Poorna Kumbhamela at Santhigiri Ashram today (september 20, 2010)

‘Poorna Kumbhamela’ will be celebrated at Santhigiri Ashram on  20th September, Monday, in which thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad will participate. The Ashram has made extensive arrangements for the Kumbhamela, which is celebrated annually for the purification of one’s self, family and society.

The ceremonies will start with the morning prayers at 5AM followed by special prayers, floral offering and Guru Pooja at 12 noon.  The Kumbhamela procession will commence at 5 PM in the presence of sanyasins.Thousands of devotees clad in white carry the Kumbhams after observing ‘vritam’ (austerities) for 11 days. The ‘Kumbhamela’ procession is held with the accompaniment of musical bands and colorful parasols and the chanting of Guru Mantra, making it a unique devotional event.

The clay-made Kumbha is symbolic of life which perishes like the mud-pot with the slightest mishandling.  The medicated concoction inside the kumbha reminds us of the need to cultivate noble thoughts and faith.  Prayerful participation in the Kumbhamela helps to cleanse people of their karmic, ancestral and familial problems through the spiritual intercession of Guru.

The Ashram and the surrounding areas and the paths through which the Kumbhamela procession will move have been decorated and necessary arrangements made for the assemblage of the devotees.

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

Shots from the street play , Kaanaakaazchakal

Shots from the street play , Kaanaakaazchakal ; performed at Marine Drive in Kochi on June 20, 2010. The play is peformed by Santhigiri Ashram's Viswasamskrithi Kalarangam team. 

Kannakazhchakal, the street drama at Durbar Hall Ground, Kochi on June 19, 2010

Santhigiri Ashram's Viswasamskrithi Kalarangam team will stage the street drama, ‘Kannakazhchakal’ on June 19, 2010 at 5:00 pm at Durbar Hall Ground.

The drama is being held at over 1000 stages across Kerala, as a part of the Parnasala dedication campaign programme. NavaJyothiSree Karunakara Guru's Parnasala at Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram will be dedicated to humanity for enduring global peace on September 12, 2010.

Today, the world is standing at crossroads with several societal, cultural and environmental problems including terrorism, scarcity of food, health hazards and disturbances in family and societal life. Kannakazchakal aims to create awareness of the problems and the solutions of the environmental-societal-cultural issues, the world is facing now. The drama aims to generate awareness of the water-environmental pollution and the solutions and steps to solve them. Further, Kannakazchakal delves into the ecological imbalance caused by global warming, climate change, deforestation and other such issues.

The drama will also be staged in different parts of Kochi, in the coming week.

The schedule for in and around Kochi is as follows (I'll announce the venues later):

June 19, 2010 (Saturday) :
Durbar Hall Ground (Inaguration) : 5:00 pm
Palarivattom: 6:30 pm

June 20, 2010 (Sunday) :
Vytilla  - 11:00 am
Menaka Junction - 5:00 pm
High court Junction- 7:00 pm

June 21, 2010 (Monday):
Munampam - 11:00 am
Cherai - 3:00 pm
North Paravoor - 7:00 pm

June 22, 2010 (Tuesday):
Thripunithura - 11:00 am
Muvattapzuha - 3:00 pm
Kothamangalam - 7:00 pm

June 23, 2010 (Wednesday):
Fort Kochi - 3:00 pm
Thoppumpady - 5:00 pm
Palluruthy - 7:00 pm

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/

Interview with Mrs.Lakshmi Mohan: businesswoman and social worker

(I interviewed Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan, in February 2006, originally for a magazine, which have ceased publication since then and this interview was never published. The story doesn't touch the aspects of her career and focuses on her personal life and viewpoints.)

Cine actor Krishna's mother, is how Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan is better known today. During the yesteryears, she was better known to be the daughter of the cine actress, (late) Lalitha, of Lalitha-Padmini-Ragini (The Travancore sisters) fame. Lalita-Padmini-Ragini has had the opportunity to dance even in front of many famous leaders, including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and have performed abroad too. Nine people from their family are in the film industry, including the popular actresses in the South - Shobana and Sukumari.

Her mother and advocate father never encouraged her or her three sisters to come on the screen.And Mrs. Lakshmi holds an identity of her own.

School & College Days

“My mother was very strict. When I moved to stay at St.Teresa’s, Kochi for higher education, I had only three or four saris, one pair of sandals, Cuticura powder. She did not even allow us to stand for more time in front of the mirror. Amma always insisted on putting oil on hair and to stay away from applying shampoo. We weren’t taken to festival grounds at temple. We were taken only to see ‘good cinemas’. My parents would go and watch the film and if it's good, then take us,” reminisces Mrs. Lakshmi.

Inspite of the sophisticated life, she could have been put to, the three sisters lived at Ramakrishna ashram for a year to learn their customs. "Those days I used to feel angry at my parents, but later on we understood the importance of having lived there." During this phase of life, Lakshmi lived with ordinary people, sleeping on the floor, cutting vegetables, washing clothes and so on. No when she looks, she knows it has brought only advantages and there is not even a single disadvantage to point out.

On Anchoring, modeling and acting

Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan is against the trend of parents pushing their young children to anchoring and modeling. She certainly is not the only woman who thinks so. Considering her thoughts on matters like this, knowing well she belongs to a family, from where have emerged 9 actors and actresses, surprises us!

She has understood the industry well. Many a parent often approaches her to do recommendation to one or the other director, to put their child in front of the camera. “There is another bad phase of the film industry. It is not such a good one, especially for girls. They should know to protect themselves,” explains Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan. She feels ‘pity’ to those parents and young minds, who aspire to be in the film to make fame and money. “I wouldn’t want to name anyone particularly, but there are many in this field who are ready to do anything for money.” She reminisces about a child who was taught to walk in high-heeled shoes, lipsticks, and walk like a model, even before the girl started attending school. The girl’s mother taught her to do so. Today, the girl follows the path she was taught during her childhood and is a model. “Putting high-heeled shoes causes several health problems including heel joint pains, back pain, whole body pain and so on. Still the children go for showing off with high-heeled shoes.”

Mrs. Lakshmi says the trend of the day is to make kid’s face come in a television programme or a movie. The entire effort a parent take in grooming a child is for this sole purpose. “The TV anchors, including kids uses a particular slang while anchoring. It is so much artificial. The voice of the child star also sounds like a grown-up person.” According to her, parents have an eye on both money and fame.

Change in family values

One of the drawbacks of the present day scenario is that there is no interaction between parents and children. ‘Dining table’ is the best place to make your kids open up and share your thoughts with them. Nowadays, the same members of the family take food at different timings, at their own convenience. Parents are willing to spent money to buy anything their child asks for. They are however, are not given proper attention a child really needs in their growing-up years. The child is not aware of what is happening in the household. Say for instance, how much money the father brings home and how the mother manages and spends it.

Mr.Mohan and Mrs.Lakshmi never encouraged their two sons to take up acting. However, Krishna started showing interest in theatre while in high school. In spite of never getting even a single word of encouragement from his parents, he made it to the screens. “I have been to shooting locations with my parents and sisters. But, I and my husband never accompanied Krishna for shoots.” As a mother, how does she feel when her young son is to act intimate scenes with girls? She responds, “Acting and real life is different. We have never felt anything. It's a part of profession.”

She runs a matchmaking service, manages their restaurant "Tandoor" in Kochi behind the scenes, is one of the trustees of a CBSE school and is involved in several activities including music and dance. She also loves cooking and is the one to try out new dishes, provided she is in the ‘right mood’ to cook. She hurries out putting a stop to the long conversation she shared with me, as ingredients are waiting her at her kitchen to try out a new recipe.

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

Interesting Pictures..on the road - Ooty - Kochi

Photo Credits: Jaimon & Resmi Jaimon; Shot between Mettupalayam (Tamil Nadu) and Palakkad (Kerala); during our return trip from Ooty to Kochi in July 2008.

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.)

Jaggery processing unit, in Marayoor (Idukki district), Kerala

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.