Today (20th Dec 2018) I watched an interview of Dr Heggade on Shankara TV Channel. I am so so proud to know such great Indians who make so much of a difference to others lives. This is what makes India truly great . India is not made up of politicians and politics . There are so many Indians working at grass root level to bring core changes in value systems. 

Following is an extract from Facebook. 

SHRI DR. D.VEERENDRA HEGGADE

| DHARMADHIKARI | REFORMER | EDUCATIONIST | FACILITATOR | PHILANTHROPIST |

Dr. Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala is a well known visionary of our times.  Born on 25th November 1948 as the eldest son of the then Heggade of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala, Veerendra took the mantle as Dharmasthala Heggade in the year 1968 at a tender age of twenty.

Ever since Dr. Veerendra Heggade has remained a keen student of humanity, understanding complex nature of human behavior. He has been guiding the multitude of devotees visiting Dharmasthala and seeking solace for their pains with his wisdom and helping them to face the world.  

Dr. Veerendra Heggade has dexterously blended spiritualism with the materialistic world.  He is a multifaceted personality excelling in service to God as the head of the temple, in administration as the chief of many programmes promoted by him, kind in thoughts and compassion in daily life to those who visit him. He is the architect of modern Dharmasthala.  As the chief of Manjunatha Swamy temple he has implemented several unique programmes for the welfare of the mankind.

Within Dharmasthala itself he has modernized the temple administration and care for the devotees. As a result the small village called Dharmasthala has become a shining jewel in the map of Karnataka. Dharmasthala is the abode of Lord Manjunatha Swamy. Besides the temple of Chandranatha Swamy and a gigantic monolithic statue of Bhagwan Bahubali measuring 39 feet are also located in Dharmasthala. Infact the statue of Bhagwan Bahubali which was erected by Dr. Veerendra Heggade in the year 1982 for which act he was termed as Abhinava Chavundaraya. Infrastructures built by Dr. Veerendra Heggade provide quality lodging facilities to 20,000 devotees every day.  The huge Annapoorna dining hall dedicated to the society in the year 1981 can feed 5,000 people at a time.  The modern kitchen of Dharmasthala is well acclaimed for its hygiene, quality and service. It can serve upto 60,000 people a day.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade regularly meets common people to hear their greviences and guide them. He gives direct charity as per the need.  He also provides charity to community activities. He has organized many a public programme like the Kannada Sahithya Sammelana, Thulu Sammelana (literary festivals), Kissan Mela (farmers fare) with aplomb.

Dr. Heggade is a connoisseur of ancient temple architecture, historical monuments and antiques. He has promoted Dharmothana Trust for renovation of historical buildings in the State of Karnataka.  Till date more than 200 temples, Jinamandhiras have been renovated to their old glory.  He has developed large museums in Dharmasthala to preserve the heritage of the country. The vintage car museum promoted by Dr. Heggade is a cynosure of the car loving public. He is a keen photographer too.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade has institutionalized charity by promoting several organizations dealing with multiple requirements of human society. 

The SDM education society promoted for quality education of which Dr. Heggade is the President has forty education institutions under its management including three Ayurveda colleges, Naturopathy, dental, engineering, medical, law, business management colleges.

Dr. Heggade, initiated mass marriage programme in 1971 where in eligible couples come to Dharmasthala for marriage in a group. The marriage ceremony is conducted for all the participants in the mass marriage by the temple free of cost. This has helped the poor people no end as they were spending huge amounts on marriages and becoming debt ridden. So far 12,000 couples have entered into wedlock in Dharmasthala mass marriage programme. This initiative of Dr. Heggade is now being replicated at several places in Karnataka state by other leading personalities.

The Rural Development Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) conceived and promoted by Dr. Veerendra Heggade is a unique experiment in public, private partnership for social service. This programme implemented as a joint venture between Dharmasthala and nationalised Syndicate and Canara bank trains the unemployed youth and handholds them to become self employed.  Started in the year 1982, the RUDSET concept has become a national programme with Govt. of India advising all the banks to open one RUDSET in each district of the country. The national academy of RUDSETI promoted by the Govt. of India has the honor of the services of Dr. Veerendra Heggade as its Chairperson. The twenty six RUDSETIs promoted in thirteen different states of the country have successfully helped more than 200,000 unemployed youth to become respectable citizens of the country. 

The Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (R.) (SKDRDP), another well known experiment of Dr. Heggade started in 1982 is engaged in organising the small farmers, the poor women into Self Help Groups (SHG) for accessing various services at their door steps. This programme has mobilized 1.8 million families in the state of Karnataka into 1,70,000 SHGs who have a cumulative savings of Rs. 410.00 crores and a loan turnover of Rs. 4,500.00 crores. The micro finance, the micro insurance and micro enterprise services of SKDRDP have transformed the village life.

Dr. Heggade is deeply interested in sustainable energy programmes.  All the guest houses in Dharmasthala have solar water heater installations which produce 100,000 liters of hot water every day.  The streets of Dharmasthala are lit by solar lamps. The giant biogas plants in Dharmasthala supply cooking gas to the kitchen of Dharmasthala. Besides the SKDRDP has been encouraging poor people to acquire sustainable energy assets. So far more than 20,000 families have purchased different sustainable energy equipments through the micro credit programme of SKDRDP.

Another area of Dr. Heggade’s interest is the prevention of alcoholic abuse.  Having realized that alcoholic abuse is a true enemy of the poor people, Dr. Heggade has promoted Janajagruthi, a movement in which public opinion is created against alcoholic abuse.  Conduct of scientific community deaddiction camps in large numbers have deaddicted thousands of labourers and made their families a happy home.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade is married to Smt. Hemavathi, who is also engaged in social service more specially women empowerment. The couple have a loving daughter in Shradha Amith married to a business man Mr. Amith from Bangalore. Dr. Heggades granddaughter Manya is very dear to Dr. Heggade. At the age of 62, Dr. Veerendra Heggade still works like a young man, keeping himself active for almost eighteen hours in a day.  New ideas of social service and building the society come out from Dr. Heggade’s mind all the time. People from all walks of life including planners, politicians, academia, administrators, the privileged and the unprivileged seek guidance from Dr. Heggade for bettering their works.

Dr. Heggade is the recipient of Padmabhushan citation by Govt. of India. The people of Karnataka hold him in high esteem and was recognized as the Kannadiga of the year by ETV, and most important Kannadiga by Vijaya Karnataka the vernacular daily. He has been awarded the Karnataka Rathna citation by the Govt. of Karnataka in 2009. He has received three doctorates from the Mangalore University, the Dharwad University and Rajiv Gandhi Health University. He is the honorary fellow of Royal College of physicians (FRCP) of the University of Glasgow, U.K. He has received Rajarshi citation from Dr. Shankardayal Sharma, the Hon’ble President of India.  The RUDSET experiment has received FICCI award. The SKDRDP won the Changemakers award twice for its unique experiments. It has also received the coveted FICCI and IMC award. Many coveted institutions have honoured Dr. Veerendra Heggade.  

Dr. Heggade has participated in several conferences in different parts of the world as a member of the world conference of religion and peace. He is widely travelled having visited Europe, US, Asia several times.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade radiates a positive influence on all the people he meets. He recognizes the importance of the different pillars of democracy and more specially the civil society and values each one of them. He believes that everybody is equally important in the world and that everybody can contribute to making this universe a better place to live in.

SRI D.VEERENDRA HEGGADE AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade, Pattadhikari, Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala. 

Born on 25th November 1948 as the eldest son of his illustrious father Sri Rathnavarma Heggade, former Dharmadhikari and M. Rathnamma.

Ascended as ‘HEGGADE’ of Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Dharmasthala on 24th October 1968 at the age of 20.

As the temple head

Annadana :        

As a tradition, free lunch and dinner is served daily to more than 25,000 pilgrims at Annapoorna Bhojanalaya, (Free Dinning Hall)

Nyayadana :     

Devotees reconcile and resolve their conflicts in the presence of the Heggade and accept his verdict as an divine adjudicator. 

Vidyadan and Aushdadan are practiced regularly through quality education in the Educational Institutions and free Medical service in the Hospitals as well as in the Mobile Hospital. 

As founder of social institutions

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Trust (Regd.) and S.D.M. Educational Society (Regd.), - President, Ujire. Manages Primary School, High School, General Degree Colleges, Law College, Engineering, Medical, Dental, Ayurvedic, Naturopathy College and Hospitals and Management Development Institute.

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Medical Trust (R), Dharmasthala- Founder President- Manages Eye Hospital, General Hospitals and a Mobile Hospital.

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust (R.) Dharmasthala- Founder President-Undertakes the Renovation of ancient Temples and Monuments of Karnataka and till date 125 temples were renovated.  

Shanthivana Trust (Regd.), Dharmasthala- Founder President- Established for the Promotion and propagation of Yoga and Naturopathy through clinical training and development. Two nature cure hospitals have established.

Religion and religious harmony

After 300 years a Bahubali single stone statue was carved and transported to Dharmasthala. This 39 feet high monolithic statue of Bhagwan Bahubali Swamy was installed at Dharmasthala and conducted Maha Masthakabhisheka ceremony in 1982, 1995 and 2007.

The Manjunatha Swamy temple was completely renovated in 1991 and reinstallation ceremony was conducted.

A grand temple for Lord Chandranathaswamy was completed and renovated in 2001.

v  Contributes for Religious Harmony through his regular Lectures, editorials and columns in leading news papers.

v  Publication of more than 10,00,000 copies of Kannada moral education books in the last years to be distributed for High School students. Competitions are held every year for the students on topics selected on moral themes and prizes awarded to the best students in each school for propagation of moral, ethical values in students.

Post-Card Art competition is held annually for the students and the public to promote art and awareness on the subject of competition.

Cultural heritage

Manages a Yakshagana cultural troupe with history of over 200 years.  Contributed to the revival of “Yakshagana” by maintaining pure traditional approach to Yakshagana with a training centre. (Folk art of Karnataka).

“Manjusha” Museum displaying rare collections of Indian and International antiques and contemporary rare and valuable collections.

A ‘Vintage Car collection of Dr. Heggade’ has working vintage classic cars belonging to 20th century.

"Sri Manjunatheshwara Samskrithi Samshodhana Prathistana", where 5,000                   Palm-leaf and Paper manuscripts are preserved. It includes 2732 Kannada Manuscripts. Researchers are allowed to use the collection.

Since 1972, Free Mass Marriages are conducted in Dharmasthala every year with the objective of avoiding huge expenses and the Dowry system. So far, 12,000 couples are married in mass marriage.

Constructed Marriage Halls (Kalyan Mantaps) at Bangalore, Kallahalli, Bhadravathi, Mysore, Shravanabelagola and Bantwal for the benefit of middle class  and low-income people to conduct marriages.

Rural development initiatives

In 1982, established the Rural Development and Self-Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) in collaboration with Syndicate Bank and Canara Bank to train the rural un-employed youth for Self-Employment and Volunteers for Rural Development. Since then 26 Branches of the RUDSETI were established all over India. Upto March 2012.  2,60,116 youths have been trained and settlement rate is 71%. This model has attracted the attention of the central government. Under NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) the Govt. of India has undertaken to replicate the RUDSETI model in 560 districts of the country.  Dr. Heggade has been requested by the government to head the monitoring committee to supervise these institutes. 

Introduced a Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, (SKDRDP) in 16 districts of Karnataka state comprising of 19,000 Villages and 300 urban towns. The project is facilitating empowerment of 1.8 million families in Agriculture, transfer of technology, women empowerment, housing, alternative sources of energy, income generating activity, micro finance, education, health, total sanitation and Health Insurance. 

Yoga movement

To propagate Naturopathy, Yoga and Moral Education, 2,221 Teachers of High Schools and Primary Schools were trained. Teachers in turn train more than 1,00,000 students every year in Yoga, Moral and Spiritual Education.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

 Padma Vibhushan - 2015 by the Government of India for social work

Padmabhushan-2000 citation by His Excellency the President of India for social work and communal harmony. 

Karnataka Rathna-2009 the highest civilian award in the state of Karnataka in recognition of his social work.

Rajiv Gandhi Award-2007 by regional congress committee Mumbai. 

Nadoja-2010 citation by the Hampi Heritage University.

Rajarshi citation 1993 by the then His Excellency the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.

Jindal International Award -2011 in the field of health including drugless healing naturopathy yoga and Ayurveda.

Basavashri Award – 2009 by the Govt. of Karnataka.

Devaraj Urs Award-2011 for service to backward community by the Devraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation, Govt. of Karnataka.

Kannadiga of the year–2004 popular award instituted by M/s E.T.V.

Rajyothsava award-1985 by the Department of Kannada and culture, Government of Karnataka.

Samyama citation 2010 by the Karnataka temperance board, Bangalore

Honorary FRCPS 2005 the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, U.K. 

International Award-2005 by Giants International, Mumbai.

Sir M. Visvesvarayya Memorial Award -2011, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of commerce and Industry, Bangalore

Lalitha Kala Acdemy award -2008, Bangalore

Honorary Doctorates from Mangalore University-1994 & Karnataka University  - 2010 & Drew University, U.S.A – 2010.       

Doctor of Science - 2007 Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

Awards won by the Institutions managed by Dr. Heggade.

1. 1.     SKDRDP –

1.1              FICCI Award – 1995

1.2              Indian Merchant Chambers Award - 1999

1.3              NABARD SHG state Award – 1999 and 2000

1.4              Changemakers award for Microfinance 2008.

1.5              Changemakers award for Micro insurance2008

1.6              Microfinance institution of India award 2010.

1. 2.    RUDSET –

2.1              FICCI Award – 1995

2.2              SIDBI award 2011 for promotion of small and micro enterprises.

PROFESSIONAL

Colleges Managed by Society and trust

S.D.M. college of Arts, Commerce & Science, Ujire   

S.D.M Law College, Mangalore and J.S.S Sakri Law College, Hubli.

S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital Udupi and Hassan.

S.D.M College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad.

S.D.M College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad.

S.D.M. Cranio Facial Hospital, Dharwad.

S.D.M College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Ujire

S.D.M. Medical College & Hospital, Dharwad

S.D.M. College of Physiotherapy Dharwad.

JSS K.H Kabbur Institute of Engineering, Dharwad.

S.D.M Institute for Management Development, Mysore

HOSPITALS

S.D.M. Medical Hospital, Dharwad.

S.D.M. Ayurveda Hospital Mangalore and Chickmagalore.

S.D.M Ayurveda Pharmacy. Udupi

S.D.M. Nature cure Hospital, Dharmasthala.

OTHER INSTITUTIONS

            Yakshagana Training Centre, Dharmasthala.

            Middle Level Training Centre (M.L.T.C.) for Anganawadi Supervisors           (Sponsored by

            National Institute of Public Co-operation and Child Development, New Delhi.)

            Manjushree Printers, Ujire.

            Nethravathi Fine Arts Training Centre, Ujire.

            S.D.M Industrial Training Centre, Venoor,Samse and Ujire.

TRUSTS MANAGED BY DHARMASTHALA :

SDM Education trust

SDM Education society

Siddavana Gurukula

Rural Employment Self Employment Training Institutes (RUDSETI)

Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP)

Shri Dharmasthala Siri Gramodyoga Samsthe (SIRI)

Medical Trust

Shanthivana Trust

Dharmothana Trust

Ayurvedic pharmacy, Udupi, Bangalore, Hassan

S

India celebrates 68th Independence Day

Another Independence day comes and goes. India has changed a lot in many ways physically and has not changed in some ways.

We gained freedom from British Rule ( who anyway never had a right to rule us in the first place) . True freedom eludes my country.

What I want for my country is
1) Freedome from corrupt Indians  
who think of only themselves , nothing about the country and its people. They go about constructing sub-standard infra-structures, producing sub-standard goods for the Indians, offering sub-standard services sucking away the wealth of several people into a channel for themselves . The corrupt cater to the corrupt so they can all be well-off at the cost of the common man.

2) Freedom from sexual and communal perverts, criminals, drug mafia
The girl child and women in India need to be protected from these people who are sexually starved men and boys. Communal minded thugs think they are doing their community/religion a favor with all the so-called movements fanning communal hatred that bring nothing but death, distruction and poverty.

3) Freedom from poverty and deprevation
Why are so many Indians so poor? no job? no house? no education? no money? no basic neccessities of life?? Don't they desreve as good a life as all of us? Why can't the affluent share their weath? Why can we not care about them?

4) Freedom from filth and garbage
I want to walk across an India clean, green, beautiful, and serene. I want freedom from garbage , filth, spits, potholes.

5) Freedom from 'i-don't-care' attitude
I want each and every Indian to feel responsible for India and its people 100% of the time in each and every action.

6) Freedom from 'chalta-hai' attitude
I want each and every Indian to deliver nothing short of Excellence in his chosen field.

On a personal level I want to be free to live life as I deem fit, spreading some happiness and cheer with every breath. I want freedom from desires for material acquisions, freedom from negative thoughts.

God Bless India !! God Bless Indians!! 

  

Message from The Prime Minister

The prime minister's official website reflected a refreshing change so very characteristic of Mr. Modi. Being tech savvy, here he is putting that to use to directly communicate with me and my country. Impressive. 

The link to PM's site is here

Mr. Modi was sworn in on 26th May 2014 and here is the message from him as the PM on the same day to the nation.

Message from The Prime Minister

My dear fellow Indians and citizens of the world,

Namaste!

A very warm welcome to the official website of the Prime Minister of India.

On 16th May 2014 the people of India gave their verdict. They delivered a mandate for development, good governance and stability. As we devote ourselves to take India’s development journey to newer heights, we seek your support, blessings and active participation. Together we will script a glorious future for India. Let us together dream of a strong, developed and inclusive India that actively engages with the global community to strengthen the cause of world peace and development.

I envision this website as a very important medium of direct communication between us. I am a firm believer in the power of technology and social media to communicate with people across the world. I hope this platform creates opportunities to listen, learn and share one’s views.

Through this website you will also get all the latest information about my speeches, schedules, foreign visits and lot more. I will also keep informing you about innovative initiatives undertaken by the Government of India.

Yours,
Narendra Modi

//Todo List for PM Modi

Winds of Change blowing in my land

The whole nation is posting todo list for the newly elected PM. The clear mandate has indicated people's willingness to love him, hero-worship him , to show them the right path.

Here is my //todo list for Mr.PM

1) Remove middlemen and man-power dependence as much as possible to reduce corruption - Make most of the common citizen's day-to-day affairs online . Like most of our bills and payments (Electricity bill , telephone bill, property tax, water bill etc) are already online. Where I had an issue was

• Ration office 
• PCMC Change of my name in water bill
• Getting house original documents from the Taluka Haveli Office

 Bottom line is where ever a citizen needs to get some document out of the govt systems, and we go thro' people, we run into hurdles - If this can be made online eliminating people interference, we can at one stroke hack away lot of corruption.

2) Cleanliness of roads , public places 
Here we should have a system in place which will fine very heavily anyone behaving irresponsibly - In fact the check and balances for citizen's responsibility is what he needs to put in place - very strict disciplinary action against all types of violations of the law of land

3) Video surveillance everywhere - 
I was robbed of my passport and valuables while travelling in a public bus in Pune - I want a video camera in every public transport vehicle to catch criminals who have made a living out of stealing and atrocities against women.

4) Police empowered 
I want our police to be the highest paid, well off so they never need to resort to corruption, trained and empowered with knowledge, dedication and honesty.

5) Top class public transport systems (buses, trains) running on time and be the cheapest mode of travel in the country.

6) On the whole I want Mr Modi to be the most admired PM, steering the people of India to self-discipline, law abiding, responsible citizenship. 


   

History is made today - Narendra Modi is the new PM

"A strong government is 

where the will of the people matters, 

where the voice of the people is heard 

and where the dreams of the people are fulfilled." 

Narendra Modi

Historic day in Indian History - 16th May 2014
Well, it has been one of a kind day. Election results of 2014 Lok Sabha polls have been announced and it is a land slide victory for BJP and a land slide defeat for Congress. BJP won absolute majority in Lok sabha and Congress toiling to get even the 54 seats they require if they are to appoint their own leader of opposition in Lok sabha

A Vote against Congress and Corruption
India votes against the massive corruption and chooses a no-nonsense leader. Hope is filling the air and a new India is about to emerge from the dark shadows of murky politics.

Election as a weapon
Indians have shown to the world how quietly that election can be the weapon in common man's hands to seat/unseat power. From now on , no party , no minister will take the common man for granted. He/she needs to be wooed with achievements - "Show me your report card" type.

The AAP who made such great speeches about corruption but had no report card to show were thrown out .

The congress with an uninspiring lukewarm leadership which slumbered thro' corruption cases after corruption cases and on top at the last minute came out praising its achievements and playing down the horrors of corruption could not fool the common Indian man and woman .  

Mr Modi showed his card - "I can do it for India as I have done for Gujarat" The common Indian very carefully studied his report and have solely placed their faith in him "Lead us to good Governance Modi " - the mandate speaks to Modi.

My Optimism for a bright Future
I am happy for my country. I have a high regard for Mr Modi . The clear mandate of the people of India gives tremendous power to Mr Modi to make the changes he wants quickly.

His top class oratory skill and aggressiveness makes him a trusted spokesperson for India. His own corruption-free clean image helps him win the common man's trust.

Let us forgive him and forget Gujarat riots and move on. Nothing is achieved by clinging to the past if it will help us move to a better future. Ofcourse Mr Modi has to constantly ensure that such genocides will NEVER happen EVER AGAIN in India. Let him rule for next 20 years .

He has a massive job in the next 6 months in setting up his govt. and  a well-oiled governance machinery.

His work will be two pronged -

• On one hand he needs to weed out all those corrupt centers of power that have taken deep roots in various governing bodies from top to bottom.
• On the other , set up a new form of governance which will make corruption impossible.       

Indians want to be Proud of their PM
I want to be an Indian proud of my PM which I could never say about Manmohan Singh.  I have high regard for the economic wisdom , integrity of MMS but when he talks you always change channels.

Let Modi have a free hand in changing the way we have worked so far with all sorts of man-made hurdles. Let him take India ahead to a country of Excellence. Lets us seal the door to corruption and corrupt people. Let transparency be our USP.  

Welcome Prime Minister . Show us the path. 

B K S Iyengar and Yoga for Healthy Long Life

Yoga exponent B K S Iyengar at age 96 Years !!

Recently I watched with amazement A TV Program called "Walk The Talk " Shekar Gupta, a famous TV anchor and chief editor of a news paper/ TV Channel  , walks with a celebrity in deep conversation. Here I watched him in conversation with One of India's most famous Yoga exponent B K S Iyengar at age 96 Years !!

First of all he is the living example that Yoga can help one maintain good health !! Imagine 96 and still teaching and practising Yoga. His advice was simple - the 3 Ws - Work, Words, Worship - Action, Thought and Spirituality.

Energy Flows from the Cosmos
He  explained how Yoga Asanas combined with Pranayama help in generating/increasing energy flow in the body - When the mind, body, spirit and the Cosmos all become one , the energy flows from the Cosmos to the body. He also said the Yoga Asanas depend a lot on bodily alignments which help clear the energy paths and cure all ailments. .

What I loved about this great guruji is his frequent child-like smile and laughter. For one who had created Yoga teachers across the world, and had followers across the humanity spectrum , he comes across as down-to-earth humble and wise man.

I want to ( will try to ) imbibe his philosophies in (rest of ) my life  

So I checked up all the information about him. His official web site does not carry lots of pages boasting and praising him but the links are sufficient to tell one about his greatness. His website is here .

Being an avid yoga practitioner, I checked up YouTube for videos of his Yoga demonstrations. I came across some very early days ones like 1938 type, the last demo I could locate was 1988 type - he must have been around 72 Years - But what RAW Power !! What flexibility!! What perfection - It was like poetry in Grace.

RAW POWER
He was simply so powerful so totally in control of his body - he exuded raw power - it looked like as if he could kick a strong man to death . Of course one cannot imitate him and try all those Asanas - that skill has been developed from young age of 10 to 12 when your bones are flexible and years upon years of practice for perfection.

India has honored him with the highest civilian honour - The PadmaVibhushan      
And he seems fit to live another 50 years!!

So it is that he inspires so many of us to imbibe healthy lifestyle and lead a disease free healthy happy life.  I also learnt a very valuable lesson - Achieve excellence in your chosen field and you will be in great demand for ever. He is still practising Yoga for 3 to 4 hours a day in order to discover some new elements he might have missed - Imagine that after 80+ years of practice. That is Passion for one's chosen call in life. And here I am still in search of my call - Batak Rahi Hoon !!!

In Deep Gratitude and Appreciation 
for him and all such great human beings like him who inspire us to lead a better and more peaceful life.

Whom to Vote??

India is going to poll

We the people of India are going to elect who will govern us for next 5 years. It is fight against the prevailing corruption which is always in terms of Lakhs of Crores - 1, 00, 000, 00,00, 000 X n [ 1 Billion X n ] like our population is 1 Billiuon + , our corruption size is also in billions. I am simply in awe of the size of corruption. 

Mr. Narendra Modi 

He is projected as the prime ministerial candidate of BJP and Yes, he wants to be the PM. 

Mr. Rahul Gandhi 

He is spear-heading the congress campaign . No, he does not want to be the PM but if his party wants then he will obey Party high command.

So one understands that it is a fight between 2 main parties BJP and Congress - Right?? No No that is totally wrong - All sorts of regional parties, independent candidates, Third Front which is a conglomeration of parties not including BJP and Congress All TV Channels are full of debates, interviews, accusations etc.. the whole day. 

So I am in a dilemma
Whom should I choose to be my leader?? I feel Mr. Modi should be given a fair chance to prove his promises of a clean and efficient administration , a promise of total Transformation- just for a change. 

Rahul Gandhi who was thoroughly dissected by Arnab Goswami in Times Now Channel with a marathon interview left me wondering . Is a true leader hiding in him? I anyway like his dimpled smile and handsome young looks.  

Google to my rescue
As always I turned to my best friend who always stands by my side - my Google Search. 

First I searched about Modi - Read all about him in Wikipedia, visited his official web site - was amazed to read his literary work . He has a master's degree in political science. He has ruled Gujarat for last 14 years , has brought magical transformations in many ways. I spent hours reading his ebooks - his book on education is so beautifully illustrated with pictures. thorougly impressed ,  my choice of my PM is almost made, I now ventured to find out how will I be making my choice by voting in my constituency. 
   
I am in Maval Constituency
Now I live in a area called PCMC and my son said this area comes under Maval Constituency. So I tried to find out who the candidates were and who would my chosen leader to represent me in parliament - BJP or Congress. My personal choice was to any man of high integrity, a true selfless leader ( What a day-dream!!) who would really care about our area.

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From official Indian election web site :

One of the 48 parliamentary constituencies of Maharashtra, the Lok Sabha constituency of Maval came into existence after the Presidential notification of delimitation of constituencies in 2008 and comprises of six Vidhan Sabha segments of which one is reserved for the SC category. According to Election Commission of India 2009 data the total electorates in the Maval Parliamentary constituency (constituency number 33) were 1,604,886 of which 753,914 are females and 850,972 are males. Maval is a tehsil and taluka of the Pune District and belongs to the Pune Division. Pune District has 15 talulaks and 13 Panchayat Samitis with a total area of 15,642 sq km.

According to the 2011 census, the district has a population of 9,429,408 making it the 4th most populated district in India. About 12% of the population is below six years of age and the city has a 52% male majority as well as a sex ratio of 915 females for every 1000 males. The average literacy rate here is about 86.25% with 90.84% male literacy and 81.05% female literacy. Marathi is the official language here while languages like Hindi and Gujarati are spoken by the locals. The population density here is 603 inhabitants per sq km. Pune District houses the Pune University which is one of the premier universities of the country. NH-4, NH-9, NH-50, Mumbai Pune Expressway along with five State Highways connect the district to several major towns and cities.

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Totally clueless , I spent about 2+ hours gaining as much information as possible about the candidates representing me in Parliament. First of all, the Election website of India was not updated with the candidates list.

Anyway my choice zeroes in upon 3 candidates:

1) Laxman Jagtap 

He was a NCP member, but he has quit that party recently and now will be contesting as an independent candidate with the support of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP). Does have a brief web site giving all his achievements for his constituency- lots of work in PCMC area and office - declared asset of 6 Crores ( an increase of 2+ Crores since 2009) , owns no vehicles etc.. My choice tilted toward him - even Art of living Guruji has endorsed him . 

Then I read conflicting reports about his huge wealth - he is known as Master of TDR , he came with a cavalcade of 500 (!!!!) jeeps with supporters to register for his nomination. He is educated upto high School. 

Now I was confused - First of all he was neither Congress nor BJP which means which ever party got or likely to get majority, his one seat if he won would be a valuable addition. 

2) Rahul Narwekar

He is fighting as a NCP candidate, but was actually a  staunch Shiv Sena party worker and Spokesperson, had quit the party recently and joined NCP. He was a leading NCP member Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar's son-in-law  - I could not locate much information about him, where he lives, has he done anything for my constituency in the past etc.. He does not have a web site so far . He has a nice intelligent smile though. He of the 3 candidates is most educated ( BA LLB ) .  I know our local corporator R.S.Kumar of my area is from NCP and a great social worker and very helpful for local problems. I also know a lady corporator MangalaThai Kadam  who is held in very high esteem by locals. But Rahul Narvekar - not much is known about him. I had thought Supriya Sule who is the daughter of Mr Sharad Pawar of NCP would represent my constituency and was willing to cast my vote for her. She has done lots of good work for her constituency. But Rahul Narwekar ?? Declared assets of 10+Crores which includes a speed boat as a movable property!! 

3) Maruthi Bopkar : 

He has joined Aam Admi Party recently ( ??? ) and I had never heard of him. But it turns out that he has been working in my area as a elected political representative ( Ah - my political knowledge is pathetic) and more for farmer welfare and with Anna Hazare in Anti-corruption movement . He had a web site with few pages listing all his achievements and services. He travelled by a public transport bus with 3 supporters to file his nomination papers ( Compare with Jagtap!!) He has also studied upto high School. Very little cash and property declaration. 

Political Gyan

So now I am more enlightened about regional parties in Elections and how powerful they were in tilting the final count for who will govern my country. Tamil Nadu has Jaya Lalitha AIDMK trying for 38 Parliament Seats, Mamta of TMC from Bengal , Nitesh from Bihar - all aiming to be PM candidates too and with so many seats. 

Some Gyan has dawned on me today. Politics in India is a complex game only for the strong hearted. Just like land shifting in Bible, so many politicians were moving from one party to another during election times and the scenario is chaotic like our Lok Sabha proceedings. 

I wish Nilekani had contested from my constituency - then I would have been left with no choice but to vote for him.  A man of such integrity!! Or Mr Modi for that matter. I want to give him a chance to prove his dreams for India. 

I am wondering  - whom to vote??

        

Winds of Change 

Lots of things are happening which are bound to change my country and mankind for better - it is like a storm is always followed by calm. 

Politicians are so so corrupt, corruption figures are at a never-before-high like lakhs of crores. Everyday there is a new novel corruption case. Surely we are going to find a better solution - a new crop of young, clean politicians will emerge and take the country into uncharted glory   

Sexually starved elements are on a rampage raping women including minors and kids - this includes the so called spiritual gurus . I now see my nation emerging with strong powerful women. 

People are becoming weary of spiritual gurus. India once a destination for spiritual seekers from all over the world is slowly waking up and growing up. One can be strong and peaceful within and there is no need to seek and hope someone will deliver us !!     

Economically India is at a pathetic low - the markets crashed, dollar is rising everyday, inflation is going up day by day, food bill has been passed where the population below poverty line will receive food at a very low cost and this will be funded (indirectly) by people above poverty line , Land Acquisition bill has been passed which gives land owners 4 times the market price if the land is acquired for industry/govt etc.. and already land sharks are grabbing lands. Out of this economic mess will emerge a clean powerful nation with laws for and by and of the people.

Ah!! The fresh winds of change have slowly started to blow like a gentle breeze. History is proof that when mankind hits rock-bottom, mankind arises magically to great new heights.

My Dream! My land! My people! My Country!  

President of India - Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

Her Excellency - Mrs. Pratibha Patil 

Appointed President of India on 25th July 2007 

In India, the president is considered a mere figure head - referred as Rubber-stamp . 

I had the impression that Pratibha Patil was just a convenient choice for Congress till I happened to come across an article about her in a magazine(  Times??) about how she revolutionized Rashtrapathi Bhavan and brought about an Eco revolution, how she helped 1000s of women folk there to become self-dependent. She was a total change agent. 

I was blown away. She had a choice - just to lead a luxury life , cut some ribbons, give speeches and enjoy all the fruits of being a decorative head of State and here was a woman who worked at grass roots. 

She became a change-agent. ‘ROSHNI’ is an initiative taken on the directions of the President to make the President’s Estate a green, energy efficient and zero waste model township. 

She won my heart and I continue to hold her in high esteem. 78 years old and so energetic - She is a model senior citizen of my country and I salute her courage. 

From where to where she reached in her life!! 

President of India

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil was born on December 19, 1934 in Nadgaon village of Jalgaon District, Maharashtra.

Smt. Patil assumed office as the 12th President of India on July 25, 2007. She is the first woman to have been elected to this august office.

Immediately prior to election as the President of India, Smt. Patil was the Governor of Rajasthan from November 8, 2004 till June 21, 2007.

Education:

Smt. Patil received her early education from RR Vidyalaya, Jalgaon and later obtained her Master's degree in Political Science and Economics from the Mooljee Jetha College, Jalgaon. Later, she obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Government Law College, Bombay (Mumbai). While in college, she took active part in sports, excelled in table tennis and won several shields at various Inter-collegiate tournaments. Even as an MLA, she pursued her studies as a law student.

Professional Career:

Smt. Patil started her professional career as a practicing lawyer at the Jalgaon District Court and simultaneously devoted herself to various social activities, especially, for the upliftment of poor women.

Political Career:

At the young age of 27 years, she successfully contested her first election to the Maharashtra State Legislature from the Jalgaon Assembly constituency. Subsequently she was continuously elected four times as MLA from the Edlabad (Muktai Nagar) constituency till 1985. Thereafter, she served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1985 to 1990 and later elected as a Member of Parliament to the 10th Lok Sabha in the 1991 General Elections from the Amravati constituency. She enjoys the unique distinction of not having lost a single election that she contested till date.

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her long stint in Maharashtra has held various positions both in the Government and the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra. She was:

• Deputy Minister, Public Health, Prohibition, Tourism, Housing and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Maharashtra from 1967 to 1972,
• Cabinet Minister, Social Welfare, Government of Maharashtra from 1972 to 1974,
• Cabinet Minister, Public Health and Social Welfare, Government of Maharashtra from 1974 to 1975,
• Cabinet Minister, Prohibition, Rehabilitation and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra from 1975 to 1976,
• Cabinet Minister, Education, Government of Maharashtra from 1977 to 1978,
• Cabinet Minister, Urban Development and Housing, Government of Maharashtra from 1982 to 1983, and
• Cabinet Minister, Civil Supplies and Social Welfare, Government of Maharashtra from 1983 to 1985.
• While in the Opposition, she also served as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra from July 1979 to February 1980.

While in the Rajya Sabha, Smt. Patil was the Deputy Chairperson, Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1988 and also served as the Chairperson, Rajya Sabha from 25.7.1987 to 2.9.1987 when Dr. R. Venkataraman got elected as President of India. She was also the Chairperson, Committee of Privileges, Rajya Sabha and Member, Business Advisory Committee, Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1988. While in the Lok Sabha, Smt. Patil was the Chairperson, House Committee.

Public Life:

In her long public life, she has been associated with several institutions in wide ranging capacities. She served as Chairperson, Maharashtra State Water Pollution Control Board from 1982 to 1985. She was also the President, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) from 1988 to 1990. Besides holding the position of Director and Vice-Chairperson, National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies, she also served as Member, Governing Council, National Cooperative Union of India and Chairperson, 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee, Government of Maharashtra.

Smt. Patil has represented India in various international forum. She attended the International Council on Social Welfare conferences at Nairobi and at Puerto Rico. She was a Member of the AICC(I) delegation to Bulgaria in 1985 and represented as Member, Commonwealth Presiding Officers Conference in London in 1988. She led the Indian delegation to the Conference on the 'Status of Women' in Austria and was a delegate at the World Women's Conference, Beijing, China in September 1995.

Social and Cultural Activities:

Throughout her public life, Smt. Patil has worked actively for the welfare of women and children and the underprivileged sections of society. For their benefit, she established several institutions for them. To name a few, she had set up:

1. hostels for working women in Mumbai and Delhi,
2. an Engineering College at Jalgaon for rural youth,
3. the Shram Sadhana Trust which takes part in multifarious welfare activities for development of women,
4. an Industrial Training School for the visually handicapped in Jalgaon,
5. schools for poor children of Vimukta Jatis (Nomadic Tribes) and for children of Backward Classes in Amravati District and
6. a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farmer's Training Centre) at Amravati, Maharashtra.

She played a pioneering role in setting up the Mahila Vikas Mahamandal, a Maharashtra State Government undertaking for the development of women.

She was instrumental in organizing music, computer and sewing classes for the poor and needy women at Amravati, Maharashtra. Smt. Patil also organized the Women's Home Guard in Jalgaon District and was their Commandant in 1962.

Family Life:

Smt. Patil is married to Dr. Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat. Dr. Shekhawat obtained his Ph.D. in the discipline of Chemistry from Haffkine Institute, Mumbai. An educationist and a social worker in his own right, he became the first Mayor of Amravati Municipal Corporation and he has also represented Amravati constituency as its MLA. She has two children, a daughter, Smt. Jyoti Rathore and a son, Shri Rajendra Singh.

Way to Go Ma'm !!