Focus on good thought and action to eliminate strife from the world: Dadi Janki

Santhigiri, Sep 10: The only way to spread peace in a strife-torn world is for everyone to focus on good thoughts and actions as peace can never come to people whose minds and actions are guided by anger, jealousy and competition, Rajayogini Dadi Janki, the Administrative Head of the Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vidyalaya, Mt. Abu, said here today.
Inaugurating a two-day National Spiritual Congress, organized by Santhigiri Ashram to mark the opening of the Lotus-shaped Parnasala (final resting place of the sacred body of the Ashram’s founder Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru), Dadi Janki said that Mahatma Gandhi had exhorted humanity to “see no evil, hear no evil and talk no evil”. To this, she wanted to add another maxim, “Think no evil.”

The only way to eliminate untruth, violence, corruption etc. from the world and to spread peace and love was to take a resolve for one’s thoughts and actions to be guided by patience, humility, tolerance and contentment. “If we change, the world will change,” she added.

While staying in the world and doing one’s karma (duties), we should always keep in mind our Divine origin. “I am an atman (an individual soul), but I belong to the Paramatman (Supreme Soul).” If we are conscious of God that Almighty Power would give us the energy and power to do truthful and right action, the 94-year-old Dadi Janki said.

Referring to the sterling contribution of Santhigiri Ashram in contributing to peace, Dadi Janki said that the Guru had planted the seeds of love and the people were now enjoying the fruits of that labour.

Delivering the Presidential Address, Swami Prakashananda, President, Sivagiri Mutt, recalled his long association with Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru when the latter served at Sivagiri Mutt and its branches for 17 years.

Describing ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (Eternal Dharma) as the culture of India, the Swami said that India was the land of ‘rishis’, realized souls, who had contributed the Vedas, Upanishads and other spiritual jewels to humanity as also universal principles such as “One Caste, One Religion and One God.”

Earlier, in his Welcome Address, Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, Organising Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram, recalled the great life of sacrifice and suffering of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru in pursuit of the eternal spiritual truths and to help all living beings to find peace and fulfilment.

Describing the practitioners of various religious faiths and spiritual doctrines as “co-travelers to the same goal”, Swami Gururethnam said that there was a need to come together and unite in Oneness.

Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Marthoma Metropolitan, Pathanamthita, delivered the Keynote Address in the ‘Distinguished Presence’ of the Major Archbishop of the Sryo-Malankara Church Cleemis Catholicos. Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios, Metropolitan, Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church, Swami Gurdeep Giri Maharaj, Chairman, Dera Swami Jagath Giri Trust, Punjab, and Swami Chinmayanand gave the ‘Blessing Address’.

The Imam of the Palayam Mosque, Jamaluddin Mankkada, and Panakkadu Syed Rasheed Ali Shihab Thangal gave Special Addresses. Mathru Swami, the Kerala Head of the Art of Living Foundation, read out a Message from Sri Sri Ravishankar, Head of the AOL Foundation.

Janani Rishirathna Jnana Thapaswini, Director, Santhigiri Ashram, offered the Vote of Thanks.

All the dignitaries on the dais were honoured with “ponnada” (shawl) and a special memento by Santhigiri Ashram General Secretary, Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi, and Director, Swami Dharmananda Jnana Thapaswi.

Representatives from more than 200 religious and spiritual organizations from different parts of India are participating in the National Spiritual Congress that seeks to bring the different religious faiths and doctrines on a common platform, underlying the basic oneness and unity of mankind.

President to dedicate Lotus shaped Parnasala for World Peace and Harmony

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil is scheduled to dedicate the Parnasala for world peace and harmony on August 13, 2010 at Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram.

Parnasala, a fully bloomed lotus in marble structure, is the final resting place of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, the founder of the Ashram. The President will also formally inaugurate the month-long celebrations. Parnasala will be opened for worship on September 12, 2010, on Guru's birthday. Years ago, 'Parnasala' was a thatched hut supported by four poles, where Guru lived and interacted with visitors. The thatched hut was later converted into a one-room tenement with a tiled roof.

The current structure of Parnasala, received in visions stands at a height of 91 feet, radius of 84 feet, 64 feet inner diameter and 21 petals. The structure contains twelve upward facing petals of 41 feet length and nine downward facing petals, 31 feet each. Lotus bud shaped 27-feet (made of high teak wood) sanctum sanctorum will contain an image of Guru in pure gold. The first floor of the Parnasala contains 12 rooms and will maintain articles used by Guru.  Guru left His physical body and merged in Adisankalpam - the Primordial Consciousness, the source of Creation on May 6, 1999. It was revealed from the Supreme Light that His body should be laid to rest in the Parnasala itself.

During tomorrow's visit, President will offer prayers at the prayer hall (Aradhanalayam) and offer flowers at the Parnasala. Thereafter, President will meet Sishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, the Guru apparent of the ashram. Following, President will address the gathering and declare Parnasala dedication to the humanity.

The month-long function will include cultural programmes, including a dance programme choreographed by Surya Krishnamurthy, ghazal rendition by Pankaj Udhas and a musical fusion by famous musicians percussionist Sivamani, violinist Balabhasker, ‘khadam' artiste Vikku Vinayakam, traditional percussionist Mattannoor Sankarankutty, guitarists Alwin Fernandez, Santhosh and Prasanth, and keyboard artiste Jayakumar; Kalaripayattu performances by CVN Kalari and traditional Gujarati dance form.

An international conference focusing on global warming, climate change, sustainable development and secular spirituality will also be held in association with UNESCO, TERI and Santhigiri Research Foundation in September.

Representatives from all major spiritual centers and religions across India will participate in The 'Spiritual Congress,' that will focus on the theme of universal peace.

The Education Fest to be conducted aims to find, promote and nurture a spirit of research among school and college students. 'Santhigiri Expo-2010' will also be held during this occasion.

A model eco-friendly village with mud houses and windmills has been recreated at the ashram. The Eco-Village, is said, will showcase models and methods to combat issues including pollution, environmental degradation, natural resource depletion etc. Indian and foreign organizations including government institutions, NGO's, research and educational institutions, students will participate and also exhibit the latest research and interventional methods in the areas of environment protection and sustainable development.

Further, the expo will have exhibitions stalls of village and craft products and revive memories of the old village life through the replicas recreated at the venue.

To view the animated shot of Parnasala or to know more about Santhigiri Ashram, visit www.santhigiriashram.com

Details about Santhigiri Education fest: http://santhigiriashram.com/Santhigiri_edufest/edu_fest.html

Information about International Conference on Global Warming,Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Secular Spirituality
http://santhigiriashram.com/conf/index.html

For details about Expo 2010, and to contact, to exhibit your products and services:  http://santhigiriashram.com/expo/expo.html

To read some of the media news:
http://karuna.pournami-tech.com

Further details about the ashram at:
http://santhigiriashram.com/ASHRAM/index.html

Santhigiri Education Fest: District Level Entrance Exam on August 1 , Across Kerala

Santhigiri Research Foundation, an organization of Santhigiri Ashram, in association with UNESCO and The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), approved by Education Department, Govt. of Kerala is organizing Education Fest, that aims to create awareness of securing environment, to identify and encourage young and aspiring scientists.

The entrance examination will be held across Kerala, in all districts on August 1, 2010. In Ernakulam district, the examination will be held at St. Theresa's college at 9:30 am, for both High School and Higher Secondary School.

Students who haven’t registered yet can also participate in the entrance exam through spot registration, along with School Principal’s authorization letter and student ID card.

The objective type examination will be based on subjects such as global warming, climate change, sustainable development and secular spirituality. Students will also get the opportunity to present working/still model based on global warming, climate change and associated scientific ideas.

All participating students will receive a certificate of participation. Ten students who secure the top marks in the District level can participate in the State Level examination, to be held later. Fifty of the finalists, selected from the State Level examination will have the opportunity to participate in the International Conference, to be held during September, during the month long Parnasala dedication function at Thiruvananthapuram.

For further information, contact 0471-2419313, 9447530633 (Ernakulam District Co-ordinator); santhigirisis@gmail.com and www.santhigiriashram.com

Switching off lights for an hour!

On 27th March 2010, more than 100 crore people world over joined hands to express their voice against the increasing perils of global warming. This gigantic movement led by WWF is held in more than 1000 cities spread over 120 plus countries. Supporting this movement by casting a symbolic vote for EARTH, lights were switched off for one hour on March 27 from 8:30-9:30pm.

The city of Cochin joined hands with this international movement under the aegis of JCI Cochin (Junior Chamber International) with the perils of global warming signaling its presence in Cochin. They also requested the citizens of Cochin to support this event by switching off their lights on March 27th from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Last year, I too took part in this movement by switching off lights at home for one hour.

(Watch the media report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alR1_QM2tVM)

The greenhouse gases like water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons etc are the major contributors to global warming. The increase in indiscriminate developmental activities especially of the developing countries is augmenting the menace called global warming. The Kyoto Protocol, which controls the emission of these harmful Greenhouse Gases in developed nations, is ceasing to exist in 2012.

Earth Hour assumes greater importance as no substantial decision was taken in the recently concluded UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The organizers said they are looking forward from the world leaders that an agreement leading to a sustainable outcome will come that suitably address climate change.

As this is a noble cause for making Earth a better place to live in, join your hands to support the event in 2010, if you aren't already in the list! Spread the message and encourage more people to be a part of this next year.

NavaJyothi Sree Karunakara Guru’s ‘Parnasala'

NavaJyothi Sree Karunakara Guru’s ‘Parnasala,’ a fully bloomed lotus in marble structure, nearing completion at Pothencode, the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala to be dedicated to Guru on September 12, 2010 is catching the attention of people across the globe. 

Parnasala

Years ago, 'Parnasala' was a thatched hut supported by four poles, where Guru lived and interacted with visitors. The thatched hut was later converted into a one-room tenement with a tiled roof.

The current structure of Parnasala, received in visions stands at a height of 91 feet, radius of 84 feet, 64 feet inner diameter and 21 petals. The structure contains twelve upward facing petals of 41 feet length and nine downward facing petals, 31 feet each. Lotus bud shaped 27-feet (made of high teak wood) sanctum sanctorum will contain an image of Guru in pure gold. The first floor of the Parnasala contains 12 rooms and will maintain articles used by Guru.

Guru left His physical body and merged in Adisankalpam - the Primordial Consciousness, the source of Creation on May 6, 1999. It was revealed from the Supreme Light that His body should be laid to rest in the Parnasala itself.

For more information, log on to http://www.santhigiriashram.org/

97th Indian Science Congress 2010 at University of Kerala, Kariyavattom Campus, Thiruvanathapuram

The 97th Indian Science Congress (ISC) 2010 was held at University of Kerala, Kariyavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram from January 3-7, 2010. About 2,00,000 people are said to have visited the expo during the five days.

According to Sify, 2,000 scientific and technical papers were presented during ISC 2010. 7,000 delegates, including 2,000 students from across India participated in the five-day event.

Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Childrens Science Congress. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inagurated the ISC 2010. Highlights of his speech can be found at Sify's website.

Note 1: I spent a couple of days at ISC 2010, as my father's product "Rat Vanisher" was displayed during ISC Expo 2010. The photos in this post were taken on February 4th, 2010 at "Kerala Gramam" and Indian Science Congress Exhibition.

Note 2: All photographs shot by Resmi Jaimon. IF you would like to use any of these pictures in your website/blog, contact me for my permission

Images: Kerala Gramam

Images: Indian Science Congress Exp 2010

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)

Indian Space Research Organisation displays model of Chandrayaan-1

Pictures from Indian Space Research Organisation stall

Ministry of Earth Sciences

Onam 2009

Today, Keralites or Malayalees across the world celebrate Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala. Though modernity has touched Onam, it is celebrated with vigor for four to ten days.

Cultural programmes are a part of Onam and you can find them across Kerala as well as in other cities across India and other countries where Malayalees live. Several years ago, probably Pookalam (florarl carpet) used to adorn every home but now only a handful sticks on this tradition. Onasadhya is a main attraction – however, unlike the olden days, many prefer to give “order” of onasadhya ‘parcel’ to a catering team! Reasons vary - rising prices, the difficulty in preparing over a dozen items for two or three members, keeping up with the times and one’s status symbol (with “I don’t know to cook traditional dishes!”) and more. Children are excited because of their “10 days” break from school during this season and they get new clothes.

Joint families, almost and fast on the decline, witnesses gets together of family members during Onam. Spending the entire ten days together is a distant dream for most people; but many gather at their family house at least on the day of Thiruvonam.

Malayalam television channels make use of this opportunity to compete with each other and come out with the “for the first time in a channel” films. This year, Asianet outdo other channels with eleven new (ie., not shown earlier in small screen) films.

Notable and unfortunate trend is the rise in alcohol takers during Onam season. Alcohol sales in Kerala on August 31st touched a whooping record of sales - Rs.34.13 crore, in a single day. According to media reports, this is 49 percent more than what was sold on the first day of Onam festival in 2008. Whatever happens, it seems people find it hard to live without alcohol!

And forget traveling to the city, especially if you live in Kochi – the streets are full and last day, a television channel reported over 5000 additional cars tried to make its way to Kochi for shopping. The result – road blocks and most had to return home, in the neighboring districts without shopping. It seems they had to wait for hours to move less than a kilometer! Strange – but that’s Kochi and I dread moving to the city. However, yesterday was more peaceful and less-crowded, as my husband covered 18 kilometers, to reach the city in less than 40 minutes! Fearing the last day’s experience, people had probably preferred to shop elsewhere to drop their shopping plans.

Reminiscing Onam

I had as a child heard about the Onam celebrations between 1930’s and 1970’s from my maternal grandmother and my mother. They used to pick flowers from around their house and engage in pookalam (making flower carpet), every day for ten days. Swings were a part of Onam, so was dance like Thiruvathirakalli. As a child, when we traveled between Thiruvananthapuram (where I lived for 23 years) and Ernakulam (my hometown) during Onam, I used to excitedly look for the pookalams in front of each house. With each year, the number of pookalams decreased in number. During our travel, we also used to come across Pullikali.

Onam was one of the four-five “Sadhya” (feast) we had every year. We never believed in buying new clothes, just because it’s Onam or any other festive occasion. During my teen years, my family and I used to travel to places like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Bangalore and Mysore for 4-7 days holiday. These were the only days when we all could spare time. In late 1990’s, we realized we aren’t alone and several other families prefer to ‘holiday’ during Onam. Since last few years, Onam means watching new movies in the television!

Let’s wait and watch how Onam is going to evolve in the coming years.

BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Mega Reactor

The mega reactor weighing 725 MT; 40 M length; 5.3 M diameter and 18 cm shell thickness, imported from China for BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Vaccum Gas Oil Hydro Desulphurisation unit reached BPCL-Kochi Refinery on August 18, 2009. The reactor was built by China Forging Heavy Industries, Dalain under the technical supervision of M/s China Petroleum Technical Development Corporations. Made of alloy stell, the reactor costs Rs.80 crores.

This was the first time Cochin Port Trust was handling such a mega consignment, said to be the biggest single piece of heavy machinery imported to India. From the vessel, the reactor was moved to a special barge, which then passed through inland waterways to reach Irumpanam. From Irumpanam, the reactor was transported to BPCL-Kochi Road in a low bed type trailer with 40 axles and 320 tyres!

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon
Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

(If interested to use text / photographs in your blog/website; contact me at indian.memoirs@gmail.com as well as give correct credits - ie text & photographs : Resmi Jaimon; along with links to this page.)

Swine Flue (H1N1) - Useful Links

H1N1 death in India touched 14 this morning. Reports state, without medical help it is difficult to identify the difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1.

Proper guidelines can lessen the havoc and educate the public on the basics, the do's and don’ts to maintain hygiene and prevention.

Find links to useful reports / articles / guidelines related to H1N1 - i.e.; symptoms to watch out; do's and don't of prevention from catching Influenza A (H1N1); the risk group and more.

1. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/08/11/stories/whoh1n1.pdf - WHO guidelines for prevention and care of A (H1N1), published in The Hindu dated August 11, 2009
2. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/swineflu/a/409_symptoms.htm - Swine flue basics and symptoms
3. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,537301,00.html?test=latestnews?test=latestnews - H1N1: Separating Myth From Fact
4. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mumbai/H1N1-Facts-On-The-Flu/articleshow/4883411.cms - H1N1: Facts On The Flu

12 Tips : Safe Travelling for Women in India

Understanding and following the unwritten laws of code and conduct of the country you are visiting, makes your travel experience a memorable one. Here are a few pointers, for you to take note of when you decide to travel to India.

1. Dress Codes: Following a country's dress code isn’t always easy. Think of your safety – and it will help you decide, it is better stick on to the dress code. When in India, avoid tight dresses (tops & bottoms) and sleeveless tops. Wear half sleeved churidars, preferably cottons, to avoid the sweat. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, wear a loose top with not-too tight jeans or a long skirt with top.
2. Try 'group' travel: Instead of being a solo traveler, why not have a friend accompany you? Let “Travel safe,” be your motto!
3. Learn to bargain: Local shops meant for tourists do not follow a fixed price for the items on sale. They decide the amount, depending on if the customer is from the local region, other part of the country or a foreigner. They mostly charge the twice or thrice the amount from foreign tourists. Bargain with them; tell them you know they are charging too much and start walking back. They will come after you, lessening their price. You can also tell them you will buy the item say, handicraft only if they give you for a particular amount. Alternatively, you can also have a local person with you who know the tricks of the traders, provided he is not in favor of the shopkeepers and help you out.
4. Choosing mode of travel: For short trips, bus is the cheapest and safe transport mode except when you are traveling with luggage. For long distance, if you have enough time, travel by train, you will enjoy seeing the hidden beauty of India. Train services, however, are not available to all parts of India, like most hill stations. Under such circumstances, choose bus service.
5. Finding toilets: Public and paid toilet facilities are not so common. Almost every restaurant and some tourist spots have toilets attached to it. Have a cup of tea at a hotel and take this opportunity to use the toilet facility available there. Alternatively, if you are traveling by car and stop for a petrol fill, use the toilet facilities available at most petrol pumps.
6. Refrain from lonely places: Avoid traveling to lonely places alone and spending time in tourist locales after the sunsets. Even if you are a group of women travelers, avoid lonely places.
7. Move away from beggars: Never give money to beggars. You will find plenty of them on the streets, bus stands and railways stations. Turn your head and try to look at the opposite side or walk-on, if you are already on the move. Be extra careful, if you have a purse or luggage with you.
8. The necessary accessories: Carry a torch, a candle and a matchstick. Power variations and stranded without power are common, especially in smaller cities or towns. Also, carry mosquito repellents. You will need them as mosquitoes are in plenty in many cities in India.
9. Beware of strikes: “Strikes” (locally known as ‘hartals’ or ‘bandh’) are common in all parts of India. Do not travel on such days, even if it means postponing or rescheduling your travel for a day or two. The duration of strikes varies from 12-24 hours. Shops and restaurants do not open on such days. Transportation is often nil. Avoid traveling on the day of strikes.
10. Hiring Services: You will find pre-paid taxi services at most airports and railway stations. Use this facility. Otherwise, you are sure to end up creating a big hole in your pocket. Under other unavoidable circumstances, hire taxi's only with meter readings and before hiring, make sure they charge you only as per the meter reading. Same rule applies for Autorickshaws (three-wheeler).
11. Entry to Worship premises: Remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship. Churidars are also not allowed in many temples. You will need to wear a dhoti on top of it or wear a sari, if you know to wear one.
12. Greet the Indian way: Instead of shaking hands, greet people with “Namaste”, by folding your hands with palms touching each other. And smile generously. People will be friendlier with you, if you follow these two simple unwritten rules.

News from the Web : Parnasala, coming up at Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram

Read the news "Parnasala, coming up at Santhigiri Ashram (Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram)" published in The New Indian Express.

For Malayalam version and also to view the picture of Parnasala, check out the story published in Malayala Manorama.

For further reading, log on to http://www.santhigiriashram.org and http://www.santhigiri.com.