Personal Diary: Message from revered Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Today (July 12, 2014), my happiness new no bounds when I saw a personalized message from revered Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. I am not a direct disciple of Guruji, but I am an ardent follower of His principles guidance. Whenever there is opportunity, I try to associate with His disciples to gain more knowledge on Sri Sri. For the followers of Guruji on Twitter, a personalized message was sent through a link on the occasion of celebration of Guru Purnima festival.

Guruji shared the following link with me through Twitter and it was a sweet surprise for me!

Link: A personal message for you from Sri Sri

The message read as follows:

"Dear Satyaranjan,

On this Guru Purnima,

May wisdom reign over pettiness; Compassion over cruelty.

May you be blessed with gifts to share with humanity.

- Sri Sri"

I feel blessed likes millions who would have received such sweet personal messages from Guruji!

Exhibit: Message from revered Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Citizen Journalist: Blood donation camp at Great Lakes Gurgaon

Feb-12-2013, Tuesday:

A blood donation camp was organized at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon yesterday. Rotary Blood Bank (RBB) was invited for the blood donation camp. There was enthusiastic participation from academic staff and students. A total of 55 samples were collected albeit number of registrations for donating blood was much higher. Some of the interested donors could not donate as they were not eligible. Various parameters that were checked for evaluation for eligibility for blood donation were Haemoglobin level and Blood Pressure. The blood donors were provided certificates, juice, fruit and a mug. The number of samples collected was more than 25% of total number students and academic staffs and that was encouraging.

Fig: Smiling Sidharth donating blood

This initiative was taken for the first time at Great Lakes Gurgaon by Shalabh, founder of 'Social Welfare club' at Great Lakes Gurgon. It was heartening to get active involvement from Prof. V.P Singh and Prof. Poornima. It was coordinated by:

1. Shalabh Shrivastav
2. Danish Jafri
3. Gagandeep Singh
4. Gaurav Jain
5. Mousam Kedia
6. Satyaranjan Mohanty (The author)

Fig: Banner for Blood Donation Camp held on Feb-12-2013 at Great Lakes, Gurgaon

Why This Kolaveri?: The right attitude and living with honour

Why do people suffer? Is it because of their fate? Why is India still struggling to be called a developed nation? This story revolves around finding answer to these questions. Please note that it is based on a true incident though all the characters and places are fictitious.

The autorickshaw was about to cross the junction when the yellow signal turned red and obstructed its way. The digital timer below the traffic light started counting 111, 110, 109. “Huh! I have to  wait again for two minutes”, Souvagya Srinivasan, who was onboarding the auto murmured. He had waited for longer duration at each of last three traffic junctions before this, another two signals had to be crossed for him to reach his office at Diamond district. He was worried of getting late. But it was Bangalore's traffic at peak hour, he had to bear!

A woman soon appeared from nowhere and started pleading for money with the auto driver. She was carrying a baby and three kids were following her. The auto driver shook his head in denial, but when she was not leaving and stood requesting, he ended up saying that he was unable to help even with a penny. The signal turned green and the auto moved forward. Souvagya observed the short interaction of his auto driver with the woman from behind quietly. He was not happy with the unkind attitude of auto driver towards the woman. On the way he was thinking, he could extend help, but he did not get the opportunity as everything happened in a short while.

Three minutes later they reached the penultimate signal where they had to wait for around one minute. Souvagya’s office was just five minutes away. A similar incident took place. An one-legged man limped towards the auto and beseeched for alms from the auto driver while the driver shook head left and right again in his characteristic way in denial to help. Souvagya could not withstand this and offered a ten rupee note to the beggar. They left the traffic signal.

“It is unkind behaviour not to care about people suffering from abject poverty, I think you were rude towards the disabled. You could give a one rupee coin, but you denied to give a penny.”, Souvagya told his driver on the way. The auto driver was silent. Souvagya repeated his statement to attract his attention. “I am sorry sir, I do not want to comment. I just want to tell that I do help people, but not all”, was the reply. This irked Souvagya as that was too generic statement. They soon reached Diamond district. Souvagya did not have change to pay the auto charge of 200 rupees, he offered a 500 rupees note. The auto driver also did not have change. So he requested Souvagya to get the change from nearby shops. The shops were at a location where autorickshaws were not allowed. Souvagya was reluctant to go and asked, “Why don’t you go?”.  

The driver silently took that 500 note from Souvagya, took out two crutches from beneath his seat and started walking towards the betel shop nearby. Souvagya was awe stricken to see that the auto driver did not have both the legs. He was numb and could not move or express his feelings for a moment.

“I salute you! Now I understand why you were not willing to give a penny to those beggars on the way!”, Souvagya told to his driver upon his return and hugged him. The driver smiled and said, “Sir, I strongly believe in myself and the Almighty. Due to my past karma, I might have been deprived of both the legs, but I have never given up in my life. I am living with honor. So do I expect from my fellow men and women who have limbs unlike me!”

Note:

If people are suffering it is because of their wrong attitude and actions and not because of their fate. This YouTube video will give you further insights on attitude.

The only disability of a man is his bad attitude

Personal Diary: Message from Sri Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami

Sri Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami, an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Krishna is the founder of Bhaktivedanta Institute which promotes the study of the relationship between science and Vedanta. His name before sannyas was Dr. Thoudam Damodara Singh. His Holiness holds a Ph.D. in Physical organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. All his lectures are full of scientific jargons like DNA, RNA, Bio molecules, molecular bonds and chemical equations. So, a student of science would definitely appreciate his thought provoking lectures.

Fig: Sri Damodara Swami (Dr T D Singh) with Nobel Laureate William Daniel Phillips in 2005 

Credit: This photo has been reproduced from www.tdsingh.org with permission

The author was fortunate to interact with Sri Damodara Swami on Aug-05-2006 while pursuing engineering in Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, then University College of Engineering, Burla, Odisha.  Sri Damodara Swami was invited as a dignified guest to interact with students on science and spirituality. That was author's first and last meeting with His Holiness. Upon request, His Holiness was kind to write a few lines for the author as follows.

"Life is a journey. You may have to encounter many ups and downs in the journey. But you have to face these challenges with strength and wisdom. These principles you will get from cultivating spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Be brave and face the challenges praying for the blessings of your teachers and of Lord Krishna."

Fig: Message from Sri Damodara Swami

Fig: Dr T D Singh on the day of receiving his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine

Credit: This photo has been reproduced from www.tdsingh.org with permission

Around three months after his meeting with this great devotee, the author learnt that Sri Damodara Sami left his mortal body at the age of 68 on Oct-02-2006 in Kolkata.

Lyrics Of Choice: Om Jai Shri Radha (ॐ जय श्री राधा)

Song: Om Jai Shri Radha
Language: Hindi
Singers: Alka Yagnik & S.P.Balasubrahmanyam Movie/Album: Aartiyaan, 1994

(Later dubbed by many including Anuradha Paudwal) 

==English==

Om Jai Shri Radha, Jai Shri Krishna

Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah (2)

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha (Radha Radha)

Jai Shri Krishna (Krishna Krishna)
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah (2)

Chandramukhi Chanchal Chitchori

Sughar Saanwara Surat Bhori
Shyama Shyam Ek Si Dori
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Panchrang Chunar Kesar Pyaari
Pat Pitambar Kaamar Kaari
Ek Roop Anupam Chabi Pyaari
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chandra Chandrika Cham Cham Chamke
Mor Mukut Sir Dham Dham Dhamke
Yugal Prem Ras Cham Cham Chamke
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Kasturi Kumkum Jut Binda
Chandan Charu Tilak Braj Chanda
Sarad Laadli Laal Sunanda
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Ghum Ghumaaro Ghaghar Sohe
Kati Kachili Kamlapati Sohe
Kamlasan Sur Muni Mann Mohe
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Ratna Jarit Abhushan Sundar
Kaustubhyamani Kamlakit Natwar
Ranak Kanak Murli Dhani Manohar
Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Mandhassan Matware Naina
Mann Mohan Manohare Saina
Mrud Musukaavani Meethi Baina
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Shri Radha Bhav Baadha Haari
Sankat Mochan Krishna Muraari
Ek Shakti Ek Ahiaadhari
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Jagat Jyoti Jag Janani Mata
Jagat Jeevan Jag Pitu Jag Daata
Jagat Aadhar Jagat Vikhyaata
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Radha Radha Krishna Kanhaiya
Bhav Bhay Saagar Paar Lagaaiya
Mangal Murati Moksh Karaiyaa
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Sarveshwari Sarva Dukh Daahan
Tribhuvan Pati Trai Taap Nasaavan
Param Devi Parmeshwar Paavan
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Tri Samay Yugal Charan Chit Dhyaave
So Nar Jagat Param Pad Paave
Radha Krishna Chail Mann Bhave
Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

Chorus: Om Jai Shri Radha ... Radha Krishnaye Namah

Shri Radha Krishnaye Namah

==हिन्दी==

ॐ जय श्री राधा, जय श्री क्रिष्णा

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः (2)

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा (राधा राधा)

जय श्री क्रिष्णा (क्रिष्णा क्रिष्णा)

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः (2)

चन्द्रमुखी चंचल चितचोरी

सुघड़ सांवरा सूरत भोरी

श्यामा श्याम एक सी डोरी

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

पंच रंग चूनर, केसर न्यारी
पट पीताम्बर कामर कारी

एकरूप अनुपम छवि प्यारी

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

चन्द्र चन्द्रिका चम चम चमके

मोर मुकुट सिर दम दम दमके

यूगल प्रेम रस झम झम झमके

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कस्तूरी कुम्कुम जुत बिन्दा

चन्दन चारु तिलक ब्रज चन्दा

सरद लाड़ली लाल सुनन्दा

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

घूम घुमारो घांघर सोहे

कटि कछनी कमलापति सोहे

कमलासन सुर मुनि मन मोहे

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

रत्न जड़ित आभूषण सुन्दर

कौस्तुभमणि कमलांकित नटवर

रणक कणक मुरली ध्वनि मनहर

राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

मन्द हसन मतवारे नैना

मनमोहन मनहारे सैना

मृदु मुसकावनि मीठे बैना

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

श्री राधा भव बाधा हारी

संकत मोचन क्रिष्णा मुरारी

एक शक्ति, एकहि आधारी

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

जग ज्योति जगजननी माता

जगजीवन जग पितु जग दाता

जगदाधार जगत विख्याता

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

राधा राधा क्रिष्णा कन्हैया

भव भय सागर पार लगैया

मंगल मूरति मोक्ष करैया

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

सर्वेश्वरी सर्व दुःख दाहन

त्रिभुवनपति त्रयताप नसावन

परमदेवि परमेश्वर पावन

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

त्रिसमय युगल चरण चित ध्यावे

सो नर जगत परमपद पावे

राधा क्रिष्णा छैल मन भावे

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

कोरस: ॐ जय श्री राधा ... राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

श्री राधा क्रिष्णाये नमः

Om Jai Shri Radha - YouTube - Anuradha Paudwal

Om Jai Shri Radha - YouTube - Alka Yagnik & S.P.Balasubrahmanyam