Dinosaurs could have been our pets just 2 millions years back...

Thanks to Steven Spielberg and Micheal Crichton for the Jurassic park in 1993, Dinosaurs which were the subjects only for Paleontologists and historians caught the attention of the larger public for the last 20 years.

When we talk about Dinosaurs, its sheer size and the projected ferocity comes and taunts everyone irrespective of your age. I wanted to pick two of the widely agreed facts and establish that these animals were nothing more than our pets at their times and that too just 2 million years ago. As a disclaimer let me state that I am neither a  paleontologist nor a historian nor an archaeologist. I am just connecting few dots and you can agree to disagree.

1. It is believed that Dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago and they probably existed between 200 million years to 65 million years ago. This is very widely accepted.

2. The height of the dinosaurs is pegged between 15 feet to 45 feet. While there are reports that there could have been 100ft+ tall dinosaurs but they are based some fragmented fossils and not very widely accepted. So I shall stick the 15 to 45 feet range for their height.

Now, lets look at whether we have data or theories on:

1. Whether there was Homo sapiens as a species during the above mentioned period?
2. If yes, what was the height of the human beings?

To my knowledge, Sanatana Dharma or today's Hinduism is the only philosophy which answers both the queries conclusively. Unless you believe in Hindu scriptures, it is difficult to accept these details but for the next 5 minutes, please read through the blog and you can ignore if that does not appeal to you.

You may know that as per Hindu scriptures the Yugas are divided as:

1. Satya Yuga - 17,28,000 years

2. Treta Yuga - 12,96,000 years

3. Dwapara Yuga - 8,64,000 years

4. Kali Yuga - 4,32,000 years

At the risk of repetition, let me quickly explain them. These 4 Yugas make 1 Maha yuga which is 4.32 million years. Scriptures say that the universe is a ever recurring cycle of this Maha yuga. The linear age of the universe is 155+ trillion years, which is composed of mulitple Maha Yugas. 1000 Maha Yugas (4.32 billion years) make half a day for Brahma and per vedas Brahma is 51 years old.

Interestingly it is said that based on the Yuga many things like endowed age of the individual, quality and abilities of all the species are fixed, that also includes the endowed height of a human being for the respective yugas.

Now lets get what is meant by endowed age and endowed height of a human being. Universe it is said follows a rhythm which is bound by a mathematical code and frankly the effort of sages for ages has been to uncover this code. But we do have few information like a flash in the pan without the basis of those being revealed. This is like, we don't know the mathematical equation but the answer to the equation is known. Much of the wisdom is lost and we are scratching what is left behind and losing that too very fast.

The other point i need to highlight is the endowed age for a human being is 120 years in Kali Yuga (1 year = 360 days) but it is also told that towards the end of Kali yuga (Kali is 432000 years and we have just completed 5114 years as of 2012), the age of the human being would reduce to 20 years. But we will focus on the general recommendation which is 120 years.

Like wise for each and every yuga the endowed height of the human beings is also stated. Lets see what those are:

1. Kali Yuga - 3.5 cubits - Just about 7 feet

2. Dwapara Yuga - 7 Cubits = 14 feet

3. Treta Yuga - 14 cubits = 28 feet

4. Krita Yuga - 21 cubits = 42 feet.

Please note a cubit is an ancient measurement and is widely seen in Christianity, Hinduism and also in Egyptian scriptures and it varies as follows:

1. As per Bible, each cubit is about 18 inches

2. As per Egyptian metrics it is about 20 inches.

3. As per Hindu scriptures we have 2 measures - Hasta as cubit which is 24 inches and the other is Muzham which is 24 angulas ie. 33 inches. I settled for 24 inches for the above values expressed in feet, which is lot closer to the Biblical and Egyptian values.

Now if you don't believe me you can see some discoveries of huge fossils including that of humans and also references in Bible which indicates such possibilities. http://www.6000years.org/frame.php?page=giants 

So now, let me address both the questions:

1. If Dinosaurs were between between 15 feet to 45 feet and if human beings in Krita Yuga were 42 feet, then SIZE DID NOT MATTER. 

If we go by the relative height of human beings to Dinosaurs we may have to refine our understanding that Dinosaurs were not outliers in terms of their height and size but were just as proportionate as our dogs, cats and horses today. Even if this truth is known to the Paleontologists, this cannot be stated openly since Hollywood could not have excited us and made money. Also as human beings we need our dose of fascination and imagination to make our life interesting, Isn't?

2. Latest Krita Yuga was between 2.2 million years to 3.9 million years before.

Also the cyclical nature of Yugas is highlighted very often and we can draw a parallel to the cyclical nature of seasons in a year or day and night for a day.

I propose here the following:

• Dinosaurs could have existed during Krita Yugas not as gigantic outliers but part of the overall ecosystem.
• If this is so, then they existed just 2 million years before and not extinct 65 million years back. Also the scientists need not invent any meteor strikes that wiped this species to extinction but could agree that they underwent one of the many natural process of extinction.
• Among Dinosaurs, experts say that there were quite a number of sub-species who were believed to be Vegetarians and not the ferocious man-eater types. Well, then these could have been our pets.

Any discovery of huge fossils which is dated 2-4 million years ago would probably prove this but till then I want to conclude this blog with 2 quotes of Edward De Bono..

"Everyone has the right to doubt everything as often as he pleases and the duty to do it at least once. No way of looking at things is too sacred to be reconsidered."

and 

“If you never change your mind, why have one?” 

Happy Reading!

Musings: Calmness of my Conscience that scares me deep!

Fear is very often topic and tool for many of our academicians, philosophers and leaders. We have read / heard many on this. I had always believed in the quote Fear is the mother of morality. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Not just of morality but our current day religion and rituals are more of a byproduct of fear and nothing more. You may like this http://ragsgopalan.blogspot.in/2009/01/musings-ignore-god-and-extol-godliness.html

Alternatively, If you are not scared of fear then the fear shall be scared of you. This is a slightly modified (one of my favorite) quote of Thiruvalluvar who quote on troubles as “இடும்பைக் கிடும்பை படுப்பர் இடும்பைக்கிடும்பை படாஅ தவர்”.

Coming to the current musing, this is a reflection on 2 things:

1.      The extent of social ills like corruption, absence of any discipline, adherence to law and lack of speedy justice to the society are all linked primarily to the silence of the majority who are law abiding, virtuous, benevolent and right minded. It’s their silence, tolerance and “Chalta Hai” attitude which is exploited by the leaders of our time. This needs to change and this change can start only with the self. Hence I have concluded that it’s the calmness of my conscience that troubles me most. If my conscience is not calm then it would propel me into corrective action which at a larger context would reflect in the society.

2.    I was listening to song, “Achha Paththu (அச்சப்பத்து)” from Thiruvaasagam (திருவாசகம்) last evening and was inspired by that. If someone knows to read Tamil they should certainly read this gem http://www.thevaaram.org/thirumurai_1/onepage.php?thiru=8&Song_idField=81350.

This is very nicely put into tune by Maestro Ilayaraja here. Some of the puritans may like the classical Carnatic version but I love this one too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E935l0XVWk

3.      Ok. If you don’t know Tamil, then I suggest that you learn Tamil just to read Thiruvaasagam (திருவாசகம்) and you would thank me for the rest of your life. J

Now on to this blog:

Ain’t scared of fiery Volcanoes

Shaky quakes & Tsunami waves

Scarred ain’t of fires & floods

The poisons slow & the sands quick

But, dreaded I am at my deceitful friends!

Yeah! Dreaded I am at my deceitful friends!!

Ain’t scared of poisonous Snakes

The Elephants Lonely & the charging ox

Ain’t scared of the fiery beasts

Their hungry eyes, teeth & claws

But, Qualms I have at the cunning fox!

‘Coz, it’s the breach of faith by the cunning fox!

Ain’t scared of glamorous glances

Luscious lips & sensuous smiles

Scarred ain’t of the curvy hips

The husky words or the swaying backs,

But angst I have on stabbing my back!

Ouch!!

It’s stabbing my back that I can’t stand!!

Ain’t scared of sticks and swords

Shapely spears & deadly weapons

Scarred ain’t of the unnatural deaths

The Deadly diseases & daily disorders

But I panic at my thirsty lusts

The ever growing greed & my lofty pride!!

Ain’t scared of the heaven & hell

The gods multiple & the meaningless rituals

Scarred ain’t of the religious terrorists

Fatal fundamentalists, their caste & creeds

But jitters I get when justice is delayed

For Justice delayed is justice denied!!

Ain’t scared of the leaders corrupt & the media biased

The changing values and the uncertain times

Scared ain’t to fight with the might,

To take a tough call or to temporarily fall

But it’s the reticence of the righteous that scares me deep!

It’s the silence of the spiritual that scares me deep!

It’s the apathy of the honest that scares me deep!

It’s the voicelessness of the virtuous that scares me deep!

It’s the muteness of the meritorious that scares me deep!

It’s the quiescence of the educated that scares me deep!

It’s the tolerance of the trustworthy that scares me deep!

It’s the taciturn of the truthful that scares me deep!

It’s the inaction of the benevolent that scares me deep!

Above all,

It’s the calmness of my conscience that scares me deep!

It’s the calmness of my conscience that scares me deep!!

Happy reading!

A $10b+ hype called God Particle!

Disclaimer:

- I am neither a physicist nor a researcher, who is qualified to comment on a highly technical subject like Gods particle. But going by the standards in main stream media in India, I am convinced that there are no qualifications required to report or comment on anything. As a common man, i am commenting on the much hyped discovery of the century, yet - God particle from what i understand.

- Beware, this blog may give you a fresh perspective, cutting the media hype and would probably make you think. I request that you to "think" and decide if you want to get into a remotely dangerous state called "thinking". :).

Let me start the blog with high respect to the scientific community who are sincerely struggling to unlock the hidden secrets of nature and there is not even an iota of intention to belittle their efforts. Kudos to them for successfully spending few billions of dollars in about 2 years and building a 27 kms loop structure underneath Switzerland and France. This has certainly pushed the limits of the boundary of the human efforts a little further.

1. In the overall media hype it is completely lost that CERN scientists have told that they have found something which indicates that it could be a BOSON. But they are not sure about its characteristics and they need more time to come (some time next year) with the characteristics of particle. Let’s get this right, a particle is found based on signal to noise ratio of 5 sigma level (as i understand) but they are not sure about its full characteristics but have come out with a possible mass value for the particle. Yeah!, that's right. They have not found god, they have not even confirmed that its "Gods particle" (which has no relevance to the name anyway) but they have found something about which they are 99% sure. This sounds like a classical Rahul Gandhi statement that 99% of the terrorist attacks are prevented in India by the government! In matters of life and death and in science anything less than 100% would not do.

2. One logical question i had was after spending few billion dollars did anyone expect that the scientific community to come back and tell us that they have not found anything? Hey, you have got a metal scrap framework for your $10b which can be part of the underground Disney land in future? huh!

3. As I understand, the overall solution fits into a standard model of particle physics which explains how particle acquires mass or the mass phenomenon behind elementary particles and also to explain a weak electromagnetic force. The theory proposes a new field called Higgs field and new particle. The issue is, the model still excludes how dark matter is formed and also it excludes gravity, one of the 4 forces of general theory of relativity. This means 96%+ of the universe is excluded from the standard model and it includes only less than 4% of which we are 99% sure as of today without much idea on its characteristics. :)

4. There was also a debate in one of the Indian TV channels on "Spirituality and Gods particle". Sadly neither the moderator nor the participants had much clue on the fact that the God particle is a misnomer and also what we have in our Vedic scriptures about the fundamental so called God's particle (Paramaanu). It was surprising to note that the traditional objections largely raised by the church and Islamic scholars for ages against any scientific inventions were applied across all religions. I wanted to stand up and highlight how Vedic scriptures contain tons and tons of slokas / verses based on this Paramaanu and also how this is codified in our languages esp. Tamil and Sanskrit. Btw, at the risk of repetition let me reinstate that the Boson is not the Paramaanu they are after since Paramaanu is applicable for the 100% of the universe and not for just 4% or less.

I would request you to read this eBOOK especially chapters 5 to 12 and 23 to understand the Gods particle in Vedic scriptures, its size, and characteristics.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9zx4oUWP-5vNzNiMzg2MGYtMGFlZC00MzEyLWI2ZmQtNzgwZTNiN2JmZDM2&hl=en_US

If you are wondering if the chicken or egg came first, you would get the answer when you read chapter 5. Indian sages did not spend $10b and a 27 km laboratory to unveil this but they unlocked the secrets of universe through meditation which are codified in Vedas.

5. Assuming that Higgs Boson turns out to be as expected in 2013 then I have 2 predictions as its impact on modern science. Please note both the predictions are based on vedic scriptures since the current science / theory is in variance to it.

Prediction 1: Scrap / modify the big bang theory

The theory states that at the point of singularity when the big bang happened all the mass evolved from a single point, which burst across and consolidated as the present day universe. This has to be immediately scrapped. Please read the ebook which highlights that the entire universe was filled with Gods particle which were present in a resonant state of NON-VIBRATION. They were not confined to one point as we are popularly taught in our schools. Vedic scriptures say that this big bang was actually Pranava which is the primordial light and sound that released the energy because of which all these particles started its motion and condensed into the present day universe. Shiva Sutras state that the Damru of Shiva produced 14 sounds after pranava based on which the particles coalesced into the current day universe. This is the first prediction. You may find the matter and energy correlation in Tamil and Sanskrit language of the ebook drawing parallels to E= mc2.

Prediction 2: Change in the estimate of the age of the universe

Please read Chapter 12 which is about the vedic concept of time. In my opinion, none of the religions in the world can match the time and space measurements to vedic accuracy till date. ~13billions years predicted by the modern science as the age of the universe may get adjusted to something lesser like 4 to 8 billion years. The model ACDM or WMAP based on which the age of the universe is determined are based on specific constants like Hubble parameter or background energy of the subatomic particles. A deeper study would reveal that the scientific community has reservations on this as the accuracy of the age of the universe is based on the assumption that the model and the constants are accurate. I expect some changes in this and we may hear that as a universe we are much younger than 13 billion years. Why so?

As per Vedic scriptures the linear age of the universe is ~300 trillion years which is 100 years of Brahma. We are in the 51st age of Brahma which means the universe is ~155 trillion years old in the linear sense. But it is also told that after every day of Brahma (8.6 billion years) the world dissolves itself and recreates again. So the age of the universe should be less than 8.6 billion years old considering our scientists can measure the time only before the dissolution.

Now answer an interesting question, what happens to universe after 300 trillion years? It is told that the universe shall remain in a state of resonant non-vibration for another 300 trillion years and then the Pranava or the big bang shall come forth. So we are in a cycle of 300 trillion years. :)

One of the relatively new tamil scripture called Thiruvasagam (திருவாசகம்) in the 8th century AD (Yes, 8th century is pretty modern day of Vedic scriptures) Sage Mannikka vasagar gives a wonderful depiction of how the universe looks in its Thiruvanda Paguthi (திருவண்ட பகுதி).

"அண்டப் பகுதியின் உண்டைப் பிறக்கம்

அளப்பருந் தன்மை வளப்பெருங் காட்சி

ஒன்றனுக் கொன்று நின்றெழில் பகரின்

நூற்றொரு கோடியின் மேற்பட விரிந்தன

இன்னுழை கதிரில் துன்அணுப் புரையச் 5

சிறிய வாகப் பெரியோன் தெரியின்"

It says "The universe if full of spherical objects in innumerable quantities and its order and rhythm are a beautiful sight. Every object has a beauty of its own and they expand and spread across the universe in crores. See the sun rays that enter the house from a small hole in the roof, how the minute particles rotate around that is how the cosmic bodies rotate in the universe".

Though i said that it is a relatively new scripture in Indian history, considering that the rest of the world like Europe and America were in dark ages and here in India a sage says how the universe looks without any modern day gadgets and labs. The sun ray example was stunning as to this is the picture we have of the universe today. The sage states that the Panchakshara Mantra (Om Na Ma Si Va Ya) helped him to unlock the secrets of the universe.

So, how do i conclude this blog?

One of my friend from Singapore quipped that when ever modern science makes a discovery and unlocks a secret it quickly comes with a destructive aspect like a nuclear / hydrogen bomb from that knowledge. May be he is right, we should expect them to come out with BOSON bomb in the near future.

Rich scientific information is available in our scriptures which we and the rest of the world are comfortably ignorant of. May be the CERN scientists should partner with Indian pandits, get initiated into Panchakshara Mantra, chant this in front of the Nataraja statue they have installed in their CERN campus to unlock the secrets of the universe at a much cheaper cost. :). Why not?

When the world is in recession we have spent about $13b sofar, to unlock secret about 4% of the universe at 99% accuracy without much idea on its Characteristics and whose benefits would not be probably seen in not only in our generation but also in the next generation (as quoted by one CERN executive). Please let me know if any of us are trusted with a financial / executive decision like this would we have voted / approved it? 

I read that Peter Higgs ditched his wife for his career and hence successfully proposed this path breaking theory. This sounds interesting as he proved, not always that there is a lady behind every successful man. In this case he left the lady very far behind... :).

For the betterment of the world I think we need only one particle, let’s call as "Devil particle" which can instantly punish the wrong doer without any delay. Justice as per natural order (Dharma) should be dispensed instantly, till then none of the discoveries and inventions can help us evolve for the better.

The irrational hype around this event did prove again the famous Einstein quote (slightly modified) that "Two things are infinite - Universe and Media Hype and Iam not sure about the universe!"

Happy reading!

PS: This blog shall evolve as the hype around this evolves :)

Musings: “May we be cured of our “Past” blindness….”

Just like marriage or voting or to apply for driving license is there an age limit to indulge in philosophical / spiritual studies and discussions? Going by some of the feedback that i have been receiving i am told that lets give another 5 –10 years before we get philosophical / spiritual.

Some of them who know me for more than a decade even pity me for this disposition. Lets be 45+ then we can start spending some time reading about such heavy stuff – is a very common and logically valid argument from most of my friends. I remember taking the same position not so long ago.

There seems to be a psychological – if not legal, age limit we have set to ourselves for more evolved things in life. I am not sure as to where this age limit bias is rooted.

I came across few interesting pieces of information which answered this question comprehensively to my satisfaction and at the same time highlighted as to how and what mistakes we have been making all this while.

“There was a highly evolved individual - philosophically and spiritually, who was trying hard to initiate his son into spiritual / philosophical studies. The answer was nothing different from what we would have given. Dad, there is enough time and let me start this at a later stage in life.

All his attempts to make his son see his point were in vain, yet determined about his objective the old man decided to try a new way. As a part of his daily prayers he used to buy some flowers and fruits in small quantities for the days consumption. But on one day he bought few dozens of bananas and stocked near his son’s room.

His son noticed this new stock of bananas outside his room but did not bother to ask what is that for. After a couple of days, the son could not resist asking his dad, what these bananas are for? His replied that these are for God and i am planning to offer them to God after daily prayers. Next few days, the bananas have started rotting and the rotten smell of bananas were becoming unbearable yet there are no sign of any banana being offered to god or being taken out.

The son could not stand this and was complaining to his father for some action. But his dad was quite composed and replied that he is still wanting to offer them to god and waiting for the right time.

His son could not take this calm answer and was about to explode that no one in the house can stand this smell. His father did not seem to be perturbed at this outburst and calmly replied “is this not similar to saying that we can start the spiritual / philosophical studies when we are old and not at an young age…?” We want to offer ourselves to god when we are weak, old with no utility value, then why not the bananas.

His son could not ignore the point his dad was trying to make with all his sincerity “Spirituality is not a past time activity dedicated to physical infirmity at old age but is an essential tool to guide our lives from the time we can think on our own and take decisions for ourselves. These tools come in handy to establish the right priorities in life, control the extraordinary physical urges and give a right conduit to them and most importantly keep them in the right path in our journey called life giving us enough – just enough latitude during this whole journey.”

In Tamil there is a saying that "காமம் வருமுன் காயத்ரி வரவேண்டும்" (Kamam varumun Gayatri Varavendum) which means before Gayatri should enter the mind of a child before Kama”.

There is another logic to this argument. They say every action done or word spoken is like a seed being sown. If we initiate our kids early enough in life in the path of spirituality / philosophical studies then its like a seed being sown. the child grows up indulges in the worldly life like we all do and generally when the physical body becomes little slow, say during mid thirties there is a qualitative change in our thinking. The insecurity around our career and our self ability would have been addressed with a decent degree and job, kids, marriage etc would have established ourselves in a life that starts thinking about others with shared responsibility. I can also state that after being few years of married life a man naturally takes to the spiritual / philosophical path (thanks to my female friends reading this and in complete agreement with this :)), hence there is a qualitative change in thinking.

This aspect is a very good catalyst for the spiritual seed sown in the childhood and we notice most of us start looking for higher purpose in life. Let me qualify here that this higher purpose is not in being religious but in understanding / trying to understand how we can be of better utility to ourselves and to the people around us.

In the absence of a seed which was not sown at an early age, it is told that many individuals struggle hard in life without a substratum and lead a mentally volatile life leading to broken relationships, psychological treatments etc – just like a ship without an anchor that would drift and lose its way.

So the argument for starting the spiritual / philosophical studies early in life has 2 arguments so far.

I turned around to see if there are any references in our scriptures or in any of my friend’s works. The one liked was from one of my girl friend “Auvaiyaar” who lived over 2000 years before. She has been asked what is rare and difficult in this world and she replies:

அரிது அரிது, மானிடராதல் அரிது

மானிடராயினும் கூன் குருடு செவிடு நீங்கி பிறத்தல் அரிது

கூன் குருடு செவிடு பிறந்த காலையின்
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் லயத்தல் அரிது

ஞானமும் கல்வியும் லயந்த காலையும்

தானமும் தவமும் தான் செய்தல் அரிது

தானமும் தவமும் தான் செய்வராயின்

வானவர் நாடிட வழி பிறந்திடுமே !

means, It is difficult to be born as a human being, more difficult is to be born without any diseases like blindness, deafness etc. Even if you are physically ok, it is difficult to gain education and wisdom. Even if you are educated, it is very difficult to be generous (to do charity) and do penance (be disciplined). If you are a human being and firmly established in the path of generosity and penance then you shall walk the path of the angels and gods.

This highlights the importance of looking for a higher purpose in life and essentially addressing the community which is well educated but yet shying away from philosophical / spiritual path.

But what is the right age to start this?

Hindus have a ritual called Valaikappu (that’s how its in tamil) which is conducted around 6th month of pregnancy where the mother bearing the child is made to wear lots of glass bangles. The reason behind this is to recognize the development of hearing sensation of the fetus.

Our scriptures are replete with stories where the child has been learning even when it is in the uterus. For example Abhimanyu learnt the war secret of breaking a battle formation (Chakra vyuh) when he was in the uterus. Prahalad son of Demon king Hiranyakshan learnt the Atma tattva when he was in uterus and that led to Narasimha avatar.

But what took me off my feet was this lullaby (தாலாட்டு) in Sanskrit which is being sung by a mother to the new born child.

“Suddhosi Buddhosi Niranjanosi
Samsar Maya Parivarjatosi
Samsar Swavadam Tyaja Moha Nidram
Na Janma Mrityu Twahi Sat Swarupe..”

meaning,

You are forever pure, you are forever true
and the dream of this world will never touch you
So give up your attachment, give up all confusion
Fly in that space that's beyond all illusion. You are the that truth’s form…

If you read the song again you would notice that there is nothing religious in that but the supreme philosophy that is being sung to a new born infant.

I came across this piece only a few days back and “Googled” to find out more. to my surprise I found quite a number of articles, even videos actually sung by not Indians but foreigners who have taken active interest in learning our past which we have comfortably ignored.

I have started asking my friends & relatives if they have heard this song. the answer is disappointing not only from our generation but also from the previous generation.

I think Lord Macaulay should be laughing his heart out in his grave as he managed to spearhead the inculcation of “Past blindness” in a country of billion people.. (enlarge this image to understand this.)

I think there has not been a country with about 3 generations now who have comfortably decided to give crass importance to their rich past and is obsessed with anything that is alien to ours.

I fear may we not live to see the days when a stranger from an alien land comes and teaches us about our past!… May we not put our children to face those days. Lets be intellectually hungry about our rich past, lets be rationally discriminate about them and lets be very passionate about the right ones and take pride in them.

May we be cured of our “Past” blindness!…

Happy reading!

PS: I am producing here some exceptional quotes about India’s past. Check out the Einstein’s quote on Bhagavad Gita.

When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.
- Albert Einstein

"Where the mind is without fear
and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been
broken up into fragments by
narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from
the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches
its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason
has not lost its way into the dreary
desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is lead forward by thee
into ever-widening thought and action-
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father,
let my country awake."
"GEETANJALI" -Rabindranath Tagore

We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.
-Albert Einstein

If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India.
- Max Mueller (German scholar)

Mark Twain said: India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.

French scholar Romain Rolland said: If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.

The land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendour and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genii and giants and Aladdin lamps, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of hundred nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of traditions, whose yesterday's bear date with the modering antiquities for the rest of nations-the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest for alien prince and alien peasant, for lettered and ignorant, wise and fool, rich and poor, bond and free, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined.
- Mark Twain

India - The land of Vedas, the remarkable works contain not only religious ideas for a perfect life, but also facts which science has proved true. Electricity, radium, electronics, airship, all were known to the seers who founded the Vedas.
- Wheeler Wilcox (American poet)

Our Civility is in "Indifference"

Yes, its been some time since i blogged. I should thank a host of news reports over the last few days both "light" and "heavy" which prompted me to come back.

1. Fatal bum lift: A 38-year-old former Miss Argentina has died from complications after undergoing cosmetic surgery on her buttocks. Solange Magnano, a mother of twins who won the crown in 1994, died of a pulmonary embolism Sunday after three days in critical condition following a gluteoplasty in Buenos Aires.

When i read this i did not know whether to cry to laugh. She just managed to lose her life just for a "firmer back". With all due respects to the departed soul, lets pray that god would implant brain at the right place in her next life.

2. Toilet paper shortage in house of commons: "KGB" led disaster in the house of commons left the Lords of the Westminster red faced & (dry a***ed), raiding ladies toilet too in search of toilet papers. Kevan, Gena and Brown (KGB) the company managing supplies of toilet papers has accepted the shortage and agreed to "look into the issue".

I was rolling in splits thinking about the "lords" running around the house of commons after the "act". Can it get any funnier? I fear the commission of inquiry and its transcripts from victims shall be the "most stinking" report ever produced in the history of human race.

3. Tiger population in US is set to increase overtaking India's: Now you would be surprised at this news story from the "The news that wasn't". The super fine golf champ had agreed that he "Tee"-d off outside his marriage and stuck to the "holing the ball" game on and off his course. While the entire story is still unfolding about the crashed car rear windows, a sullied and angry spouse blah blah... i think knowing the champ's mastery in the 18 hole games, this "secret" fling against agreed social norms if its productive then certainly promises to increase the "Tiger" population in US. :).

4. Men on the brink of extinction: We all know that a male is a male because of the "Y chromosome". Per prof. Jennifer Gravis, this "Y" chromosome is dying and "men" shall be wiped out of the earth in the next 5 million years. It is estimated that the "Y chromosome" had 1400 genes on it 300 millions years ago and now it has reduced to a mere 42. Over this period of time there is a consistent deterioration.

But, but, before some of my esteemed "fem lib" readers give a huge sigh of relief, let me break the bad news for them. There are few species in the rodent and fauna family which had lost this "Y chromosome" yet their male species managed to thrive without them. Reason: Some other gene has adapted to the function. :))

Coming to more serious issues within our great country, one of the topics which was occupying quite an amount of prime time is Liberhan report over the demolition. I was surprised at the following:

1. The whole country and almost all of the media houses were aware of the report but not the parliament. The report looks like a closely kept secret just for our MPs.

2. I don't understand the cries that this leak lowered the dignity of the house. "In the 15th Lok Sabha there are 150 newly elected MPs who have criminal cases pending against them as compared to 128 MPs in 2004,". If close to 1/3rd of the members have serious criminals records, with the highest from BJP with 42 and then from congress with 41, i am not sure what dignity the house holds. Remember they have charges and not proved yet they found it fine to represent us.

But the last news item which had prompted me get back to blogging is the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal tragedy and the state of affairs as of now.

• Methyl Isocyanate leak led to 25000 deaths (3500 as claimed by Govt) and millions affected by it.
• Complaints of the $470m compensation paid by DOW chemicals, not reaching the right pockets. This is no news in India.
• There is not even one soul who is brought to justice for this criminal act and successive Indian governments have clearly ignored the issues.

The reasons as i can think of ignoring such a huge crime are:

1. No one can play politics out of this tragedy. Had any of the political parties had been behind this disaster we could see our leaders vying for attention atleast for the sake of browny points.
2. The affected people are the poorest of the poor you can find on this country and hence no powerful organizations or leaders want to associate with them for justice delivery.
3. The affected people have not resorted to violence or taken up arms just like the Maoists or naxals have resorted to. I think in a country where the criminal justice system is paralyzed and defunct it takes money or power or force to make people deliver justice.
4. Finally the most important issue as i see is the "Indifference in our attitude to the social issues that does not affect us". I think as a society we have become very indifferent and symbolic in our responses. Light a candle, switch off the lights for one hour in a year, form human chain... i don't understand why we want to waste our time in all such stupid symbolic responses.

While i don't have any better ideas than being angry at the helpless situation we are in, i am certainly ashamed to be part of a society where "Victims are begging for justice even after 25 years".

Without any effort on research, I think i can add more to Prof. Jennifer Gravis findings that both men and women in this society have lost all the important genes and the ones which we are left with are all about being Lazy, selfish, fearful, symbolic and indifferent".

Alas!!! The Indus valley civilization is today reduced to an "Indifferent Civilization" !!.

I wish i am born again after 5 million years to understand the quality of men in this society without the "Y chromosomes" to see if that would be any better. Till then,

Yours Indifferently!

Happy reading!

Musings: Certainty prevails!

Imagine, If you are sleepless at 4.30am in the morning and like standing in the balcony of your house with chill air blowing in your face and there is no one between you and your thoughts! This blog was conceived in an identical setting today...

Naïve is the mind that thinks
Life is all about uncertainty!

When the grey sky turned orange at dawn
When I was awake and aloof without a yawn!
The chillness of the north bound wind of the early summer
In the loneliness of my heart and the stillness of the night
A tempest in isolation stirred my untamed thoughts
Telling me, yo! Foolish mind don’t you realize!
Everything in this world is certain!

Uncertainty in life is certain!
Mortality in life is certain!
Divinity of soul is certain!
Humanity in distress is certain!

Impermanence in existence is certain!
Rebirth and Karmic effects are certain!
A unidirectional time is certain!
Old age and diseases are certain!

Increasing ignorance is certain!
Increasing arrogance is certain!
Rage over race and religion are certain!
Craze over caste and creed are certain!

Summers and winters are certain!
Sunrise and sunset are certain!
Autumn and spring are certain!
Actions without thinking are certain!

A divided world is certain!
Their devilish leans are certain!
Our shallow thinking is certain!
Our falling morality is certain!

Nature exploitation is certain!
Nuke explosion is certain!
Warring countries are certain!
Global warming is certain!

Corrupt politicians are certain!
Indifferent voters are certain!
Gains and losses are certain!
Success and failures are certain!

Economic cycles are certain!
Job losses are certain!
Decreasing wages are certain!
Taxes and death are certain!

Feminine fickleness is certain!
Their girlish disposition is certain!
Masculine arrogance is certain!
Their gullibility to feminity is certain!

The faith of a peasant is certain!
Love of your mother is certain!
Innocence in kids is certain!
Estrangement in friendship is certain!

The chirping birds and the crying kids
Brought me back from my world of thoughts
The chilling winds that’s gone long back
The mindless sun and its merciless rays
Thirsty of my salty sweat
The orange sky turning blue!
Mundane chores pending - giving me a clue!
It is starting of another dogdom day!
As I stand under the shower!
Cold water running through my lips so dry
I said to myself with a smile so wry!

Naïve is the mind that thinks
Life is all about uncertainty!

Happy Reading!

Musings: Change induced mutation!

The prevailing situation which threatens the economic and physical security is playing in every one's mind. This is divided into 2 parts, a situation analysis written under "AS IS" and a plan of action under "TO BE". Its an attempt trying to capture an average citizen's mood (thats me) in India. I am calling for mutation which is a sudden change instead of a gradual change such as enhancements and renovations in the situation....

As is:
Its depression led destruction
As People run for floatation
Its cycles of frustration
As economic cycles under go rotation

When Physical security is threatened
People do look frightened
When Economic security is threatened
People do look disillusioned
Our social fabric is threatened
When both come blended

Is our security so vulnerable?
Is our future so susceptible?
Are our systems so Ineffectual?
Are we so incapable?

As government looks powerless
As people look helpless
As justice looks toothless
As society looks defenseless

As gaps lie exposed
As laws look expired
As forces look immobilized
As we feel cheated

As rich become richer
As poor become poorer
As justice becomes richer
As justice becomes rarer

As world becomes unfair
As explosions become fanfare
As people become despair
As peace is confined to armchair

As bad times rain pain
Value systems are under strain
As it won’t improve if you just complain
From responsibilities, never refrain

To be:
Being shameless is useless
Being restless is useless
Being useless is hopeless
Being Hopeless is lifeless

It’s natural to be negative
It’s natural to be aggressive
It’s rightful to be positive
It’s rightful to be constructive

Let’s repent for incompetence
Let’s repent for ignorance
Let’s repent for indifference
Let’s repent for impotence

Lets get rid of the irritant
Lets get rid of the uninvited immigrant
Lets get rid of the arrogant
Lets get rid of the unwanted militant

Don’t bother about Enhancements
Don’t bother about Alterations
Don’t bother about Renovations
Don’t bother about Conversions
Stop bothering about conversions!

Genes have to be mutated
Risks have to be mitigated
Minds have to be disciplined
Responsibility have to be ingrained

Lets start isoloating the terrorism
Let’s start terminating the extremism
Let’s stop secularizing terrorism
Let’s stop nationalizing the extremism

Let’s be fiscally prudent
Lets be inefficiency intolerant
Let’s be ideologically divergent
Let’s be voluntarily repentant

Its time for preservation
Its time for revolution
Its time for adaptation
Its time for transformation

Good Living is in learning
Good living is in Sharing
Good living is in sharing the learning
Good living is in unlearning
For me, Unlearning is also learning !

For justice ingrained gravitation
For love ingrained ammunition
For humility ingrained education
For reason ingrained disposition

We need Change induced mutation!
We need Change induced mutation!

Happy reading!