INTOLERAN- ENDS

What is Intolerance? According to the dictionary, Intolerance is unwillingness to accept the beliefs, behavior and blocking an individual from expressing his views! Some people in India feel that India is intolerant. I think these people fail to understand the very meaning of it. I feel proud to be an Indian as India is secular, democratic and republic country! Many countries wonder and feel so surprised that how can people with different culture and religion live in a single country! But they don’t know that we Indians have the capability to live and let live.

Unfortunately from past few months I am hearing the word Intolerance repeatedly! And I felt so sad that how can people who live in the same country call India Intolerant? Aren’t we degrading our own country by calling it so? Why should we give an opportunity for other country to speak about India? I think even many developed countries have their own issues but will they call their country intolerant?

In recent days I have seen the opposition party and film stars calling our nation Intolerant! I have also seen few politicians and super stars who appreciate people who call our country that! A true patriot wouldn’t encourage anyone who calls the country Intolerant irrespective of the party, gender or culture.

It is left to an individual to like or dislike the ruling party. But we are discriminating ourselves as BJP, CONGRESS, RJD Etc. Instead of fighting against a particular party or religion let us join hands and stand as one! When we all stand as one, the world looks bright and hopeful. Let us debate about innovations, science, discovery instead of fighting against government, caste, culture.

INDIA is our motherland. Let us not defame INDIA, let us celebrate INDIA!

Virtualization

What is the difference between a Human and a Robot?

Humans have the capability to judge if another person is happy or sad. Yet, even after knowing the difference, aren’t we all slowly transforming into a Human-Robot? Of course we are. Knowing that, my next question is why? Is it the technology? Oh yes! Indeed.

In today’s world no one can survive without Facebook likes! I remember my friend asking me “how many likes have you got on your recent post? Isn’t it getting lesser?” We all care so much about the likes because most of us like attention, even though we only get recognized for a limited amount of time. It feels wonderful to get recognition but on the contrary it’s like a two headed snake, while you are enjoying reading about others, you will slowly start hating yourself.

When I was young, my friends and I prepared greeting cards and we used to meet up somewhere nice and exchange the presents. Now, no one sends cards anymore. Only after changing the group icon or group name in Whatsapp, people find out that it’s your birthday! I can argue that when there is technology (Facebook) which reminds me to wish others, why the hell I should remember the actual dates? But when I sit back and think about the effect, I realized that we are losing our connections with the close ones indirectly. Remembering birthdays doesn’t mean that you have a good memory but it entails that you care about the people you love.

Similarly, online shopping is the new big thing these days! We can order anything and everything where ever we want to. Major shopping websites announces a huge discount sale or a rush hour and we end up buying many items as everything is skimmed down to half price.  But when we stop to think about our actions, we realize that we end up buying things which is not at all necessary. We are nothing but online shopping victims. Speaking on this, Sir M Visvesvaraya’s words come rushing to my mind “if you buy what you do not need, you will need what you can’t buy”.

Many reports say that after advancement in technology, the physical development of a child is running behind their mental development. Kids now-a-days love to play computer games rather than go out and play cricket or kabaddi with friends. Computer games indeed help in improving the reflex of mind but what about the physical fitness? Physical and mental development complements each other; hence we should cultivate the habit of enjoying the best of both worlds.

Most of today’s teenagers are more confident expressing themselves over text or social media than a traditional face to face conversation. The confidence level in the younger generation is deteriorating. A great hug and a warm smile is getting replaced my emoticons (smiley’s).  Technology is good only if we set the limits.

We have heard our parents and teachers tell us about socializing in order to cultivate strong and rewarding relationships with other people. Unfortunately, we are Virtualizing rather than Socializing!

Koppa - Kashmir of Karnataka

When I saw the "Brahmopadesham" invite from my uncle who stays in Koppa, without a second thought I made sure to confirm my dad that I would be joining! Koppa is located in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. It is famous for coffee and tea plantations. I have heard my cousins say that it’s a beautiful town which is always present in every traveller’s dream destination list. How can I ever miss out on an opportunity like that?!

We reached Koppa early in the morning. The sky was clear and the place was green everywhere. I loved the smell of green! It makes me rejuvenated. Enjoying the weather, we walked to my uncle’s place. When I reached, I could see kids playing and hear thunderous laughter. The atmosphere was very festive. I was pleased to see all my cousins. They welcomed me and the ‘Camera’. My kaki offered us Koppa special coffee and it was strikingly delicious. We got ready for the Upanayanam.

The function was arranged in the premises of a temple. I was impressed by my little cousin who was performing all the rituals with so much dedication. Seeing his dedication, I ran to my parents and asked them to explain to me the significance of Upanayanam. With a broad smile, my father explained that ‘Upa’ means near and ‘Nayana’ means eyes and Upanayana means being by the side of teacher. He also said that Upanayana is performed at the time when a child is ready to start schooling. My mom added that Bramhopadesha (Upanayanam) signifies the schooling phase of a child and hence we call the child Brahmachari. My mottiaaye(Grad-mom) who was sitting next to me, also couldn’t resist but add that during Upanayana the child would receive its first lesson (Gayatri Mantra) from its first guru, who is the father. She said that the mantra causes vibrations in the body and rejuvenates the body and the mind with positive energy. At that point I realised that there is significance and meaning behind all the ritual practices and I was just a fool for not knowing it.

My cousins and I took a walk in the evening. It had rained heavily an hour ago and the sky opened up and the sunset painted the sky. It was mesmerizing. Looking at the weather my cousin said Masala puri To banta hi hai. We spent the entire night planning about next day’s schedule.

The next morning, I got up as early as I could and was ready to explore more of Koppa. We first planned to visit Sirimane falls which is 5 kms from Kigga, Sringeri.

 This place is like a hidden treasure. It’s located deep into the woods. We climbed down a few steps to reach the falls. We went up to the waterfall. When I stood under the waterfall, I felt like I was receiving a natural massage therapy. It was an amazing experience. An interesting fact is that the waterfall feeds coffee estates and paddy fields. It was an awesome place.

After the darshanam at Sringeri Sri Sharadamba temple, we headed for Kuppalli. Kuppalli is a small village in Thirthahalli taluk, Shivamogga. It’s the home town of Rastra Kavi ‘KUVEMPU’. We stopped by Kuvempu’s home which is now converted into a museum. The entire house looked like a glaring castle which stood majestically amidst the greens. 

It’s a vintage three- storey building with tile roof (ಹಂಚಿನ ಮನೆ). The ground floor had a kitchen (ಅಡಿಗೆ ಮನೆ), store room (ಸಾಮಾನು ಕೋಣೆ), bananti kone, bedrooms etc. It was an authentic traditional house. Another amazing thing which we noticed is that the wall clock which is stopped at 1:03; it is the time when Kuvmpu passed away.

As we walked around the house we could see Kuvempu’s sayings engraved on the walls. Some of which were,

ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ, ಕೆಲವು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಗ್ರಂಥಗಳು ಇರಬೇಕಾದುದು ಸದ್ಗುಣದ ಲಕ್ಷಣ

Meaning, One good news paper and a few knowledgeable books is the definition of a noble house. 

ಬದುಕುವ ಛಲ ಮತ್ತು ಹಠ ಇದ್ದವನಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರವೇ ಬದುಕು 

Firm determination to live and aiming at it at any cost what may come, assures life fulfillment.

ಎಲ್ಲಾದರು ಇರು ಎಂತಾದರು ಇರು ಎಂದೆಂದಿಗು ನೀ ಕನ್ನಡವಾಗಿರು, ಕನ್ನಡವೇ ಸತ್ಯ, ಕನ್ನಡವೇ ನಿತ್ಯ 

Where ever you are, however you are, forever you be a Kannadiga. Kannada is the truth, daily it is Kannada.

We could also hear Kuvempu’s poem sung by late C.Ashwath in the background which made us climb the first floor. The first floor is all about his achivemants, certificate, medals, awards...etc. We all came out of the house inspired and headed to ‘Kavishaila’.

Kavishaila is about half a km from Kuvempus home. This is believed to be the place where he first started penning down sitting on the rocks of Kavishaila. This is in the midst of greenery and it is breath taking.

However, all good things eventually come to an end and it was 6 o’clock, we had to head back home. I wished we had 48 hrs a day!

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign”. Every place is beautiful and exploring new places made me realise how small I am! 

Living it simple

When I look at my niece, Gowri, who is one-year-old, I always wonder how she can be so carefree and smiling all the time. The very next thought gave me an answer; her mind is crystal clear. So then, why can’t we adapt the same thinking as we age? Why do we lose this ability as we grow older? Although it is very difficult to keep our minds very clear, why can’t we at least try to minimize the complications in our lives?

All problems have a solution, provided we identify the parameters. My dad always tells me that we have to be prepared for the worst possible scenario.                                                               

On one sunny day, my parents, brother and I decided to visit our Tota (farm land) and planned to have lunch in our favorite restaurant. But before we left, I saw that my dad packing knifes, upma, curd rice....etc. I asked him whether we need all these as we had planned to eat outside but he ignored me and quietly started packing.

After an hour drive we reached our Tota. When we are tired from our routine we come here for relaxation. It is located near Tavarikere, which is 15 kms from Kengeri, Bangalore. When I stepped out of the vehicle, I could breathe in fresh air. The place was quiet and I could hear crickets singing while I watched bird formations over the vast farm. I could even see Marigold flowers glowing over an acre. I could stare at it like forever. It was beautiful!

We walked around for half an hour and then went to the guest house to freshen up. When we were ready to leave for the restaurant, it started to rain all of a sudden. It was raining so severely that it seemed to continue for the next 2 hours! At that point, it was already 2'o clock and we were all very hungry. My dad slowly started unpacking upma and curd rice and started cutting guavas. He looked at me and smiled. I then remembered his exact words “Be prepared for any situations”. Planning is one of the keys to a happy life.                                                                                                                         

            Bruce lee says “Empty your mind. Be formless shapeless like WATER. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Be water my friend”. He means one should be able to adapt to any situation he/she is in.                                                         

            My dad is a government employee, so we kept relocating from one place to another. From Mangalore- Panambur- Hassan- Mysore and finally settled in Bangalore. As I spent my high school years (which is considered to be the most memorable phase is everyone’s life) in Mysore it was and still is my heart and soul. After my 10^th we had to move from Mysore to Bangalore. I was habituated with the simple way of living in Mysore and I was scared that I wouldn’t make any friends or find my way around my new college in Bangalore. 

          After first day of college, I came home crying and demanded that my parents take me back to Mysore. When they asked me why, I told them that I could not communicate with anyone as everyone spoke in English! I was scared to death that I would end up having no friends. My parents sat me down and asked me to be open minded and not to come to any conclusions instantly. And sure enough, after a few weeks, I started making new friends and I slowly started to pick up my communication skills. Few of my new friends even helped me out with correcting my English when I was wrong and today I can speak my heart out!

            Moving from one place to another helped me discover myself and become more open minded. It also helped me build new connections and become more in tune with my gut instinct.

During my semester holidays, I was finding ways to spend my time more effectively. As I was walking one day, I found an organization named ‘BELAKU’ which means light. They nurture orphan girls. I went inside and talked to the girls and found out that the girls needed help in mathematics, so I decided to spend some time with them every day and teach them mathematics. I joined BELAKU as a teacher, but after a few weeks I realized that the girls were actually the ones playing the teacher and were teaching me morals of life. I was moved by their innocence, integrity and simple way of living.

             Simple living is not living behind our dreams and desires; but it is living along with our dreams and working hard in achieving what we desire.

Self- Realization

“I don’t want to wear that stupid frock and dress up like a girl” I told my mom who had bought me a beautiful pink frock on my 12^th birthday. All my friends had come home with gifts for the birthday celebrations, but I was still in my ragged jeans and a T-shirt (I was comfortable wearing it though!).  As soon as I saw the cake, I realized that I would not get to eat the cake without wearing the frock and I quickly dressed up. The cake looked delicious. It was moist and fluffy. I quickly counted the number of people who had come to the party and I felt so bad that I would get only 2 pieces of cake! That day, I realized that wearing a frock and dressing up like a girl didn't bother me at all. In fact, the only thing that had actually bothered me was the mere thought itself of dressing up bothering me! Today whenever I step out of the house I make sure that I am dressed well. I love dressing up because I feel confident and its fun! I think each and every girl deserves to feel fabulous.

I remember an incident when I picked up a big fight with a bus conductor. There was an important function at my native and I was given the responsibility of getting a set of relatives from the bus station to my house. On the way back home, I saw that the few seats in bus which are usually reserved for ladies, was occupied by some young lads. I straight away went up to them asked them if they could leave the seat to my relative who was quite old! Unfortunately, the young lads got offended and started fighting with me while the bus conductor also stated that the rules apparently applied only in Bangalore and not in the villages! Additionally, the people whom I was fighting for didn't bother to appreciate the fact that I was fighting for them! When you have made up your mind not to follow the rule then why make one?!! I realized that from now on, I should take matters forward only after consulting the person in the picture.

Schooling is that phase in life which you can never forget. The only reason I can’t forget my school days is because of my FRIENDS. We would volunteer for all possible programmes or register to all the sport events in school in order to be together. It’s been 8 years but still the memories are fresh. How much ever time or distance separates us we get together and laugh about the same stupid things that only we guys find it funny. My friend Amulya and I used to read all the detective novels and we used to pretend we were Sherlock Holmes! People used to call us soul sisters. Today I think Amulya, Navya, Nikki and I share a special bond and I know that we are the only people who could talk about how our other high school classmates turned out.

 I was an ‘out’-standing student in my schooling days! I think I was the only girl to stand out of the class almost every day!  When the teacher asked me to go out of the class I used to feel so happy that I could see the birds fluttering their wings and the leaves withering off the trees during spring! I remember there was a beautiful squirrel which would walk along the corridors of the school and I would offer it peppermints. It would to take it and quickly whisk away! It was a habit everyday and whenever I used to sit inside the class I don’t remember if the squirrel would come searching for me or the peppermints. Ahhh I miss being an ‘out’-standing student!

My mom would always tell me that cooking is an art and it takes years of practice to master it! I used to make fun of her! Once my relatives had come home for a cup of tea and they asked me if I knew how to prepare it. I had proudly said “NO” but then they started telling me that it’s every girl’s duty to learn to cook! I decided not to disappoint them and asked my mom to teach me ways to prepare a cup of tea. While my mother prepared the tea, I stood by the kitchen and observed her. After a while I started realizing that cooking is not an easy job! Cooking involves planning, timing and proper execution. It’s the most difficult, interesting and challenging job! All these days I had underestimated people who can cook but now I realize that cooking is more challenging than developing a piece of code and delivering it to the client!

From that day on I started having a budding interest in cooking and today I love to cook! Thanks to my mother for making me realize that!

As rightfully stated, “The only thing that remains constant in life is change”. This is one of my favorite quotes as it is the one that I always believe in! Why should anyone be afraid of change? Change is a positive curve in everyone’s life provided the change is from good to better. It makes you realize that how you have grown as a person. Realizing and embracing the changes only made me a better person! 

INDRAHITLU

‘INDRAHITLU’ means place of Indra, in olden days Jain pooja Pandits were called Indra and one of that Indra lived in the place where my native home is, hence we call our home.‘INDRAHITLU. It’s located in a village called ‘ANDINJE’, Venoor (ವೇಣೂರು) on the banks of the Phalguni river in the South Kanara District of Karnataka. It was once the seat of Jainism. It is on the Dharmasthala-Moodabidri-Karkala route on the religious circuit in the Karnataka State of India.

Monsoon is the best time to visit my place. The lush greenery around my house makes time fly. This place attracts nature lovers. “If you consider nature as your friend sure you don’t need an enemy!”

Grandparents are indeed ‘Grand’ for their Grand-kids. They serve as role models, teachers, nurturers, providers and mentors. I always have the habit of planning my holidays during the study holidays. As soon as I complete my final exam my first call will be to my Grand Mom whom I call ‘Mottiaaye’ warning her ‘I will be coming, get ready!’

I don’t care about what I pack. The only thing that keeps running in my mind is how fast can I get there??

Now that I am in my native, no one can stop me from climbing a tree or playing cricket or in short I acting like a boy!

“Good Morning Sunshine” is the first word I hear at 6 am in the morning by my uncles (kakas). Who wakes at 6 am in the morning? Common.. Let me sleep for 15 minutes more!!

We say morning prayers and get up. The first thing I do is to go near the fire place and start making fire for the water to boil and take bath. I asked my Mottiaaye about the necessity of burning wood to make water boil. With a broad smile she said that the wood that burns has several vital ingredients and she said water which is boiled this way is preferred for the healthy lifestyle. Wow she has answers for everything. I always want to ask her something which she cannot answer. Every time I fail!!!

The most fascinating thing about my native is ’GANJI (ಗಂಜಿ)’ made of brown rice. It tastes like WOW! I have it with thick curd and tasty pickle with a sharp flavor. I can have it till my stomach is full. The specialty of Ganji is, if I have it at 8 am in the morning I won’t be hungry again till 2 pm for lunch. The concept of “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” is strictly followed here.

After an enjoying breakfast (mini meal), I get ready to go to TOTA (Farm land) with my uncle and cousins. I usually carry a bag and a knife to pick up anything unusual. 

As I walk through the Farmland, I see the sprinklers splashing and turning all the way! What a sight! It’s like a live dancing Peacock. My cousins and I usually make a master plan to get through the other side of the land without the water from the sprinklers touching us! It’s a game we always play. I will be hoping that water hits someone so that we all can turn the game other way round and turn along with the sprinklers and get completely wet! It’s a bliss trust me!

The main reason of me going to my native is the ‘JACK FRUIT’. The taste cannot be put in words it can only be sensed. We put the jack fruits in a Gunny bag and carry it back home. As soon as I get back home, I pester my Aunts (kaki) to cut the fruit. I usually have to skip lunch because of the Jack fruit. It’s so tasty that I can’t let go of it unless Mottiaaye pulls me away.

After a fulfilling prince lunch I have left with no choice but to sleep. I fall asleep as soon as I hit the bed.

After a deep sleep I freshen up and have some tea with South Kanara special snacks like Golibaje, Sonte (jack fruit chips), Papad (made of jackfruit),...etc and get ready to go to the river bank with Mottiaaye and cousins.

We have to walk half a k.m. to get there. Seeing the beauty of the place, I always feel that I am in a fairy tale. I feel that there are many unexplored places in India which are far more beautiful than any foreign place. Mottiaaye and I sit on the river bank enjoying the serenity of the place. I try to collect flat stones and splash it into the river and count the number of time it bounces.  I can proudly say that I have a record of 10 bounces!

After a while, we walk towards the Hanging Bridge. It’s a bridge built 25 years ago and connects the other side of the village where my other set of relatives are put up. When I stand at the center of the bridge I can see the sun set! It’s the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I like this place more than Kanyakumari.

I couldn’t pose for the picture because of the damping sunlight and I shut down the camera in dismay. I think the sun read my mind and it quickly disappeared into the mountains. What a view!

We come back to the house before it gets too dark. I freshen up and sit along with Mottiaaye and others for Bhajan. We have 3 set of books which is hand written by my uncle which consists of hundreds of  Bhajans. From the start of the book we start singing for half an hour and continue from the place we had left off the next day.

'Why do we need to sing Bhajans? Is it to impress God?' I asked my Grand Mom (Mottiaaye). She smiled and said that there is nothing like impressing GOD and we do Bhajans for our own happiness. She said that when we sing together, it creates waves of vibrations which purify the polluted air surrounding us! What a beautiful thought.                        

After Bhajans I climb upstairs and enter 'Saraswati Mandir'. Saraswati Mandir is the name given to one of the room in our house. It’s a 16X16 room. When I enter the room I feel like I am in a Mandir (Holy Place). The room is painted with beautiful thoughts. These thoughts are hand written by my uncle. One side of the wall has a small episode of “Mankutimmana Kagga” which is written by D.V. Gundappa. It says

ಹುಲ್ಲಾಗು ಬೆಟ್ಟದಡಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆಯಾಗು। ಕಲ್ಲಾಗು ಕಷ್ಟಗಳ ಮಳೆಯ ವಿಧಿ ಸುರಿಯೆ ।। ಬೆಲ್ಲ ಸಕ್ಕರೆಯಾಗು , ದೀನದುರ್ಬಲರಿಂಗೆ । ಎಲ್ಲರೊಳಗೊಂದಾಗು ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ ।।

Meaning, Be a (gentle) blade of grass at the foot of the mountain;  And jasmine  flower at home; Be(strong) like a rock when the fate pours; Be sweet like sugar and jaggery  to poor and weak; Be one with all Mankutimma.

The other side of the wall says,

­­­­­                                                                    

ಕಳ್ಳರಿಂದ ಅಪಹರಿಸಲಾಗದ, ರಾಜರಿಂದ ಕರವನ್ನು ವಿಧಿಸಲಾಗದ, ಪಾಲು ಮಾಡಲಾಗದ, ಭಾರವಿರದ, ಖರ್ಚು ಮಾಡಿದಷ್ಟೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗುವ ವಿಧ್ಯೆಯೇ, ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಂಪತ್ತುಗಳಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಪ್ರಧಾನವಾದ ಸಂಪತ್ತು.         

Knowledge is the main wealth because, It cannot be stolen by thieves, neither taxed by kings nor be divided into shares and it’s like and expenditure without burden.

The place where we hang the clock its written "ಕಾಲಾಯ ತಸ್ಮೈ ನಮಃ"which means everything is enslaved by time.

When I turn to my right, I can see the beautiful hand written India map with all the states and its capitals which is followed by the Karnataka map. What a way to customize your room. Every time I enter the room I feel motivated and encouraged. I feel like doing something worthy with my life. It’s such an inspiration. Anyone who enters the Saraswati Mandir will never come out without appreciation.  

My uncle starts reciting the Bhagavad Gita and we repeat after him. After each Shloka/ episode he tells us what it means.

My mind freshens up after chanting the shlokas and with that mind-set we come down for dinner. After a light dinner, my cousins and I start to make bed for everyone in the house and I make sure that I get to sleep with Mottiaaye.

All the lights in the house slowly start to vanish and in a matter of 10 minutes its pitch dark and the only voice that can be heard is of mine and Mottiaaye’s. I pester Mottiaaye to tell a story even today. She politely goes on with her story. After the story we discuss the characters in the story and doze off.

Every minute in my village is refreshing, memorable and adventurous. Every day is new and exciting. This is the place I can never say NO to when I am asked to visit. This is my home and it completes me!