A Mental Note Of My Visit To Srisailam

In February 2020 I visited Srisailam with occasional contacts made with MY FATHER Gouri Shankar Rajhans which were on a positive note. At Vistara Desk in Delhi Airport after much persuasion I was handed boarding pass with Mr Shivank the captain of Vistara UK 899 Flight to Hyderabad. From Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Airport I reached Padmaja Lodge opposite Secundarabad railway station in two hours.

Post checking into the lodge I got the recharge done to establish contact with MY FATHER  Later I had Bombay Meals which was lumpsum.  Next morning I took tea from A R Mess Point which opens a little after 4 am. In the morning hours itself I visited the Famed Ganesh Temple and post that visit I spoke to MY FATHER before heading to Srisailam. 

I reach Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). From MGBS the bus for Srisailam leaves at 10.30 am. Mind you there are buses from here that go to varied destinations like Alchampet, Mahbubnagar, Kalwakurthy, Wanaparthy, Hubli, Narayanapet, Yadagirigutta, Guntur and Warangal. Inside bus there is an ad of Venkateshwara Shopping Mall in Zaheerabad, Bidar. During the course of the ride Amangal comes at 12.10, Medigadda too after 12 pm, Hajipur at 1.55. At 3.15 Srisailam is 35 kms away. And from here onwards there are signposts like Rejoice In The Lord's Presence. Service To Mankind Is Service To Lord. 

I reach Srisailam at 4.35 pm. The temperature is 35 degree centigrade. I take room in Kurni Nithya Annadhana Satram (Kurni Sadan).  Before the evening spell sets in I am able to speak to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS who is glad to note that I am in safe surroundings. He can't make out the place I am in but he is confident that Lord's Blessings would come in plenty. I take fried rice from Hotel Apoorva and black tea from Hotel Murugan. In the evening I visit SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE as well as SRI BHRAMARAMBA DEVI TEMPLE. The grandeur of the temples and surroundings is breathtaking. And these facts I am able to convey to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS.

Next morning I visit SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE. Coming out of the courtyard I take Famed Laddoos which come at Rs 15 a piece. Something similar to Tirumala Laddoos, the first time I had the opportunity to have it was in 1980 or 1981 when MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS visited Tirumala. That was the time when MY FATHER'S innings in Delhi seem to be uncertain and he took shelter in Lord Govinda.  And Blessings came thereafter.

In the afternoon in Srisailam I take plate meals from Hotel Apoorva and black tea from Hotel Murugan. The plate meals is too much for me. The entire night sleep is elusive and hoping against hope I look out for an auto which would take me to a tea centre. I hail an auto at 5 in the morning and reach tea centre next to Sholapur Dharamshala. I am in one of the compartments of the temple at 6 in the morning and wait for over four hours before the gates open. Mind you once you are in sanctum sanctorum it takes no time to sight the Lord. I Sight SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY and I am in awe of the reigning deity.  Later I take two sets of Idly from Hotel Murugan. I take a seat in Hyderabad bound bus (Hyderabad is  210 km from Srisailam) which leaves at 11.52 am.  I am in Hyderabad at 5.37 pm. Take room in Hotel New Swathi. The next day I leave for Tirupati to access Tirumala. And From There As Well I Maintain Contact With My Father. 

I was in Srisailam for three days and spoke to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS now and then. These three days could be hailed for the opportunities that came to sight SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY, the warm hospitality extended by people of Srisailam and occasional reminders from MY FATHER that I should stay in safe surroundings with the blessings from the Lord that would come in abundance. MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS knew the pilgrimage to South India could be accomplished with enough faith reposed in God and howsoever hard the battle may be sticking to righteous path opens door. Putting in a prayer for the world at large should never be missed.

The personnel at Sholapur Dharamshala Desk promised me that room could be spared for single person in future and that message was quite gratifying. Hail SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY for showering of blessings on entire world for umpteen occasions. 

From Twin Cities Of Telangana To Srisailam Having Semblance of Guiana

From Twin Cities Of Telangana To Srisailam  Having Semblance of Guiana

With Vistara Flight Ticket To Hyderabad showing no PNR I was at the receiving end of Delhi Airport which saw no protest and no tent and none showing the willingness to be TSAR. The matter was resolved after I made a fervent request as I was not their favourite guest. The flight to Hyderabad took over an hour and among those seated were some residents of Maharashtra's Virar. From Hyderabad Airport the bus ride to JBS (Jubilee Bus Station) and thereafter the auto ride to Padmaja Lodge in Secundarabad were minus hiccups and in Telangana State we were amidst surroundings that may see sighting of peacocks. The ride to Srisailam from Hyderabad was completed in over five hours and driver and conductor were fully alert to the proceedings and were in no mood to engage in conversation that was crass. The stay in Srisailam was in Kurni Sadan some kms away from SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE and thousand and thousand miles away from Hueytown. The idyllic surroundings of Srisailam beckons all with the probability of airport coming roundabout which won't see a brawl.

In Secundarabad I settled for Bombay Meals and in Srisailam on offer were fried rice and plate meals with black tea coming in abundance which had no aura of suspense. The trek to Srisailam Temple saw me gain confidence and once in sanctum sanctorum and here those in attendance were priests who were their since morning and partaking the benefits of crowd gathering feast. Outside the courtyard the Famed Laddoos drew praise and some of those having it were no less than sage. The stay in Srisailam was for three days and thereafter I left for twin cities of Telangana which hosts sauna. 

The next destination on pilgrimage circuit was Tirumala; the stay was in Tirupati taking daily trek to Tirumala for its effervescent beauty. Not giving room to a single person in Tirumala is an aberration of sorts the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam) authorities have to untie the knot. Giving accommodation to single person after verifying antecedents would make the solitary figure sing paeans even in humid conditions that augur the onset of rains. Give accommodation to single person and for that tweak rules as solitary figure can give you clues.  

My Visit To Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh State In India In February 2020 With My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Making A Mental Note Of That Visit

My Visit To Srisailam In Andhra Pradesh State In India In February 2020 With My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Making A Mental Note Of That Visit

I visited Srisailam in February 2020 with an expressive intent that blessings were showered on our family members and occasional contacts made with MY FATHER were lessons to foster brotherhood. As I reached Delhi Airport with a taxi driven by Mr Gurjeet Singh the man at Vistara Desk showed his inability to dispense Boarding Pass as my ticket did not have PNR. Later he came round to the view that boarding pass could be issued in exceptional circumstances. When I was at another desk to seek a clarification there was another man carrying Euro notes in plenty showing his intent to travel to Varanasi. Mr Shivank is the captain of Vistara UK 899 Flight to Hyderabad. From Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Airport take bus to JBS (Jubilee Bus Station). And from JBS take auto to Padmaja Lodge opposite Secundarabad railway station. 

The first thing I did after checking into the lodge was to get recharge done to establish contact with MY FATHER Gouri Shankar Rajhans. He is relieved to know that I have reached Secundarabad. Later I settle for Bombay Meals at Padmaja Lodge's Restaurant. Next morning I take tea from A R Mess Point. Later I visit the Famed Ganesh Temple and post that visit I speak to MY FATHER before heading to Srisailam. I vacate room to reach JBS in Secundarabad. There are none of the buses going to Srisailam and the information that I had gathered was incorrect. 

I reach Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). From MGBS there are buses that hit the hinterlands of Alchampet, Mahbubnagar, Kalwakurthy, Wanaparthy, Hubli, Narayanapet, Yadagirigutta, Guntur and Warangal. The bus for Srisailam leaves MGBS at 10.30 am. Mr Vijay Swamy is the bus driver. Inside bus there is an ad of Venkateshwara Shopping Mall in Zaheerabad, Bidar. During the course of the ride Amangal comes at 12.10, Medigadda too after 12 pm, Hajipur at 1.55. At 3.15 Srisailam is 35 km away. And from here onwards there are messages etched on boards like Rejoice In The Lord's Presence. Service To Mankind Is Service To Lord. All along this journey I show no intent to speak to MY FATHER as I believe reaching Srisailam and speaking from there would be better. 

I reach Srisailam at 4.35 pm. The temperature is 35 degree centigrade and that too in the month of February.  I take room in Kurni Nithya Annadhana Satram (Kurni Sadan).  I try to speak to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS and here the conversation can't take place due to connectivity issues. Before the evening spell sets in I am able to speak to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS who is glad to note that I am in safe surroundings. He can't make out the place I am in but he is confident that Lord's Blessings are in plenty. I take fried rice from Hotel Apoorva and black tea from Hotel Murugan. In the evening I visit SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE as well as SRI BHRAMARAMBA DEVI TEMPLE. The grandeur of the temples and surroundings is something to cherish. And this fact I am able to convey to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS.

Next morning after taking tea from Hotel Murugan I return to Kurni Sadan. Later I visit SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE. And have the opportunity to take Famed Laddoos which come at Rs 15 a piece. They have a taste similar to Tirumala Laddoos, the first time I had the opportunity to consume was in the early '80s when MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS visited Tirumala. That was the time when MY FATHER'S innings in Delhi seem to be mixed one and he took shelter in Lord Govinda.  

In the afternoon in Srisailam I take plate meals from Hotel Apoorva and black tea from Hotel Murugan. The plate meals is heavy on the stomach. The entire night sleep is elusive and I get up to search auto at 3 am which would take me to a tea centre. Later at 5 I get an auto and reach tea centre next to Sholapur Dharamshala. I am in one of the compartments of the temple at 6 in the morning and wait for over four hours before the gates open. Mind you once you are in sanctum sanctorum it takes no time to sight the Lord. I Sight SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY and leave the premises. I return to Kurni Sadan and vacate the room. I take two sets of Idly from Hotel Murugan before occupying seat in Hyderabad bound bus which leaves at 11.52 am. Hyderabad is shown to be 210 km from Srisailam. I am in Hyderabad at 5.37 pm. Take room in Hotel New Swathi. 

I was in Srisailam for three days and spoke to MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS whenever an opportunity came. These three days are etched in my memory for the opportunities that came to sight SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY, the expression of being grateful to people of Srisailam for warm hospitality and occasional reminders from MY FATHER that I should stay in safe surroundings and take coconut water or mineral water as the need be. Keeping stomach in safe zone was the priority and having ample plates of Idly were meant towards that. MY FATHER GOURI SHANKAR RAJHANS could get unnerved on occasions by these outings but in the heart of hearts he believed South India was a wonderful place which fueled the desire to lead a content life with limited means and put in a prayer or two for the world at large. 

My Visits To South India As Noted By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans

My Visits To South India As Noted By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans

With a view to gain tranquil surroundings I would hit on visiting trail as and when the opportunity came. I can still recall my visit to Rameswaram and beyond in Tamil Nadu State in India in September 2010. That was my first foray to Rameswaram having heard a lot about grandeur and guest acceptance of the holy place. I took a flight from Delhi to Chennai and from Chennai Airport reached Koyambedu bus stand. Here in the bus bound for Madurai I came across a boy who had returned from a marriage function and told the august gathering that on offer were different dishes with unlimited rice. That unlimited rice is the flavour of the season in and around South India. The bus left some time after 10 pm and reached Madurai five in the morning. From Mattuthvani's bus stand in Madurai I boarded another bus bound for Rameswaram. It was well after 10.30 am I reached Rameswaram. The solo phone contact I had with My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans was in Delhi Airport with the phone booth coming handy.

The first task on hand was to locate a place of stay. Hotel Tamil Nadu (TTDC) about which I had heard in detail in Baba Kharak Singh Marg in New Delhi initially showed its inability to spare room a while later with a rider that I could make the man at reception desk speak to my parents in Delhi. My father was on the line and after brief interval the man at the desk agreed to spare room and that too for a day. That proposition I was not comfortable with and I again set out in search of a room. By Grace of Lord Ramanathaswamy the reigning deity in Rameswaram I was able to get a room near Agniteertham and I stayed in Rameswaram for CLEAR SIX TO SEVEN days. I can recall that I visited Dhanuskodi about 16 kms from Rameswaram (RMM) and later reached RMM in the evening. Those days I did not keep mobile and kept contact with my father through phone booths traceable in holy town. Are there phone booths in existence at present in RMM little is known about that. 

My Father appeared gratified that I was staying in holy town and putting in a prayer to The Lord. On occasions My Father could get unnerved by my occasional visits to different places in India but no sooner than later he assured himself that these visits were meant to receive in plenty the Lord and Goddess blessings.  Enamoured by the fact that my outings to South India were a journey long and tiresome it was my father's blessings that led me to undertake different treks and with enough dollops of confidence. It was during this stay I visited Nagercoil as well on more than one occasion and was witness to a political party rally in the month of September. Mind you Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is 485 kms and Kodaikanal 285 kms from RMM. The sight of Pamban Bridge which is expansive and takes enough load each passing hour is something to cherish. From RMM I visited Kanniyakumari and all along these trips I was infatuated by the vibrancy of these places with conversations across broad spectrum on my attempts to gain insights of South India and South India alone. I am an ardent admirer of South India and have taken trips to RMM even after 2010. In 2012 I stayed in Ramanajaneya Chatram taking meals from Royal Park and in 2016 taking meals from S S Grand restaurant. The famed S S Grand Restaurant is known for delectable Idly. On occasions My Father would not approve of my outings which were more than once in a month but after my return from my sojourn he accepted my proposition that these visits were in the larger interest of family and nation and would bear fruitful results. 

I often pen thoughts with insights provided by My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans

Show gratitude to a nation that host you

Show gratitude to fellow citizens that enthuse you

We are amidst climes that host confident enthusiasts

It is time the nation woke up to notion of nationalism that is abundant splash

My Father has been a guide and friend and radiated hope in odd circumstances as well. It is his inspiration that has let me to pen thoughts on South India odyssey.

The day begins with Lopchu Flowery Orange Pekoe Cuppa knowing fully well the trains going through Gujarat'a Hapa

The day begins with Lopchu Flowery Orange Pekoe Cuppa knowing fully well the trains going through Gujarat'a Hapa

The day begins with Lopchu Flowery Orange Pekoe Cuppa knowing fully well the trains that go to Gujarat'a Hapa. Hapa is in Jamnagar district where authorities keep a tab on movement of people and goods with enough sentiments of brotherhood. As for trains going to Bihar I have been told that they would go from Anand Vihar Station and not New Delhi and this is monolithic order hitting the belly. Are their enough convenience points in and around Anand Vihar Station no one knows accessing the station itself is a tall order and no less sensation. Coming back to day's itinerary, the bowel movement is smooth thanks to the previous day large intake of bananas and other fruits. Post bath and with a prayer or two I look forward to an innings where I won't sight coward. As there are none of the news that would up the ante the two powers face off can't be resolved even by lost friends of Dante. Only plausible solution is for forces of both sides to retreat to a shell and that is the most you can hope as largely your concern is what is the climate in Madurai where in the temple there is ringing of bell and devotees trove. 

Meenakshi Amman Temple is pious to say the least the temple courtyard is expansive and has the look of a feast. I can still say with confidence that one can step out in the middle of night and Madurai surroundings in and around temple and railway station are a beautiful sight. I for one stepped out in August 2016 to take a train to Kanniyakumari. The surroundings in and around Madurai railway station were neat and tidy and waiting in the platform was one buddy. He had just returned from Middle East where job openings and opportunities don't carry the fear/weight of heist. Middle East is set to grow, the momentum of ties with West would have an aura of invincibility and sentiment of bro. Hail Middle East, Hail its innings so far, it has a long journey to traverse with none whatsoever trying to be cunning. 

Coming back to Madurai the hot and sultry wave we cherish this weather template makes the residents out and out prudish. In Hotel New College House in Madurai I have spent days after days much famed for its clean surroundings and gauge. In London Store in Madurai one can get goods at discounted rate in Delhi there is nothing of that sort and there is levy of freight. 

Of Indian Soaps And Those On Madurai And Rameswaram (RMM) Trail

Of Indian Soaps And Those On Madurai And Rameswaram (RMM) Trail

It was a dull day with a decision made to skip soaps. Soaps don't infuse confidence and here whimsical characters don the role that earn ire and no prominence. Soaps are minus dynamism with no rhythm. When would one hope inventive script see light of the day in these soaps is not known here humdrum is the fabric and foam. Imaginative skills are falling apart and lacklustre endeavour is driving the soap enterprise and falling is the audience disappearing in hie.  

As we turn spotlight on Madurai and Rameswaram (RMM) the two holy places in Tamil Nadu State in India which are ranked number one with devotees hitting the said trail with enough encomium. Devotees fan out in large numbers with holy places seeing no dip even in the sultry months of summers.  Hold your breath in the summers the rush to these holy places sees a large gathering the climate being no hindrance and bringing in pilgrims from far away Havering. 

As we relish the South Indian Delicacies from Rava Dosa to Idly the idea is to raise an ideal leader with enough cavalry. Days when the devotees hit the Rameswaram (RMM) trail their strength earn bipartisan support and are not by any means frail. As RMM gets lashed by rains off and on the entire year there is occasional sighting of bravado having earned kudo. This holy town is pious and in turn sees people essaying thoughts having had enough curd rice.

From RMM accessing Udhagamandalam is 485 kms away, Kodaikanal is 285 kms and there are serpentine queue to access these sites and there are no quitters. RMM is on World Map and eager are Indian Citizens who wish to stay put with enough mileage earned on foot. A day would come when RMM would earn a pride of place and be in safeguard zone and henceforth people would come after signaling the intent to have pome. Hail RMM and its unfolding script, grandeur is its glory as peace would reign and won't be bracketed in backlash frame. RMM is at peace with itself and in coming years none of the residents would be enamoured by pelf. 

Come and rejoice in the wonder land of RMM even in the middle of night one feels safe with enough rounds made of RMM thoroughfare where there is visible workforce that cares. A Sojourn in the Southern Territories is all that authorities want people from far away places to engage coming in solitary or in a company would be a move that essentially essays the script of sage.   

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Had Elephantine Memory

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Had Elephantine Memory

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Had Elephantine Memory. The upbringing in a middle class household earned him its share of praise and ire from known and unknown men as the time flew by. The ease with which he could narrate biographies of leaders of that era (freedom movement and post independence) was an illustration of his memory rich and solid. And this won him kudos from his father Jaideo Rajhans. As time went by he gained knowledge of history and this added to his oratory skills whenever he had to narrate anecdotes. The speech after speech that he made in Parliament or Laos and Cambodia stint where one was expected to speak extempore the historical underpinnings came handy. 

His punchline was knowledge is power. And there was no escaping this truth. I can say with confidence that when he wrote on waste of food in India on different occasions like marriage, birth of a child and anniversaries was a brutal reflection of a civilised society having not come to terms with this horrendous fact. This story he would have done with enough memories of the past. A household which was occasionally witness to meagre supply of food the four brothers had to remain content with whatever little food was available as the times were uncertain and distress all around. The four sons knew their parents had spared no effort to get the augmented supply of food but the odds they faced were no less. 

The four sons were not blinkered by the efforts of their parents in arranging meals on their plate. And this memory he would have carried forward when he noted that in Five Star hotels in locales like Delhi and Mumbai millions were spent by grooms/brides and there was large scale wastage of food. And this was happening when in the heart of these cities there were slums after slums where people went unfed every night. Nothing could be more barbaric than this act of wasting food in the name of upscale celebrations. In the '60s when the nation was faced with famine then govt of that time put in place "Guest Control Order" by which the number of guests invited to a function was limited. Though such a move in recent times is not possible and there is an urgent need to create awareness on vast food wastage. And here media which is independent and doesn't shy away from holding mirror to politicos at helm can do a lot to raise awareness. To think of any law to rein in this wastage of food practice may prove infructuous as right from those in khaki to I-T department men would put their spotlight on such functions and unnecessarily harass people and this would add another layer of corruption. I still believe corruption is rampant across India and moves to herald a corruption free era hasn't yielded much. 

My father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that in a poor nation state like Pakistan be it any function at home or in Five Star Hotel the rule is to serve just one dish and none put pressure on the host to add more dishes to the plate. This has been in practice for some time. 

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was one particular happening where My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans essayed thoughts day after day. He could script stories as his memory was a tool with which he could spun tales. He knew the invasion was unlawful and only a steady response from the West could ease tension and provide relief to Kuwait. Kuwait was freed after Colin Powell led a successful assault against Iraqi forces. Here I am of the view that would Russia invade Ukraine and that looks highly unlikely and if it does so it would have to pay a heavy price. The Russian leader can't see the writing on the wall that heavy casualties the nation would suffer and his close associates would come under all sort of sanctions. Once the sanctions kick in leave the rest to God it would show effects on the ground sooner than later.

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On Plight Of Migrant Workers In Dainik Jalte Deep in March 2021

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On Plight Of Migrant Workers In Dainik Jalte Deep In March 2021

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On Plight of Migrant Workers In Dainik Jalte Deep In March 2021. The year 2020 was the year when India and World at large faced the fury of virus. The populace which watched millions of migrants trek on foot to their homes in rural habitat is a sight not easy to erase. This was after lockdown came into effect and there were no employment whatsoever. Most trekked on foot with fewer getting the opportunity to take a train or truck journey. These were those workers who were employed in commercial centres like New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai Agra, Noida and would reside there and send remittances to their households in rural areas. With the onset of lockdown, the employment was not easy to trace, these workers went back to their homes in rural hinterland and once they reached there they heaved a sigh of relief. But that was little consolation with the passage of time.

Some of these workers had little land at their disposal and they sold them to see through this virus and even after one year of this virus their condition hasn't improved. In newspapers after newspapers the plight of migrant workers has been highlighted with the cautionary note on the hardships they faced which fewer can face with little help coming from governments concerned. A large number of young graduates from universities/colleges had to make a living by doing sundry jobs in rural areas. And they had to remain content with little earnings. These migrant workers have nothing to fall back on and are quite apprehensive of returning to those places where they worked as getting employment would be elusive. 

In States like Bihar some of these migrant workers who are young have taken to drugs and that has all the more made the entire landscape blighted. Some have disposed their land and with the money earned have opened shops. With no customers coming to their shops as none have earnings they are back to their decrepit state. These migrant workers even don't have resources that could enable them to trek to Delhi and Mumbai where they worked in factories and that is indictment of sorts. More so there is no guarantee that they would be employed in these factories by their owners. The need of the hour is that for these migrant workers the state apparatus should come to their rescue and replenish their skills so that they get employed. If that doesn't happen the plight of these migrant workers would essay a landscape of a society that did not listened to their demands and was indifferent and indifferent alone

Is Global Democracy In Retreat? From Taiwan To South Korea To Japan Democratic Credentials Won Euphoria. From North Korea To Afghanistan To Myanmar At Helm Are Tsar

Is Global Democracy In Retreat? From Taiwan To South Korea To Japan Democratic Credentials Won Euphoria. From North Korea To Afghanistan To Myanmar At Helm Are Tsar 

As we ramp up efforts to check out which nations have fledgling democracies to which have deep rooted democratic tenets, it is time to take swipe at mansions that send militia to military junta to unnerve the populace and create unrest and hent. Powers in the hands of few, asking time and again the citizens to accept the might of state are all indicators of erosion of democratic fabric and this is no delusion. How nations fare over democratic index is known from judicial prudence to media convenience and these factors come into play, the more the nation is vocal and not in pause mode shows the democratic tenets not grey. 

Taiwan, Japan and South Korea took the honours of "full fledged" democracies where right to speak and right to vault are all visible giving thumbs down to turncoats during elections held at regular intervals which shows the true place to a rebel. As per information the world's population under some form of democracy fell to 45.7 per cent from 49.4 per cent a year earlier and this showed populace lashed by brinkmanship and bestowed with fear. 

Norway, New Zealand and Finland were seen as successful epicentres of democracy and were by no means opening doors to autocracy. Countries ranged from toothless democracy to flawed democracy to strong democracy largely based on controversies they escaped and have had democratic innings which their people did not berate. Why classification becomes mandatory is to do with the fact that as nations after nations have the urge to experiment that goes awry. 

At the bottom of heap were North Korea, Afghanistan and Myanmar. North Korea known the world over for its despotic regime where the chances of people to avail democratic rights are grim. For Afghanistan and Myanmar the less said the better with militia to military junta ruling the roost and this sent more people to impoverished hood. US was handed out the tag of flawed democracy and it could very well come out of this shadow as there were inherent strengths to speak the language of bravado. 

The power to subject the state to public derision and win applause from large contingent of citizens show the democracy in progress and nation coming out of slumber and stress. How India fares in democratic credentials can only be known if media is not blighted, there is judiciary that is independent and not disassociated from public angst and a climate that welcomes fury and rant. Taking Swipe at your opponents courtesy central agencies shows the climate of hatred and giving sermons on what to wear and what to eat has kept the populace afraid. With world's population coming under democracy shrinking it is time to engage with populace at large which is firm and not tinkering.   

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On India-China Tense Ties Amidst Military Pact With Japan

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On India-China Tense Ties Amidst Military Pact With Japan

My father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted in Dainik Navjyoti on September 15, 2020 on the inexplicable India-China ties and amidst this reality the emergence of military pact reached with Japan. India-China ties had seen manifold rise in tension given the Pangong Lake developments. This pact between India and Japan envisaged soldiers of both nations could use the military base of either country as and when the need arose. Japanese leaders underscored the need for strong ties between two nations as the situation in and around Asia Pacific was unstable. The importance of this military pact stems from the fact that India had reached such pacts with nations like Australia, France, US and Singapore and Japan was the fifth nation to do so.

Leaders of both nations agreed that virus had unsettled the growth momentum and there was an urgent need to rein in the negative vibes and here workable and emphatic policies of nations across world could provide the soothing solution. Most analysts are of the view that with this military pact between India and Japan the Continent of Asia could write a new chapter. The prevailing tension with China was not going to reap gains to Beijing and Chinese side overtures to India was diametrically opposite to its military's aggressive footprints. 

This story appeared at a time when rocky ties between India And China had resurfaced given the Pangong Lake invasion by Chinese forces. Well it took months for tensions to ebb and peace prevail in and around Pangong Lake.  

As for present I am of the view that as for US-Russia ties the reset button is pressed and all grievances don't scale Mount Everest. US -Russia ties need to enter a new era and officials partake the benefit of sighting Koura.

Of Maggi Intake And Wame Bake

Of Maggi Intake And Wame Bake

After having taken Maggi the bloated stomach refused any take of gravy. One dose of Maggi was too much to be easily digested and there weren't enough moments to assess the performance of Ofsted. The intake of Maggi was written all over my face and a stomach unnerved was a reality with no ounce of haze. Maggi should be had in little quantity and henceforth little is the fury in stomach and with no humdrum cavity. A stomach that was not at ease with acidity refusing to freeze we were in unstable state of affairs and only banana and banana could take away our belly fears. We take a vow we won't have Maggi in future even if is recommended by news channel tutors.

As we watched soaps after soaps the day was dull as all soaps revolved around who was to revolt and who faced the possibility of sool. In soaps after soaps that come in medium of Hindi it was high time we gauged the mood of Crawford whose first name is Cindy. These melodramatic soaps divulge secrets of multiple relationship multiplying every passing hour making the said soap look somewhat absurd and in that scenario looking more meaningful is the heart to heart talk with friar. We don't have disdain for soaps their procrastination theme is accomplished in bathrobe. In soaps after soaps from Abhi to Arohi to Akshu to Malhar Sarkar and Poorvi there are candid moments of wisdom lying at the bottom of heap is producer's fiefdom. Come to think of a soap that is not tied to multiple relationship and holds mirror to a society that seeks limited connectivity.  

India is home to a game called cricket a time may come when Kashmir would play host to ice hockey and fewer would be in attendance of the likes of hackette. Ice hockey is quite a fad across Atlantic there could be moments when post this game some may be tied by pilloried tame. Politicos should hold a mirror to themselves and abstain from duties that prolong stress. India is home to politicos of varied hues and some are amidst a landscape essaying their career blues. Some want to procrastinate and stick to chair as they want to suggest they don't have any fear. India is home to a civilisation where different religion, caste and colour have a semblance of assimilation. Hail India for its vibrant colours and none should be pulled up for what they wear and what religion they practise and if they are admonished for these acts that would amount to administrator's antics. 

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On Undercurrents In Asia And Beyond In September 2020

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans Wrote On Undercurrents In Asia And Beyond In September 2020

Writing on undercurrents in Asia and beyond my father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted in Dainik Navjyoti on September 15, 2020 on the inexplicable India-China ties in the background of military pact reached with Japan. India-China ties had seen manifold rise in tension given the Pangong Lake developments and amidst this reality India and Japan had inked military pact. This pact envisaged soldiers of both nations could use the military base of either country as and when the need arose. Japanese leaders underscored the need for strong ties between two nations as the situation in and around Asia Pacific was alarming. The ensuing flare up in tension with China makes this pact more relevant and soldiers of either country could come to the rescue when put in a combat situation. The importance of this military pact is mirrored from the fact that India had reached such pacts with nations like Australia, France, US and Singapore. Japan was the fifth nation to do so.

Leaders of both nations agreed that virus had unsettled the growth momentum in regions across world and the assault on world's economy was no less. There was an urgent need to rein in the negative vibes emanating from this virus and here coherent policies of nations across world could do wonders. Most analysts are of the view that with this military pact between India and Japan the dynamics in Asia could undergo a sea change. The off and on resurgence hood that Beijing employed was a concern for all and what was of significance was that in the hilly terrain Indian troops were well equipped and trained to engage in combat. The prevailing tension with China was not going to reap gains to Beijing and Chinese side overtures to India was diametrically opposite to its military's aggressive footprints. 

The coming weeks and developments henceforth would be closely watched with an eye on what the neighbour intended to do. This story appeared at a time when rocky ties between India And China had resurfaced given the Pangong Lake drill by Chinese forces. Well it took months for turbulent undercurrents to defuse and semblance of order to restore in and around Pangong Lake.  

Walnuts Pricey In The City Of Delhi

Walnuts Pricey In The City Of Delhi

As prices of walnuts in the city of Delhi soar it is time to look at Parliament Session which hasn't witnessed uproar. Parliament is neat and tidy and here members are required to bring their ID. Why prices of walnuts are soaring no one knows as the city is thousand kms away from Afghanistan that is no humdrum and has enough of dry fruits and yet has impoverished populace with no roots. Here in the city of Delhi 250 gms of walnuts come for Rs 375 and this occasional outpouring of support for such high price is nothing less than bribe. When would prices of dry fruits wane no one has an answer as Delhi plays host to politicos to entertainers who have a security ring thrown by bouncers. 

The city of Delhi where Parliament is located is one city that hasn't seen snowfall for ages, this city can hold polls in one go and the entire poll process need not see phases. Staggered polls drive exchequer crazy, the quantum of resources outsourced keeps the officers edgy. From Red Fort to India Gate court all are taking a vow that they won't be in existential dilemma the need and the hour when they have to quit politics they would do so with no lessons of scuba. As polls would wind up minus road show and rally India would be one nation showing desire to cement ties with China with exchange of candy. 

Candy is something borrowed from peers and have teens in tears when they meet after long interval with little foresight who could be their rival. Rivals are none in the studios/soap sets and in news channels after news channels the camaraderie the colleagues share shows they are out and out chums with enough sentiments of frum.

Random Thoughts on Lata Mangeshkarji

Random Thoughts on Lata Mangeshkarji

Born in 1929 she was the eldest child whose father ran a theatre company. When she was five she took the name Lata and took music lessons from her father. Losing her father when she was 13 she took upon herself the responsibility of giving support to her family. She started her career in 1942 by singing in a Marathi Movie though that song did not see light of the day. In Aapki Sewa movie she lent her voice. In 1949 she came to be recognised as a singer. Musical journey had its share of ups and downs and she was not deterred by setbacks that came. Her vocal cords were strong enough to give magical touch to any song she committed to sing. A woman of versatile talent she traversed the musical journey  with endless dedication. Pandit Nehru the first Prime Minister of Independent India was moved to tears when she sung Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo in New Delhi in 1962 in the wake of India's debacle in the war with China.

She regaled the audience the world over. In 1974 she was the first Indian singer to perform at Royal Albert Hall in London.  

She would converse with her followers all through day and night thanks to songs sung by her at different point of time. Her enthusiasm  never ebbed and her followers running into millions were in awe of her for the gifted voice she had. She sung songs for Hindi Actresses that included Sadhana, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Smita Patil, Rekha, Rakhee, Padmini Kolhapure, Jaya Prada, Madhuri Dikshit, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai and others. 

She would continue to inspire millions across world and for generations after generations she has cemented a fabric of friendship thanks to her 30,000 plus songs sung in over 20 Indian languages. Her creative inputs have left an indelible imprint essayed in over five decade music journey. One can still recall that four versions of the song Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham were sung by her in a single day. We took the cassette of that movie when we went to Tirumala in December 2001-January 2002. Some years ago she had gifted Idol of Sai to Sachin Tendulkar and that moment is etched in our memory.

Though Lataji is not amidst us, one can say with confidence that her musical odyssey would guide the aspiring singers and make the musical world a wonder of sorts. Even after new crop of singers surfaced she was unrattled as she had carved a niche for herself which would be inspiration of sorts. Musical adherents please note there was only one Lataji and would continue to be one and one only to carry on the musical conversations for generations ahead.

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From A Deft Response That Needed To Be Raised To Counter Threat From Chinese Corridor To India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's Reign That Could Not Grasp The Deceptive Tools Employed By China. These Stories Appeared In Lokmat Samachar Published From Maharashtra State In India

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From A Deft Response That Needed To Be Raised To Counter Threat From Chinese Corridor To India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's Reign That Could Not Grasp The Deceptive Tools Employed By China. These Stories Appeared In Lokmat Samachar Published From Maharashtra State In India  

US Defence Secretary's Message To Three Asian Nations India, Japan And South Korea Was Loud And Clear

Writing for Lokmat Samachar My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted as soon as he assumed office US President Biden sent Defence Secretary Mr Lloyd Austin to New Delhi. During parleys in New Delhi Mr Austin dwelt on the need to improve ties. During this leg of his tour Mr Austin went to Japan and South Korea as well and in all the three nations the message that emanated was loud and clear work on a blueprint to counter China's ascending and aggressive posture which were benefitting none and a deft response needed to be raised. On the issue of security Mr Austin assured Indian leaders that President Biden would keep in mind the growing needs of New Delhi and provide all logistic support.  Both India and US were hopeful of an uplift in ties between two nations and President Biden would see to it that people of Indian origin residing in the US and their demands were addressed with an open mind.

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans further observed that India had been an Non Aligned Nation for long and probing the probability of coming under NATO fold. That did not happen given no unanimity in India and that move was shelved for all times to come. That brings to focus the Ukraine episode where Ukraine despite showing no intent to join NATO is being brought to knees by Russia which is not in good taste. Here  de-escalation would be the key to see the threat disappear. 

As for Mr Austin's visit India and US should speak in one voice given the challenges in Asia-pacific and this was the sum total of his visit. 

There is no denying the fact that India-US ties had seen a momentum of its own during Reagan era when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Washington and engaged with President Ronald Reagan on issues that were close to their heart.

Writing for Lokmat Samachar on de-escalation in East Ladakh's Pangong Lake, My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted India and China had come to an agreement to disengage. Some eight months ago there were  skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops. China went with this theory for long that there was no casualty on its side but later retracted and accepted the reality. It was after long series of deliberations that China agreed to withdraw from contested territory. 

Writing on events of the past My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru believed India and China could be best of friends given the similarities they faced. Britishers ruled India for 200 years making it undergo brutality of unimaginable scale and China had faced tyranny of Western nations for a long time. Given these similarities Nehru's optimism on two nations being best of friends was misplaced.  

First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru could not read China's deceit

Mao Tse Tung became Chinese President in 1949 and during same time Chou en-lai became Prime Minister. The two leaders assured Jawaharlal Nehru that the two nations could be best of friends but the two Chinese leaders had other ideas in mind. In 1959 China invaded Tibet and this move saw protest from all sides including Nehru. Given these range of protest China Assured Nehru that internal affairs of Tibet would be kept free from intrusion. As luck would have it His Holiness Dalai Lama came to a conclusion that he too could be captured by Chinese soldiers and taken to China from Lhasa. Losing no time he left Lhasa and reached India.  His request to get asylum was accepted by Nehru and he made India his home. China signaled discontent over Dalai Lama's moves and asked Nehru to hand over him  which Nehru refused. Over course of time the relations between India and China witnessed rupture of sorts.

Writing on  Galwan Valley scuffle My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that scuffle between troops of both sides brought hard facts on table. There were casualties on both sides and it was after long series of deliberations that China was made to retreat. Senior military officials of India and China have taken upon themselves the need to engage on a continued basis with a bid to end hostility and let peace prevail. I believe that doors of negotiations shouldn't be shut as challenge can emanate from any quarter as proceedings of the past have revealed.  

We seek better ties between US and Russia, hope they mend fences and have heart to heart talk in surroundings that resemble Eurasia. Hope the hostile template withers away and none of the nations are in scuffle fray. Hope peace prevail in surroundings that are tranquil. 

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From A Deft Response That Needed To Be Raised To Counter Threat From Chinese Corridor To India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's Reign That Could Not Grasp The Deceptive Tools Employed By China. These Stories Appeared In Lokmat Samachar Published From Maharashtra State In India

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From A Deft Response That Needed To Be Raised To Counter Threat From Chinese Corridor To India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's Reign That Could Not Grasp The Deceptive Tools Employed By China. These Stories Appeared In Lokmat Samachar Published From Maharashtra State In India  

US Defence Secretary's Message To Three Asian Nations India, Japan And South Korea Was Loud And Clear

Writing for Lokmat Samachar My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted as soon as he assumed office US President Biden sent Defence Secretary Mr Lloyd Austin to New Delhi. During parleys in New Delhi Mr Austin dwelt on the need to improve ties. During this leg of his tour Mr Austin went to Japan and South Korea as well and in all the three nations the message that emanated was loud and clear work on a blueprint to counter China's ascending and aggressive posture which were benefitting none and a deft response needed to be raised. On the issue of security Mr Austin assured Indian leaders that President Biden would keep in mind the growing needs of New Delhi and provide all logistic support.  Both India and US were hopeful of an uplift in ties between two nations and President Biden would see to it that people of Indian origin residing in the US and their demands were addressed with an open mind.

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans further observed that India had been an Non Aligned Nation for long and probing the probability of coming under NATO fold. That did not happen given no unanimity in India and that move was shelved for all times to come. That brings to focus the Ukraine episode where Ukraine despite showing no intent to join NATO is being brought to knees by Russia which is not in good taste. Here  de-escalation would be the key to see the threat disappear. 

As for Mr Austin's visit India and US should speak in one voice given the challenges in Asia-pacific and this was the sum total of his visit. 

There is no denying the fact that India-US ties had seen a momentum of its own during Reagan era when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Washington and engaged with President Ronald Reagan on issues that were close to their heart.

Writing for Lokmat Samachar on de-escalation in East Ladakh's Pangong Lake, My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted India and China had come to an agreement to disengage. Some eight months ago there were  skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops. China went with this theory for long that there was no casualty on its side but later retracted and accepted the reality. It was after long series of deliberations that China agreed to withdraw from contested territory. 

Writing on events of the past My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru believed India and China could be best of friends given the similarities they faced. Britishers ruled India for 200 years making it undergo brutality of unimaginable scale and China had faced tyranny of Western nations for a long time. Given these similarities Nehru's optimism on two nations being best of friends was misplaced.  

First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru could not read China's deceit

Mao Tse Tung became Chinese President in 1949 and during same time Chou en-lai became Prime Minister. The two leaders assured Jawaharlal Nehru that the two nations could be best of friends but the two Chinese leaders had other ideas in mind. In 1959 China invaded Tibet and this move saw protest from all sides including Nehru. Given these range of protest China Assured Nehru that internal affairs of Tibet would be kept free from intrusion. As luck would have it His Holiness Dalai Lama came to a conclusion that he too could be captured by Chinese soldiers and taken to China from Lhasa. Losing no time he left Lhasa and reached India.  His request to get asylum was accepted by Nehru and he made India his home. China signaled discontent over Dalai Lama's moves and asked Nehru to hand over him  which Nehru refused. Over course of time the relations between India and China witnessed rupture of sorts.

Writing on  Galwan Valley scuffle My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that scuffle between troops of both sides brought hard facts on table. There were casualties on both sides and it was after long series of deliberations that China was made to retreat. Senior military officials of India and China have taken upon themselves the need to engage on a continued basis with a bid to end hostility and let peace prevail. I believe that doors of negotiations shouldn't be shut as challenge can emanate from any quarter as proceedings of the past have revealed.  

Lopchu Flowery Orange Pekoe Tea That Came From Darjeeling In West Bengal State In Record Time

Lopchu Flowery Orange Pekoe Tea That Came From Darjeeling In West Bengal State In Record Time

As Rains Pound Delhi And That Could Repeat In The City Of Beverly

As Rains Pound Delhi And That Could Repeat In The City Of Beverly

As rains pound Delhi there is little realisation that living in this city is pricey given prices of essentials that are procured from surroundings that are not icy. Winter chill has again set in post rains this is one climate that is a hurdle and driving residents crazy as it puts their movement in chain. As one can't step out and lay claims to the Superior South (South India) the rain lavished North is a headache as there would be innumerable sighting of act of towage. When would this winter chill wither away is not known we are miles and miles away from the climes seen in Rome. 

Much is being made of this budget and is being hailed as unparallel and some looking it through the prism of a traveller seeing it in the larger context it won't be praised in the surroundings including the city of Alwar. There is deep anathema to this budget as issues of skyrocketing prices, unemployment loads of surprises and security hasn't been addressed, cooking gas coming for over 900 to 1000 rs is a moment of stress. This budget won't be able to lift even one out of poverty what to make of the claim that it would take millions out of ghetto where people have aspirations and make an attempt that is no less gutty. From Water Scheme To Housing beam all moves would stand at the crossroads as this budget can't win praise from news anchors who are independent and never ever have desired to be bankers. Fiscal prudence may take a hit as expanding capital expenditure is in the kit. The roll out of 400 Vande Bharat trains would invite innuendo as there are none of the tracks that can be laid even by those who are Pondo. The 5G roll out would be a washout as few have a liking for connectivity in a nation that is far distant from a nation named Haiti.

A record 140 lakh ton was the potato output in the State of UP in 2019-20 which accounted for 28 per cent of India's potato produce and no move was made for govt procurement despite party mentioning in poll manifesto and farmers were aghast at regime's ruse. A record three crore jobs have been lost in the past two-and-a-half year and govt promising six million jobs is something of a promise that could keep aspirants in tears. The road ahead is rocky as we are caught in a whirlpool of administrators who are by no means doughty.

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From US Defence Secretary Mr Lloyd Austin's Visit To New Delhi To China's Deception Tool That Jawaharlal Nehru Could Not Understand To De-escalation With China Following Skirmishes In Galwan Valley

Stories Penned By My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans From US Defence Secretary Mr Lloyd Austin's Visit To New Delhi To China's Deception Tool That Jawaharlal Nehru Could Not Understand To  De-escalation With China Following Skirmishes In Galwan Valley  

US Defence Secretary Visiting India, Japan And South Korea

Writing for a publication My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted as soon as he assumed office US President Biden got on with the job of strengthening ties with India. He sent Defence Secretary Mr Lloyd Austin to New Delhi. And during course of interaction Mr Austin dwelt on the need to improve ties especially with an eye on defence cooperation. During this leg of his tour Mr Austin went to Japan and South Korea as well and in all the three nations he stressed upon the need of a blueprint given China's ascending ambitions which were hurting one and all. Mr Austin was of the view that nations in Asia should set in motion a momentum where aggressive challenges of China would be given a deft response. On the issue of security Mr Austin assured Indian leaders that President Biden would keep in mind the growing needs of New Delhi and provide all logistic support. China's draconian moves in the neighbourhood was a cause of concern and Beijing's intruding motives should be thwarted at all cost. Both India and US were hopeful in the coming days the ties would see an uplift and President Biden would see to it that concern of people of Indian origin settled in the US would be addressed. 

My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans further noted that India had been an Non Aligned Nation for long, there were moves in the past to see India come under NATO fold but with no unanimity in the nation that move was shunned. India and US should stand united given the manifold challenges in Asia-pacific was the larger message coming from Mr Austin's visit. 

Writing on de-escalation in East Ladakh's Pangong Lake, My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted India and China had agreed to retreat. Eight months ago there were increased tension leading to skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops. For long China denied any casualty on its side but later retracted that observation and came face to face with facts. After endless round of deliberation China agreed to withdraw from contested territory. 

With a reflection on the past My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that India's First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru believed India was under English Regime for long facing its brutality every passing moment and same was true of China which was facing tyranny of Western nations for long. With these similarities of the past Nehru believed that when India and China would get freed they would become best of nations. But that was not the case to be. 

Deception tool of China that Jawaharla Nehru could not understand

In 1949 Mao Tse Tung became Chinese President and Chou en-lai Prime Minister and the two employed deception tool which Nehru could not understand.  Overnight China captured Tibet and Nehru slammed Beijing for its aggression. Then China tried to pacify Nehru by stating that China won't interfere in internal affairs of Tibet. During same time His Holiness Dalai Lama got hint that he too could be captured by Chinese leaders and could be forced to quit Lhasa and move to China. Overnight he left Lhasa and after a brief interval reached India and Nehru acceded to his request and gave him asylum. Given these set of circumstances China asked Nehru to hand over Dalai Lama which Nehru did not agree and this led to deterioration of ties between two nations. As for Galwan Valley My Father Gouri Shankar Rajhans noted that skirmishes between troops of two nations made China read the writing on the wall and decision of Chinese troops to retreat stemmed from the fact that Indian troops were too strong to be dealt with. Well both nations have decided to keep doors of deliberation open and senior military officers would continue to engage and reach a workable pact.  

Union Budget And Criticism Turret

Union Budget And Criticism Turret

Presentation Of Budget On Feb 1 And People Out And Out Frum

With Union Budget presented in India's Parliament on February 1 will it meet aspirations of over 1 billion people who are clad in colour of purple and are out and out frum? The coming days would reveal and there could be no comforting feel. A record GST Collection for the month of January which stood at over 1 lakh 40,000 crore could be an exception while there were none doubting the calculation and in future there could be furore emotion. The Alternate Tax For Corporates reduced, the spectrum auction to be conducted for 5G roll out and nonetheless much is being made of this roll out as it would endear one to virtual bout. 

The spectrum auction would make the exchequer cute, would the determination make them retain the resurgence bluet? The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) to issue digital currency starting 2022-23 and 30 per cent tax to be levied on income from digital assets (crypto, digital currency) were the points made not forgetting the fiscal deficit revised from 6.8 per cent to 6.9 per cent with Opposition slamming fiscal deficit moving upwards which doesn't have their consent. With income tax slabs unchanged this left a large number of people disappointed and this was very much middle class cane. 

 Would The Path To Fiscal Discipline Remain Mired In Mystery?

The sum total of speech was fiscal discipline would be the focus despite fiscal deficit hoodwinking some, the path for sustained growth involved opportunities for youth development bearing in mind this target won't be plum. The chorus to initiate six million jobs may remain a pipe dream given the track record and the ease of rolling out E-passports with no pinpricks and very much visible digital overhaul. With provision of Rs 60,000 crore for Nal Se Jal scheme (providing potable water for households across India), giving boost to river linking projects spread across states/provinces and giving a push of Rs 48,000 crore in PM Housing Scheme the Govt wanted to uptick the infrastructure beam but given the resource crunch that could very much see manifold rupture. Giving fillip to infrastructure in the North East and the intent to set up 75 digital banking units across 75 districts in India could be questionable in a nation that has millions going hungry each day not seen in vast swathes of Asia. 

One thousand new cargo terminals to be ushered in and 400 "Vande Bharat" trains to come in may not essay the goalpost having changed, the intent of the Govt to boost capital expenditure which would be roughly 39 lakh crore and revenue projection at 24 lakh crore in 2022-23 and attainment of this target may somewhat look dure. The updated I-T returns can be done within two years, hope those tasked with filing returns are not chased with enduring fear. National highways to be expanded by 25,000 kilometers and they need not face glitches and bharat bandh tutors. 

The budget speech shortest to date by the present FM, hope the aspirational index that it sets blooming would be the take of the Regime Of The Day and skills of FM would be seen no less than the Nobel Prize Winner of 1930 named Raman. As House wrapped up its Budget Presentation Day with members trooping to their residence with folded hands and pray, the presentation of Budget is a deed enlivened with no blustery winds and greed. All said and done the scathing criticism may come in a day or two and that would essay the real picture of a budget that thinks big but has depleting resources prick. The vast swathes of interiors would remain untouched and with none to ameliorate their sufferings that can usher in slutch.

With Curtains Coming Down On Australian Open Which Was Watched By The Likes Of Michael Bevan

With Curtains Coming Down On Australian Open Which Was Watched By The Likes Of Michael Bevan

With two sets down Rafael Nadal came back to win the crown. With 21 Grand Slam titles under his belt, this Spaniard is eager to yell and is ult. The stirring notes penned by Nadal who is a hero with tennis ball. With this win curtains came down on Australian Open which would see in the years to come more crowd turning up with no enthusiasm erosion. Daniil Medvedev too was strong in the contest and he would have another occasion and another day to take a shot at the prized trophy as he is young and has a stupefying feat to spot roughy. With ATP ranking that shows him at number two the rapturous crowd would edify him and he would more than occasionally croon.