ARE YOU QUESTIONING BACK?

Last week in Hyderabad city, there were two bomb explosions which killed over 45 people. May it be the reason of Terrorism or anything but it had caused a huge human loss. These days, it has become a daily routine for those who explode bombs. Every part of the world is shivering just because of terrorism. For instance, 9/11 at twin towers and 7/11 at Mumbai last year. In such conditions, people are feeling fearsome to trust their own co-human beings. Do you know why actually it is happening? If you ask me, I would say that, we have completely lost the guts to question back. This is the sole reason why we can see such incidents occurring. I will explain you how.

You all may be aware of a popular fable of a herd of sheep. A shepherd was traveling to other cities with a herd of sheep. At the end of the day, the shepherd thought of staying at an Inn. But he was worried about his sheep. He thought, that the sheep will be lost if he don’t tie them. But at the same time, he had a small rope with which he couldn’t be able to tie at least a single sheep. But, some how, carrying the same small rope, he went to the herd of sheep and pretended as if, he were tying the sheep together. Actually, he didn’t tie any of the sheep but pretended that, he tied all the forelegs of sheep together. Next day in the morning, he came back to his sheep, and gave a hard push. The sheep stood steadily as if they were tied to each other. Again, the shepherd pretended untying the sheep which he never tied. Now the sheep moved freely and followed the herd or say the shepherd.

Now, it might have become crystal clear about what I’m going to speak today. Yes, you are correct that, I’m going to speak about the necessity of questioning back which we never try to do. Friends, let me tell you one thing first. No one of us (human beings) is perfect. We all do think alike; No one thinks more than what others think. It is the implementation which differs and yields results but remember, all of us think in a similar way as the sheep does. We people have developed a tendency to follow and not to lead and to our fate we have chosen leaders who misguide us.

May be, the zeal of questioning back should start from the budding or say sapling state. When children ask questions, we do neglect answering them and thus, we kill their enthusiasm to question why it is happening as such. And even if we do answer also, we never tell them it is not final. We never try to convince ourselves that there might exist yet another answer or say answers. To my belief, nothing can be concluded with cent percent accuracy. If one concludes, then there exists no research further.

It’s not the government which should be stood solely responsible for such kind of incidents. Government is nothing but people, we the people who govern us. Did the government employees come from planets or are they gods? No right! They too are humans like us, and they too don’t have the sixth sense to tell where the next explosion is going to occur. The terrorists think that, government had become deaf so an explosion might be a remedy to make it hear their voice. Is it really a remedy? Who are they killing? Are they killing the corrupt system or innocent people? If they want to make the system listen to their demands do they really have to cause human loss? Why people have forgotten that there exist Gandhigiri too (through which we can solve the problems)? There’s a popular saying, “If you know what hurts you, you know what hurts others”. And it’s true that, the terrorists are unaware of the same.

In the name of religion or say what ever, some organizations are hiring unemployed youth to cause huge destructions. Youth is much fascinated because they are frustrated being unemployed or say the leaders of such organizations are misguiding them in the name of religion and making them as their weapons. They are making them suicide bombers and since youth is highly distracted in nature, they are utilizing them to such an extent that the youth is completely forgetting the essence of ethics. Thus, developing hatred towards society, government or say what ever, the youth has become the major weapon for such organizations who stands responsible for what ever destruction it occurs. That’s the reason why, I’ve already said that, we are like the sheep who love to follow the herd and not lead, and to our fate we have leaders who mislead us.

Is there any solution for this problem? Definitely, to me, “there exists a solution for every problem”. It’s we who have to implement it. It should start with one’s own self. One must question him/herself back about how his /her actions affect the society. One must answer about what he/she does when questioned without hesitation or say the truth. It looks practically impractical to practice but friends it is never an impossible task too. If one goes wrong, let it the President of the country, question back why he/she did so, (if possible)? {I’ve used the term if possible, because, earlier, President Dr. Abdul Kalam used to respond if questioned; I don’t know about Mrs. Prathiba Patil}Or ask your representative (MLA’s or MP’s) to question from your side, after all, you’ve chosen them. Because, one can’t say that the whole system is corrupt. It’s you who have to choose the genuine person who listens to you and speaks for you.

If you do practice it from the budding level, say from schooling, college or whatever or where ever in the society, the habit of questioning back; then believe me, you’ll be the creator of new theories. Because, if you can’t find a perfect answer, I know, you will definitely strive hard to find one. But please beware that, the answer should not harm the society where you live. Finally, I don’t want to conclude this time, as I usually do in my every article because, I want you all to think about the cause and effect and then implement the same for the welfare of the society.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.)
University of Hyderabad.

NOW… WHILE THERE’S TIME!!

You all are familiar that, Monica Bedi was imprisoned. During she was in jail, she had taught her co-prisoners Yoga, Dance etc., She had a self-realization about what she did in her past and had prepared herself a set of goals that were to be achieved when freed from jail. Here, please do not mistake me, because I’m not going to write her biography but friends, I had took her life as an instance to explain you the key features of Human Life which we consciously are trying to forget.

There’s a popular saying that, “You don’t know the value of a Well, until its Dry”. This quotation is merely enough to explain you, what I am going to talk about this week. It’s true that, we the human beings are consciously ruining the human values and forgetting rejoice of being alive. To support my statement, I would like to talk about Telecommunications. Though it’s annoying but still true that, Telecommunication world had completely ruined the emotional attachments of the people. Earlier there used to a situation where people used meet each other in person to know the well-being of each other. They used to travel far distances and meet their relatives, friends, or whomever concerned just to greet each other and to have a get together.

Today it’s completely otherwise. Here people celebrate many-a-number of day’s viz., Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentines Day, Friendship Day etc., and all exported from foreign cultures. If you ask me, I would question you; do we require all this sort of nuisance making days? In India especially, do we need to celebrate a mother’s day? Isn’t it sarcastic? What ever may be the reason but, here too, telecommunication world rules! It’s really pathetic to state but, millions of SMS and Calls are being made to greet each other or say one’s own parents on what so ever day it is! It’s tragic that, the day is not far when people make conversations from the same home from different phones.

You have got all the rights to argue with me that, at least this way they are bound to each other, but does it really matter? Isn’t there any difference between parents feeding their children making sit on their lap and telling stories and suggesting their ayah’s to feed their children?

I agree that, we too must change with the changing world. But do we have to change ourselves to such an extent that, we forget the human values and Indian Culture which is respected all over the globe? Even in rural India, we can see the people moving faraway from the bonding they used to have with their own blood (relations). This appears to be an irony but, people are highly attached to their television sets than to their own relations. In cities, most of the Children are abused, molested, and drew away from the love they are supposed to get, and to my surprise, school going children are completely unaware of the games we used to play in our childhood like marbles, flying kites etc., sports and games are completely getting out of sight may be due to heavy home works or say addiction to television. And the same is with the case of the old people who are abandoned and are made to stay at old age homes.

If we behave with our elder and younger generations in such a manner, don’t you think that they too will impose on us the same rules, when we grow older? Friends, as Newton says, that “For every action there will be equal and opposite reaction”, we must all be aware of such reflections. We must never ill-treat any unprivileged human being and now, while there’s time, I plead one and all to take care of the relationships whatever, we have, viz., love, friends, parents, grandparents, children, neighbors, people in the society or whatever and try to spend some time for them, because beware, in the way up, we must not ill-treat people as, we have to meet the same while the way down.

We spend a lot of time for our own welfare and think less about the society. It’s no harm, as there is a proverb which says, if you cannot help no problem, but please do not hurt anyone. It’s our duty to attend well to the society by helping the unprivileged people. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve to contribute your money. A healing touch is enough, or say, a few soothing words too work only if you can spend a little amount of time to discuss with people sharing their sorrows and joys. Believe me, if you talk to the people, you can see a smile on their lips. Don’t stick to the Television sets when you’ve time. Talk to your own family, you need not have to go searching for the people to talk. You can give happiness to your own parents, if you discuss with them, let they be some petty/silly issues. Don’t feel irritated, talk freely and whole-heartedly. And now, while there’s time, you can become emotionally attached to your relations. People, once if they trust you, develop an intimacy to share their sorrows and joys unhesitatingly. Be a friend of society.

Get more out of your weekend. Many of you might be having two holidays per week. Utilize it fully. Learn new things or the things you love the most. For instance, I was very passionate about dance, but due to my lazy attitude, I had been postponing it since a long which made me lose complete interest as now. Don’t let this happen in your case at least. Involve yourself in the activities that gives you rejoice. Do charity on one day and spend the next whole day for yourself. Or say, if you’re good at painting, don’t let your art die. Who knows you may also become as familiar as M. F. Hussein is!. Practice your skills, learn new things, and don’t let your weekends go in vain. Now, while there’s time, utilize it to the fullest. Enjoy the life to the fullest and enjoy rejoice of being alive.

Finally, in my conclusion, I also plead you all to teach others what all you have learnt. If you know that teaching means learning twice, then, please never let your skills get vanished with you. As in the beginning, I instantiated Monica Bedi, who taught her co-prisoners yoga and dance, you too, take some time out to teach what you know, to the people who do not know. For instance, if you know kuchipudi dance and you teach it to someone, it will become immortal, and you’ll never find time complaining that performing arts are vanishing! Don’t let your skills die. Now, while there’s time, utilize the same for the benefit of the society.

Thanks and Regards,

Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

YOUTH AND POLITICS!!

Each of us discuss about, “Politics” in some way or the other. It’s the hottest topic for both criticism and fun to anyone and everyone. I always wonder thinking (instead being the hottest topic) why politics is not considered as a career? Even my friends when questioned, “Would you like to join politics?” would give a strange glance first as if I’ve asked something out of world and then reply me defining politics as a dirty thing. They have even termed it as Dirty “Poly Tricks”. What could one say back for such a reply? I will say, “Just leave your fate on those whom you elect to decide about you” and sitting in the verandah (As Paresh Rawal says in the movie “NAYAK”) say your wife “Darling see how our country's progress is declining day by day”. Remember all, “One has no right to criticize who doesn’t attend to his responsibility well”.
Though there is no harm criticizing all those selfish politicians who suffer short memory loss (For instance, who forget implementing their promises made at the time of elections and never appear back in their constituencies till a term of five years) but it does really matter if we criticize the entire political system itself. India is a politically rich country where there exist many-a-number of political parties at national, state, regional and sub-regional levels and to my surprise there are political parties based on the name of religion and caste too. Of course, they serve no purpose for what they are built for and even they do not contribute towards the development of a better society and its welfare. All the political parties are blindly after making money whether they are old enough in the number of years or just budding parties. And we the poor citizens due to favoritism (towards the political parties) or due to blind belief on those whom we elect stay calm and patient as our mother Earth does.
This is the sole reason why we are still an under developed nation. Having an ancient cultural heritage and riches, does not fetch any favors in attaining a state of being called a Developed country like America, Japan or what ever. It is pathetic to state but,the partition of India itself was due to the quarrels about conquering the power in politics. Does one have to remind that, Mr. Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Pandit J.L. Nehru had signed the pact of partition just for the sake of the post of Prime Minister? They have not only partitioned the boundaries of the country but also the long lasting fraternal relations that existed between us. It is pathetic to reveal but it is the sole reason behind us losing an eminent leader, our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Till date, we are experiencing threats in the form of wars and terrorism externally and the policy of “Divide and Rule” which is blindly followed by existing politicians today is creating chaos internally which is obvious from partitioning the States into smaller ones. This is hindering the growth of the nation.
Isn’t it we who should stand responsible for all this. Isn’t it our greed for materialistic things which compels us to sell away our valuable vote (which decide the future of the nation) to unsuitable candidates? Even the educated youth acts indifferent at the time of elections. Please do not mistake me but the educated youth would not love taking pain standing in the queue to caste their votes. It does matter to them in any manner because they don’t bother whether their vote is polled by some one else or just gone wasted. Does one have to make you realize that, a “vote” in a Democratic country where the government is of the people, by the people and for the people is really invaluable? (All those who cast their valuable votes like I, please forgive).
Clarence Darrow says, “When I was a boy, I was told that anybody can become a President; I am beginning to believe it”. Isn’t this statement is as clear as a crystal is? In this country any one can become a political leader and decide our fate. But mostly here it follows hereditary system similar to movies. The person mostly eligible for this is either from cinema field, or a rich person, or a person with a criminal background. Do you think that I’ve forgotten the educated youth? No, I found them in a very less number or say educated politicians are just countable on fingers. Because, they don’t like to waste their valuable time thinking about making a career in politics since they are well aware of Henry Ford who says, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” They never show courage to question back even if some thing goes wrong. They do not like to take risk doing so, because what matters to them the most is the self-prosperity. They leave their fate to the leaders to decide for them and simply accept what ever is decided by them. What a pity?
Day by day, people are forgetting the social consciousness and are in such a competitive world where no one has enough time to spare for betterment of society. When an educated youth starts thinking about his/her own self, (whether prosperity o development) then, it is obvious that they all are blindly giving away their lives or future to those whom they elect to represent them. In such criteria, we have no right to criticize and also have no right to rewind the rights facilitated to us by the Indian Constitution.
The House of Commons (Lok Sabha/ State Legislative Assembly) is filled with a great number of unconscious fools chosen by the conscious fools (The people). Don’t question me why I’ve used the word “Fool”. I know very well that you’re all aware that, most of the politicians are illiterates and if they are educated also are still unaware of the Indian Constitution which they amend again and again and to my belief some of they even amend some of the non-amendable articles and classes of the constitution. So, what should be done? What is our responsibility?
There is a popular saying that “As the King, so the people”. If the majority of fools are elected, then they will not only destroy the entire country but also ruin the prosperity of the country. Albert Einstein Says, “A fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.” It is vivid that, if you’re a real friend of the country, who believe in excellence, seeks for it, fight for it, defend it, and try to produce it; then you must also show the courage in attaining it.
Down deep in every human heart is a hidden longing impulse and ambition to do something fine and enduring for the development of his/her own country and if you personally feel that this existing political system has to be changed, then as Mahatma Gandhi says, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Present day politics need Youth to take upon the responsibility. You can count the number on fingers the existing young politicians both at Central and State Levels. As Atlas had shrugged after giving away the world which he used to carry on his shoulders to Hercules, you too take upon the responsibility by joining the politics and start working on the problems. India has infinite number of problems viz., population, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, etc. needs ready solutions and to make it possible the educated youth must choose politics as a career. I believe that, Politics is more powerful than any other system (Except Indian Judiciary). Even an IAS officer obliges to what ever a politician says.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal all those educated youth to join politics and make it as a career only if they are courageous enough to take the responsibility on their shoulders to change the world. I know, there will be a violent opposition from our family and friends and even some mediocre minds, but don’t step back if you’ve decided that you can adjust in politics and build a strong self determination that you can change the world. To my belief, “The talk you hear about adapting to change is not only stupid, it’s dangerous. The only way you can manage change is to create it”. And, if you’re a real friend of your country then step ahead in the direction which makes your country progress. All the best!!

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.)
University of Hyderabad.

LIVE LIFE BLISSFULLY!!

I’ve heard many of my friends saying that they want happiness. Even for me, it seems like an impossible dream. I sometimes wonder and ask myself the question (as if I were asked by Shahrukh khan in Kal Ho Na Ho movie) that, when was it the last time I was been fully cheerful or say laughed soulfully? By now, I hope that you people might also be questioning yourself the same. Am I right!
Frankly speaking, I’ve totally failed finding a really convincible answer in the pursuit of happiness. Actually, I always break my heads to understand why we people behave foolishly searching for happiness instead knowing that it is with in us. But never dare wasting our valuable time listening to our own inner voices. Thus, we completely ignore it and make our lives complex in spite knowing, “One who wills can hear the inner voice.”
In “Anguthara Nikaya”, Gautama Buddha had stated that, “It is necessary for all, that some day we might become old; or some day we might fall ill; or some day we may die; or the things we love and treasure a lot will leave us alone. And thus, we are the one who stand solely responsible for whatever we do whether good or bad. And it is necessary fact that it happens in every one’s life, whether a day before or a day after but surely happens. No one can exercise his/her control on what is happening around us.” He stated it as a necessary ingredient of life because, if we fear of becoming old, then we tend to sacrifice the pride in youth; By thinking about death and ill-health, we can leave behind us the pride of being alive and staying healthy respectively. Therefore, he pledged us, to sacrifice the feelings of “Ego”. He asked us to remember that,“Nothing is permanent than Change”. Thus, it is the first step towards a blissful life where one leaves his/her ego for being beautiful,charming, handsome, rich,highly educated, or what ever and accept the changes that occur in his/her life.
The founder of “The Art of Living”, Guru Sri Ravi Shanker says, Laughter is the most invaluable property, we, the human beings have inherited. It serves as a good friend and keeps us free from stress. He says, when compared to a child who laughs more than 400 times a day, we laugh only 17 times a day. Thus, we have even restricted ourselves to feel the joy of life. Though we all know that, the problems never come to stay with us forever, still we worry. Remember, for every sunrise there is a sunset and for every sunset there is a sunrise; we too are blessed with a life cycle, which always changes. So, let us not fear about the obstacles that comes our way, because a pleasant smile of yours can reduce all burdens you have and smiling at problems makes us self-confident which in turn leads us to a successful living. Remember, that it is not the load that breaks you; it is the way that you carry it. Always maintain a positive attitude towards life which makes you feel cheerful always. Therefore, it must be noted that, being cheerful keeps up the spirit of the one who possesses it and brings smile to the lips of others. You all know a proverb which says, Smile a lot it costs nothing. So, laugh like a child and always try to be happy and stress-free. This is the second step to live blissfully
Our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi says, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as it you were to live forever”. I believe that, there is no other alternative for this quotation. Because, worrying about future will make us anxious and thinking about past leave us depressed. Thus, in either ways, we may lose the most precious present life we are gifted with. Therefore, one has to live his life as if he/she were to die tomorrow. Live every moment possible to the fullest and promise yourself stay happily. I know saying this is quite easy but believe me, it is not impossible task at all. And of course, learning is an essential part of life, for both updating and secured life-style. In order to avoid redundancy in life, one has to learn from his/her past experiences, mistakes, and spend a lot of time in improving self because, where we come from isn’t nearly as important as where we are going. And believe me, if you understand this concept, then you will not find time to criticize others. If one does not poke his nose into the private issues of others (as we Indians often do) unnecessarily, then he/she will not find a reason to criticize others. If you don’t criticize others that itself means that you are leading a blissful life. And it is sure that you’ve found yourself. This is the third step towards a blissful life.
We consciously ruin our lives comparing it with others. Comparison is that vital ingredient which will never allow us to live happily. Richard J Harol, I believe stated that, “The Richest people are those who are contented with what ever they have.” Contentment and bliss go hand in hand. Both these qualities create a great fascination for you among others. But do we really care? In either ways, we want to be successful but not care for happiness, because we make a false assumption that money brings happiness. And for the sake of money, we are crossing the borders of morality and in one way or the other wanting make big money and become rich and famous overnight. This kind is very particularly seen in the employees of BPO’s and IT sectors. These people though earn a lucrative salary still are highly disturbed and unhappy souls on this planet. Every weekend they party expending the huge amounts but still can’t find satisfaction or say peace. And this all happens due to lack of contentment and of course due to comparison. (Why I said this, ask yourself!) Remember, if we don’t find peace (as peace always begins with a smile) within ourselves, then it is vain to find it somewhere else. If one compares him/herself with others for a better standard of living then there is no harm. But we are behaving like racing horses in the stadium named “Life”. There is no harm competing but it does matter only when we forget those human values and the real essence of life. So, better try not to compare your life with others. Believe in yourself, that you are unique by justifying that no two leaves of the same branch are alike. This is the fourth step to make your life blissful.
And finally, the best way to cheer you up is to try cheering somebody else up. This can be achieved only by serving others whole-heartedly. For instance, Saint Mother Teresa, who lead a blissful life serving the destitute and the poor. Does one have to explain that it was not the money which brought her fame, but it was her love, and caring attitude got her sainthood? It was her healing touch which gave an assurance to people that we belong to each other. Gandhiji said, “the best way to find you is to lose yourself in the service of the others”,as service to human is service to god. But do you think it is happening around us? Are we really feeling considerate about those people who need assistance? The answer is quite vivid. When the power medium of Communication, the Media itself is after making big money, which does really care? I hope it is the media which is the culprit for derailing us from the right track of life because it always tries to showcase the people who are rich and famous viz., politicians and film actors. For instance, is it necessary to telecast/ publicize Abhi-Ash’s marriage or say Rajni’s movie titled Shivaji. It is really a shameful act and thus it is crystal clear fact that, even the media is not interested focusing on the development of the underdeveloped things. Don’t feel I am going out of track, but it does also counts. Serving the needy will definitely make us feel blissful.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, each one of us are blessed with a right to live the way we wish. Follow what ever your heart says. Michael Nolan stated, “There are many things in life that will catch your eye; but only few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” Therefore, stop worrying and start living. And don’t just merely exist but live your life blissfully. As we all are equally gifted to live one life, so try to live it more happily as there is nothing more nourishing than happiness.

Thanks and regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

HOW TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL FREEDOM

India had attained its independence somewhere 60 years ago. That mean, we the Indians are free people. Perhaps the freer to do anything and everything until except it is illegal or illegitimate. But does, it sound true? Are we free enough to live our own life the way we wish? If you feel so, what exactly does the word “Freedom” means to you?
If you ask me, then I would define “Freedom” as that path which leads to individual satisfaction in life. It can also be termed as “Personal Happiness” (There is nothing more nourishing than happiness) where one does not have to spend an unreasonably large part of life doing things that he/she doesn’t want to do! But are we living a more vivid and effective individual life? No right! So, have you ever tried to find a solution for achieving Personal Freedom?
In my view, we as individuals can be truly free only as we are sufficiently independent, powerful and influential in our own right to become persons to reckon with. But to my surprise, it is always otherwise. We love to live like those caged birds (in the prison named Relationships) who had forgotten to fly high. By this way, we are our own enemies losing the enthusiasm to find the real essence of life. Here, please do not mistake me, because, I am neither criticizing the family system nor preaching the benefits of bachelor hood. This article is quite different. In this, I am just trying to focus on some guidelines applicable to each one of us to attain personal freedom. And here are those Nine Lines of Action for personal Happiness:
1) FIND YOURSELF: Being independent, we are more or less dependant on each other (say, family, friends, relatives, society or what ever). In India, to my knowledge, there are only two stages of life, viz., one where the parents look after their children until they get well-settled in their life and the second stage is that, the latter looking after the former until they die. And surprisingly, we do rotate in this continuous life cycle sacrificing all our choices and wishes for the betterment and happiness of others who are dependant upon us. So, there exists no question about individualistic life where one can think about his/her own happiness. And it is true that, “When we do not find happiness with in ourselves, it is vain to seek it else where”. Therefore, one must find himself/herself first. There is no harm being Selfish. But mind you, it should not effect the relations you have. Each of us is blessed to enjoy the pleasures that life brings to us. We are blessed with the right to live the way we wish. And hence, one must learn how to feel joy (Seneca). Live life blissfully. It is never too late to be who you might have been.
2) BE SELF-RELIANT: To be self-reliant, we should save money. Too many of us think of savings as security for old age. But to me, saving money is one of the key factors that strengthen our personal freedom. Voltaire stated, “When it is the question of money, everybody is of same religion.” If we are financially sound, then there exists no question of begging loans from others. To me the thought of making a loan itself make me feel guilty and stifled. My grandma had taught me, not to make a loan until it is a matter of cut-throat. Because making a loan threatens our self-respect. We our self, give a chance to people to talk ill about us. So, never ever try to risk your self-respect, as it knows no considerations (Mahatma Gandhi). If once, we are self-reliant, then people gather around us, praise us, and seek for help. We become independent for doing anything we wish. Even at Tirumala Tirupathi Temple, the richest people are given the highest priority. Therefore, try to save money for a secure future. And at the same time, also remember, “Save not where you can spend and spare not where you can save”.
3) BUILD YOUR EDUCATION AND SKILLS: Personal freedom can be expanded by education and skills because they open up a wider range of professional opportunities. Knowledge is a tangible asset, quite often the most important tool in the work. The more marketable knowledge you possess the more free you are, for it can’t be taken away from you – it’s a tool you carry around in your head.
This competence, cannot, in fact, be taken away from us except by obsolescence. In today’s world many of us can feel competent, and free, only as we keep abreast of new development in our field. We are definitely going to hear a great deal, in coming years, about the importance of continuing education. (By this statement, I hope many of my friends who always pinch me for still being a student might have got an answer for the reason behind me continuing my education.) Therefore, it becomes necessary to update yourself and share the knowledge in achieving personal freedom and immortality respectively.
4) KEEP YOUR HONOR CLEAN: To maintain freedom, we should reduce personal frailties, for these make us Vulnerable. It is still true that an upright man is more likely to dare to speak the truth. No matter, if you are financially pinched, but, never become a man of dishonor. Believe me, “Penniless is better than honor less”. If you keep your honor clean, you can dare to live the way you wish; say, as a leader or a hero. You can dare to express yourself to the fullest. And of course, as said by Albert Einstein, “Try not to become a person of success, but rather become a person of Value”. This will definitely fetch you freedom.
5) KEEP YOUR PRIVATE LIFE PRIVATE: Privacy is the heart concept of Freedom. It is the first thing to disappear when freedom disappears. And we all know that, in India, we cannot live a private life. These days, Media (Example, TV9) is after exposing the privacy of people to the Public itself. If we can at least preserve the privacy that remains to us, as so many do, giving it away; then, we can be successful in living an individualistic life to a greater extent. Of course, this can never happen, but we can try to preserve our privacy to dream and plan and to discover the reason behind our existence on the planet earth. We can seek an answer for what our life is meant for?
6) KEEP YOUR WORD: Always try to keep your word. If you cannot, then just do not say anything in the first place. For doing this, reach out and share your concerns with others. And by making certain that, they are well-informed and well-balanced; you can build your web of influence. People, who keep their word, always influence others apart from gathering respect, strength and trust. To my belief, those who are well-trusted in the society become the most effective. But for doing this, one must trust him/her self first. And hence, never lose trust as it is like a crystal vase that once it is shattered, it is broken forever. Therefore, remember that it does definitely count in maintaining your personal freedom.
7) TAKE UPON PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The sovereign way to personal freedom is to help determine the forces that determine you. Be active! Take on Responsibility! This means not merely voting, but working for the things, you believe in! If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others to do act. Never allow others to live your life. Be individualistic. Be firmly attached to the decisions you make for yourself. Live your views on the grounds of Self-Confidence and show courage. And if you’re courageous and confident, no one can dare to stop you; you are free to do anything you wish.
8) DON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE TO ONE ORGANIZATION -UNLESS IT IS GIVEN WHOLE-HEARTEDLY: Most of us do not dare to try things which we often wish to do. We feel “Absorbed” and Swallowed up by the organizations where we work of our daily bread. To my observation, when I was working with one such organization a year back, I found that, we do not personally control about what is happening around us. We are not allowed to express our feelings, as it does not matter at all for them. We thus, are supposed to wear the sad spectacles and have the vision through the goals of the organization itself. The many layers of authority surrounding us may leave us feeling insignificant. Here, again do not mistake me, because, I am not asking you all to start up a new business of your own or let yourself in the things that you cannot do; but, please do not give your life to any organization unless it is given whole-heartedly.
If you are in love with the work you do, then there is no problem; but in case, if you feel that you efforts are not recognized and thus make you feel hemmed in or manipulated, then, think for a change if you are a person of talents. And fortunately, there are many opportunities waiting at your own door step. Search for the companies where you can live and not just merely exist. Try searching for the opportunities where you feel contented. Make prior planning and just not drift to make the best from what ever job you get but make sure that you live an individualistic life to the fullest. And since, life is a matter of choices, and freedom consists in making them yourself, try making decisions which improve our lifestyle. All of us should assess the potential for freedom in any important action. Ideally, we should work for the things we believe in.
9) BE PATIENT AND ENTHUSIASTIC: There is a proverb that says, “To lose patience is to lose the battle”. So, try to be patient. Don’t hurry and rush up but rather wait for the gift that life is going to give us for our patience. It is always better to slow down and get there than to never arrive at all. If you believe “Life is Beautiful” then just be as enthusiastic as ever. For Enthusiasm, is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers the production of genius (Isaac Disraeli). Don’t let life discourage you; and don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. Stop day dreaming. If you really want to achieve something seriously then, just look above and beyond the circumstances and never sit back crying for things which you don’t have. Be confident and contented. Realize your potential to the fullest. Every man gets an opportunity to prove himself. We too, will get a chance one day or the other. If we prove our self, then, we are free to do anything we wish.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, it is not only the most difficult to know one self, but the most inconvenient one too. We can try as it is never impossible. But the truth is that there is a great deal that most of us can individually do to increase our freedom. We can combat the forces that would make us tame. We can fortify ourselves with the qualities and conditions that promote individual freedom. In doing so, we will be helping to create a better environment of freedom for all, and thus, motivate the future generations. And finally, I would like to share with you all a wonderful quotation by Norman R Augustie, which reads, “Motivation will almost always beat mere talents”. So, keep motivating others like I, and create a lively society.


Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH CHINTAKINDI,
M.Tech (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.

WHEN EVER WE MAKE MISTAKES....

“To err is human,” says a proverb. I think that, I need not have to expand and explain why we do err? Can any one show me even a single person who had made no mistakes till date? It is highly impossible right. But, do we dare to admit this? No! We never try to admit our mistakes. (“If anyone who claims that he never did a mistake should be considered as a person who never tried anything new”).
The legendary poet of all times, Yogi Vemana (who needs no recognition) in one of his poems stated, “Every one does err. We can find people all over who always try to point at the faults of others but never try to admit their own.” Even I am not an exceptional case for this statement. I do many-a-mistakes and always stand first in pointing out the faults of others. But to my belief, I had never hurt any one when pointing out one’s faults, because, I was aware of the fact that, “If you know what hurts you, you know what hurts others.”
But there are people who blame others. Finding faults may not hurt people that bad but blaming does matter. We must not take it for granted the people who blame us, “Nobody can hurt me without my Permission (Mahatma Gandhi)”. Instead, we must ask them to prove us wrong (If we are genuine). We must not quarrel or argue with these people. As, Willie Jollie in his book, It only takes one minute to change your life, stated that, we should not quarrel with idiots because it is similar to wrestling with a pig. Even we must not blame others without any proof. We must cultivate a habit of “searching others for their Virtues and thyself (Own) for Vices but not vice-versa.” For developing this habit, we must “Observe all men, thyself the most”.
One must build the courage to raise the voice against the wrong. Winston Churchill said, “Courage is the best quality which guarantees all others”. No matter if you are left alone, show the strength that you are there to fight for the Right cause. Henrik Ibsen said, “The strongest man in the world is he, who stands alone.” Never wait for any one to support you. Our Father of Nation, “Mahatma Gandhi” is a classic example to illustrate that how he had fought against the wrong rulers. Remember life is real and you are the one who can play your role better than others. Thus, your courage towards life does matter.
I know that, it gives a kind of happiness (Ego satisfaction) pointing out some one else’s mistakes which itself in turn is an other mistake we make with a conscious state of mind. Yet we ignore. As ignorance is always afraid of change, we do enjoy our unchanged attitude. But one has to remember that, our ignorance leads to exchanging the arguments samely as we see in the case of the knowledge which exchanges discussion. Better discuss with people than to argue. Discussions will help us become a good human being with a better attitude.
According to Paul ‘Bear’ Byrant, whenever we make a mistake, there are only three ways we should ever do about it. The first thing is to “ADMIT IT”. Believe it or not, but I do admit my mistakes without any hesitation. Though it looks like self-drumming, people who knows me better, know that, I am gifted with that Courage which not only helped me to Stand-up and Speak (Whether in admitting my own mistake or pointing out some one else’s) but also to Sit down and Listen (To those who point out my mistakes). Why I am saying this is admitting a mistake needs lots of Strength and Honesty of course. Saying "Sorry" with in itself is an art. An art that strengthen our character. No one (including I, in the world) likes to admit his/her own mistake and take up the responsibility on his or her shoulders, as it is a matter of reputation. We never risk our character for the sake of reputation. Of course, Reputation is precious but at the same time Character is Priceless. Indecision (Here I mean, not admitting mistake) itself can prove to be our worst mistake ever. Believe me, if you admit that you’re wrong, you show the world that you’ve grown a little wiser and if you attend well to your character, the reputation will look out for itself automatically. And you’ll be definitely appreciated for your courage. (Example: the character of Victor played by Jimmy Shergill in the movie Lagey Raho Munna Bhai).
The second thing that we should ever do when we do a mistake is, to “LEARN FROM IT”. Plutarch once said, “To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes, the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.” Though it is not quite simple but it is not impossible too. Zarathustra said, “One who learns nothing from the past will be punished by the future”. Therefore, it becomes a necessity to learn and the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. Others judge us by what we have already done and once if we learn, it takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why we did it wrong. Thus, we can make things set right which seems to be in a hopeless condition.
The third and the most important thing is, “NEVER REPEAT A MISTAKE”. You might be aware that we all do repeat our mistakes again and again constantly due to our love, favoritism or say addiction. (Example: Smoking, Drinking, Drugs, Gambling and what ever that is wrong and unhealthy to both self and society…etc.,). On 1st January every year, each one of us make an oath that we might leave a bad habit for ever, say for instance, drinking but never do it. Beware, we might fool every one else around us but never try fool ownself. Do not try to repeat the mistakes whatever you feel are wrong. List out the bad habits that you’ve cultivated and try to chop them gradually and try to chop them forever. Try to conquer your fears (Bertrand Russell said, “To conquer fear is the beginning of the Wisdom”) and be honest to yourself as an honest individual is satisfied with himself as much as others are satisfied with him and remember that being good to yourself and liking what you do is the first step to success.
For doing all these, you must develop a strong will power. And to my belief, “This world itself is filled with willing people. Some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” If you wish to change yourself then no one will dare to interfere with your work/decision as each one of us are equally busy. You must learn from the mistakes you did in the past and never be afraid of the storms that occur while you learn how to sail your ship in the ocean called “Life”.
Finally, there are some cases where, “Even a mistake may turn out to be the only thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement (Henry Ford)”. These are really exceptional cases, which occurs very less often but yes it happens. Therefore never fear to try something new unless it is bad for both your health and your society.
In conclusion, I would like to share with you a popular quotation of Thomas H Huxley, who said, “The great end of life is not knowledge- but Action”. Therefore, I request you all (applicable to I also) to start working on improving the personality not just by reading these motivational articles but also try to implement with courageous attitude and just go ahead in your life.

Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH.C,
M.TECH (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.

HOW TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL

This article is about one of my workaholic friends who work for “Virtusa” until late nights and to my surprise even on weekends. I questioned him, “Why do you do it even when rest of the staff had gone home?” and added myself, “You don’t have to prove anything. You’d get the same salary”
He replied with a smile, “My friend, it doesn’t matter how much you get or who pays you. You’re always working for yourself!”
This answer has motivated me in jotting down what I feel. Sister Mary Lauretta said, “To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work”. To my belief, most of the purposeful and workaholic people who fall in love with their work only create master pieces with the skills they have. And thus, they inspire people.
Since, we are talking about people, they are categorized into three, viz., Great people who discuss ideas; Average people who discuss events; and small people (like me) discuss people. Great people are thus, considered to be both the champions (Champions are not necessarily those persons who have the most, but perhaps the persons who give the most) and the leaders (who know the way, go the way, and show the way) for the rest of the world. (And these leaders of course, do not create the followers; they create other leaders.)
They never hesitate or step back in learning new things. Thus, they always keep themselves young by updating the information, making new trials and propose new theories. Though they are people like us, but they see things differently. And, until we don’t start observing things differently we too cannot do different things.
Apart from the above three kinds, there is yet another category of people who always complain. These people don’t think their jobs are worth their best efforts. They are always saving themselves for the great break - which never comes. They never realize that a big job consists of many little jobs, all of which have to be done well. Hence, they do not allow themselves to grow high, as they are not aware of the fact that, “Every job is a self portrait of the person who does it. Therefore, one need to autograph his/her own work with excellence”. And of course, they are always busy complaining and crying about others; never know that, “Dictionary is the only place where Success comes before Work” as they want to be successful without hard work.
Some of the little jobs may seem to be thankless, but if they are consistently well done, “It is certain that”, as Ralph Waldo Emerson note, “the secret cannot be kept. If a man has good wood or boards or pigs to sell, or can make better chairs or knives, crucibles, or church organs, than anybody else, you’ll find a broad, hard-beaten road to his house, though it be in woods.”
And hence, for walking a mile long, you need to start with a single step. One must not analyze, whether the job is a little one or a bigger one; but try to work on it sincerely and give it a best shot possible. Thus, a little job well done is the first step towards a bigger one. It is possible only through, the constant and determined effort one breaks down resistance and sweeps away all the obstacles and thus gains happiness. One must remember that, “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” Therefore, it must be obvious that, “every problem has a gift for you in its hand”.
In conclusion, I would like to add a proverb that says, “There always remains an opportunity to make a new start” and every morning brings us a new opportunity that puts a man on trial and each evening passes the judgment. And therefore, all of us must realize our goals and practice to be good to our own self and start liking what ever we do to reach the final destination named Success.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C (H.C.U.)

INSPIRATION

Recently I had bought a notebook, whose cover contained a beautiful quotation, viz., “Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trial.” As you all are familiar that my writings are born out of Inspirations, hence forth this article too, adds up to the same.
It might look quite funny but if we observe in particular, we may find a new idea ready at our own hand that needs to be developed. Since, we are the busy creatures on the whole earth; we don’t want to waste our time observing what’s happening around us. And never question what’s exactly is happening. May be it because of fear about what people think about us if we question? Or may be is the fear of getting regarded as a crank prevent us to do so. Thus, we never dare to make a trial. We simply follow the rules or definitions quoted by some one else, just like the sheep following the herd.
Once, Albert Einstein was asked, “What you would say to science students?”
He replied without hesitation. “I would advise them to spend an hour everyday rejecting the ideas of others and thinking things out for themselves. This will be a hard thing to do, but rewarding.” To my belief, this is the soul secret of Nobel Laureates who do research on the same topic again and again thus deriving new logics every time they trial.
And I believe that, the human brain can be an amazing instrument, when it is forced to function. It can create a rocket to the moon, computer, sculptures, sky scrapers, pyramids etc., until it is driven to the hard job of thinking.
And, if we start thinking then we will automatically find logic or answer in the question itself. But do we really care?
Have you ever thought of such persons like these: About him, who had proposed the theory of gravitation when an apple has just dropped on his head; or about him, who ran shouting Eureka! Eureka! I found it! I found it, along the streets directly from his bathroom after finding the solution for how the ships float on water; or about these person who had discovered so called, America or about that person who has found the sea route to India; or about that person who had lead the whole nation for the achieving freedom.
Why were they successful? Were they different from us? And what is reason behind them to be considered till date? Isn’t it because of the burning zeal and desire in them for developing a particular idea or inspirations? Does one need to explain, “Great people don’t do different things, but they do things differently!”
Realize that, when we have an idea out of inspiration, we create a vision. And to create this vision, people have to get beyond their current inhibitions, they have to dream. Our willingness to create a new vision for ourselves is a statement o belief in our potential. And thus achieving starts with believing.
Got confused right! It is so simple; but a chain of series which is inter-related to one another. Out of inspiration we develop an idea, and from that idea we develop vision which further gives birth to desire (inner belief) of achieving the tasks.
But where we get confused is not the above series. It is because that we really don’t know what we want out of life. It’s not enough to say that I want to be happy, I want money or I want to be a better person. One must determine exactly “What one wants and when?”
To do this, write down a short summary of your goal and the achievement date put it beside your bed or adhere it to your ceiling and read it aloud to yourself every morning when you wake up. Vagueness is the invariable hallmark of the unfocussed mind. So, better get rid of it.
There’s no use pinpointing in life unless what you want it enormously. (No matter how great your words may be, you will be judged by your actions.) Day dreams and wishful wishes are not enough; there must be intense and burning desire. Nobody can put this hunger into you; you’ve to develop it yourself by constant, vivid imagining of the benefits that achieving upon your goal will bring. Unless you care, you won’t get there. When setting your goal, remember that unless you are willing to pay the price you’re wasting time.
That’s why, we all have to work; take chances, make sacrifices, endure setbacks. If we set a high goal, we will have to pay a high price. Therefore try to make trials. And achieve new things and set new dimensions thus help the society with your brains.
Thanks and regards,
Srikanth.C (H.C.U).

TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

Last week I’ve finished reading a truly inspirational and highly motivational book named “The Alchemist” written by Paulo Coelho in simple English and straight to the point (177pages). It is a story of a shepherd boy who turns his dreams into reality in spite of many obstacles he faces through out his journey following his dreams until he succeeds. (No matter if you think that I am advertising, but I surely suggest one and all to read this, as good literature like this comes very less often).
By now, you all must have understood that I am going to focus on the topic “Dreams”. Yes! We all dream for betterment of self and the society as well. (Even these days in my department, this is being the hottest topic ever, “How to get placed [recruited] in Dream Companies?”) And one must dream always because, “If we don’t have a dream - how can we have a dream come true”. It is the dreamers who have paved the road to success. Though dreaming is of no harm, but it proves to be harmful only when we do not realize them and start working with a sincere approach to turn them to reality. We, the dreamers must mould ourselves in such a way that instead of many obstacles we face through out following the dreams, we must always be well-prepared to tackle every consequence until they are fulfilled.
Most of us dream but show no courage to pursue them. Our fears hold us back from pursuing dreams. We often fear of being failure and that is the reason where we lag behind. But even from failures (if we consider failure as the best teacher) we can learn many things and mainly the Optimism (A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty and one such optimist was Thomas A. Edison who once said, “I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that do not work”).
We always show courage, testing the waters but never try to get into them to create waves, as we fear that we may get drowned. And this is the sole reason; we try not to attempt difficult tasks and thus always try deceiving our own selves. But, if we don’t experience the pain of failure how can we enjoy the pleasures of success? And if we don’t work on our dreams some other might take a chance and thus we will lag behind. Again to support my statement I want to use Thomas Alva Edison as an example. He said “Most of my ideas belonged to other people who didn’t bother to develop them”, so, the ball is in your court now and it depends on your own decision whether to strike it or not. (This article is purely meant for people like I and not for those who had already fulfilled their dreams.)
And, in order to turn dreams into reality; we must develop strategies to execute our dreams (Azim Premji, CEO, Wipro). We must learn to put them into action. And to perform an action one must learn to Trust in oneself. (Trust: Trust should be like the feeling of a one year old baby. When you throw him into the air, he laughs because he knows you will catch him.) Creativity comes from Trust. So, we should always learn to trust our instincts, because these instincts (Dreams) not only make us discover our mission (goals) but also help us feel its demand and develop an enthusiasm and burning desire to get work on it. Thus, Trust a.k.a. self-confidence makes us self-reliant automatically. And once if we become self-reliant, we need not wait for others to help/guide us.
We are never alone in this world; because to my belief, the man with an imagination (Dream) is never alone. Dream itself is the best friend of ours which not only guides us how to reach the destiny but also walk hand-in-hand until we succeed in fulfilling our dreams. (“What the mind can conceive and believe – it can achieve” and hence we must develop a skill of listening to what our heart and mind says.) But, it is we the traitors who never try to listen to our best friend (Dreams) and always change our set goals by trying to work on the new one. Therefore, we must learn how to stick to our passions strictly (dreams, goals, imaginations, missions what ever you name it). We must remember a proverb which says, “You are only young as young as the last time you changed your mind”. And hence, we must not allow any fluctuations until we successfully fulfill our dreams (we can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough – Helen Keller). And this is possible only if we Dream high and Think Big, and “Let us dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men”.
There also exists a problem named “Day Dreaming”. Most of us often do this, we dream a lot but never give it a sincere try on implementing it; and constantly, we waste our valuable time delaying them. But one has to remember that, we may delay but time will not. Therefore we must wake up at the earliest; as, “the best way to make our dreams come true is to wake up”. Instead wasting time dreaming multiple things, Plan out sincerely how to achieve your ultimate dream. Achieving dreams depends on how you set your priorities and how capably you schedule your work and time. You can close your eyes to reality but not to dreams and hence prioritize what you desire (want to acquire and really want from the life) faithfully. And if you really want to achieve what you dream then you will never sit back and no one can dare to stop you reaching your goals not even you. (“The dream is not what you see in sleep; Dream is the thing which does not let you sleep” – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, honorable President of India.)
Therefore, in conclusion, I would like to request you all to keep your dreams alive (i.e., never let them die; “Death is not the great loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies with in us while we live”) and cultivate a habit of listening to your heart or mind what ever it says. Follow your dream and must not allow yourself sit weaving dreams (as we all are familiar that, “Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down”) and thus, realize the importance and start working on it right now as we all know how precious the time is!! Always remember that, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals” –Henry Ford, so, never allow fluctuations in your dreams (set goals) and become the Creators of your own destiny, who can turn the dreams into reality; (and never live a life of a dreamer who can only dream).

Thanks and Regards
Srikanth Chintakindi
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

MEANING OF sinIvaali

sinI vaali - Lakshmi's Name (Arudra's Famous book - not on Cinemas)
Also a phase of moon from full moon to new moon.

SinIvaali is a name for Lakshmi in Lakshmi Sahasranaama.

Yes and no!

Sabda ratnAkaramu says: sinee vAli - candra kaLa kAna vacceDu amAvAsya, pArvati. In Urdu, it means Eid ka Chaand, and in English, it is the light crescent moon that appears the day after New Moon day.

Arudra in his book "sinee vAli", to disabuse people of the notion that the
title has something todo with the movies, says (in strict, dead, pale,
chandO-baddha tETageeti):

ee 'sinee vAli' narthammu jEsikonuTa
kA padamunaku naighanTi kArtha mittu;
candra kaLa kanabaDu amAsa kidi pEru,
sarwa mangaLa pArvatee satiki noppu.

Looks like Arudra versified the meaning from SR.

As to the confusion with Lakshmi, my speculation: Lakshmi sahasranAmam may
indeed have the word incorporated there, in a compound phrase; Lakshmi and
candruDu are considered siblings, both having been the result of the great
churning of the milky ocean. The refrain "poDamE ramA, kalumula seemA,
Satapatra daLammula naDumA" is still lingering in my memory)

In that book, expressing his thanks to SrISrI, varada (abbUri varada
rAjESwara rAvu), and kATUri (venkatESwara rAvu), Arudra says (again in
SDPCB kanda):

SrISrI, varadalu nA mit-
raSrI lavvAri tODa tarkincina viS-
va SrEyammulu matkA-
vya SrENiki kattaLAlu, vAriki nA thanks.

kATUri vAru pEriDa,
pATinci racincinAnu, vArE cAlA
pATupaDi kAvyasadana ka-
vATamu, peeThika, teraciri, vAriki nA thanks

Now what is the context of the above poems for the topics under discussion
recently? Inquiring minds can cogitate it out.

As long as I was quoting these poems from the book, I was thumbing through
it, and came upon a khanDika (inta grAndhikampu mATa kanTe EdannA acca
telugu mukka undA deeniki?), un-named, as all the other pieces in the book
are. It is the story of poor klArku sUryA rAvu. While the rest of the
pieces are free verse, this particular follows "rules"! I am afraid I may
be offending some by this statement. What, such free-birds as Arudra and
SrISrI following rules!

In any case, an example from it.

klArku sUryA rAvu klArku sUryA rAvu
pArkulO keLLADu panilOnci vacci
mEjAla bhUjamula mEdini lOnci
ciT-ThAla ceeTAla ciTTaDavi lOnci

roppukuni rOjukuni rOjella gaDapi
gAlikai jAlikai gAlincagAnu
pArkulO koccADu warkulO nunci
klArku sUryA rAvu kALLEDcukocci
....
What refrain does this remind you of? It took me a few seconds.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C (HCU).

SAVE HYDERABAD

On 30th Dec'06, I had been to necklace road to participate in Hyderabad Youth Summit-06 conducted by MCH with one of my friends. There I observed that total system has got completely failed in ordering the priorities and are constantly wasting money for such useless events. I was been there to write a slogan, then suddenly it stroked my mind that there used to be a slogan earlier "Clean Hyderabad- Green Hyderabad" but I firmly felt to write " Save Hyderabad". Yes if you want to survive in Hyderabad, then it is (y) our own duty to save it, as it is the most endangered city (Similar to Endangered wild species).

Now, straight-to-the-point, our city has three forms of dangers, going to occur due to Natural Calamities viz., FLOODS, FAMINES AND EARTH QUAKES and of course to a major extent by the Officials of Government and the Real Estate people.

Firstly, Floods can attack us anytime this rainy season, if good rainfall occurs, and River Moosi, which is one of the most silent Killers and hazardous causing Betrayal rivers is going to be the root source for that. Earlier it had destroyed 1/4th of Population in mid-70's, and once again this situation might arise as more than 60% of the river had been occupied by so called Real Estate People and the Government in the name of Beautification Projects (by lessening the width of the river and constructing unnecessary bridges and flyovers). The witness to yell strongly about the Destruction is still standing high in the name of Purana Pool Bridge (which has seen floods almost 10times till date).

Secondly, considering about famines. It is really sorry to say but one can easily count the number of trees existing in the city on fingertips. Once, Henry David Thoreau said, " If a man walks in the wood for love of them, half of the each day he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer; but if he spends his whole day as a speculator shearing off those woods and making earth bald before her time, he is esteemed as an industrious and enterprising citizen". May be the Corporate World and the common man too both together following the above rule blindly and in the race of Materialism they have even forgotten that they are harming our own self by masking the importance of Trees. Does one need to stress that the trees provides us with fresh breeze, which an artificial air conditioner cannot give? That they allow us to breathe pollution free air etc.,
You too will agree that our city is no more Green Hyderabad and I have no need to explain you about the two famines that we have faced last three years. How can one forget Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar getting completely dried up (due to no rains caused by heavy pollution and no flow of water into the lakes due to obstructing constructions)? How can rain will be there if there are no trees to welcome the rainfall opening their hands to hug? How can a rainfall occur when there are no birds to sing welcome songs? Isn't that so pathetic?

Thirdly, the Earthquakes. In Stallion movie I suppose, Trisha sings a song "siggu tho chi chi . cheera tho pechi" and to my belief she does wear no sari (it does not mean that she wears nothing; but i meant that wears some skirts other than sari) and same with the case of hyderabad city. There are mountains/hills left for only namesake (viz., Banjarahills, Jubileehills, Kondapur, Nandinihills, Castlehills, Gayathrihills, Punjagutta etc.,) and in place of the same there exists huge complexes and buildings making the earthquake proned area to highly earthquake prone. The Hi-tech city region is endangered especially where many of you people working for Software and BPO industries.
In such inevitable situations, I thank God for not blessing us with "Sea or Ocean" or otherwise, we might have polluted as we see in the case of Hussain Sagar lake and R.Moosi or might be endangered again with one more problem named "Tsunami".

In conclusion, I would like to say that Human life is more precious than materialistic values. Though the land values in those areas are really costlier but still one can dare to plant a tree at least one for a building, then only there arises no situation to explain the future generation about the trees and mountains drawing the pictures either on canvas or a computer screen.

DREAMING FOR A POLLUTION FREE HYDERABAD...
SRIKANTH.C (HCU).

TURNING FAILURES INTO SUCCESS

SUCCESS IS GETTING UP JUST ONE MORE TIME THAN YOU FALL DOWN

On the other day when I was having lunch, one of my seniors asked me, “Being gifted with many skills, why aren’t you successful in achieving good GPA at semester exams?” Then I questioned myself, am I a failure? So, from this point of view I have thought of focusing on failure stories (good column appears every Sunday in Andhra Jyothi newspaper, where celebrities talk about their failure stories).
Why failure is never pleasurable? Is that because, it hurts all alike? Or the person who fails in an attempt is considered to be of no good?
But to my belief, Failure can make a positive contribution to your life, once if you learn to use it. For some optimists, it is the stepping stone for success, and for some pessimists, it is a huge mountain of obstruction.
If you know how to use it, then there arises no disappointment and you will be ready to strike again striving for success.
Step one is to, Question yourself, “Why did I fail?” and “Where did I went wrong?” and “What next, how I can improve myself?” If you start thinking in this manner you will find many answers ready at your hand. Start analyzing from the right beginning the causes responsible for your failure. Start working on it once again, and do it right now, because, “Success is getting up one more time than you fall down”.
Step two is to, Resist yourself, the natural impulse to blame some one else. Stop blaming others, it is your failure and you are the person who is solely responsible. And always remember that you can be winner only if you are willing to walk over the edge. Let people talk ill of you (as they usually do) when you get failed. Remember that, “you are not finished yet when you are defeated; you are finished only when you quit”. So, never quit from the race, “if some one speaks ill of you, let your life be such that no one believes him”.
Step three is, if some one else can help, don’t be shy of inquiries. Failure is the real good friend or teacher of ours. It unveils the truth or reality of the people. It makes us learn the real essence of life and also helps us to make us meet with the best friends who stand by us in such times.
Last step is that, one should allow oneself to experience the disappointment. Then only we can help ourselves to master it. Though, Success, encourages repetition of old behavior, is not nearly as good teacher as a Failure. You can learn from a disastrous event how to give a good one but not from the successful one.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, Failures does not mean the end of life; but it is the real start or a beginning. You are gifted with one more chance to prove your talents and give your best. So, never feel hurt, start working on your failures right then.

Thanks and Regards,
“Sinivaali”- Srikanth.C (HCU)
9346855723.

CONTRIBUTION

Last weekend, I suppose, on the day of my fresher party, one of my seniors, (in her address to all junior students of M.Tech), requested, “To repay something back, or say, contribute for the good and benefit of the Society and Department as well, from what ever we learn from the University.” Being inspired by her speech, I jotted down to explain the necessity of “Contribution”.
Once, Albert Einstein in his writings quoted, “A hundred times everyday I remind of myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labours of other men, living and dead; that I must exert myself in order to give in the same way as I have received and am still receiving”. Undoubtedly, he is the Man of deeds and not of words. (“A Man of Words and not of Deeds is like a garden full of Weeds”). He proved himself practically; he contributed a lot to the society. Even today the formulae he invented are still in practice, that itself proves him to be a legendary.
As I have always been saying in my every article to “Question Yourself” is applicable in this case too. (Say, if Albert Einstein has not questioned himself, would he be ever successful to make his contribution to the society). No matter how much you are going to contribute, but realize the necessity of contribution to make our society a better place for existence.
Here to support the above statement, I would love to furnish an anecdote (A short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature) of a squirrel in one of the epics, the Ramayana. Though it was fully aware of the fact that, it cannot afford to carry large stones on its back, but still throws the smallest mud particles possible in to the largest ocean on which the construction of a bridge was going on (and thus, makes its contribution and manages to attract the attention of Lord Sri Ram).
Isn’t this anecdote enough, to teach all of us the necessity for contribution, and make us remember our capabilities. And aren’t we such small squirrels, who can also dare to repay back from what ever we learn (for the betterment of society). Though, countless problems in the society exist resembling the largest ocean, still we have to build up the solutions by our own. And being social animals (remember, society is watching on us), it is our own duty to prove ourselves in this regard.
But the problem here is that, though we have the burning zeal and spark with in us, guiding us always to be good and do well; but when it comes for practicing, this spark gets drowned and turns to ashes. (Don’t you agree with me?)
Have you ever thought sincerely to contribute? If not (realized it till date), then start it right now, by questioning yourself that, “How can I make my society a better place for existence? And how best can I contribute for its betterment?” Try implementing with dedication (like Mother Theresa, who needs no introduction – “Helping hands are holier than praying lips”) and never expect something back again. (“Karman yeva dhi kaarashyay maa phalay shu kadhachana” says Bhagavad-Gita which means do your duty and don’t expect the fruits from what ever you do).
Stop criticizing the people who are making their contribution. It is the general human tendency, or say, Indian psychology itself, to first count the bad, and then only to count the good. Never try to discourage people those who contribute, encourage them always irrespective of who ever they may be. May it be a saint, or may it be a common man, treat all equally (not because of favoritism or criticism) and appreciate their efforts if possible and if you can. Abraham Lincoln said, “He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.”
In my conclusion, I would like to say that, contribute whole heartedly, (not expecting anything back) though it gives an immediate effect (when you contribute clothes, money, food, at the times of natural calamities) or gives an after effect (when you pledge your eyes “www.giftyoursight.info”, body parts “www.mohanfoundation.org” etc.) apart from cultivating hobbies like donating blood even once in three months if possible or at least once in a year and gifting your old (torn out, unused) clothes of to the children at orphanages or juvenile homes etc., There are “n” number of organizations working for such noble cause of “Contribution”, so, if you cannot contribute directly, assist them at your leisure time, and thus, feel better, and, feel contented.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C, M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

TAKE TIME OUT

One among my friends is a Doctor by profession. Being a doctor he is always busy with his patients and medical books. So, I never used to interfere in his matters through any kind of interaction as I am aware that his time is precious. (Of course, not only his, but Time of each one of us is equally precious and an old Zen Proverb says, “No day comes back again; an inch of time is a worth a foot of Jade”.) And once, he invited me for a lunch at his home and then immediately after that we had to drive to a charity home where he asked me to accompany him to carry some paintings with him.
I was surprised to see painting after lovely painting on the walls of his house and the charity home where we made a visit. I found a similarity in painting styles and as you all know that I am good at questioning, could not resist myself but to ask him “Who did these?”
“I did” said the doctor.
Knowing his long hours of duty and his heavy responsibilities, I again questioned him, “But how on earth do you find time to all these?”
“Find it”, he sputtered, “I don’t find it, I take it”.
His answer made me spell-bound completely. He became my role-model from then onwards, as he wanted me to realize the amount of time I have been wasting for a long, asked me to accompany him to the charity. Then he added a quotation of Leonardo Da Vinci, that, “Time stays for long for those who use it” and requested me not to use my time for unnecessary things as “Time” according to the Greek Philosopher Theophrastus, “is the most valuable thing a man can spend!”.
Now, all of you might ask me that don’t we know that Time is Money? Or don’t we know that time and tide waits for no one? Yes, I completely agree with you, but friends have you ever realized it soulfully. If so, then this article is not meant for you as you all are spending your time purposefully. But if not, I want to question you that how often; instead, do we let time spend us? Have you ever thought what else we can do about it to spend our time for a proper cause meaningfully? How can we really live with in 24 hours a day?
Ask yourself the questions like, Did I ever spent 15 minutes on a park bench, simply sitting quietly watching the squirrels or birds, which can refresh me for the rest of the day? Or do I have any creativity that can lead me cultivate a hobby that can kill my sheer boredom or give happiness/bliss to my soul when I get over tired or depressed? Or am I watching the beautiful nature around me, viz., mountains, trees, lakes, ponds while I travel in train/bus/cab?
I believe that for every problem there exists a solution and it exists in the problem itself. But to seek answers we again have to depend upon “time” to question our own selves. So, from now at least, take time out to sharpen your creative skills underlying in you, cultivate hobbies like painting, dancing, writing, collecting coins, notes, stamps, autographs, perfume bottles, match boxes, pens, erasers, etc., playing games like chess, Sudoku, crosswords, etc., and even reading books (I swear that a book is the real friend of us in the times of depression or loneliness) etc.,
Ask questions to yourself, like what I did on the other day at doctor’s home. I felt ashamed and also got realized the value of time. The doctor had left me such an impression that from then onwards time had started chasing me like tyrant. And thus I started reading books (which ever comes to my hand). And through this hobby of reading books, I cultivated one more hobby, of writing. (Such boring articles you are reading now.) (i.e., to write this little, I do read a lot, not only me, a great number of people including great personalities read. For your information, Pandit J.L.Nehru was found with a book under his pillow on the day he died. Thus, reading is an excellent habit to cut-off your distress or depression, you need not have to consult a psychiatrist as a book a day keeps psychiatrist away.)
In conclusion, I request you all creative genius people that you all take time out – that restores the lilt and zest to your living. Try to cultivate some hobby which is for some good to strengthen your personality and to the benefit of society too. Please, do not waste your valuable time watching television sets as it might kill your creativity and adds to your depressions.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C,
University of Hyderabad