Sopanam-E-Magazine-Vol 4-Issue 4

Sopanam - July, 2014 1

Volume 4 Issue 4 July, 20145116 BjmVw

tk m ] m\ wtk m ] m\ wA Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/[email protected]

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

Sopanam - July, 20142

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Editorial

editorial BoardKrishna Kumar PaliathVibheesh TikkodiAnandharaj KonniReshmy Krishna Kumar

data ManagementAjaykumar AnjaneyamRajarajan GanesanGopakumar. PSindhu SanjithSuresh VarickolilRoopesh R. SouparnikaAdv.Vidhya SumodDr. Sindu SudheeshDivya Satheesh KumarakamAnuradha Sundara RamanArun Kumar. NVishal VikramRagesh RegunathRaghiya MenonSheeja AnandPraveen V.

Creative & designSreenivasan C.P.Vinaya Babu. C.K.Sunil PookodeSreenadh. SCover Design - Nigesh Karunakaran

For Comments, Submissions & Subscriptions please write toemail : [email protected]

A special edition of Sopanam was inevitable this month with the excitement of a new government coming to power in India and the planning of an exclusive womens only workshop, SHAKTHI, for the first time in Kuwait by the women members of Seva Darshan Kuwait.

A change was bound to happen in the nation that has been struggling under gross mismanagement and was drowning in corruption and inaction. The citizens of the Nation were looking forward to have a strong leadership and they have whole heartedly handed over the mandate to National Democratic Alliance headed by the BJP and Shri. Narendra Damodardas Modi, its PM candidate.

A nations aspirations lie in the dreams of a better tomorrow by living happily today. This is something every person struggles to achieve. We hope the new government will keep this in mind while we try to achieve our ultimate goal of a powerful self-

sufficient Nation capable enough to lead the world. We hope the efficient leadership of the Prime Minister and his ministers will do enough for the expatriate community that serves as the countrys ambassadors around the world.

Every citizen needs aspirations to progress and these aspirations must translate as the Nations aspirations. Eventually, ones aspiration will become the Nations aspiration and vice versa. They must be allowed to dream and it becomes the governments responsibility to set achievable goals to help transform those goals into reality in their life time. Once people regain their hope and faith in the Nations progress the brain drain reversal will be much faster. We must have pride in our Nation and must do much to instill this pride in our next generation. This will also increase indigenous productivity and quality.

Women are the backbone of the Nation. India has always held in esteem the role of the mother in the family. Unlike many other civilizations, Indians have always seen equality in the genders. We have revered them as Gods, Mother Earth, Nature, Literature and everyday life. Empowerment is a western concept where a need to give special attention is felt by both sides. The need is to consider ourselves as equals with everyone and our priority must be to educate the society to understand this.

As our families prepare to leave for their summer vacation and to be with their families, we wish them all a wonderful vacation. At the same time we wish our parents would take the children on tours and visits which will be educative and get them closer to our culture and heritage.

Gokulotsavam has become a festival for the Seva Darshan family. The study material has been distributed and our Bala Darshan students have already started their preparations for the big day. More surprise announcements await the contestants in the coming days.

Wishing you all once again a happy summer vacation.


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The The ancient scriptures starting from Rig-ved to Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Manu Smriti all talks about the equivalent place of a women to a man.

O women! These mantras are given to you equally (as to men). May your thoughts, too, be harmonious. May your assemblies be open to all without discrimination. Your mind and consciousness should be harmonious. I (the rishi) give you these mantras equally as to men and give you all and equal powers to absorb (the full powers) of these mantras. Rig-veda 10-191-3.

There are more than thirty women sages (Gargi Vachaknavi , Lopamudra, etc.) in RV with specific hymns associated with them. In all the Semitic religions like Christianity, Islam etc., there is no mention of any revelation to women and no woman is listed among the prominent disciples of the founders or prophets of those religions.

Birth of the Goddess:The feminine forms of the Absolute and the

popular Hindu goddesses are believed to have taken shape in the Vedic era. These female forms came to represent different feminine qualities and energies of the Brahman. Goddess Kali portrays the destructive energy, Durga the protective, Lakshmi the nourishing, and Saraswati the creative. Here its notable that Hinduism recognizes both the masculine and feminine attributes of the Divine, and that without honoring the feminine aspects, one cannot claim to know God in his entirety. So we also have many male-female divine-duos like Radha-Krishna, Sita-Rama, Uma-Mahesh, and Lakshmi-Narayan, where the female form is usually addressed first.

Education of the Girl Child:Vedic literature praises the birth of a scholarly

daughter in these words: A girl also should be brought up and educated with great effort and care. (Mahanirvana Tantra); and All forms of knowledge are aspects of Thee; and all women throughout the world are Thy forms. (Devi Mahatmya)

Women were considered to be the embodiment of great virtue and wisdom.

The sun god follows the first illuminated and enlightened goddess Usha (dawn) in the same manner as men emulate and follow women. Athravaveda Samhita, Part 2, Kanda 27, sukta 107, sloka 5705.

Katyayanas Varttika 125, 2477 mentions that there were female teachers of grammar. Patanjali wrote in his comments to Ashtadhyayi 3.3.21 and 4.1.14, that women undergo the thread ceremony before beginning their education, and says that women studied grammar

Women, who so desired, could undergo the sacred thread ceremony or Upanayana (a sacrament to pursue Vedic studies), which is only meant for males even to this day. Co-education seems to have existed in this period and both the sexes got equal attention from the teacher. Moreover, ladies from the Kshatriya caste received martial arts courses and arms training.

Women & Marriage The wife should address the assembly as a

commander.~ RV 10.85.26

According to Manusmriti there are eight types of marriage, of which four were more prominent. The

The Importance of Women in Indian Scriptures


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first was brahma, where the daughter was given as gift to a good man learned in the Vedas; the second was daiva , where the daughter was given as a gift to the presiding priest of a Vedic sacrifice. Arsa was the third kind where the groom had to pay to get the lady, and prajapatya, the fourth kind, where the father gave his daughter to a man who promised monogamy and faithfulness.

In the Vedic age there was both the custom of Kanyavivaha where the marriage of a pre-puberty girl was arranged by her parents and praudhavivaha where the girls were married off after attaining puberty. Then there was also the custom of Swayamvara where girls, usually of royal families, had the freedom to choose her husband from among the eligible bachelors invited to her house for the occasion.

The hymn 10.85 of the Rig-veda states that the daughter-in-law should be treated as a queen, samrajni, by all the family members especially the mother-in-law, husband, father-in-law.

Polygamy:Thus certain mantras in Vedas describe demerits

of Polygamy.

compares existence of multiple wives with multiple worldly miseries. ~Rig Veda 10.105.8

A man with two wives is pressed from both sides and weeps like a horse that neighs when pressed from both sides by spokes while driving a chariot. ~ Rig Veda 10.101.11

Two wives make life aimless. ~ Rig Veda 10.101.11

May a woman never face threat of another co-wife. ~ Atharva Veda 3.18.2

As yearning wives cleave to their yearning husband, so cleave our hymns to thee, O Lord most potent. ~ Rig Veda 1.62.11

Wifehood in the Vedic EraAs in present, after marriage, the girl became

a grihini (wife) and was considered ardhangini or one half of her husbands being. Both of them constituted the griha or home, and she was considered its samrajni (queen or mistress) and had an equal share in the performance of religious rites.

Rig-veda says the freedom of choosing of husband: A woman can choose her own husband after attaining maturity. If her parents are unable to choose a deserving groom, she can herself choose her husband. ~ 9.90-91.

The Manusmriti enjoins, Let mutual fidelity continue until death. This may be considered the summation of the highest law for husband and wife. ~Manu Smriti IX 101

O bride! May the knowledge of the Vedas be in front of you and behind you, in your centre and in your ends. May you conduct your life after attaining the knowledge of the Vedas. May you be benevolent, the harbinger of good fortune and health and live in great dignity and indeed be illumined in your husbands home. ~ Atharva Veda 14-1-64

Divorce, Remarriage & WidowhoodDivorce and remarriage of women were allowed

under very special conditions. If a woman lost her husband, she was not forced to undergo the merciless practices that cropped up in later years. Both the Manusamhita and the Arthashastra state that if a husband is impotent, a traitor, an ascetic or an outcast, or missing for a prescribed number of years, the wife take her property (Stridhan), leave him without blame and marry again. The Arthashastra also declares that in other circumstances, divorce can take place only by mutual consent.Prostitution in the Vedic Age.

In NAsmR 12.45-48, there are three types of punarbhu, or a remarried widow: The virgin widow, the woman who abandons her husband to take up with another man and then returns to her husband, and the woman who has no brothers-in-law who can give her offspring.

Unfortunately today some orthodox persons deny the right of women even from chanting the Veda and Bhagwat Gita. Persons from other religion like Islam and Christens try to defame the moral value of women in Hinduism. However, they cannot cite any authoritative scripture to support their views. Any book in Sanskrit cannot be accepted as a scripture or divine revelation. In the past when the famous poet, Sanskrit scholar and spiritual savant, Vasishta Ganapati Muni, the foremost disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi, challenged these orthodox persons to provide evidence to support their claims, no evidence was forth coming. Even today they cant fool people with their propaganda.


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reshmy KrishnakumarQuestions1. Name Indias National Aquatic animal?2. Which is the only country whose postage stamps do not feature the name of the country issuing it?3. Who wrote the book What Young India Wants?4. Who is Indians first woman Grandmaster in chess?5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute located at which place? 6. Tripitika is the religious book of _________?7. Which two people made first mobile phone conversation in India in July 1995? 8. Which day is celebrated as World Red Cross/Crescent Day? 9. Which Indian ruler requested Napoleon for help to drive away the British from India?10. Which temples build by Pallavas during the medieval period known as Seven Pagodas?

Answers page - 15

Learn with Quiz Master

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Passionate, poetic and progressive, Shri Narendra Modi is one of independent Indias most popular leaders. A transformational leader known for delivering results, he is an embodiment of courage, conviction and compassion.

Born on September 17, 1950 into a humble family in Vadnagar, Gujarat; Shri Modi has lived his life by the principle of Antyodaya or serving the farthest. His personal journey up to leading the worlds oldest civilization and youngest nation today; reinforces the very Idea of India wherein every Indian can realize his or her aspirations.

A powerful dreamer, Shri Modi compliments vision with the remarkable ability of implementing the same. His approach balances the importance of big and small; leveraging on global as well as local strengths.

Peoples Leader

A leader of, for and by the people, Shri Modi commands respect, love and trust across the country. He is forever in their midst, constantly travelling

Shri Narendra Modi : Prime Minister of India

and on public fora; embodying their concerns and aspirations. Continuing the same online, the tech-savvy leader connects with millions of Indians at a minute to minute basis.

Through his impeccable track record as a Chief Minister, Shri Modi secured three consecutive 2/3rd majority mandates for his party in the state of Gujarat. And today, people of India have overwhelmingly reposed their faith in him giving him a historically decisive mandate to take the nation forward.

In his more than 12 years tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Modi brought about paradigm shift in the lives of the people in Gujarat by delivering Pro-active Pro-people Good Governance. He is now poised to do the same for the nation at large.

Growth Engine

Under his leadership, Gujarat has maintained more than 10% GDP growth rate for over a decade now. And moreover, this growth was balanced with Agriculture, Manufacturing and Services all growing by 10%.

Vikas Purush (Man of Development)

Growth and prosperity in Gujarat has strategically been translated into development for each and citizen of the state. Scaling up social sector fund allocations, strategic mission mode campaigns have been launched focussing in the domain of Health, Education and Livelihood. Examples include Chiranjeevi Yojana for institutional delivery, 108 for Emergency Response services, Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra for skill development, SCOPE and eMpower for developing soft skills, specialized universities like Raksha Shakti, Forensics, Petroleum, Law, Infrastructure technology and so on.

Subsequently, Gujarat realized a Sarvasparshi (all pervasive), Sarvasamaveshak (inclusive) and Sarvangi (holistic) model of Development. The outstanding successes of many such initiatives taken under his leadership have in fact spawned subsequent nation-wide roll outs.

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Jan-Bhagidari

Extending his faith in people, Shri Modi has made Jan-bhagidari (peoples participation) central to major government initiatives. Examples stretch from Beti Bachao Abhiyan ( Save the Girl Child campaign) to Shala Pravahotsav (School Enrolment Festival); Gunotsav a quality drive in primary schools; Krishi Mahotsav (Farmer Mega festival) a month long farmer education cum awareness drive; and Wasmo a community-driven drinking water management program.

Empowering the Weak

Shri Modi believes in empowering the weal and marginalized, such that they can write their own destiny with pride and respect. Resources have been converted into special programs like Vanbandhu Yojana for tribal districts, Sagarkhedu Yojna for coastal districts, Shaheri Garib Samrudhi Yojana for urban poor and Garib Kalyan Mela for ensuring 100% funds reach 100% beneficiaries by directly distributing assistance to eligible BPL beneficiaries.

Strong Foundation

All this is enabled by comprehensive infrastructural base Shri Modi developed across the state of Gujarat, focussing on the 3S model of Scale, Speed & Skill. From world class Highways to 247 power supply, sate wide Gas and Water Grids and Broadband network up to Village Panchayat Levels.

Minimum Government Maximum Governance

Shri Modi has brought about an unprecedented transition from Political Interference to Political Intervention. He has empowered not just government officers but the people at large by making decision-making Decentralised, Participatory and Transparent. By running a policy driven government he has removed discretion, thus empowering bureaucratic decision making while minimizing the scope for corruption. This is further reinforced through technology, with eGovernance initiatives insuring Easy, Effective and Efficient governance.

Global Recognition

Government of Gujarat has won more than 300 awards in the past decade; including the likes of the UN Sasakawa Award, World Bank Green Award and CAPAM award. The Chief Ministers Office has been recognised by the United Nations for Improving transparency, accountability and responsiveness in the Public Services. Shri Modi has been rated as the Best Chief Minister of India many times over by professional research and media agencies.

Author, Poet & Student

As an author, Shri Modi has penned several books and articles on social, cultural, philosophical and spiritual issues in Gujarati, Hindi, English and Marathi. Having a Masters degree in Political Science, his deep study of Politics of the day as an ever eager student has also continued unabated.

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A new government and a new leader have been elected in India. The country has given one of its biggest mandate to Shri. Narendra Modi and the party that he represents, The Bharatiya Janata Party.

The absolute majority enjoyed by the party and the coalition NDA, expresses the feelings of the common man who had been extremely agitated at the lack of development, a slowing economy and extreme corruption that was rampant across the country. The partys decisive victory reflects the

Nations desire for a dynamic and strong leader to take the Nation forward, energizing the economy and ensuring National security.

The real test begins after the official ceremonies

are over. How will the government perform? What model of governance will it adopt? Many discussions and views are being expressed but Shri. Modi seems to be playing the cards close to his heart. His council of ministers, has a good mix of experienced, intelligent, committed young leaders. Leading a nation is different from leading a state. Millions of people have been given hope. A hope

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to see the Param Vaibhavam of our Nation. To see our Nation attain the most respected position in the world championing the cause of world stability and peace from the position of visible strength.

We hope the Government will carry forward its initial steps in strengthening our partnership with neighboring countries and international powers. The Government must work to ensure that the nations presence in the region is felt and a dynamic shift must happen to stop the current approach of aggressiveness by our neighbours. At the same time we need to ensure that a cordial relationship of mutual assistance and understanding is developed thereby reducing territorial tension, promoting trade and peace. As a nuclear capable nation with provocative neighbors we need to re-establish our relationship with them. Modis initial diplomatic steps are a re assurance that we can take this forward in the right way. Strong non - military or essentially military options must be pursued against nations that attack our sovereignty.

The government should aim to ensure that economic growth is no more hampered for reasons


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of ineffective governance and reluctance to take bold corrective steps. We must aim to reduce redtapism and corruption in the system. With a sizable population of youngsters in the country, it would be essential to jump start a process of investment, education and development that will ensure job creation. For the country's youth, employment, education, corruption and clean governance are paramount

Our relationship with worlds major powers can be better if we were to ensure a viable and strong business opportunity for them to expand in our nation. But, then again, this cannot be at the cost of surrendering or destroying our domestic industry. Our indigenous industries and markets must be allowed to develop and grow through research and investment. This will ensure good competition on equal terms with foreign investors.

Though this government has received a huge mandate to form the government, it would be good to reach out to a huge percentage of population who has not voted in favor of the NDA. We would be expecting more confidence building

measures from the government. A general sense of hopelessness has crept into the minds of people with regard to the performance of our government

institutions. This is needs to systematically tackled and improved. Improving medical care facilities goes hand in hand with sanitation.

We would expect the new government to take strong measures to fight the menace of internal

strifes caused by the Naxalites and other separatist organization. Lack of action from the government prompts splinter groups to take up rebel anti government stances that can quickly bring about disturbances in the society. In many other parts of India, this lack of any future prospects (economic or social security) is also pushing thousands to the arms of insurgent groups which provide them with basic necessities and security from the armed forces that are often known to even target innocents to elicit information.

The new generation expects the government to give up vote bank politics based on religion and caste. The government must ensure the basic tenants of our constitution are upheld in the true spirit of the democracy.

Above all we need to see continuous growth that will assure all the citizens of India and they will once again have hope and a vision to continue. The governments propeople policy will ensure their support at all times to take the nation forward.

1. Gangetic Dolphin2. Great Britain (UK )3. Chetan Bhagat4. Koneru Humpy5. Darjeeling6. Buddhists7. Jyoti Basu & Sukh Ram8. May 89. Tippu Sultan10. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

Quiz Answers


SpiritualismArmnId

Geographical indications enables stronger protection to some of the exclusive variety of merchandise. For an easy understanding of the subject let me discuss the subject quoting some of the Indian merchandise like the Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Agra Petha, Bikaner Bujia, going more specific to the southern side we have the

Aranmula Kannadi, Payyanur pavithra mothiram (though I have my own reservations about the registrability of this product), kanchipuram sarees, tanjavur thalayatti bommai, mysore silk etc. The products bearing Geographical Indication mark derive their exclusivity from their place of origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are attributed to such place of origin, typically having quality that is derived from their place of production or the products are influenced by specific local

factors, such as climate and soil. Most commonly, a geographical indication consists of the name of the place of origin of the goods.

A products quality, reputation or other characteristics can be determined by determining where it is manufactured or where the product comes from. Geographical indications is generally associated with name of a certain place in a country.

Geographical Indication registration are granted to provide stronger protection to the products from fraudulent copycats, as under the trademarks act the protection accorded is limited.

As we have referred top trademark in the

A Curtain Raiser to Geographical Indications

above paragraph it becomes my duty to point out the difference between a trademark and the Geographical Indication. The difference between a Trademark and a Geographical Indication lies in the fact that as far as a trademark is concerned, a trademark is a sign used by an business person to distinguish its goods and services from those of other persons business. It gives its owner the right to exclude others from using the trademark. Whereas, a Geographical Indication tells consumers that a product is produced in a certain place and has certain characteristics that are due to that place of production. It may be used by all producers who make their products in the place designated by a geographical indication and whose products share typical qualities.

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act' 99 lays down the criteria and procedure for registration of products known and distinguished by their geographical indications in India. The geographical indications registry is located in Chennai and it is the only office

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in India for registration of geographical Indications. Geographical Indications are distinct from other forms of Intellectual Property like patents, trademarks and copyrights, because the ownership of the rights in Geographical Indications is vested with a "community" or a "group of people" rather than an individual or a corporate or non-corporate firm as is the case with other form of Intellectual

Property.

The person applying for the geographical indication status have to comprehensively describe for record the distinguishing features of the product along with the application for registration. Once the application is submitted to the Geographical Indications Registry then an expert committee verifies the claims before granting the registration

to the applicant.

Now the question arises why the Geographical Indications needs to be protected. Geographical Indications needs to be protected to protect the rights of the manufacturers/producers and the rights of the consumer as the consumer purchases

the product believing it to be genuine and thereby trusting on the products quality as it is originating from that particular place. Many of the Geographical Indications have acquired valuable reputations which is acquired over a period of years and if not adequately protected, it may be misrepresented by dishonest commercial operators and may result in loss of reputation for the product and also for the producers/manufacturers of such product.

The Geographical Indications Act, in India provides for the protection of Geographical Indications and it also provides for provisions against infringers. On International level the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide for the protection of geographical indications, most notably the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property of 1883, and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and Their International Registration. In addition, Articles 22 to 24 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) deal with the international protection of geographical indications within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Till date over 200 applications have been made with the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai to register various Geographical Indications.

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India has been a prominent center of learning since ancient times. The land was one of the most advanced regions in various fields of science.The

Indian subcontinent has been a major contributor to the world and has excelled in fields of astronomy,

numerology, arithmetic, mineralogy, metallurgy, logic, information and technology. Some of the inventions even date back to as early as the Indus Valley Civilization. Historical evidences and excavations by archaeologists ascertain the dominance of India in the field of science and

technology.

10. Cotton Gin

Cotton Gin is a machine used to separate cotton from the seeds. The evidence of this machine was found through the carvings on Ajanta caves where the pictures of these machines were engraved. Dating back to 500 AD, this hand roller machine was locally called Charkha. This machine has undergone changes through the course of time but the most primitive form of cotton gin originated from India.

9. Buttons

Buttons are a major part of our clothing even today. Buttons were invented in India and various historical evidences and excavations prove that buttons were used by the people belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Shells were given various shapes and were pierced into a hole. Earlier they were used more as an embellishment but were gradually used to fasten clothes.

8. Natural Fibers

Natural fibers like wool, cotton and plant

originated from India. Evidences show that people of the Indus Valley used cotton and India pioneered the art of cotton spinning and used it in making fabric. Jute, a plant fiber, was cultivated in India

Top 10 Biggest Inventions by Indian People

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Leprosy was first noticed by Indians and

various ancient remedies are also mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Lithiasis treatment or the treatment for eradicating stones was first introduced in

India. Small Pox vaccinations were first cured in

India and symptoms and ways of immunization against small pox were mentioned in 8th century by Madhav. Ayurveda and Siddha are the two primitive methods of treatment that originated in India and are still used as an alternate way of treatment. They were used for holistic healing and ancient sages of India mastered this treatment method. Another Indian medical practitioner named Upendra Nath Bramhachari invented methods to treat Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala Azar. This Nobel Laureate was responsible for the eradication of this ailment.

5. Diamonds

Diamonds were first mined in India. Huge

deposits of diamonds were found in Central India and it gradually developed as a precious stone. India till 18th century was the only country where diamonds were found and were later on exported to other countries. Indians were well aware of the physical properties of diamond like its durability, ability to cut other hard surfaces, sparkling effect and the refractive property. Various ancient books have mentioned the use of diamond as a tool and

since ancient times and was later exported to other countries. Cashmere wool, which is supposed to be the finest wool was first made in Kashmir and was

used to make hand- made shawls. These shawls have maintained their richness and exclusivity even today.

7. Surgery

Cataract surgery and plastic surgery were also first performed by the ancient physician Sushruta.

These surgeries dated back to 2000BCE and his work were later translated to Arabic language and gradually passed on to European countries. He used a curved needle and removed the cataract by pushing the lens. The eyes were then immersed in warm butter and were properly covered till they were completely healed. People from far off countries came to India to seek treatment.

6. Medical Treatments

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have also mentioned the exquisiteness of this sparkling stone.

4. Dock

India was the first nation to have a dock that

dated back to 2400BCE. People belonging to the Harappa Civilization were the first to build a dock

in Lothal. This proves their immense understanding of oceanology and marine engineering. The Lothal Dock proves their precision and vast knowledge about tidal waves and hydrography. Without having a thorough knowledge of these topics, it is impossible to build a dock.

3. Crucible Steel

High-quality steel has been produced in South India since ancient times. The technique used to manufacture it was later on called the crucible

technique. Pure wrought iron was first put together

with glass and charcoal in a container and was heated till the metal melted and absorbed the carbon.

2. Ink

Ink made from various materials was first invented

in India. This black pigment was used in writing manuscripts in ancient India. India ink was made by burning tar, pitch, bones. Carbon was the primary pigment of India ink.

1. Zero

Mathematics does not make sense without zero. Although it has no value, it plays a vital role in Arithmetic. Aryabhatta was a great mathematician and an ace astronomer. His contribution to mathematics is unimaginable. Use of Place Value System was clearly mentioned in Aryabhattas Bhakshali manuscript and thus zero came into existence. No particular symbol was given to zero but the presence of zero was evident from his work.

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Vichar Bharathi and Mathru Samithi, the two affiliates of Seva Darshan Kuwait conducted one day workshop named Sakthi for the women in Kuwait. The workshop organized exclusively for the ladies and by the ladies was held on 30thMay, 2014 at the Indian Central School, Abbassiya. Dr. Laksmi Sankar, Asst.Professor, Dept of Sanskrit, Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, inaugurated the workshop by lighting the traditional lamp. More than 200 women attended the workshop which was designed with an aim to uncover, develop and ignite the inner potential of women, taking into consideration the present day social scenario.

Dr. Lakshmi Sankar presented the first session which dealt with ideal motherhood and family management, quoting the importance of a mother in molding the attitude of our pampered new generation. The second session included a theory and practical session handled by practicing clinical psychologists and counselors Mrs.Preethi Krishnan Nair and Mrs.LeenaSanal as a journey through feminine inner self along with an attempt to analyze and provide tips to tackle the emotional stress in daily life.

The face to face interactive session with a panel of expert lady doctors on the queries related to feminine medical disorders was handled by Dr.Ambily T.K. (Gynecologist), Dr.Daisy Noble (ENT and General Medicine), Mrs.Lisha Dhiji(Dietician), Dr.Saritha (Gynecologist) and Dr.Sabitha Venkatesh(Ophthalmologist).

The workshop was concluded with a grand function named Sree Sakthi. Lady representative of various socio cultural associations in Kuwait graced the function presided by General Convener Preetha Vijayakumar. Dr.Lakshmi delivered the key note speech focusing on the overall women empowerment in terms of Physical, Emotional and Spiritual upliftment - Indian perspective.

Famous classical exponent and music teacher Smt.Ambika Soorya Nrayanan was honoured at the function for her sincere contributions to the expatriate society in Kuwait. Smt.Sheeba Sarin ( Event coordinator) extended a warm welcome to the audience and Adv. Vidya Sumod delivered the word of gratitude at the function coordinated by Smt. Reshmy Krishnakumar. Anitha Jayan, Deepa Reghu,and Archana Anish presented the unique song at the workshop.

Vichar Bharathi conducted Sakthi

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What is "Clutter"? Clutter is described in the Penguin Pocket dictionary as to fill or cover untidily with scattered things"...Clutter can be both physical and mental.

How does an object which seemed much needed or necessary for a person or in a house, turn into clutter? That is the physical fact of cluttering your house, office, garden, shop, cupboards, shelves, drawers. Do you feel that your "Home "is full of unwanted things?

When i buy things , I have a reason for doing so. When i keep something given by another person as a gift, i feel that i value that persons presence in my life. I keep things for the sheer pleasure it gives me in seeing them. I keep books, because in my entire life books have given me so much, it has been my friend all through life, never once failing to distract me from any stress, never demanding, never selfish, filled with life in various mind sets, cultures, feelings. I keep clothes given to me by my mother, my aunt, though old, which reminds me of them., i feel their presence, I feel that they are just beside me, when I wear those clothes. I kept the jeans and slippers given by my sister, as i feel loved when i wear it.

I believe that my hoarding mentality began very early, like when i was around 5 years, and my naughty younger brother used to throw my toys around, I had only one doll, a foreign-looking" doll gifted by my uncle, and a tea-set ,a small white one with cute cups and saucers, spoons, milk jugs, and sugar bowl, it was in the 1970's when having a toy was considered luxury, unless you had relatives abroad. My brother successfully demolished some of my tea-set articles, and in a fit of rage, my mother threw away the rest, at least that is what she told me. When I came back from school I was greeted with the news that my toys were thrown in the "kappana" or drainage. In those times only rain water used to flow through the kappana, i

rushed out in my uniform, successfully evading my mother, went close to the kappana, searching for my toys, the drainage was so deep and wide, i feared i would drown if i entered. I searched with my eyes, my tear-filled eyes to no avail. There was a slight spattering of rainfall just then, thunder was heard in the distance, the gathering clouds filled my heart and mind with even darker thoughts. My tears mingled with the raindrops falling on my face.

After I had my daughter, i bought her many toys, many dolls, and many toy houses were gifted to her, but she had absolutely no interest in it., I was shocked, and I still am, as to how she was able to resist such wonderful toys.

Now that my kids are grown, i have the luxury of staying at home - alone, and with all the time for myself to mull about what I liked and missed most. i have 2 toy tea sets, one blue and one white with red flowers. My husband doesnt mind my idiosyncrasies, if it doesnt disturb him . Yes, i have my eye on another tea set in IKEA, a tiny one, very costly and very delicate. i have given my heart to it. May be i will be gifted with this on our anniversary or on my birthday, I cant wait.

So can you call all memories clutter,???

Adv. vidya Sumod

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Shivaji's offeringIn the 17th century, there lived a king called Shivaji

in the Western part of India (Maharashtra of today). His mother, Queen Jijamata, raised him spiritually teaching him to chant (repeat) The Lord's Name when he was just a child. She also taught him all the skills necessary to become a just ruler. Under the care of his mother and with the spiritual guidance of a Saint, Ramdas Swami, Prince Shivaji grew up to be an ideal young king. He courageously led the Marathas (people of that region) against the oppressive rule of the Mughals (invaders from Afghanistan). He established an ideal kingdom, based on spiritual values like courage, efficiency and tolerance for all religions, even as the rest of India still suffered under Mughal rule.

One day, while Shivaji Maharaj (king) was attending to some royal matters, he heard a mendicant calling for alms. Immediately recognising the voice as that of his Guru, Ramdas Swami, Shivaji rushed to greet Him. He humbly invited Swamiji and the devotees travelling with Him, into the palace. After they were seated and fed a royal meal, Shivaji wrote something on a piece of paper and offered it to Swamiji.

The devotees travelling with Swamiji were curious. They had expected that the king would offer Swamiji a royal meal and then a donation; they wondered what he had written on the piece of paper. Swamiji already knew, from within, what Shivaji had offered and what the devotees were wondering. So He told a devotee to open the letter and read it out loud. The letter was Shivaji's will: Disciple Shivaji is offering all property, wealth and kingdom to his Guru, Samartha Ramdas Swami.

Swamiji said, "If you offer me all this, even the kingdom, then what will you do?" The king replied, "I will offer myself completely to serve You, at Your feet." ( Dear children, 'offering myself' means following the Guru's guidance, serving the Guru and spreading His teachings.)

Swamiji smiled and said, "Follow me then; let us go around and ask for alms!" Immediately the king went into the palace and returned in a few minutes dressed in simple clothes. He joined the group asking for alms. The seekers with Swamiji were stunned to see the king's obedience and his willingness to serve the Guru. After a little while the group, including Shivaji, stopped to

rest near a river. Swamiji called everyone close and continued the conversation with Shivaji.

Swamiji said, What is the use of a kingdom to me? Hence, I will not keep the kingdom you have offered. Swamiji continued, "From today onwards, I appoint you as my representative to rule the kingdom in God's Name." Obediently, the disciple Shivaji returned to His Guru's palace and ruled the Guru's kingdom as His representative and by His Guru's grace, he ruled it righteously, in the Name of God.

Moral: The above story shows how much Shivaji loved God and his Guru. So much that he could easily offer his entire kingdom at the Guru's Feet. It also shows that an ideal ruler and a Hindu, would lead by example and rule the kingdom as God's kingdom, for the good of the people.

We hardly have the kind of wealth that Shivaji Maharaj had, but we too, can offer whatever we have to God. We can learn to do so by daily offering our mind (by chanting) and our intellect (by sharing information about Hinduism with our friends and family, as well as regularly doing as per others wishes, etc.).

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The full moon day of the month of Ashadha (July-August) is traditionally celebrated as Guru Poornima. Guru means teacher and Poornima means the full moon day of the month.

This day is also known as Vyasa Poornima. The great Sage, Vyaasa was born on this full moon day. He completed the codification of the four Vedas on this day. He completed the writing of the eighteen puranas on this day. Owing to the passage of time Vyasa Purnima came to be called Guru Purnima.

How does this Sanskrit word Guru come from? The Gu means darkness and Ru denotes the remover of that darkness. What is darkness? Darkness is our ignorance,

deficiency and lacking. Thus the one who removes our ignorance and deficiency is a Guru. In other words, Guru is the one who gives us a knowledge and lights up a wisdom in us.

The mother (parents) is considered as our first Guru. Mother gives everything to her child. Remember ! what your mother taught you? She taught you love and devotion.

She taught you language. She taught you how to walk and how to talk! She taught you all kinds of immotions and manners. The very first lesson that you received is from your mother. Following verse glorifies the Mother as Guru Gurumadhye sthitaa Maataa Matrimadhye sthito Guru

In the Guru lives the Divine Mother, in the Mother resides the Guru

Is the mother only a Guru? No!! Mother is not the only Guru. We acquire knowledge from others too such as School Teacher, College Lecturer or our Coach or even the Shikshak at our Balagokulam. They are also referred as Guru. One should always be thankful to whom he or she gains knowledge and wisdom. One should always give respect to Guru.

A Guru also inspires and guides us on to the path of God-realization. In Hindu tradition, the Guru is looked upon as an embodiment of God himself. It is

through his grace and guidance that one reaches the highest state of wisdom and bliss. On this auspicious day of Guru Poornima, many disciples perform a puja of their respective spiritual preceptor (Guru). One may even celebrate in silence, reading the religious scriptures. The best form of worshiping Guru is to follow his teachings, remember/implement them and propagate them.

In our Bala Darshan we do not consider an individual as a Guru. Why is that? Why dont we consider an individual as a Guru? It is because an individual, such as mother or a school teacher or even a shikshak at Balagokulam, can not be a permanent guide for all time to come. All of them are mortal, and however great, have their own limitations.

So we have chosen a higher symbol of Saffron that represents all the gurus and sages.

The annual function of Sri Guru Pooja in our Bala Darshan presents a moment of introspection for us to check up how far we have progressed in this path of renunciation and selfless service to the society over the last one year, and take lessons from it and resolve to march faster in the current year.

Guru Poornima

Bala Lokam_metemIw

Sopanam-E-Magazine-Vol 4-Issue 4

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