Mind over matter

Mind set: Don't play it safe

Most of the world likes to play it safe. They go to their safe jobs, come home to their safe relationships, they drive safe cars, they invest money in safe corporations, they think safe thoughts, and they want nothing more than to feel safe and secure.

Survival of the fittest dictates that these people live another day and therefore get to breed and would make up the majority of the population. We could say that they play it smart.

But there is another kind, too. This other group lives for thrills. They don't just occasionally think outside the box, they actually prefer to live outside the box. This is a group who thrives on adventure, change, and newness. They love innovative new ideas, they like to explore new things, and push the envelope beyond its capabilities. They are the visionaries who perceive something beyond where we stand today.

This group often does not feel understood nor supported by the mainstream population. They are not rebels, although they are often accused of being rebellious because they do not embrace the status quo. This group is not anti-anything. They do not require group consensus to be who they are. Young adults often think that by dressing badly or by misbehaving that they are somehow brave and different from whatever it is that they are opposing, but that is not revolutionary and different, that is just anger turned inside out. They are not making a point, they are not changing the world, they are simply behaving in a manner that causes people to shun them. That is not the group I am talking about today.

This group is made up of people like Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Nikola Tesla, Susan B Anthony, Melissa Etheridge, Nelson Mandela, and countless others who do not strive to be different nor to go against the mainstream beliefs. They simply are different, they think different, they live different, and they make passionate choices to contribute something meaningful to humanity despite the fact that others oppose them. All of these people stand tall despite the chaos and anger of those surrounding them. "Why can't you just leave well enough alone? Why do you always have to push people too far? Why can't you just get along?"

Those who would keep things safe and comfortable become frightened and angry at these innovative new thinkers. They torment them, threaten them, mistreat them, ostracise them, and create a storm of ugliness to try and stop these people from simply sharing the gifts of their hearts that they were born to share with humanity. Years later, often after they have long been dead, future generations can look back in hindsight and see their bravery as admirable. But in the moment, these people are historically treated terribly. These are typically men and women of peace who do not go out with an angry rebellious need to stir up trouble. They fight for higher ideals because in their heart of hearts they truly believe that things could be better.

Today there are millions of people who would change the world with their beautiful open-minded hearts and their incredibly brilliant minds, especially the upcoming teenagers and young adults in their early twenties. They feel that there is no point in even trying because the current political and cultural environment is so against them. I would be lying if I claimed that what you see as extreme hostility towards change was not at a peak right now. You are right. They do not want to change again, but you are right, it is time for another change and you are the ones to help bring it. Do not be afraid of the backlash. Stand tall and do what you know in your heart is right and just for all, not just what benefits a chosen few. You know that ignorance can no longer rule the people. You know that blind obedience is no longer a viable option.

People say that the signs are all here and Armageddon has begun. How selfish to assume that your god will come carry you off to heaven, therefore you do not have to care for the people and planet that are going to be left in the wake of your final choices. Who is to say that is not the ultimate test of who stays and who gets to ascend to a better place? If you had to choose who were truly worthy of burning in hell or going to heaven, would you pick those who were killing in the name of God or those who were crying out for love, equality, and to save the planet?

A symbol of new India...

Cabinet today approved the new symbol for Indian Rupee. India has now joined the group of nations (US dollor, UK pound, Chinese Yen, European Euro) which have its own symbol to identify its currency. IIT graduate Udaya Kumar, who designed the symbol, is over the moon on his design being selected. In his own words - It is a perfect blend of Indian and Roman letters — capital 'R' and Devanagri 'Ra' which represents rupaiah, to appeal to international and Indian audiences... My design is based on the tricolour, with two lines at the top and white space in between, I am really excited and thrilled. I can't find words to express my happiness.

This entry selected from 3,000 designs won him an award of Rs 2.5 lakh.More than the award he will be happy seeing it on every Indian currency in circulation.

Nasscom will approach software firms to incorporate this new rupee symbol in their OS. This is to enable the computer users worldwide to use the symbol with ease since it is not embedded on the keyboards. It would also be included in the UNICODE standard as well.

Let us all do something this year....

Best advice from our PM - "Don't expect a level playing field"

India Vision 2020... yes when the blue print for this was envisioned by Adbul Kalam he knew the most important components driving this are the nations's youth and its leaders. It needs the leaders, at national and state level to toil, think and channelize the resources, and the youth to make this vision a reality. Agriculture, manufacturing, education, power, telecom, infrastructure, GDP.. so many things that has to shape up. India has no doubt made a mark on the global stage. Everyone wants to have a deal with India. The market, the potential, the hugely available talented workforce has turned heads towards India. But its just the beginning, India has just entered the field. I always believe that its always the second step that matters. Whatever the task may be, however uphill it may seem, the second step is very crucial. Motivation and eager to perform always drives the first step, but its the perseverence that requires to march ahead and take the second. Everyone takes the first step, its the second step which most of them falter at. Either they fail to take that step or fault at the step. Our Prime Minister Manmohan singh is preparing our youth for this second step. Addressing to business leaders of India Inc. he said -

"They are an example for our business leaders, who must also learn to compete on unlevel playing fields and prove their mettle. There is, in fact, no game that is ever truly played on a level playing field,’’

Citing example of cricket players, he asserted: "Playing fields differ, as every cricketer will tell you. Cricketers do not sit back and demand fields and pitches of their kind. They learn to play on the pitch they are given and try to defeat the opponent."

Citing the example of former president of India, K R Narayanan, the Prime Minister said that Narayanan came from a poor and underprivileged background. He went to the United Kingdom for higher education but never asked for a level playing field, the PM added.

Singh said he derives great satisfaction from the achievements of the youth in the highly competitive world of learning. "Long before Indian business was willing to face global competition, Indian students were willing to do so."

I felt this is so far the best advice given by India's Prime Minister to the young emerging, vibrant business leaders, since long. One with faith and the vision in mind, at the same time telling the Young India to be catious and get strong to take on the world, and make the dreams of India 2020 a reality.

Read complete news here - Don't expect a level playing field: PM to India Inc.

Safdar Hashmi (Apr 12, 1954 - Jan 2, 1989)

"It was when JANAM was enacting a chillingly prescient play called Halla Bol, which touched on issues of workers' rights and the right to perform in the face of injustice, that the group was attacked. Even as Safdar attempted to help others escape, he was bludgeoned to death with iron rods. "The horrific murder caused immense revolution across the country," says artist Ram Rehman. "I will never forget the funeral, the staggering number of people who marched in solidarity with us." The mourning cut across political affiliations, and linked artists, thinkers, journalists and concerned citizens in a visceral reaction to the outrage.

Two days after his death, his wife Moloyshree Hashmi went back to Sahibabad with the Janam troupe to finish the performance of Halla Bol, saying: "It is what Safdar would have wanted."

Safdar Hashmi

Article about Safdar

JaNaM
Poem by Safdar Hashmi
A tribute to Safdar - SAHMAT

People who Ignite Minds

No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men. - Thomas Carlyle.

There are innumerable such men and women, each one with a dream, a vision who have written the history of this world. Many, not so popular, yet been an inspiration to the masses. Working for the people at the grass root level, living, being, sharing and making them see new dreams was their dream. Recently i heard a scholar on one of the popular Indian news channel criticising people who laud and treat the achivements and victories of Bobby Jindal, Sunitha Williams - as victory for India/Indians. He said "First of all, they are not Indians.... get that straight into your heads... secondly... its NOT a victory for India... should we (Indians) feel elated of a person who wins a Governer's race in US, merely because his forefathers had their roots (very very faintly) linked with India?? Now, we must not take away the victory and achievements of the Jindals, the Williamss', and other people who have risen to fame and glory. No doubt they are fantastic people having achieved great feats in their streams, but there are scores of people who have toiled for the sake of India, lived and died for a social cause, for the sake of the poor and downtrodden. These are the people who have given their entire self in bringning a change to the narrowest mindsets of people, and made them realise their rights and duties as responsible citizens of the nation. True nation building happens when people realize, look and act at social issues, to eradicate the scums in whatever possible way they can. The impact it has on the generations to come will be immense. But the stories of such great men and women have always been short lived in the memories of the people. The struggles and pains in bringing these revolutionary changes have been soon forgotten. When someone scores a century in a cricket match, or make a class act in one of the Bollywood flicks, we (and the media) worship them, they become Gods in no time.... they become our role models!! How sad that we forget the true legends and live in a fantasy world.

Speaking out on my blog, i will be introducing and talking of some great Indian personalities, who have not been as popular as Jindals or the Khans or the Bachhans on the world stage, but of some lesser known people who have had a huge impact on the lives of a common man and India. These are the people who really ignite minds.

Words of Wisdom

Yesterday was one of those days where i was not myself. And just when i started feeling that everything within me was faling apart, a friend handed me a book "Way of Youth" by a Buddhist philosopher, Daisaku Ikeda. The approach of book is so very simple (and yet head on) in addressing the turbulences of a young mind, the concerns and questions that constantly poses. This book brings about a self directed transformation, making a powerful impact on the person reading it. For a young mind, looking for answers amidst lifes' strangest ways, this book strikes that chord of realisation of your truest self within you, that you have been looking for... what we really are, what we should really be to keep and maintain that unruffled peace and calm within. It brings about a change in your thoughts to regain your lost strength, and the lost "YOU". I would recommend this book for all the youngsters, go on, get a copy of it from your nearest book store.

"What kind of future do I envision for myself? What kind of self am I trying to develop? What do I want to accomplish in my life?" The thing is to paint this vision of your life in your heart as specifically as possible. That "painting" itself becomes the design of your future. The power of the heart enables us to actually create with our lives a wonderful masterpiece in accordance with that design." - Daisaku Ikeda

India Win T20

India Dazzles at the world stage beating arch rivals Pakisthan in the finals to win the first edition of T20 World Cup. India outplayed Eng, South Africa, Australia, Pakisthan enroute to its magnificient victory. Its a Hit!! Is it Twenty20 or Tonic20 for World Cricket. This format of the game has become a huge rage across the world esp in the Asian countries. Dhoni also sees it "T20 will become huge in India". He also said it was completely a team effort by India in this tournament -

If you analyze, the captain and the vice-captain haven't done anything in this tournament. Players who were granted with responsibility delivered out there in the field. There isn't a single batsman who didn't score runs in the tournament. Similarly, there isn't a bowler who hasn't delivered the goods. The efforts in the outfield were tremendous. It was a team effort. Yuvraj, of course was brilliant and so was RP Singh. Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh have made good comebacks to the side. I think everyone in the side was special and the best part was that players lived up to the expectations of the team.

Chak De India....

A team is as strong as its weakest link. And everyone thought India's bowling was its weakest link at the World T20 2007, being held in South Africa. Yesterday was the time to rubbish all these critics as India stormed into semi-finals beating SA. Team India did everything right yesterday, it showed fantastic courage and team spirit. Ravi shastri, lauding India's youngsters said in the post match commentary "The fearlessness of Success-not-being-touched made them triumph". When we become experienced and don't taste success for a while, it gets on us. We tend to become negetive in our approach. But for these young guns like Rohit Sharma, Uthappa, RP Singh etc, there was no fear. Thats what youth brings into Cricket, fearlessness! Talent, team spirit, energy, effort.. everything was on display at Durban yesterday under the lights, as they knocked South Africa out of the competition.

"We are currently playing the Chak De! India song in the dressing room; the boys are dancing to it. Later we will go out for dinner and celebrate with wine and champagne" the jubilent Team manager Lalchand Rajput said, as India celebrated its tremendous victory.

>>Chak De India... Sometimes Winning is Everything! <<


FYI.. Chak De was premiered at Infy, Hyd last week. That evening was fun, around 150-200 infoscions shouting on top of the voices cheering Preethi Sabarwal and her team :)

Men of character...

When we said “Come on India, we are with you”… we least expected that the Indian cricket team would also say "Even we will be there with you.. soon". They have infact done it, they have booked the flight tickets from West Indies to be with us, they will be at home in 2 days time. Its was the death of dreams for all the Indian cricket fans. But, this world cup has been a world cup of young, fresh and exuberant men. Round 1 of the tournament has seen two asian teams (India and Pakistan) not reaching the super 8’s. The so-called mecca of cricketing world (asian subcontinent) is not anymore recognized and ruled by the big boys.. it’s the young lads in the likes of Tharanga (SL), Chamara silva(SL), Malinga(SL), Uthappa(IND), Tamin Iqbal(BAN) who are making a statement and waiting to be noticed. Hello Sachins, Jayasuryas and Inzis.. please make way for these budding icons of the future, who are passionate, more hungry and willing to go out there fearless and perform. Its good for the sport!!! Having said that, there remain some greats…immortals-of-the-cricketting-world if u can call them.. Muralitharan, Shaun Pollock, Lara, Smith who will remain unshaken and perform against the odds. They can single handedly turn the tables around for the opponents. Watch the remaining of the ICC world cup 2007 for these men of character and honour!.. if not for the Indian cricket team.

Swami Vivekananda (January 12, 1863 - July 4, 1902)

Big bright saffron turban… yes, the first thing that comes to our mind when we think of Swami Vivekananda is this. From when did Vivekananda start wearing the turban, and why? I just wanted to share this small piece of information, on this great monk who is believed to have walked like an "Incarnation of God". The turban that Vivekananda used to wear is believed to be suggested by Maharaja of Khetri. But some historians and researchers view that Vivekananda visited the Swamithope Pathi during his visit to Kanyakumari in December 1892 and believe that he was impressed by the principles behind rituals of this monistic faith, such as wearing a head gear during worship in temple, worshipping in front of mirror etc., and started wearing a turban from then on. Some say that Vivekananda received some spiritual instructions from the disciples of Ayya Vaikundar. It is also said by many that while he was a child, he was impressed by the turban of the horse cab driver, who used to ferry his father on his daily work. Subsequently when he renounced the world and took to sanyasa, he started using one himself.

On his birthday today lets experience one of the most famous and influential spiritual leaders of Vedanta, who is regarded by millions as the Messenger of God, through his preachings. This is what the greats had to say about Vivekananda:

Rabindranath Tagore - If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him everything is positive and nothing negative

Mahatma Gandhi - Swami Vivekananda's writings need no introduction from anybody. They make their own irresistible appeal.

Some of the sayings of Vivekananda:

As different streams having different sources all mingle their waters in the sea, so different tendencies various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to God.

Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.