Swami Satchidananda Attains Samadhi

Pujya Swami Satchidananda attained his samadhi on the night October 12th at 8:10 p.m.
Though he lives in our thoughts and through his ideals, the world has lost a spiritual leader.

Making oneself useful to the society should indeed be the foremost objective of every one. Whenever opportunities arise, serve humanity in whatever way possible, considering such service as Seva of God. - Swami Satchidananda

Anandashram – A world-renowned spiritual centre propagating the ideal of Universal Love and Service has been a beacon-light to humanity and a solace for the poor and needy through its multifarious humanitarian activities. The Ashram, founded in 1931 by Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas and Pujya Mataji Krishnabai, was being ably guided by Pujya Swami Satchidanandaji.

(Pic courtesy: Yogasanft) The bhajan hall at Anand ashram with the life size images of the divine masters Pujya Swami Ramdas & Pujya Mata Krishnabai.

Dangerous Liaisons

Controversy seems to be the easiest route to success. Be it movies, models, politics even lame TV serials today rely on some controversy or the other to up their TRP's. Nobody cares how you reach as long as you are up there.

The latest controvery seems to be around the book - "The Jewel of Medina" - a historical fiction which is about the child-bride of Prophet Muhammad. Author Sherry Jones saccharinely says its a well researched "love story" between the 54 year old Prophet and 6 year old A’ishah who happens to be the daughter of his brother. Aa-a-ah!

Random House who had reportedly paid an advance of $100,000 slowly distanced themselves when they received "cautionary advice not only that the publication of this book might be offensive to some in the Muslim community, but also that it could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment" and realized they could be in the epicenter of a storm. Published by Beaufort Books the book could well be on its way to become another bestseller.

It seems like the West can't have enough of courting danger. Like forbidden love they seem to be so enamored by Islam and their prophets. As for me, I definitely want to lay my hands on this one and find if the book provides "humanizing glimpses into the origins of the Islamic faith, and the nature of love, through the eyes of a truly unforgettable heroine - Amazon" or if it is "soft porn which is inflammatory, unfair to Islam, and unfit to publish" as described by Prof Denise Spellberg.

After "The Da Vinci Code" historical fictions by relatively unknown or first time authors seem to have become the trend.

Ganesh Chathurthi

Here is the picture of a very differnt Ganesha idol from our nearby locality. With orchestra, loud music, children displaying their talents, prasad distribution and contributions pouring in, it was a fun night.

Back after a hiatus

As a brand new mom the kaleidoscope called life looks even more colorful and appealing. Honestly, motherhood is indeed a life-changing event. A different path takes me ahead and I won't stop raving about it.

All that and more soon but for now I just want to experience once again familiar waters of - blah blah blah....publish! :)

So here's me back 2 blogging with this post.

Halle Berry, J-Lo & Me...

Here are some more on the list - Nicole Richie, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman.
Yep, its baby boom time and I just seem to be bumping (pun unintended) into pregnant ladies everywhere, even on-screen. In our own bollywood backyard there was Mahima Choudhary who is said to have recently popped out a beautiful girl. And then there was this news of Ash joining this elite gang but soon the news was squashed down as a bad rumour. Ok, then so be it.

This is a new phase in my life, a huge change - from spreadsheets to spreading sheets. I wouldn't go on to say that being pregnant is all roses & peaches (far from that actually) but its a new and exciting experience for sure.

I initially thought about airing all the trials & travails of being pregnant. On - the terrible morning sickness, round ligament pains, Braxton Hicks contractions, food cravings,....of anomaly scans, glucose tests, gestational diabetes....from childbirth & lamaze classes to maternity shopping. But then I decided there are so many pregnancy forums, guide books, websites and blogs for all of this information that I dont need to turn my blog into another one.

Moreover, let me confess am also busy these days planning & organizing for my seemantham (Indian baby shower) function, hunting madly for baby names, patiently listening to loads of advice and worrying about the D-day.

Wish me luck & pray for me. :)

So if I go missing all of a sudden for a couple of weeks, you all know the reason.

Tata Nano - Junta Ki Gaddi!

Just saw the launch of the new 'people's car' - Tata Nano I must say the Tata's have pulled the proverbial rabbit out of a hat! The design, though varying a little from the original design sketch, has not been compromised on and goes on to resemble a lot like the Zen Estillo. With they claiming that the car meets all fuel, safety and environment standards including Bharat III and Euro IV, it must be sending shivers down the Maruti Suzuki spine.

What I loved about the Nano -

1. A car for just 1 Lakh rupees or $2500 - Thats a auto-revolution by national and international standards! "Hmm, shall I buy new a hi-fi stereo's set for my merc?" "Well, why not rather buy nano for my child?"

2. This coming from the Indian stable makes it all the more special. Come on world, stand up and take notice.

3. Cars won't be out of reach of the aam junta. Now every Ram, Vicki and Hari - be they students or peddalars can afford one.

4. Autorickshaw's: would we still need them?

The Only worrisome fact - Indian roads and other basic infrastructure will need a serious upliftment.

Hats Off Tata, for changing the world of automotive forever..

To All New Beginings...

Life is seriously such a paradox. We are so engrossed in the permanence of the present that we actually get the time to feel bored, idle away moments, but when one looks back and sees the amount of time that has escaped from our grasp, it seems like an eternity has passed by.

There was a time when I could not think of anything apart from my exams, projects.
and grades. Friends were then such an integral part of life that there wasn't a day when we didn't hang out with each other. Now all I get and (I also admit) send are a few lame text messages wishing them appropriately the season's best wishes.

Well, life changes, priorities change, and so do many other things, I suppose. But no more blah, blahs this time round, just simple wishes to one and all.

Próspero Año Nuevo 2008

Psst: I just noticed this is the 6th year for my blog!! Whoa, does that mean I'm a veteran already?