Devdutt Pattanaik: East vs. West -- the myths that mystify
Very nice video, aptly presented by Devdutt Pattanaik. I was glad to see some our Jain principles, symbols getting used in it.
Some of nice comments that i felt made me laugh during the presentation >> I wanted to learn mythology but mythology doesn't pay, until now :P >> Who is good, Gomtershwara, Bahubali Or the Alexander, I will give you an indian answer, the indian nodding :D
This drama conducted by Munisuvrat Jain trust mandal, Kumarapark on 8th Nov, completely stood to its meaning. I was happy to take my mother for the same, both of us ended up crying in the end, it was nicely portrayed/conceptualized and very well executed by all the artists/sounds/music... Selection of the songs was too good. It was nice to see some of the familiar faces in JYLF here too. Photos were take by Camera, so not that great - http://picasaweb.google.com/chandan.maloo/MataPitaKiMahanta#
My take over the play It definitely will help today's youth to re-think and make them much more aware of their responsibilities towards their parents. One should remember how our parents blindly accepted our mistakes when we were small and fragile. In their age of fragility when they need us the most, we end up absconding them, leaving them to their own fate. They are human and bound to make mistakes at this old age but we should instill patience in us and greet them with smile like they did to us when we were little. Please remember that none of us have seen God, Our parents are our bhagwaan in this kalyug era. The truly epitomizes God in all ways. Parmatmaa, aatmaa, maa - every one has word Maa in it and thus signifying its huge importance. Mata, Pita and Guru are our actual taranhars in this materialistic world full of greed/apathy/lust. "Mujhe maaf karna Om Sai Ram, tujh se pehle lunga Mummy Daddy ka naam"
Beginning of the play with some dance performances Before the start of the drama, there were some dance performances based on religious songs. Seeing on those kids performing it, i felt totally engrossed into my own childhood. Sometime back i felt that City ppl may not be that inclined to religion as ppl in the villages and small towns, but Bangalore has put me completely wrong. Ppl here are much more religious and follow dharam to their core... i feel very much happy for our future generations and pretty sure they will also inculcate the same spirit.. Actually this became quite evident to me after spending Paryushan parva here. Response of today's youth was amazing...
Later sweet pretty girls portrayed themselves as mothers of various castes/creed/religion/region, demonstrating the fact the a kid/son/daughter for her mother is the same to her no matter where she hails from or which part of the world/religion she lives, Her son/daughter is the most dearest to her. Lines used by these small cute angels were too witty and sweet, they just took all the audiences by surprise, and got a great response + a clapping ovation. Marathi mother and the musalman mother were the show stoppers i felt and casted a spell on the audience with their unique style of delivery and walking.
"Tujhe Suraj kahoo ke Chanda, Tujhe deep kahoon ke taara" "mera naam karega roshan, jag mein mera raj dulaara"
Drama Starts now Now started the main part of the drama for which we all were eagerly waiting. Story was typical bollywood style but it conveyed the harsh reality of today in a very nice way. Mother/Father are not having kids for quite some time, so they pray to god, go on for tirth yatras and finally after lots of pariksha their prayers are heard, mother gives birth to a pretty boy. They name it Preet. Both the them spend loads of time with this god's gift, fulfill all his wishes. Get him all kinds of toys/modern stuff so that Preet is happy. Meanwhile the father starts to incur some losses in the business. He has to give up his business and sell its stake to teach his son after 12th so that he can become a big business man. Preet is still unaware of the hardships of his parents and still enjoying his teens + college.
Both of their wishes come true as Preet ends up becoming top notch professional in his field. Parents are happy again. Now the time comes for the a finding a perfect partner for the son, their bahu. So search starts in that direction. Preet still hasn't given his willingness to marriage, his parents were fine, if he had some girl in mind. Later the Son ends up marrying her college love Vandana, fondly called Vandu throughout the drama. Vandu is a CA, daughter of a big business man and is like today's modern girl, self independent, confident but a bit over confident.
Both father and mother try hard to keep good with Vandu, but Vandu is arrogant and behaves bad with them. Still the parents do not crib about this to their son. Things began to change faster, Father is now asked to stay in the home and spend time with mother and Vandu and son will go to office. Once mother gets ill and still Vandu is not bothered. She goes with her friend for Cinema, asking her mother in law to cook food for her son too. Mother's health worsens but can't help much. When the son is back, he asks about the food but not about her mother's health. "nice song was played here, do not remember now"
Some time later, Vandu gets a call from her mother's side that her mother is ill, she asks for permissions of her in laws to visit her mother, which is amiably granted by the mother in law. [ see the greatness of the mother ] Her Son too wishes to go with her wife. On that father gets angry and asks him to stay and take care of her mother who is ill. Son replies that "you are there na papa to take care of mom", I will go help Vandu's parents who need more help. [See the thinking of the son]
Some time after, the son realizes his mistakes when hi visits one of his very close college friends. He corrects himself and slams Vandu to behave properly with her mother and respect his parents too. Vandu now becomes a good bahu and now they have one more new member that is awaiting. Soon they become Dada and Dadi... { End of play }
PS: Family means Father and Mother iLove You all, So try to always be in a family and never part away from it. keep up the good spirit.
We started at 10:30 pm in the night on 11th March from Bhagirath Hostel; Pilani reached Chandigarh at Morning 5(around 7-8 hours of journey. Across these full 8 hours I & Omkar were the ones who didn't sleep at all. We were the ones enjoying the shining Nilgiri Trees across the wide Grand Trunk Road, Our Qualis was running at a speed of 90-100 kms per hour...
Chandigarh Manali Distance: 300-312 Km On the way to Manali, we first had an experience of the Best Site of the Trip (which it need’s to be & is worth it) at Panchpiri just after Swarghat...
Panchpiri Site: It was as if clouds were below us, for all of us this was the very 1st time. Imagine as if a confluence of many rivers taking place. The scene was just like that; just the rivers were replaced by the thick cover of the clouds. Just on the next side at the extreme opposite of it was the snow clad peaks. This was the 2nd time when I had seen snow clad peaks remember Mussorie). At this place I & Omkar had a bet in which I won a cold drink. Even till today he still owes me a cold drink...
The bet was that they were not snow clad peaks. Just an illusion. I said definitely they were snow peaks. Since it was a first time experience for him so may be he won’t be having knowledge of how these peaks look like Basically the description of the site is very difficult to explain. We felt we were approaching towards Heaven, with all the fairies around us, such a lovely experience. Really enjoyed it. (For a moment this thought kept pondering me.) This sight was so worth seeing that all of us (my friend) while taking the snap of the scenes out there forgot that we were inside the Electrical Tower. (Luckily no accidents were reported...)
As we were approaching Manali... Nature, sorry mother nature was showering its best possible creations to us, flora & fauna over the places was just superb, absolutely freshening experience... On the way to Manali we developed so much enthu that it cannot be described in words... Step Farming was seen everywhere. We doubted how people could live in such high places?? Hills everywhere... Houses were distantly spaced & spread across the hills. We were thinking how these people were able to survive and earn their daily livelihood. The temperature was dropping down as we were heading towards Manali. Then came the famous Sundarnagar, known for its natural scenic beauty. It truly earns its name from the very beauty it showcases to its visitors; very typical silt was observed in the lakes seen at Sundarnagar. We reached Manali around 4 pm.
MANALI: Hotel: Shandela Hotel, Mall Road. Rent: Rs. 1800 for 2 days.4 bed –2 rooms + 2 bed –1 room We had diner at Sharma Restaurant..Rs. 70 Jain thali just in front of the chownk.
At Mall Road: Manali actually depressed in some matters. Matters which were very important to us, as to what we enjoyed at Mussorie at abundance, was very rare with some 2-3 exceptions.
Just Before Manali: besides beas river myself & kapil performed the Veerzara Scene. The scene were SRK takes Preity Zinta across the river over a small trolley type thing. The water of Beas River was freezing cold. Dare to put your Legs or any part of body in Beas River… Also on the way to Manali while crossing the mountains, through the scary ghat roads, we went through a Huge Long Tunnel recently made; it was very nice construction. At night some of us got Royal Stag & the rest of us got FANTA. All of us then played night long, a card game called as Least Count; courtesy: Sush & Sachin. We played till 1:0 clock during which some of my friends who had the Royal Experience showed signs of unusual behaviors especially Addy & Paddy. Paddy bhai to ulti tunn. (Royal Behavior)
13th March: HADIMBA Temple: It’s a very Old temple in Manali, made in Chinese Style. This temple is some 2kms from our Hotel & was situated inside the Great Himalayan National Park. Deodar trees were awesome. They were all around us…they are Giant and its difficult to imagine it unless you are standing amidst them. We had a snap with White YAK of Manali. (Shenai Snap).
Rohtang Pass: Actually because of the snow it was closed during this period. It is generally open during May. Since the road was blocked we just went till KOTHI (15 Km). As we were approaching towards Kothi, our ears got stuck, eyes bamboozled, snow Clad Peak all around. It was like we were going to be realizing our dreams to touch the snow. Play with it…He he
Snow clad peaks were so near to us. I was very much excited, so was KK and all of us. So we began to give names to Peaks which we saw first & then began a race between us to name each one of them & associate them with us… At Kothi the environment, surroundings are worth describing.
KOTHI: Eskimo Dress: Rs. 50 coat + shoes + gloves, Rs. 5 stick, Hotel HIM KAFE It was like Snow Fields ALL Around. Strong Breezes were blowing around. It was even difficult o stand. Even when I am typing this, I am still experiencing the breezes. They were violet as well Jubilant. We all were shivering like anything. Even when we had put loads of winter clothes stuff around our Body… Above all was the almighty SUN GOD. Sparkling & laughing on us with a broad smile. The ice was shining in the Sun Light. Even the Sun GOD was finding it hard difficult to melt the snow. What can I say, GUYS…its just cant be described in words. It was all imagination for us. Which became a reality and we all were enjoying every moment of it. The second best thing of the trip, the one which we all had in mind when we planned for this trip was fully felt & cherished by all of us…We all played with snow…made snow balls…threw at each other. Did many things & also made a snow man.
Moving on the snow is really hard. U need to choose the next step with utmost care…Sometimes, I can say many a times snow went inside our shoe… Its was such a worst experience of cold u cant imagine… "GOD help us".. was what we were continually uttering/praying…Our legs were literally shaking. Initially we were finding it very difficult to stand & move. Also it was very difficult to breathe & above all strong cold winds were making it impossible for us to stand. At this moment I realized how our Veer Jawans stand tall in Kashmir “Siachin”, the highest place on earth were military is there. Claps to them, I salute them for their Bravery.
After a small session of aaram & chai, I & KK decided that we will go to top of one of the peaks…which was closest to us. So we just started out. After a brave fight with all the harsh conditions around us, half an hour fight of walking brought fruits to us. We were at the TOP, TOP of the world. YO Guys. Seeing us, some of my friends also followed, 7 of us successfully reached the top.
TOP of the Peak: The Closest experience. Long snow fields, Silver surroundings. Peaks were shining under the SUN GOD. Imagine u r at the center & totally surrounded by huge white glowing silver Peaks all around u…They were unquestionably, the brightest & the whitest, SURF excel ki whiteness bhi DAG hai jiske samne. (Sorry guys but I can’t control any more)… Even MILK the purest of all could have felt cheated... We all really found ourselves speechless for a moment. KHAMOSH CHA GAYI PAL BHAR KE LIYE. (Nihar rahe the sab Kudrat ka ye adbhut karishma) ki achanak. Suddenly everyone started discussing. DID u se that peak? Behind that Peak is the great Rohtang Pass. Woh Dekh sabse jyada white aur chamakdar peak. I think the snaps provided will suit best to explain all these. After spending around one hour & thoroughly praising the Nature we set to go back.
One Imp Note: At the top of Peak I, omkar & KK had a “Pavitra Rasma” of us. We use to do it everywhere we go. We wanted to give something to nature as to what it has given to us. Let the AMRUT of us FLOW. We used the Eskimo dress for coming down very wisely, slipping by the use of our buttocks, it was full time MAZA… Some of my friends performed the DIL Se scenes across the bridge. I realize the ROJA song “Ye Haseen Vadiyaan” must have been shot here…
VASISHTA KUND: Hot water tanks are here. Actually these were sulphur water tanks…
MANIKARAN: Here also u find HOT water springs. But we didn’t went there since we heard that it was some risk going out there & we wanted to avoid any such thing…
PARK: It is near Manali Bus Stand. Entry fees Rs.5. We came to know here that Monal is the state bird of Himachal. The great Deodar & Pine trees were attraction. Here an interesting thing happened… A couple ware getting so excited especially the female one that she had around 3 smooches on the spot, in front of us PUBLICLY. Kya jamana aa gaya hai... PYAR KIYA TOH DARNA KYA.
MALL ROAD SHOPPING: This was the 4th best part of the Trip… Bargaining with the ladies will always be remembered. “bohini nahi hui hai (raat ko 9 baje). “ beta dadi ko aise naraz nahi karte” .."le lo na"…bechara sachin pighal utha aur gen mein fass gaya…bura fasaya dadi na..jamke loota…. “Is ka rate 500 hai, but bargaining karne ke baad 250 ho jayega..?But ye final hai.isses kam nahi honga…”
Conversation: too much, the ladies were very shrewd iska price kya hai?? >> 500 Rs kuch kam hoga kya?? >>theek hai 450.. >>yaha bargaining nahi hoti kya, sahi sahi batao. >>theek hai.. Bargaining karne ke baad bata rahi hoo 250 lagega final… isse kuch bhi kam nahi hoga... Final Rate hai kya… >>Nahi final to ab bataya na…. Final rate kitna?? >> 230 de dikiye please...
I brought a shawl for Rs 160, Himachali Topi for Rs 15, Sweater worth Rs 260 and Sweat shirt 100 Really enjoyed shopping with all the ladies out there… Ek shawl wali aunty to bahut jamke fasi humare haaton mei. Sarvesg maine aur Paddy ne jamke mazza li unki. Himachal Pradesh also called “ DEV BHOOMI ” Again at night we had cards session the LEAST COUNT.
14th March: Aaj ke din hum log Jamke pange liye. We finally paid Rs 1700 to Hotel manages aftere a 20 min long fighting with him over the facilities provide to us.
SIMLA: (260 KM from Manali) Mother Nature ke to bas kya kehne…Actually I need to change to Hindi for explaining it in a better way. Aisi aisi durlabh drushya badi hi mushkil se nazar aate hai…kudrat ki sundarta ka ek bahut hi badiya nazrana hain Himachal Pradesh. Parking is a serious problem in Simla. It’s really very difficult to get a parking slot in the nearby vicinity of your Hotel. Also traffic Police is strict here. Simla Hotel booking took us nearly 2 & half hours & 5-6 KM of walking…Parking Problem added to the plight.
Simla ne actually kaafi naraaz kiya. woh humari expectations pe itna kharanahi utra. (may be because we had been to Manali First where actually Mother Nature resides)
Hotel Booked: Nagsons’ Hotel Rs.300 per 3 BEDROOMS 2 ROOMS Booked (1 Day Charge) Hotel is near Main Bus stand Simla on the Ganj Road. Just near a Big Hospital. It is located at some heights above the main road.
MALL ROAD: It was just located above our Hotel. Considerable amount of energy was lost while climbing up the stairs. But our enthu did not shatter it. But after reaching MALL road & seeing the POSHNESS of it & the Maals all around, we realize why MALL road of Simla is called the Best in all Hill stations. Thus with the necessary Adrenaline pumped in us, We began wandering across the Mall Road. It was all above our expectations. It truly deserves to be called MALL..
We had dinner at Sher-E-Punjab Hotel. Sadly for us that day MALL was closing at 9 pm. We all were cursing each other for missing such a great opportunity. Why didn’t we came early there…We really missed the “Maal” road
At Night: We again had the cards session. Sush birthday was also celebrated. The great Gambler, "Juari" Sachin's poses will always be remembered. Card Tricks shown by Sachin da & Paddy bhai in deep thoughts on how the trick was done, will never be forgotten. Sush me, KK, Sachin all of us had a nightout playing card game "Least Count" … Paddy bhai's awesome one liner "pehle patte dalne ka, phir uthane ka" will always be cherished by everyone of us I hope after this our KK learnt how to play Least Count, Addy was really cracking the game with SUSH & Sachin GOD around…
15th March: We went to Kufri famous for its scenic beauty & snow view for first time snow viewers. We had our lunch at BABA Cafe in Kufri . This owner of BABA café was really amazing. He had a peacock feather on his forehead cap which he called English Hat. His English was good. He was a great devotee of lord Krishna it seemed…
ZOO: We went to Zoo nearby the Café…& got some good snapshots of animals like Brown & Black Bear, Kasturi deer, wolf, barking deer, Sambar, white leopard, Chinese MURGI & many types of DEERS also. Again the Pine, Fir & Deodar trees were awesome. The zoo was properly maintained & is quite big. This was the 3rd best part of trip. We left Simla after this & reached Chandigarh in the evening at 6 pm..
CHANDIGARH: PINJORE GARDEN: Famous for its fruits Orchards. It’s really a very big garden. I haven’t seen such a big garden in my lifetime. In front of it was an amusement Park. I, KK, Sachin, Addy, Kartik & Omkar Played the WATER FIGHTING (Rs. 40 per boat) after some bargaining with the manager there. Actually the price of boat was Rs. 50. But do u know.. we have really some good guys out there who have mastered this art of Bargaining & wherever they go they live their signs there.
Caution: Never ever have any juice in Pinjore garden, It’s damm costly. After hearing so much of it by Sarvesh & on his insisting we ordered Coconut water. It wasn’t that good enough as expected. We paid 100 bucks for the Coconut water. Finally we reach Pilani at 4 pm in the early morning…
All across the Trip we enjoyed the FM radio. It was adding to our Masti list with mast punjabi + desi filmi songs. This was our first interaction with the FM phenomenon
Conclusion of the trip: Manali: Famous for its scenic Beauty, Snow clad peak, but not properly maintained, a good place for couples. Simla Sexy place but never ever visit Manali first & then Simla, always Simla first. This was a completely enjoying & Mesmerizing Trip. Missed Places: Rohtang Pass, Manikaran Temple Kullu Water Rafting
1 paisa per second offering from Tata Docomo has revolutionized the Indian mobile market. I am seeing how i am saving my hard earned money using this service :) This is the 1st time i am seeing something major is being offered to the customers by a non-airtel type provider in India, Earlier it used to a be like a copy cat thing, Since Airtel has launched something, other companies ended up doing the same in the same week. Thanks Docomo for getting this, you definitely owe a big amount of regard from me.
1 paisa billing is not new to Indian customers especially maharashtrian junta, it was launched by BPL (yes the company which used to provide colour TV's sometime back) especially for local calls if i can recall correctly (some 5-6 years back). Most probably they had to give up because that time the industry was in nascent stage with lots of investment. its not that its true now, but that time it was mostly BSNL everywhere and mobile rates were too high for the common man.
I got a 433 Rs Docomo connection with Rs 442 talktime including a sim and am seeing how much i am saving everyday. Would encourage everyone to think about it. Shorter is Simpler, Do the new - is the new mantra in indian mobile industry now :D
