PRIYANKA'S MEOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

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NOKIA'S MOBILE DANGEROUS FOR UNDERWEAR

A report in Dainik Jagaran higlighted that a man's underwear was badly damaged when Nokia's Mobile kept in one of his pockets of his pant bursted with loud noice .

TOMMY : Take care of your underwear for it should remain in right place if at all one wishes to get respect in this world ,especially in the cat's world ..BOW..BOW ..

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Teacher: Ram, name eight African animals.
Priyanka: Seven elephants and a zebra.

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AUTORICKSHAW DRIVER OR SAVIOUR ?

S .Murugan , a 24-year-old autorickshaw driver in Kochi, is playing an important role in rescuing children , especially those who work in hazarous industries . He wishes to empower them instead of just giving them food and shelter like the goverment-funded orphanages . "I wanted no child to go through what I had ," says Murgan .

TOMMY : Keep on bringing light in the lives of children of lesser god
...BOW ..BOW

(Borrowed from The Week's article ' Do-Good Murgan " (Aug,12,07)

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Teacher: I don’t know how a single person could make so many mistakes, Johnny.

Prafulla: I didn’t do it single-handedly, sir. My mother helped me.

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WHAT A PRESIDENT !

India is a nation which is always in hurry to do things which require no effort on her part . In order to have her first female President , it ended up appointing a frail insignificant , unimpressive person to the prestigious post .Her victory is a defeat of the Constitutional ideals and clean politics .

PRIYANKA : IS DESH MEIN SAB CHALTA HAI BHAI ...KHOTA SIKKA BHI KHARA HO JATA HAI YEHAN ....MEOW ..MEOW ..

( The above piece is a letter written by Kamna Singh ,which has been published by The Sunday Indian ,Aug. 12, 07)

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Mother: What do you like most about school?

Rana: I like coming and going, but not what goes on between.

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IGNORING FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The 80-year-old Laxmi Panda , living in tiny room in a chawl in Jeypore town of Koraput district , has been denied freedonm fighter status at the Centre . She served the Indian National Army in her teens but today she is fighting a tough battle with the oddites of life .

TOMMY : Why is government not intersted in granting them pension and other facilties ? If it can waste so much money on propaganda based projects what has stopped it from taking care of these freedom fighters ?

( Borrowed from The Hindu's article " The Last Battle Of Laxmi Panda, Aug.15,07)

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Question: Why did Simple Simon take 17 of his friends to watch the movie?

Priyanka: Because the movie poster said: ‘Under 18 not allowed’.

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DON'T IGNORE BOTTOM LINERS

An employee to his boss : " I started in marketing . When I couldn't market anything , they made me a Vice-President "

(From The Telegraph ,Aug.25,07 )

A boss said to his employee : " I don't think your $50 million salary's excessive .After all,you have two kids in college "

(From The Telegraph , Aug.02, 07)

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Three people — a student, a teacher and a businessman — were flying, when the aircraft developed problems. The pilot immediately took a parachute and jumped. The businessman also grabbed a pack and jumped. The teacher, seeing there’s only one parachute left, told the student to take it and jump.

Samar: No, sir. We can each take a parachute. The businessman just jumped with my schoolbag.

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ENCIRCLING MARTYRS OF ALLAHABAD

Ramesh Datta Malviya , Baijnath Gupta , Trilokinath Koopar , Lal Padmadhar Singh , Murari Mohan Bhattacharya ,Abdul Majid ,Dwarka Prasad ,Mahabir Prasad , Lallan, Hazari Ram Pandey ,Siyamber ,Dayal, Chandrama Prasad , and Subodh , to name a few , were martyrs belonging to Allahabad . They sacrificed their lives in August Revolution , 1942.

TOMMY : Saheedoen Ki Chitaoen Pe Lagengein Har Baras Melein
Watan Par Mitnein Waaloen Ka Yehi Baki Nishan Hoga .

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REMEMBERING TULSIDAS

Tulsidas was one of the great Hindi poets , who made Sri Rama the darling of masses . In other words , Sri Rama chose him to be the medium to manifest his glory in form of Ramcharit Manas .

Some of the verses from Manas .

1 . Nirmal Man Jan So Mohi Pava
Mohi Kapat Chal Chidra Na Bhava

(Only a refined soul can reach to me .I hate duplicity or , for that matter , dubiousness of any sort .)

2. Jab Jab Hoi Dharma Ki Haani
Barhein Asur Adham Abhimani

Tab Tab Prabhu Dhari Vividh Sarira
Harihin Kripanidhi Sajjan Peera

( Lord is always there in times when Religion (Dharma) is on decline to provide solace to noble souls . )

I come to remember the words of Rahul Sankritayan , the legendary Hindi writer, while celebrating birth anniversary of Tulsidas : " Tulsi Hamarein Hindi Ke Hi Nahi Baharat Ke Shrestha Kavi Hai . Yehi Nahi Wo Vishva Ke Ginen Chunein Mahakaviyoen Mein Hai "

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Shuvam: Do you know, my father shaves twice a day?

Ajay: That’s nothing. My father shaves more than 50 times a day.

Shuvam: That’s impossible. What does your father do?

Ajay: He’s a barber

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NOT FORGETTING FIRAQ GORAKHPURI-BORN ON AUGUST 28

Raghupati Sahay 'Firaq' , the legendary Urdu Poet and English teacher at Allahabad University , added new dimensions in the Urdu poetry .

Some of his verses :

1. Yaki Ye Hai Haqeeqat Khul Rahi Hai
Guma Ye Hai Ke Dhokein Kha Raha Hoen (1942)

2. Muh Se Ham Apnein Bura To Nahi Kahtein Ki 'Firaq '
Hai Tera Dost ,Magar Aadmi Accha Bhi Nahi ( 1935)

3. Na Jaanein Ashka-Se Ankhoen Mein Kyoen Hai Ayein Huein
Gujar Gaya Jamana Tughein Bhulayein Huein

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CELEBRATING MAJOR DHYANCHAND'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Let's hope Indian policymakers come to improve the face of Indian Hockey .That's the only way to pay real tribute to this wizard of Indian Hockey ,whose impressive performance made Hitler red-faced .

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A TRIBUTE TO MUKESH ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY ON AUG.27

SONGS OF THE WEEK :

1. Aansoen Bhari Hai Ye Jeevan Ki Raahein

Movie : Parvarish ;Music : Dattaram ; Lyrics : Hasrat Jaipuri (1958)

2. Tu Kahe Agar Main Jeevan Bhar ..

Movie : Andaz ;Music : Naushad ; Lyrics : Majrooh ( 1949)

3. Duniya Bananein Waalein Kya Tere Man ..

Movie : Teesri Kasam ;Music : Shankar Jaikishen ;Lyrics : Hasrat Jaipuri(1966)

SOMETHING FOR GANESHA :

4.Ganapati Bappa Morya..

Movie : Hamsen Badhakar Kaun

(JOKES BORROWED FROM KIDS CORNER , THE TELEGRAPH)

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TATA GROUP: A BRIGHT FUTURE AWAITS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

There is no need to worry about the fate of Tata's empire once Ratan Tata moves towards periphery . The Tata Group has learnt well the art of blending " old world ways " with " new economic realities " .Apart from that it has a coherent vision as its guiding philosophy . It has a track-record of setting unparallel standards in field of business so evident in its humanitarian approach . There are so many programmes , funded by the Tata Groups , which are aimed at changing the face of weaker sections . I think there is no need to panic about the future of the company , which believes in value-based business deals .

MEDICINES : OUT OF COMMAN MAN'S REACH

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in BUSINESS ECONOMICS,AUGUST 31,2007)

Apart from the onslaught of spurious drugs , the patients are trapped in another serious dilemma .Most of the life-saving are now beyond the reach of common man .Though National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is trying its best to control the prices of life-saving drugs , the patients suffering from Cancer and other deadly diseases are still unable to afford medicines needed for their treatment . Unless India comes to manufacture medicines , at present being supplied by the MNCs, the prices of these medicines would never come down . Worse , there is no effort on the part of government to pressurize these companies to have a more humane approach while fixing the prices of medicines . It's tragic that patients have to " wipe out savings " or , for that matter , " hawk their future " to have a tryst with life . Let's hope NPPA price control regime , having 74 medicines , includes esssential life-saving drugs as well .

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PRATIBHA PATIL :TIME TO BE DIFFERENT

(ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE SAME EDITION)

It remains to be seen how Pratibha come to deal with controversial issues in her regime including the mercy petition of Afzal .One wonders whether she would be able to apply a mind of her own while tackling proposals of government . Though she might have emerged as winner in a big way , the mud-slinging has wiped out hallowed status ascribed to her persona by the Congress supporters . It would be a herculean task for her to do justice with the responsibilties associated with the highest seat .

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RAKHI PARVA PAR

TOMMY : Priyankaoen Ke Liyein Khas Din .Rakhi Baadhanein Par Doodha Ki Bottle Sahit Anya Uphaar Ghelua Swaroop Kaatanein Ya Grahan Ka Mauka Mil Jaata Hai ..BOW..BOW

PRIYANKA : Aur Kalu , Sheru ,Moti Ko Bhi Poori Kachauri Kaatanein Ka Shandar Mauka Mil Jaata Hai. Kam Se Kam Ek Din To Idhar Udhar Muh Nahin Maarana Padta Hai..BOW..BOW

DOGGIE BRIGADE KI TARAF SE SABHI PRIYANKAOEN YAANI KI BILLI JAGAT KO SHUBHKAAMNAYEN ..BOW..BOW

RAKHI GEET :

1.Mere Bhaiyya Mere Chanda Mere Anmol Ratan Tere Badlein Main Jamanen Ki Koi Cheej Na Loen ..

MOVIE : Kaajal ;Music :Ravi ;Lyrics : Sahir

INDIA:KEEP HER BOND WITH RELIGION INTACT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in INDIA TODAY, AUGUST 03,2007)

Yes, there should be no space for " aggressive secularism " which does not believe in expansion of religion in India . Considering the fact that religion has been the essence of India since time immemorial ,it would be a great blunder to " draw an absolute ,hard and fast line , between the role of faith in private and public life " . Probably , this is why our Constitution grants both people as well as institutions total freedom to pursue and expand religion of their choice . What's the merit in raising hue and cry over Hinduism based institutions to carve a way in both social and political domain ? Taking cue from the ancient governance system , it's time for our present rulers to form policies based on constructive and progressive elements of religion . Remember , any attempt to block the extension of religion is going to destabalise the very spirit of India .

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TOMMY : MANY THANKS TO MARK TULLY FOR HONOURING THE SPIRIT OF INDIA WITHOUT BEING AFRAID OF GETTING BRANDED AS SUPPORTER OF HINDUTVA AGENDA

CHANGING FACE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in BUSINESS INDIA , AUGUST 26,2007)

The decentralisation of higher education is the only way to improve the face of higher education in India . However, Arjun Singh is detemined to open 18 more universities with greater participation of Stare's in their funding .Worse , the money mean for SSA is being diverted to sustain projects related with higher education .What is alarming is the fact that nothing is being done to create more jobs to students , who would pass out from these universities . In fact , Arjun Singh is more bothered to provide logical culmination to his faulty pro-reservation declarations .

THE RED SIGNALS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE TELEGRAPH, AUGUST 24,2007)

The problem with the Communists is that they have refused to find meaning in anything which had not been on par with their ideology .In fact , they have always engineered plots aimed at destabilization of India as Anarchism , in their eyes , creates room for revolution . It's ironical that waves of globalization have demolished their cherished principles , leading to so-called socialism , to an extent that even China has become chosen destination for testing of new market-based theories .Their grim and negative version of beliefs , constituting the essence of Indianness, have never allowed them to emerge as darling of the masses .No wonder why their vote-bank keeps on shrinking with every General Elections .

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TOMMY : THE COMMUNISTS ARE LIKE CATS WHO SAY THAT THEY HAVE NOT TOUCHED MILK FOR THE PAST MANY YEARS NOW EVEN AS THE MILK DROPLETS ON THEIR WHISKERS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY ...BOW..BOW

KILLING DELAYED JUSTICE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(POSTED ON BUSINESS WORLD'S WEBSITE ,AUGUST 27,07)

In recent times , the Supreme Court has gone out of the way to uplift the image of judiciary both with the help of bold inititives , aimed at reforms , and by cracking a whip on offenders with path-breaking judgements . The recent initiative to set up National Judicial Commission to ensure accontability of judges , introduction of e-filing system and others , to name a few , are surely going to create better days in the field of judiciary . However , huge number of pending case , rampant corruption in trial courts annd shortage of judges are issues which need to be tackled in planned mannner . The government should realize that judiciary still enjoys great respect in the eyes of ordinary citizens. It's time to make " delayed justice " a thing of past to improve the image of judiciary .

RAHUL DRAVID :NOT INTERESTED IN WINNING

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's patently clear that Dravid lacked courage to ask England to embrace follow-on . Had he enforced follow-on , India would have crushed England . It's now a heavy burden on Dravid to explain rationale governing his decision . After all , he was playing in England and not at some hot and humid stadium in Sri Lanka, which made Dravid bother about energy quotient of the players . Why is Dravid not interested in setting better and new standards as Captain instead of chasing the beaten-track in critical situations ? Rahul Dravid needs to change his approach towards the game and that would only take palace when he does not shy away from intercepting positive mannerisms of fellow Captains .

LOVE HINDI IN ITS PURE FORM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Nobody , it seems , is interested in retaining the glory of Hindi in its pure form . Right from the so-called celebrations on 'Hindi Divas ', falling on September 14, and sketchy efforts to provide Hindi its due at United Nations , the hopes to make Hindi essence of India have not been backed up by subtantial policies . As a result of this myopic attitude of government towards its promotion ,the newer distorted form " Hinglish " has made its presence felt . Ironically , there are only few left in Doordarshan and AIR having total command over right pronounciation of Hindi words . Well, one can't expect present day youths , having spent early years in convent school , to show any interest in Hindi . Our filmmakers and lyricists have their commercial interests ,which come in the promotion of Hindi . Gone are the days when legendary news-reader Devaki Nandan Pandey or , for that matter , lyricist Pradeep evoked a sense of wonder by unleashing magic of Hindi . Yes , we have covered a long distance from " Chandan sa badan chanchal chitavan " to " Thanda-Thanda Cool-Cool Effect " .Can this transformation (read degradation) be hailed as evolution of language ?

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JUST SEE HOW FAR A LANGUAGE CAN BE DISTORTED BY PRESENT AGE PEOPLE ..

PRIYANKA : BRITISHERS SHOULD HAVE ALSO CARRIED WITH THEM CHARM OF ENGLISH WHILE LEAVING INDIA .WE WOULD HAVE THEN REMEMBERED THEM WITH GREATER RESPECT ..MEOW..MEOW

TOMMY : IS PRIYANKA THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAT ? ..BOW..BOW

KALU : I THINK IT'S 'FIFTY-FIFTY '

SHERU :IT'S REALLY "THANDA-THANDA COOL-COOL" TO THINK ABOUT GIVING "DHOBIPAAT" TO PRIYANKA ? BOW-BOW

MOTI:WHAT'S "DHOBIPAAT" ? IN OUR WORLD IT MEANS CATCHING A CAT BY IT'S TAIL AND THEN RAISE HER IN THE AIR TO FINALLY BANG HER HEAD WITH GROUND !!!BOW-BOW

JACKIE : IT'S REALLY SAD THAT THE WAY PEOPLE ARE KILLING HINDI ,THE TIME WILL COME WHEN PEOPLE WOULD LOSE COMMAND OVER BOTH ENGLISH AND HINDI ..BOW ..BOW

TOMMY : I WISH TO INFORM THAT UNLESS OUR SO-CALLED COVENT SCHOOL START SHOWING REAL RESPECT TOWARDS HINDI ,IT WILL NOT BE AN EASY TASK TO RESTORE THE HONOUR OF HINDI IN ITS OWN NATION .TOMMY STUDIED IN SCHOOL WHERE TALKING IN HINDI WAS A "SIN" AND TOMMY WAS HOT FAVOURITE IN PAYING FINE FOR SPEAKING IN HINDI .....BOW ..BOW

RAMKALI: OUR ELITE CLASS CONSIDERS IT A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT ABOUT ITS INABILTY TO SPEAK IN HINDI !!WHAT A SHAME THAT WE ARE PROCLAIMING "CHAK DE INDIA " OR SINGING LIKE A MADMAN " LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY SONIYEN " ...MEOW ..MEOW

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REIKI : A BETTER FORM OF HEALING

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in DASH , AUGUST ,2007)

In our times , the Indian medical landscape has become heavily dependent on antibiotics , numerous vague pathalogical tests , mainly triggered by faulty prescriptions , and staunch belief which gives larger -than-life importance to the curative powers of modern medicines . Against this background , the alternative form of medicine like Reiki would provide a sigh of relief to people wishing to maintain a safe distance from moderm nedicines. Had we ever bothered to honour the various legacies of our nation , which believed in the natural healing via Yogic and Aryuvedic treatment , we would not have succumbed to the lethal side-effects of modern medicines.

CREATING A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in GRAPHITI,THE TELEGRAPH ,AUGUST 19,2007)

It's no secret that a photograph helps to record the changes taking place in time and space .The collection of Robert Baker " Before Midnight " would certainly enable the present generation to intercept Raj era (British Period)from a better perspective . Robert Baker has done a commendable job by restoring and digitising documentries, which unfold the uknown aspects of Raj days .

DUTT :BEHIND BARS NOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in INDIA TODAY ,AUGUST 27,2007)

Though verdict delivered casts a pale of gloom on the faces of film producers , there is no need to shed tears over his fate . Let's remember the fact that he committed a grave blunder by possessing a dangerous weapon and later entered in conspiracy to destroy it in a planned way . An actor of his stature should have thought about consequences of entering into alliance with anti-national elements .I am surprised over media's manical obsession with Sanjay's case , which seems to transmit perception about him as a ' victim of circumstances ' .We need to follow standards set by West , where celebreties are put behind bars without much fuss .

FLOOD FURY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Pubished in THE SUNDAY INDIAN,AUG.26-Aug.26,2007)

It is perhaps time for the Central government to do a litlle soul searching as to what made the floods go out of control in Bihar and other states , leading to nightmarish times for poor people . The flooding stated to be worst in 30 years has hit nearly 25 million people , making it also one of the deadliest flooding in South Asia in decades . Had dams been constructed in Nepal to control the rivers surging down from the Himalayas , the scenario would have been different in Bihar . However , instead of entering in blame game, it's time for the government to take measures on war footing to provide help to the people left homeless . Though government has clearly stated that it would release adequate funds to curb flood fury , it remains to be seen how fairly it's distributed between the various states . Needless to state that government seldom care about proper utilization of the funds. More often than not the money makes it way into the purse of politicians , who anxiously wait calamities of major types .

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TOMMY : Ye Hamaren Jo Baadh Vishesagya Itnen Dino Sein Nepal Mein Jamein Huein Hai Akhir Kya Kar Rahein Hain Wahan ? BOW..BOW

PRIYANKA : Sarkaari Picnic Mana Rahein Hai Aur Kya ..MEOW ..MEOW

ASSAULTING TASLIMA NASREEN

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The abortive assault attempt on Taslima Nasreen is indicative of the fact that the Muslim world is yet not prepared to accept healthy criticism of its drawbacks . The legisalators , belonging to Majlis-e-Itahadul Musalmeen (MIM) , are representative of the narrow mindset governing the Muslim world . One of the reason why Muslims in India have failed to evolve or , for that matter , failed to move with the times is that they have been unable to challenge the diminituveness unleashed by the Clerics . Ironically , the secularists who never fail to place Hindus in the dock over their so-called outdated practises have never bothered to tackle the negative forces operating within the Muslim community .It's really surprising that even a programme like Pulse Polio drive needs approval of Mullahs to make inroad in the Muslim community . No wonder why people like Taslima , who come to unearth wrong practises prevalent in Muslim society receive rough treatment at the hands of self-proclaimed custodians of moral values .

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PRYIANKA : IT'S NOW AN ESTABLISHED TRUTH THAT MEN BELONG TO TOMMY'S CATEGORY ..MEOW ..MEOW

TOMMY : YES, IT'S DOG'S LIFE IN PRIYNAKA DOMINATED MODERN WORLD ...BOW..BOW

PREVENTING LARGE SCALE MIGRATION

ARVIND K.PANDEY

We are not in a position to prevent overwhelming insertion of industrialisation into human life . However , governments can prevent large scale migration by providing job opportunities to people in areas close to their ancestral homes . Indeed , this might be a wishful thinking , owing to infrastructural bottlenecks , but political will can make it a reality . After all, we might make money in foreign lands , the company of near and daer ones in ancestral homes provide real happiness . You cannot gain this sort of intimacy in distant lands amidst strangers ! Ironically , globalisation is making villages lose their rustic charms .

SRI AUROBINDO'S DIVINE IDEAS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(CELEBRATING THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SRI AUROBINDO-BORN ON AUGUST 15)

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1. CONGRESS- NOT THE RIGHT PARTY

I say of the Congress this -that it aims are mistaken , that the spirit in which it proceeds towards their accomplishment is not a spirit of sincerity and whole -heartedness and the method it has chosen are not the right methods , and the leaders in whom it trusts not the right sort of men to be leaders .In brief , we are are at present the blind led , if not by blind , at any rate by the one-eyed .

(Published in "Indu Prakash "-A Poona Weekly , 1893)

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2. BRIDGING GULF BETWEEEN MIND AND SUPERMIND

There must be first the psychic change , the conversion of our whole present nature into a soul-instrumentation , on that or along with that there must be the spiritual change , the descent of a Higher Light , Knowledge , Power , Force , Bliss , Purity into the whole being , even into the lowest recesses of the life and body , even into the darkness of our subconscience ; last , there must supervene the supramental transformation , there must take place as the crowning movement the ascent into the Supermind and the transforming descent of the Supramental Consciousness into our entire being and nature .

(From -Aurobindo ,Sri: The Life Divine ;pp.1061-62 )

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WHAT IS INTEGRAL KNOWLEDGE ?

The Integral Knowlledge is something that is already there in the integral reality : it is not new or still non-existent thing that has to be created , acquired , learned , invented or built up by the mind ; it must rather be discovered or uncovered , it is a truth that is self-revealed to a spiritual endeavour , for it is there veiled in our deeper and greater self ; it is there in the very stuff of our own spiritual consciousnesss , and it is by awakening to it even in our surface self that we have to recover and , because the world -self also is our self an integral world knowlewdge .

(From -Ibid .,pp.755-76 .)

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Swadhinata Divas Par

SABHI BHARATVAASIYOEN KO SWADHINATA DIVAS PAR HRIDAYA SE PRANAAM AUR BADHAI ....VANDE MATARAM

SWADHINATA KO SAMARPIT GEET :

1 . Hai Preet Jehan Ki Reet Sada ..

Movieurab Aur Paschim ; Music: Kalyanji-

Anandji ; Lyrics:Indeevar

2. Safaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamaren Dil Mein Hai

Movie :Shaheed (1965);Music: Prem Dhawan

This song is actually penned by the Martyrs including Bhagat Singh

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PET WORSHIP :TOO COSTLY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's bewildering to know that $41 billion ,apparently going down the drain , is being spent annualy by US in providing pets a world at par with their choices . I can't help pointing out that there are many places in world where children are dying owing to hunger and diseases . Against this backdrop, the huge amount spent on the pets shows that human beings are yet not able to honour the ' sense of discrimination ' gifted to us by the Lord ! Or else , the ' unconditional positive regard ' offered by the pets would not have created a hole in the pocket of their owners .The bottom line is " Take care of the underprivileged people , too, so that they do not become victim of unpredictabilties of nature .

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TOMMY ,KALU SHERU AND MOTI : It's unfortunate that we have to remain contend with the leftovers .And look at American doggies they are having a king's life .In animal world too America is engaged in discrminatory practises !! BOW..BOW

PRIYANKA : Well, it appears that we need to strike a pact with the doggies to teach lesson to American obese doggies and cats ...MEOW ..MEOW

SHERU : Not only this we Indian doggies have been subjected to indiscriminate culling ?There has to be a better living standards for stray doggies like us ..BOW..BOW ..

MOTI : A request to Priyanka ,our chosen enemy , to please let us have right over our share of milk bottles supplied by the government ,which at present find their way to your home with the help of corrupt officials .Or else ,we would open a war against the Cat world ...BOW..BOW

NAXALITES : MAKING MOCKERY OF RULE OF LAW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The killings of 24 security personnels ,including 18 CRPF cops, in Chattisgarh prove that Naxalites have no respect for the rule of law . It's indeed tragic that Naxalism which started to provide underprivilged a dgnified place in society has turned into biggest threat for internal security . All because its leaders have taken strange U-turns on par with their interests , shearing Naxalism of its real purpose .Worse, dilly-dallying on the part of Central government has allowed the Naxalites to spread their roots in newer zones . At the same time , they appear to be hand-in-glove with anti-national elements in regions close to Nepal border .Ironically , Shivaraj Patil seems to be trapped in labyrinthine political solutions instead of taking strong measures to curb their growth . A movement borne out of by depriaviations has today , in the eyes of Communists , turned in law and order problem . Anyway , a wide spectrum of strategies need to to be taken into consideration to wipe out Naxalites .

FLOP POLICIES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in THE HINDU , AUGUST 12,2007)

It’s unfortunate that both Right To Information Act (RTI ) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) have failed to live up to the people’s expectations. The government’s intention to establish transparency has been shattered by the bureaucracy not willing to downsize its powers . The government made a tactical mistake by not introducing aggressive campaigns, aimed at highlighting the salient features of the Act to citizens, before bringing the Act into effect.

PRATIBHA : TIME TO PROVE HER WORTH

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in INDIA TODAY , AUGUST 20, 2007)

It remains to be seen how Pratibha come to deal with controversial issues in her regime including the mercy petition of Afzal .One wonders whether she would be able to apply a mind of her own while tackling proposals of government . Though she might have emerged as winner in a big way , the mud-slinging has wiped out hallowed status ascribed to her persona by the Congress supporters . It would be a herculean task for her to do justice with the responsibilties associated with the highest seat .Lastly , Kalam could have played a meaningful role had President been granted real powers by our Constitution framers . He was reduced to bundle of contradictions on numerous occasions just because there was no scope for him to impose his own ideas and perceptions .

REATIL BUSINESS : THE GIANT KILLER

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in DOWN TO EARTH, AUGUST 15,2007)

It needs to be insisted nonetheless that interests of small street sellers be protected at all costs if big companies are allowed to rule the roost in reatil business .It's ironical that government is hell bent to push the small farmers to brink of extinction by giving green signal to retail business czars . Is government ready to provide lifelines to thses vendors by offering them huge subsidies , something commonplace in Western world ? Well,the way our government machinery functions nobody is going to take the assurances of government too seriously . It's another example of high-handedness of government where it has failed to see through the grave implications inherent in its invitation to big companies . It's going to hit the farmers hard , who are already involved in serious tussle with middlemen ,policemen and stone-hearted Mandi officials .