Shree Durga Devi Temple KARLA: -

Shree Durga Devi Temple KARLA: -visited and darshan of July 2013. 

The Vision of our Seers is amazing and when Shree Trust was first spoken of about 24 years ago, we never knew this loction even-i.e.-before construction even- when heard of it in in Chennai) -

most of us never even knew the place.
Then followed the fund raising, many hurdles and all-- but finally in early 1990s was constructed and then progressively developed. For me and my family visits -darshans as the Chennai -Mumbai trains stop at Lonavla. A Sabbatical- rest at the Shree Durga Devi Temple & the Sanjeevani Samadhi of Pujya Sw. Parjnanashran is a great blessing. In recent years the wonderful Saptha Seva by Mumbai Sabha weekly batch volunteers and meeting them-their gracious -kind Hospitality and seva assistance is so touching-

Grateful thanks to All.
LOOKING BACK--
The Vision of Pujya Sw. Parjnanashran to select such a special location for our Shree Durga Parameshwari temple is amazing -Shastang Namaskar
Salutations & respects -
TR

POEM

“God made a beauteous garden
With lovely flowers strewn,
But one straight, narrow pathway
That was not overgrown.
And to this beauteous garden
He brought mankind to live,
And said "To you, my children,
These lovely flowers I give.
Prune ye my vines and fig trees,
With care my flowers tend,
But keep the pathway open
Your home is at the end."

God's Garden”
― Robert Frost

Growing Trees in metros.

Growing Trees in metros.

Let us first take a look at the Value of a Tree --
1.Trees generate Oxygen -removes CO2
2.Recycles fertility and soil erosion control,
3.Creates a Natural air pollution control system,  

4.Provides shelter for birds and animals--

5.Shade  for all mankind and creatures ;

Besides providing flowers, fruits.

So, when even one tree is cut, the city loses, mankind loses , all lose--

Trees in smaller spaces in metros--- Aerial Growth space. -

This pic has a Neem about 45 ft tall, a Bilwa of abt 30 ft and a Cotton Tree outside even --

This is seen at Sringeri Math Temple at Mandavelli, Chennai.
 

In my small compound-started in 1982-

Pic shows a Neem in my compound in 5 ft space -over 30 years.
In the rear space we managed 2 Coconut trees as we have 40 x 10 ft space only..

 

What is needed:

1) All that is required is Aerial Growth space,
2) A little care in pruning in growth stages will ensure branches do not spread horizontally and the Tree will grow well--vertically. Water the tree and care for it

Some trees can be grown and managed more easily --but Ficus genus like Ashwattha, Banyan and Oudamber will need more space and cannot be managed in small spaces. With the Metros buildings  crowding in more daily and Builders not giving much space for Greening --we have to carefully choose  suitable trees -to Plant and Take Care .

Think before you cut a tree!

Just a little care and concern--and assistance
Trees need this care and we need Trees

Nature is GOD!
Conservation is Prayer! 

Respects to All 

TR

Reflections in April, 2014-

On 31st. March we have the fin year ending which this time also coincides with our New Year of Yugadi; also for many in India. Tamil New Years day and Vishu and others follow in mid April.

Writing in a reflective mood -
For me the last year was one that can be best described as a Dizzy Bizzy Crazy year. Add in medical and all--But that's Life too- more seen with age and today perhaps a bit more stressful.
thought"Destiny is not something we choose, but rather some thingm that walks closely and quietly beside us"
Of things that we may be even unaware of even.
We all now live in a world where personal circumstances may vary totally & more so with this potpourri in India, soaring inflation and a service sector --inc Banks, Insurance, esp Mediclaim, Hospital-treatment that is spinning out of control as compared to the very simple and easier times till the 80s. Even working hours have changed and meeting at a dinner table is now a thing of the past..
Chai Time meet is a luxury and become rare!!However, we still have to make choices and take decisions setting simple goals and resolutions. 
So what all really matters most :
1) Time , Health & Energy Management to suit present day needs of our "body clock takes priority and helps a lot.--any age group.
2) Renewal of Friendships (and Healing) is a vital part but often lost out with job or other pressures piling up still ! but somethings just cannot be put on hold too long either.
Meet all your close and special people -
3) Catch up with all personal pending items -inc domestic,finance and set in order.The list seems just endless; Sounds very basic & so simple, but working this out takes commitment anjd application and time.
4) De -Clutter or in sailors language JETTISON, all unwanted Baggage and Focus on essentials is what I keep telling myself-as we often seem to get into too many hassles at times.
Gentle but firm speech & words and above all keep cool helps a lot.

5) Finally we decide where want to go-Direction and Course to Steer.
"A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."
TR 

Yugadi 31st march 2014.

Monsoon Watch from a hotel balcony

Monsoon  Watch

Monsoon  Watch from a hotel balcony at Mumbai 2013.

I was briefly at Mumbai for a head office meeting -and was just too tired to go out after 6pm-stayed in my room at Sea Place hotel over looking the Sea at Colaba --Water front and stared out of the window-watched the Sea and Ships & boats--some thing I never tire of doing and it refreshes me--I did not go out at all in the monsoon --(age &health -my neuro- mg is telling badly on such frenetic rush- rush trips finally!! have to stop and take breaths .. )

Managed to take some pics of the sea front at Colaba- from Gateway ; my fav place really.

Evokes so many memories ...esp of my life on a Coastal Tanker m.t. Jag Jwala 1966-69.

Reflections at Dawn
The very early morning hours of 10th Feb.found me looking out of my window at Sea palace Hotel, Mumbai- across the bay and the scene was a vivid recall of T.S. Dufferin mornings . The view across was misty and with some haze---as the sunrise is quite late.. past 7 am, unlike my earlier sunrise time on East Coast.The Gulls and all tiny  sea birds floating and feeding  on the waters of the silent dawn are the only signals of a city awakening, apart from  a few early morning walkers.
The ships in the background is much the same as in 1963-5,-except now so many pleasure Yachts are moored there. 

The serenity of the view across the bay so vividly helped  recall those short periods  after early morning bugle call of Reveille and then  the the "Fallout for Prayers" as we prayed or reflected at Dawn as Cadets - across the Sea ;
A great experience continued over those two years as Cadets does remain etched in the recesses of one's memory..

As the sun slowly rose in the sky-  it also reminded me of basic navigational training  like  sun's amplitude, sextant altitude and all. The mist slowly lifted and the day break continued. Crows, - raucous as they are, replaced the Gulls and slowly the traffic noise replaced the Quietude of the wonderful morning....
Oh yes,  the beautiful scene was heightened with a Lemon Tea at The window.

 Never thought the hotel room overlooking the Sea face at Mumbai would offer such a gentle vista for a meditative space in the early hours esp. considering  the usual din of  city traffic and noise that starts later.

Moments of Silence still reigned in the early Dawn-

"take time to appreciate the wonders of Creation and the Creator is a truism".No wonder our Ancients valued the early hours so much as "Shubha Muhurat" and then said "Good Morning".
Cheers 
TR

My Jasmine creeper.

posted on 8th April 2014 Sri Ram Navami

Sharing my experience with Jasminum sambac ( botanical name ) .

The Jasmine (Madhvi or Vasanti in sanskrit) is a flower for all occasions and all over the South India ( (Jadi & Mullai type) dominate -inc in the busy Chennai Metro as the preferred choice . 

 The Jasmine takes a special place at Pooja time as the priests chants  Malati, Mallika, Shevantaki, Bakula Champaka , Ketaki etc.in pushpa archana-- 

We have a stotra on Mata Parvati  representing the Jasmine Creeper and adorning Lord Shiva .Most all "Sugandh" is Fragrance and synonymous with Jasmine ..and is in Lingashtakam -
Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam-Buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam, Siddha surasura vandita Lingam Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam----Meaning; I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,Which is anointed by perfumes,Which leads to growth of wisdom,And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.
Jasmine -Malli--

Some varieties are so pretty to look at eg.Gundu Malli  but without fragrance but still so nice.
Malli -Mallika-  as it is called in southern part of India obviously comes from the full name Malati.

Background

I had planted two very small plants called Nitya Malli in the earth on North and West side in my small compound in 2004. 

Honestly I feel some plants come to us by sheer Grace- Anugraha as they both some how grew well despite the fact  I had enthusiasm for plants and trees but little l idea of how to handle a Jasmine Creeper.

The north side creeper climbed   up the wall and went onto the  adjacent shed.

The western side creeper  was taken onto the Frangipani Tree.

All I did was  to ensure watering and occasional Soil change and manure.

In fact they seem to be hardy plants (creepers) and  just grew to a height of about 15 feet with sweet smelling Flowers at the top.

After Rains esp. they would bloom even more and exude a delightful fragrance.

All well went ---till  I called in a Helper to Trim the dry vines and dead wood as pest control isa reality in every garden .Trimming at aheight is difficult and calls for great care.Periodic trimming and pruning is necessary to control the drying out vines. I had just been absent for half an hour ( for a late breakfast on sunday) when the Helper  clipped all the Jasmine Vines on the Creeper in our house frontage and wrecked the entire Plant.-Dear God ...Helpers!!

Vines dont grow -new have to sprout ...OMG

LESSON

Do not employ Helpers who dont understand Garden work...

RE-STARTING--

I spent a week to understand the Jasmine Creeper as very little  information is available to suit Local conditions--I share my learnings with all --who may want to plant this delightful Creeper .

INFORMATION LACKING

1.I went through all blogs and found there are so many Varieties of Jasmine and  names confuse . Most relate to varieties grown  overseas esp in Colder conditions. Finally came across Design Green India June 22, 2013 which covers many aspects well.

2 The local Flower stores ( who deal in horticulture) and sell Plants-Saplings and other garden material  have no Botanical knowledge .Most are just sales persons to push sales and were of no help in plant advice.

3. I finally asked around and thr Gardener who tends the corporate properties at the end of Greenways Roads was quite helpful.

4. I learnt some lessons on this Jasmine -NItya Malli aka Chameli as it is called in north india. This  site covers a lot -http://designgreenindia.com/2013/06/best-tips-for-growing-spanish-jasmine-chameli/

5. Just adding on to what I learnt--5 Tips.

SHARED

1) In India it is best to grow in the earth as it really grows and spreads to heights and across ; a spot with adequate sunlight.

A mixture of Red Earth (sem-mann) & Cowdung mix is sold  in all places for Rs 100/per gunny bag. Thie sapling to be planted in the ground after digging in and  is to be kept moist and with drainage. 

2) Daily Watering is needed -esp in Chennai wher it can be extremely hot from April till August

3) Fertilsier -have used only Neem Oil solution, Organo & Compost is available in packets at Rs 30 each.

Replenish Red earth and cowdung mix when   the plant needs a pick up--

4) Neem Oil Spray was used.

5) Trim dried out vines with care--

Happily a few new new Vines are sprouting in the earth- this time I will be more careful

I learnt that trimming  of new vines  helps to propogate new vines and leaves and Flowering.

Plan to use a wire grill to guide the creeper on to the grill by tying a string near the tip of the plant.

Will nurture them with greater Care.  

The plant will flower in a few months

Other names are Jasminum grandiflorum (chameli ) Spanish jasmine.

TR

Rhythms of Life---

"Dedicated to all whose msgs. help and encourage "

Rhythms of Life.

As we age the time seems to fly faster, but, some  Moments seem to drag! Paradox. Friendship and encouragement help more than at any time. No Man is an Island. I read one email anecdote "NO LEFT TURNS" from my "read again" list sent by a batchmate very aptly titled too-. So touching and yet a lot of practical wisdom with nostalgia-the conclusion said it all--  ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRY  DATE!

 

quote

" I can't figure out if it was because he walked through life, or because he quit taking left turns."

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Forget about the ones who don't.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a chance, take it & if it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.”

unquote

On that note 

Cheers,

TR 

MAKARA SANKARANTI -January 13th 2014.

MAKARA SANKARANTI – PONGAL, LOHRI etc-at.Uttarayan

PROLOGUE

Pongal -aka Sankaranti is the most celebrated festival in South states of India viz. Tamilnadu, Andhra and Karnataka -possibly more that the rest of India-

4 days are in fact reserved for this and many ask  WHY?

OK, briefly :

We start each calender year on the date  of Makara Sankaranti when the Sun starts the northwards travel and the northern hemisphere starts to once again get more sunlight for 6 months -hence dedicated to Surya Devata . The rainy season is over and in a predominantly Agrarian society the Farmer -agriculture, cows and bulls and our traditional systems is gratefully acknowledged-

NOTE: Remember, this is not restricted to a Harvest festival only as some may think. Whilst indeed the Farmer and crops, cattle and nature itself are all most honoured as they rightfully deserve, there is greater significance.

Uttaraayan is regarded as a special time and auspicious period to start sadhana, going  onto the path of  Shreyas, Also for starting new ventures and the collective spirit of human welfare in Pancha Maha Yajna Spirit.The 4 days cover;

v     Bhogi the day before Pongal is for Maha Visarjana Kriya….i.e.  declutter, shedding of bad habits –i.e. manas shuddhi – vasana naashaya.

v     1^st Day On Sankaranti ( Pongal) is for Deva Yajna/ Rishi Yajna i.e.  Religious observances and thanksgiving of all to the farmers for agricultural wealth.

      Pongal in a pot overflowing symbolises Poornatwam of Mother  

      Annapoorna. Haldi (manjal)-Turmeric  has a medicinal value and is a purifing herb 

      and so the pongal pot is  wrapped with thses leaves also.

v     Annadan-Food is distributed esp as   in Manushya (Elders) and in Athithi (Guest) Yajna with  sharing in the  spirit of Jana Kalyan /  Lok Sangraha.-Collective Welfare.In fact food is cooked in the open spaces  and distributed to all.

v     2^nd nd Day is dedicated for Go-mata –the Cow and the Bulls that help in ploughing fields. The Go Mata is the symbol of the holy Mother.

Refer 5 Gs : Guru -  Gayatri –Girija – Gita and - Gomata ( of Guru prabhavalli) 

v     3^rd Day for respecting and appreciating Environment & Nature inc all creatures in Bhoot Yajna. 

The Farm scene and understanding & learning about our farmers.

Introduction:

Appreciating the Farmer and agriculture.

In school during the mid 50s,  we had an excellent text book on geography titled--

"Living &Earning a Living " - by E.V.Staynor,which taught us so much about our country, agriculture and industry and its living conditions.

It gave a vivid explanation of our people, work and life in India so well,.

 

As young students, we learnt early that Living was really about  working for basic needs in several domains and the primary needs of Food & Shelter and essentials came first. This was realised -not frills and luxuries alone as is seen today in many urban sections.Some times affluence can alter all perspective and create mistaken notions towards work and life. Food today is expensive and takes away about half our earning at any strata in India. In recent past we have seen even simple veggies cost so much-eg the humble item of Onion prices skyrocket and with much controversy satire and even wit, showing the commons man's tolerance..... 

So, how does the Agri scene really work in India?

Let us first acknowledge that:

"The Food Supply management is a Challenge for all from the farmer to the housewife at home".

What is infuriating is the middle men and cartels (and add in wastage) who wreck the system and take out the profits leaving the Farmers high and dry.

Despite Droughts and Floods and all the  vagaries,  crops are harvested---We some how get our Food grains & Vegetables in our Markets and in our homes daily.

 

 

This post and series looks at Farming and the agri sector by studying the simple approaches of Faith in Villagers to Agriculture, I have spent years working in and seeing the handling of Food Grain, loading on ships --then after 1975 in inspecting imports under PL 480 with FCI ,Food Aid World Food Programe etc. Later in some exports inc of Rice, Onions and overall in Agri Commodity Inspection like Raw sugar Maize , Wheat etc.--with Lab support .

 

WE have been working with a series of food managers like FCI, CARE, WFP in PDS schemes etc. 

 

Then in the 2000 era Private Dealers & MNCs entered eg NCDEX.

 

Prices have spiralled with profiteering, hoarding and storage wastage, inc rodents and infestation. Today on the Food and agri scene would in one word would sum it up  thus:

 

Crop Sales from Harvest is till date a serious problem for the farmer who toils and in the end gets a very small share and most often remains in debts life long to middle men and dealers who pay a very small fraction and sell at profits.

 

What is even more  infuriating is the transition from  middle men to cartels and even some Bulk purchase corporates who wreck the system and take out the profits leaving the Farmers high and dry.

 

Today about 47% of India is agri and forest sector-some of which is non productive due to the complete  lack of basics-even seeds, fertiliser and tools- but somehow farmers are managing. In fact we  stagnate at the level portrayed in the1950s  film        "Mother India" depicting  the pathetic struggles of our village scenes in many places still --even today viz.

Farmers are poor -remain poor and in debt- eke out a living and are at the mercy of middle men and cartels. Many have committed suicide-yet work, some how continue. 

 

Despite Droughts and Floods and all the  vagaries,  crops are harvested---We some how get our Food grains & Vegetables in our Markets and in our homes daily.

 

From Agriculture Reports: the following was introduced in late 80s and paved the way for a Green Revolution, but now sees setbacks in some places.

In the 70s & 80s there was considerable improvement

QUOTE" 

The services enhanced by the Green Revolution in the agriculture sector of Indian economy were:

• Acquiring more area for cultivation purposes
• Expanding irrigation facilities
• Use of improved and advanced high-yielding variety of seeds
• Implementing better techniques that emerged from agriculture research
• Water management
• Plan protection activities through prudent use of fertilizers, pesticides, and cropping applications.

Unquote

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

However on the 2000 it all slumped as seen below of 2014. 

Foodgrains production may fall short of target

From the Hindu

B. Chandrashekhar

TOPICS

Production is likely to be 207.29-lakh tonnes against the target of 224.96-lakh tonnes

Foodgrains production in the State is likely to fall short of the target by about 18-lakh tonnes in 2013-14. The shortfall is being attributed to damage of standing crops due to cyclones in the coastal districts and because of excessive rains in other areas.

The shortfall is mainly contributed by drop in the production of paddy (rice) by 10.5-lakh tonnes and that of pulses by 5.02-lakh tonnes.

The production of cotton cultivated in over 24-lakh hectares, a record, oilseeds and sugarcane have also been estimated to be much below the targets set by the State Government.

According to Director of Economics and Statistics D. Dakshinamurthy, foodgrains production is likely to be 207.29-lakh tonnes against the target of 224.96-lakh tonnes, an 8 per cent dip in the expected output. Similarly, the production of pulses has been put below expectation at 12.74-lakh tonnes against 17.76-lakh tonnes.

The production of foodgrains has suffered due to low productivity (yield) caused by unfavourable weather conditions during the crucial stages of crops, though the extent of crops’ cultivation has matched or exceeded the targets fixed by the government. Paddy has been cultivated in 43.95-lakh hectares against the target of 44-lakh hectares but the yield is 3,115-kg per hectare against expectation of 3,350-kg.

However, cultivation of pulses has fallen short of target by over 5-lakh hectares as the sowings were badly hit badly with untimely and excessive rains. As a result, they were sown only in 16.42-lakh hectares against the target of 21.85-lakh hectares.

Excessive rains have also dashed the hopes of cotton farmers who were expecting bumper production this year. Against the estimated 78-lakh bales production, only 52.35-lakh bales production is being expected now.

In contrast, cultivation of oilseed suffered badly due to scanty rainfall in Anantapur district where groundnut is the major crop. Groundnut covers about 80 per cent of oilseed cultivation in the State. Against the target of 23.86-lakh hectares, oilseed were sown in 19.49-lakh hectares. Production has been affected in greater proportion due to low yields.

 

 

SUMMARISING

Can we usher in some sensitivity & support ? 

Our readers opinions are welcome.

rgds,

TR