Culturama September 2018

POWERED BY GLOBAL ADJUSTMENTS

September 2018 Volume 9, Issue 7

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Picture Perfect Memories Award-winning photographer Melissa Freitas reflects on her time in India, and her best photo memories

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Come and Experience the September Fest at

Phoenix MarketCity

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SOPHISTIC

SILK ATION IN

E-1, LOTUS COLONY, CHAMIERS ROAD, NANDANAM, CHENNAI 600 035 | +91 97899 37149

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Cover Image

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor,

The group of men in the background are chanting the name of God, as they walk in a procession through the lanes outside a temple, leading the way for the deity, which will be carried on a special podium. Their garb is to indicate their commitment to this holy task. The practice of prostrating, as this woman is doing, is a way of showing respect for the divine and of indicating that even the ground has been hallowed by the deity's coming.

Picture by Melissa Freitas, Brazil

Advisory Board Members N. Ram is an award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu. He is Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited, publishers of The Hindu.

Suzanne McNeill lived in India for seven years before returning to Scotland. She is a freelance writer and graphic designer.

Liz Neisloss is a veteran journalist and writer who has worked for CNN based from Singapore, Chennai and at the United Nations in New York.

She is now based in Mumbai.

G. Venket Ram is an acclaimed photographer and the creative mind behind many a Culturama issue. www.gvenketram.com Annelize Booysen is a business consultant and social entrepreneur. She lived in Asia for more than a decade, which included three years in India. She is currently based in the United States.

Namita Jain, founder of Jaldi Fit, is a leading fitness guru and a businesswoman who helms Kishco, a world-class cutlery brand.

Contributors Susan Philip is a freelance writer based in Chennai, and the editorial coordinator of Culturama’s various coffee table books.

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) was a spiritual teacher, author and interpreter of Indian literature. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and Nilgiri Press in California.

Devdutt Pattanaik is the Chief Belief Officer of the Future Group and a writer and illustrator of several books on Indian mythology. www.devdutt.com

Culturama has seen a great journey since its launch, many parts of which I have witnessed. I was Adviser for Tourism at the Planning Commission. I was visiting Chennai and saw the magazine for the first time at the Taj Coromondel in 2006.

Since then, I have been receiving it as well. You are bringing out the magazine very well, with a lot of information about Indian culture. It serves as an important link for a lot of foreigners who visit India. More power to your pen!

- Srikanta K. Panigrahi, Delhi

Dear Editor,

I loved the piece on vintage Indian postcards and the wonderful information contained in them. Such historic gems should be treasured and passed on to forthcoming generations for sure.

- Swetha Srinivasan, Chennai

Dear Editor,

I was very moved by the article on patriotic music – it was a refreshing reminder that we have such an excellent musical traditional in our country.

- Raghav Murthy, Bengaluru

Dear Editor,

V.R. Ferose makes a valid point about the need to include people from all backgrounds in the corporate sector. My hope is that India soon becomes a country where no one is discriminated because of physical shortcomings.

- Lakshmi Sridhar, Chennai

Dear Editor,

I have been following the series on forces that drive Indian society. I appreciate how different aspects of our lives have been brought out in a way that is easy to understand.

- Jayalakshmi, Chennai

culturama – Subscribe Now! Get your copy of Culturama as a hard copy or as an e-magazine - visit www.culturama.in to subscribe For other enquiries, e-mail us at culturama@globaladjustments.com or call us on +91-44-2461 7902

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Dear Readers, Among 20 habits for good leadership listed

by Marshall Goldsmith, one struck me in particular – and I try to practice it often.

It is called, ‘Resisting the need to add too much value’.

One day, a young team member came to me and suggested that we start a second magazine for the millennial readership. I said it was a great idea, and that added 5 percent to the team’s motivation. Then, I started to list possible topics, frequency of publication, cover models…and, in doing so, took away 30 percent of the power of execution as it was no more their idea but my take on it. When this idea came up again sometime later, I simply egged on the person who mooted it. Now, the magazine is the well-loved Living, which is flying high.

The lesson Marshall teaches is that when the ‘adding value’ bug bites, leaders need to breathe and step back. Ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” If the answer is “Yes”, then breathe some more and ask how much it is worth.

Chances are that when a youngster in the family says he/she wants to do a course, all that the youngster wants is our stamp of approval as encouragement. When a wife says she is going to ask for a raise or a husband says he needs to get a haircut, “Good idea!” is all that she/he is looking for, not a comment on how to or when to do so.

Resisting the urge to value-add does need mind space...a step back...a smile and an enthusiastic ‘Go for it!’ And it almost

Editor Ranjini Manian Managing Editor Yamini Vasudevan Creative Head Prem Kumar Circulation P. Devaraj Advertising Chennai Shobana Sairaj Bengaluru Meera Roy Delhi/NCR Ruchika Srivastava Mumbai/Pune Ashish Chaulkar

To subscribe to this magazine, e-mail info@globaladjustments.com or access it online at www.globaladjustments.com Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturama@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru #333/1, 1st Floor, 9th Main, 14th Cross, 2nd Stage, Indira Nagar, Bangalore - 560038

always works. There will most likely be a second round: “How do you think I should tackle it?” or “Should I do it now or leave it for later?” At that point, a leader can give specific responses.

Not adding too much value at the first instance is always wise leadership.

In this issue of Culturama, we look at prominent leadership styles from India that have served as beacons for lasting progress. Hope you enjoy it on page 18.

While this is on an individual level, we have looked at the larger, societal example of collective leadership in our Feature on page 32.

Meanwhile, do get your cameras out and start clicking away in the upcoming festive season! The Global Adjustments Beautiful India photo competition is just around the corner (page 45) – and we welcome your photos!

Tel +91-80-41267152 E-mail culturamablr@globaladjustments.com Delhi-NCR Level 4, Augusta Point, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurgaon 122002, Haryana Mobile +91 124 435 4224 E-mail del@globaladjustments.com Mumbai #1102, 11th floor, Peninsula Business Park, Tower B, SB Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366 E-mail mum@globaladjustments.com Hyderabad Suite-18, 3rd Floor, Rajapushpa Business Centre, Stone Ridge Centre, Opp. Google, Hitec City – Kondapur Main Road Hyderabad – 500 084 Tel +91 40 48687956 E-mail hyd@globaladjustments.com Printed by K Srinivasan and published and owned by Ranjini Manian. Printed at Srikals Graphics Pvt Ltd at #5, Balaji Nagar, 1st Street, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai – 600032 and published at Global Adjustments Services Pvt. Ltd., #5, 3rd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – 600028.

Editor Ranjini Manian Disclaimer Views and opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s or the magazine’s.

Editor | globalindian@globaladjustments.com

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Contents 54

Holistic Living

The day we can create technology that stops claiming to be the solution, and instead focuses on overall betterment of society, is the day we would have achieved true development.

Regulars

32 Feature For many, rural India stands as a synonym for lack of technological development and outdated mindsets. We present the cases of some villages that challenge this stereotype – and even stand as an example that the rest of the country should strive to

India’s Culture 14

Short Message Service

Short, engaging snippets of Indian culture.

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Driving Forces

India’s spiritual tradition reveres the underlying divinity in all living beings. This is the basis behind the emphasis on interpersonal bonding, which defines many individual, familial and societal practices.

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In Focus

The question of what makes for a good leader would elicit as many responses as there are leaders. We look at five prominent Indians and the key qualities they bring to the table.

Festivals of India

The festive season starts with celebrations centred around two of Hinduism’s most popular and beloved gods – Krishna and Ganesha.

Journeys Into India 30

At GA Foundation

A group of young schoolgirls set out to prove that making a change does not require money, age or even large groups. All you need is the will to make a difference, time and effort.

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Champion Women

We all know that self-esteem is a key requirement for a successful life – but how does one develop it?

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Value Vignettes

What is the secret behind the strength to overcome the worst of tragedies and stand as a worthy inspiration? The answer lies in a quality women have nurtured for generations: Determination

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Myth & Mythology

He was asked to go around the world. Ganesha went around his parents and claimed the task was done. Was it just an ingenious solution or a deeper lesson in perception?

India Diaries

She is known for her stunning images of India’s landscapes and people – images that won her several awards at Global Adjustments’ Beautiful India Expatriate Photo Competition. Melissa Freitas shares her thoughts on life in India and ‘photo memories’ close to her heart.

Relocations and Property 62

Space and the City

Property listings in Chennai.

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SMS

by Suzanne McNeill

Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Art/textile/craft: Silver Filigree Jewellery from Orissa The Cuttack district of Orissa is home to a 500-year-old tradition of hand-crafted silver filigree jewellery, known locally as tarakashi. Threads of fine metal are delicately twisted into jewellery that has the appearance of intricately woven lace, sometimes studded with tiny beads. To begin, silver ingots are melted in clay pots and poured into small, rod-like moulds. When cooled, the rods are pressed and beaten into long, thin wires, then drawn further into fine hair-like strands, sometimes crimped with pattern before being twisted and shaped to the design. They are carefully soldered to an outlining frame, and finished by polishing and lacquering. Traditionally, tarakashi jewellery is worn by Odissi dancers, and during Durga puja, tarakashi is used to embellish the idols of the goddess. Vermillion containers, betel nut boxes and a newborn child’s bowl and spoon are often crafted or embellished with filigree work.

Food: Vada Curry Vada curry is a classic side dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. It is usually eaten for breakfast as an accompaniment to idlis, dosais and appams, the savoury pancakes and patties that are made from rice and rice batter. Like all Chettinad food, the dish is flavoured with a wide variety of spices and fresh ground masala paste.

The vadas are made from channa dal (chickpea), which is soaked overnight and then ground with dried red chilli, curry leaves and fennel seeds, and some water. Divided into small balls, the vadas can be deep-fried, but a healthier option is to spoon the thick mixture into the moulds of an idli plate and steam for 15 minutes.

Recipes for the masala mix vary enormously, but include a combination of spices including gingergarlic paste, green chillies, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. There are many different gravies, too, but all contain finely chopped onion sautĂŠed with bay leaves, then tomatoes, turmeric, chillies and coconut milk.

This is brought to a simmer, the masala mix is added, then the cooked vadas are crumbled and stirred into the gravy, the dish is garnished with coriander and served.

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Name: Chandrababu Naidu N. Chandrababu Naidu is president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and currently Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, his second stint in the role. He has been acclaimed both nationally and internationally for his innovative work in economic reform, and is regarded as a visionary who combines political acumen with administrative efficiency. He likes to describe himself as CEO of Andhra Pradesh Inc. Naidu was born in 1950 to a farming family in the village of Naravaripalle, near Tirupati. He was attracted to politics from an early age and whilst studying for his Masters in Economics, joined Youth Congress as a student leader.

He quickly rose to prominence as a member of the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly and became the youngest minister in the Congress (I) cabinet at 28 years, appointed technical education and cinematography minister.

He then joined the TDP, which was formed by his father-in-law, a popular film star in the state who was soon to be elected Chief Minister. Naidu was appointed the party’s General Secretary, later ousting his father-in-law in a coup and becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh himself from 1995 to 2004. With the state on the brink of bankruptcy, he introduced bold reforms that cut food subsidies and increased electricity prices, taxes and bus fares, whilst developing the state’s major cities into showpieces for foreign investment in IT, biotechnology, healthcare and outsourcing. He coaxed global giants Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Computer Associates and Oracle to set up business in Hyderabad.

Word: Anna

Credited with turning Andhra Pradesh into India’s new IT hub, Naidu was named South Asian of the Year by Time magazine in 1999, IT Indian of the Millennium by India Today and Business Person of the Year by the Economic Times.

The TDP was ousted in 2004; but 10 years later, in alliance with the BJP, Naidu returned to power as the first Chief Minister of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, from which the Telugu-speaking, north-western region of the old state had separated to become the new state of Telangana (and whose capital is Hyderabad).

Naidu is currently planning a new, world-class capital for Andhra Pradesh in Amaravati while denying rumours that he has his eye on becoming India’s next prime minister.

Anna, a term used across southern India, is a word that means 'elder brother'.

– anna is now understood across southern India to mean ‘elder brother’. In casual conversation, it is used to address someone if their name is unknown, for instance a rickshaw driver: ‘Anna, take me to Spencer Plaza’, and is often shortened to ‘Na’ (the north Indian equivalent is ‘Bhai Sahib’ or ‘Bhaiya’). It is also used as a term of respect or seniority to someone older, though increasingly it covers a wide spectrum of ages.

Anna has become popular within political circles as a form of address for colleagues, party workers and bureaucrats, perhaps in association with the Tamil politician and founding member of the DMK party, C.N.Annadurai, who was popularly called Anna in its meaning of ‘elder brother’, and Arignar Anna or ‘Anna, the Scholar’. Chennai’s main thoroughfare, the colonial-era Mount Road, was renamed ‘Anna Salai’ in his honour.

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In Focus

by Yamini Vasudevan

Mark of a

Leader What does a person need to take charge and lead effectively? How are some people able to command respect so effortlessly?

We look at five Indian movers and shakers from different industries, and the top qualities they bring to the table What makes for a good leader? This question may elicit a wide range of responses that touch on the spectrum of qualities, talents or capabilities and characteristics that would help make for a worthy leader. Of course, while the circumstances and responsibilities to be shouldered by this person would play a crucial role in determining whether a person is the ‘right fit’, it is commonly accepted that the best leaders share some common traits that have helped shape their life trajectories – and, in turn, set an example for the rest of us. We take a look at five prominent Indian leaders from across different segments, and the ways in which they exemplified the tenets of good leadership.

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Flying High, Staying Grounded: Ratan Tata (December 28, 1937 to Present) Indian industrialist Ratan Naval Tata needs no introduction, not just in India but around the world, too.

The former chairman of the Tata Group began his career with the entity in 1961 on the shop floor. In 1991, J.R.D Tata stepped down as chairman of Tata Sons and named Ratan his successor. During Ratan’s 21-year reign at the Tata Group, revenues grew over 40 times, and profit over 50 times. He is known for expanding the Group’s business into new ventures on the Indian side (with initiatives such as the Nano and acquiring Tetley Tea), and on the global scene (by acquiring Jaguar Land Rover). Today, Tata Holdings is one of the most successful entities the world over. His work won him several awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

While several leadership lessons may be drawn from Ratan Tata’s illustrious career, a couple of key points have been stressed several times: his genuine desire to connect with others, and his desire to do the right thing.

Everyone who has come in contact with Ratan Tata has noted that he has not let success get to him in any way. He does not talk about his successes in management or life. He has also stressed the need for empathy: “For several years, there has been one issue which has travelled with me…

‘In whatever you do, put yourself in the other person’s shoes first.’”

Above all, if Ratan Tata commands the respect of people from across all strata and industries, it is because he has always put his principles first. His approach of doing the best for business and people has won him respect that borders on reverence. In his own words: “A real leader is willing to face the consequences to do whatever is right. To go home at night and say, ‘I didn’t succumb, I made a difference’. That is the mark of a true leader.”

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Science and Art of Living: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (October 15, 1931 to July 27, 2015) Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, also known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ for his work in military missile development and for playing a key role in the Pokhran II nuclear tests in 1998, is regarded with near reverence by people across all communities and ages. However, his popularity stemmed not just from his knowledge and work but from his humble and easy-to-approach nature, which earned him the fond title ‘People’s President’, after his term as India’s eleventh President (2002 to 2007).

The Bharat Ratna awardee set an example as to how one could use his/her life and talents to serve society in the best ways possible. He was an innovative thinker, who was never put off by obstacles or lack of resources. This was amply demonstrated in his work in missile development and at the Indian Space Research Organisation. Moreover, he used his knowledge to provide ingenious solutions for two major healthcare issues. He adapted the high-grade materials used in making missiles to develop lightweight calipers for polioaffected children, as well as cardiology stents for patients suffering from heart problems. The calipers and stents were designed such that they could be made available to patients at a fraction of the usual cost.

Kalam believed firmly in open sharing and imparting knowledge to the next generation, “to ignite their imagination and preparing them to work for a developed India for which the road map is already available.” When he was over 80 years old, he launched the ‘What Can I Give Movement’ for the youth, with the theme centred on defeating corruption.

Awareness of India’s limitations led him to spearhead initiatives that were customised to the country’s sociopolitical landscape. He launched the concept of ‘Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas’ or PURA, which was to give a cluster of villages physical, electronic and knowledge connectivity.

Empowering villages in this way, he said, would lead to

economic connectivity, creation of a vibrant economy in the hinterland and bridge the rural-urban divide.

Kalam’s humanitarian initiatives stemmed from his deep love for all mankind. He remarked, “The President continuously must be in touch with the people. The Rashtrapati Bhavan [the presidential residence in New Delhi] must become the people’s residence.” A deeply spiritual person, he was a Muslim by faith but regularly read the Bhagavad Gita – thus setting an example of unity in diversity from an individual level.

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In their Social Studies class, the 8th graders conducted an inquiry into a social justice topic of their choosing and then had to create an art piece that answered these 3 questions: How does the artwork help people understand the problem?

How does the piece make people think about solutions? How does it advocate for people to engage in the movement?

w w w. a i s c h e n n a i . o r g #AcademicExcellence

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No Words Wasted: Raghuram Rajan (February 3, 1963 to Present) “I'm not a publicity hound, I hope.” So said Raghuram Rajan, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It was a fitting comment: The former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund garnered considerable media attention – even before he took charge as the RBI Governor in 2013. He was best known for his no-nonsense, direct comments, down-to-earth examples and, in a few circles, for his good looks.

At the time of his taking over, the Indian economy was suffering from chronic inflation, and the Indian rupee had gone through a period of instability. There were also serious problems in the banking sector, with regard to the growing number of non-performing assets. Under his stewardship, inflation dropped and the rupee’s volatility was curbed.

Moreover, he pushed banks to aggressively recognise and act on bad loans. Rajan is also credited with helping to calm the financial markets and creating a window to attract investments from non-resident Indians (NRIs). He also pushed for greater financial inclusion, and pushed banks to enter the territory traditionally dominated by moneylenders.

Rajan exemplified a key trait all leaders should cultivate: Clear, transparent communication. He came under fire for some comments (such as the time when he characterised the then Indian economy as a “one-eyed king in the land of the blind”, even though he clarified later that he was

misunderstood), was regarded as a 007-style speaker in some cases (especially when he made the comment, “My name is Raghuram Rajan and I do what I do” during a monetary policy review in 2015). Regardless, he was largely appreciated for his calm, measured responses and his ability to listen intently. Another key element of his speeches was the use of idioms that related to day-to-day, practical issues than technical jargon. One of the most famous examples was of a dosa, a common breakfast food in South India, and how its price point could be used to reflect trends in inflation and interest.

Rajan’s communication capabilities were not just a matter of talent – he firmly believed that financial policies had to be communicated to the masses in a language they understood. “Indeed, communication is as much about educating as it is about informing…. Public understanding can help ease the way for reforms, as well as increase support for policies. The RBI governor therefore has to explain again and again,” he said.

Cool and Calm Wins the Race: M.S. Dhoni (July 7, 1981 to Present) A great deal has been written about the former Indian cricket captain’s capabilities on the field, and the manner in which he practises some of the best management lessons on the team. And for good reason. Under his stewardship, the Indian team has won several key tournaments – notably, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 (the last such win was in 1983).

Dhoni has been lauded as one of the best captains the Indian cricket team has had in recent years – and most praise is directed towards his ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. Given that Indians regard cricket almost as a religion, there is added stress and expectations from all quarters. To be able to remain centred without giving in

to pressure – even as the world literally watches his every move – is one of Dhoni’s key traits. “I never allow myself to be pressured,” he says. So, where does this Zen-like calm come from? Possibly inborn. Possibly from the fact that he looks at every game as a chance to do his best. As he says, “I believe in giving more than 100% on the field, and I don't really worry about the result if there’s great commitment on the field.

That’s victory for me.” Whatever be the reason, every leader would do good to take a leaf from his book, and keep calm as they carry on.

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Looking at the Larger Purpose: Mallika Srinivasan (November 19, 1959 to Present) Christened the ‘Tractor Queen’ of India, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited – is recognised as one of the biggest contributors to the country’s agricultural, manufacturing and business segments. She joined the company in 1986, when it was under the reign of her father, A. Sivasailam, and helped it grow from its then worth of Rs. 85 crore to a business worth Rs. 2,500 crore. Keen business acumen and hard work are at the heart of Mallika’s success. In the mid-1980s, she made the move to buy Eicher Motors’ tractor business, which catapulted TAFE to greater heights and set it on the road to expansion. Today, TAFE is the third largest tractor manufacturer in the world and the second largest in India, and has made its mark in over 82 countries.

The recipient of several awards and accolades (including the Padma Shri), Mallika is recognised in business circles for her quiet but steely determination, which her demure looks belie. She also commands respect for her commitment to

ensuring that her business is not just a profit-making venture but a means of fulfilling larger economic and societal needs.

One of her key initiatives was to ensure that TAFE looked into the farmers’ needs – especially their need for newer, more sophisticated tractors and equipment – and worked to fulfill them. It is a little known fact that she can drive a tractor – evidence of just how well she intended to know all aspects of her business.

Under Mallika’s lead, TAFE has also increased the number of women engineers and workers in its factories – a noteworthy change in an industry typically dominated by men. “Profits are important, but only for sustaining a business,” she said in an interview with the Economic Times, when they picked her as the 2006 Businesswoman of the Year. “You don’t need to love money to run a business.

You have to have a dream to build an institution, to build centres of excellence, to create a great team. Business has a larger purpose.”

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Dhriti, which can be translated as ‘determination’ is a quality that the Bhagavad Gita holds up as admirable in women. The ability to endure adversity and tenaciously pursue a goal is something that most women seem to be born with. It is a quality that helps them overcome grating, everyday trials, and when life knocks them down, it makes them get up and keep going.

What does it take to overcome the worst of tragedies and stand as an inspiration for generations to come? The answer lies in a quality women have nurtured for generations: Determination What do you do when you are a bubbly 32-year-old, happily married, expecting a baby and a promotion, and fall prey to a rare disease which pushes you into a coma, makes you miscarry, and later causes you to lose all four of your limbs? You get up and run a marathon. If you’re Shalini Saraswathi, that is.

In an amazing show of determination, this young woman came up smiling from a blow so hard that it would have felled almost anyone else. In 2013 Shalini celebrated her birthday

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Value Vignettes

by Susan Philip

Will. Power. with her husband in Cambodia, and presumably that’s when she caught the rare bacteria called Rickettsial with morts.

On her return to India, she went into mulit-organ failure, and hovered on the brink of death for a while. Her spunk saw that she pulled through. But what she woke up to was shattering. Her legs had to be amputated, and subsequently she lost her hands, too.

It was heartbreaking to know that she’d lost her baby. It was excruciatingly hard, too to face the devastation that her body had gone through, and come to terms with it. But come to terms she did! In fact she went one step – no, leaps and bounds – beyond coming to terms with it. Shalini decided that she would not be ashamed of her scars and her disability, rather, she would wear them as proudly as Vijayalaya Chola

did his battle scars in the famous novel Ponniyin Selvan. She stopped covering up her amputated limbs. She now dresses stylishly, no matter if her clothes leave her prosthetic legs and her lack of hands exposed. She takes pleasure in her appearance.

Moreover, she vowed to herself that she would not let disability keep her down. Incredibly, she decided to take up running. She trained in running on her prosthetic legs. It was an agonizingly slow, gut-wrenchingly painful, process. But her determination saw her through. She began walking on her prosthetic legs only in 2014 but just two years later, she participated in the prestigious TCS 10 km Marathon. Shalini continues to run and inspire people to rise above difficulties and celebrate life.

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At the core There’s a Shalini Saraswathi in each one of us. All too often, life deals us blows. The blow could be financial, physical or emotional. It could be a debilitating, incurable disease or the loss of someone beloved. The blows may not be as harsh or as huge as the ones Shalini suffered, but relentless daily trials can take a toll on the human spirit too. They could be a chronically unhappy family life, a child with a life-long incapacity, a hostile superior or an unremittingly stressful job. Women are more commonly victims of these adversities than men. It is usually a woman’s lot to be stoic, turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the many provocations in life, so that she can keep the peace at home and at work and juggle the demands of a family and an equally demanding job she can’t afford to give up. A woman instinctively knows that she carries a store of determination and tenacity within her, a collective resource that has been handed down to her over generations. If she reaches within herself – sometimes very deep within herself – this resource will help her deal with both sudden crises and relentless stress.

At home and abroad There are many, many examples of how determined women have fought seemingly insurmountable odds and triumphed. There is Helen Keller who became deaf and blind before she turned two years old, but went on to become the first person with such a disability to earn a bachelor’s degree (in the 19th Century). She worked for the rights of the disabled, among other things.

J. K. Rowling, the creator of the enormously popular Harry Potter series, had to suffer rejection time after time and manage on a pittance as a single mother before her first manuscript was accepted by a publisher and became a money-spinner of colossal proportions.

Mallala Yusufsai of Pakistan defied threats from terrorists and stood up for the rights of girls to receive an education. She let nothing stop her, not even a bullet through her head which left her in a critical condition.

She fought her way back to health and continues her activism.

And in India, Panna Dai comes to mind, the Mallala Yusufsai

Helen Keller

J.K. Rowling

indomitable nursemaid to Prince Udai Singh. Determined to protect the orphaned infant prince, she substituted her own baby for him and cheated the usurper of the throne who wanted to secure power. She had the prince secreted away to safety even as her own son was done to death. These are names which are almost household ones, women who have been held up as role models and icons. But for every one of such names, there are a thousand others who are unsung and unnoticed.

Look around. You’ll find many women who work a backbreaking 20 hours at home and outside to earn the money their husbands can’t or won’t provide in order to give their families basic necessities. Often, these women have to endure abusive relationships at home or at work. You’ll find women who single-handedly care for their severely disabled children while simultaneously looking after the rest of the household and contributing to the family kitty. You’ll find women facing down unfairness and bias to take their well-deserved places at the top of their chosen fields. This inborn tenacity, this personal courage, this determination to overcome hurdles big and small, this dhriti, is what makes women invaluable to the fabric of society and an asset at all levels of the workspace, and positively impacts both productivity and morale.

Well said!

“Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.”

– Hillary Clinton “Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.” – Bethany Hamilton, who survived a 2003 shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off, but became victorious in surfing.

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At GA Foundation

by Team Culturama

Green Fingers, Working Wonders

We are happy to participate in this project, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our school this year. It is such a fitting gesture by our students.

Ruby Puthotta, Headmistress Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls' Higher Secondary School

Thirty young girls showed the way towards making a difference to the world around us when they took up the green initiative of making and distributing paper bags for street vendors As the Global Adjustments Foundation champions young girls and women to be contributors to the nation, a social initiative was rolled out with the students of Lady Sivaswami Girls Higher Secondary School in Mylapore, Chennai. The initiative helped ignite the spark to come together and contribute to the nation by replacing plastic bags with paper covers.

The girls worked after school hours, once a week, to make paper covers, under the guidance of the Global Adjustments Foundation team. The objective was to distribute free paper covers to street vendors. Some college girls – who volunteered (from Shasun Jain College), Ms. Ezhilarasi – teacher of the school, and Ms. Kala Murthi – a retired banker and passionate environmentalist, guided the girls. Thanks to their efforts, 5,000 paper covers were distributed to Mylapore vendors!

It does not matter how little it seems. Be proud you have made a difference unconditionally to the environment Ranjini Manian, Founder Global Adjustments Foundation

Ma’am, please come back! Let us continue this project. We love this work!

Monica, Student

If you are a manager in a corporate organisation, college or high school, please invite us to hold a sample seminar to empower women at your institution. The seminars will be free of cost for the institution and trainees. Content can be tailor-made on request.

Call Usha Ramakrishnan, Director, Global Adjustments Foundation at +91-9840520394 or e-mail usha@globaladjustments.com

Follow us on:

/GlobalAdjustments

/GlobalAdjustmentsFoundation

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Champion Women

by Ranjini Manian

Application Needed In our last issue, we touched on the meaning of self-esteem, and key ways to build it up. This time, we look at practical ways in which the tips can be implemented in day-to-day life to everyone’s benefit We touched on the meaning of, and need for, self-esteem in our last month’s edition. In brief, self-esteem is the opinion a person has about herself. Low self-esteem means lack of positive or optimistic view of oneself. This translates into a possibility that the person may not be able to perform up to potential. While some people may have a rather high opinion about themselves, low self-esteem is a more common problem, especially among women.

Following up on the definition and meaning, we now touch on practical ways in which we can enhance our selfesteem in day-to-day situations, and better ourselves to become true ‘champion women’.

My manager at work and my parents at home often point out the mistakes I make, or what I might have done differently. How can I leverage their advice without letting my self-esteem be affected?

Well, first listen with ears, eyes, mind and heart. Do not rush to reply or judge the other person or yourself. Then assimilate the criticism. Say always, “Let me think about this some more.” These seven words are magical. They show self-confidence without arrogance, humility without submissiveness, obedience/respect and not subservience. Once

you have thought about what was said to you, you can choose to act on the feedback. Or let it go. Breathe. Relax. Act. As a parent or team manager how can I teach young women/team members to be respectful of authority without being trampled on?

The line between humility and low self-confidence is a thin one, resting on the art of effective communication. Teach young/inexperienced persons to seek and receive support by being vocal. Train them to first agree, then be mildly apologetic, and follow up with questions instead of statements.

For example, if the teacher/manager says “I want you to stay back and complete this task,” the best way to say ‘No’ is to say: “I would love to. I wish I could do it. But I am sorry, today I have an appointment. Could we try to make it on this other date instead?”

It is important to build the belief that each of our voices and ideas is worth hearing, provided we have thought through them well and articulate them succinctly. This needs practice, so grab all opportunities and speak up.

No one else will build our esteem; that is why it’s called ‘self’ esteem!

Ranjini Manian is the Founder–Chairperson of Global Adjustments Foundation, and aims to use life coaching for mindful living to encourage women's empowerment. She can be contacted for further questions on gender at globalindian@globaladjustments.com

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Feature

by Susan Philip

Wonder Villages

If you thought rural India was a synonym for poor technological development and outdated mindsets, think again. Here, we present a few unique Indian villages that have thrived on some key virtues and are setting an example for the rest of the country

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No doors, no locks. When Lord Shani stands guard, why fear?

“India lives in her villages� is a famous quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Today, amidst the clamour for commonality and conformity, there are pockets that stand out, yet underline a basic principle of the concept of India as a nation: Unity in diversity. Here’s a sampling of some unique villages of India.

Open House When the Lord guards the house, where is the need for locks? That is the dominant philosophy in Shani Shingnapur, a village in Maharashtra. None of the homes of the 40,000-odd residents of the village have doors, leave alone locks. The villagers have no qualms about keeping money, jewellery and other valuables unsecured. They believe firmly that Lord Shani is watching over the village, and thieves will be swiftly and severely punished.

Legend has it that a huge black stone was washed up in a flood long ago, and Lord Shani told the village headman in a dream that it was a manifestation of himself.

He promised to protect the villagers from thieves and dacoits on condition that he was able to oversee everything that happened.

From then on, Shani Shingnapur houses have only empty doorframes, so that Lord Shani residing in the sacred stone can have an unrestricted view of happenings.

Even the police station there has no door! The branch of a nationalised bank, which operates in the village, has glass doors and an inconspicuous remote-controlled magnetic lock, bowing to local sentiments while keeping safety rules.

Lord Shani is associated with the inimical planet Saturn in astrology and known to be quick to take offence and revenge. That seems enough to keep Shingnapur crime-free.

Or, almost so. A couple of thefts have taken place there since 2010, but cases were not registered as the villagers insisted that they happened outside village precincts.

Meanwhile, the temple to Lord Shani, which started out as a simple platform on which the stone was placed, has grown into a wealthy temple (although the idol still stands in the open as per the instructions the village headman received in his dream) and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Masterchefs and Co. Kalayur is a tiny village surrounded by rice fields, not far from Puducherry in South India. At one time, the

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Akodara in Gujarat is a poster village for digital connectivity.

The men of the Vanniyar community of Kalayur are all trained cooks - with kitchen lessons starting when they are 12 years old.

Vanniyar community there raised paddy. Since it was not all that profitable, they sometimes doubled up as cooks for members of the wealthier Reddiar community that lived in the village. The story goes that, early in the 20th century, some Brahmin cooks were engaged to serve up a feast at a Reddiar home, but walked out in a huff over something.

The Reddiar turned to the Vanniyar man who cooked for his family on occasion. He stepped into the breach, and, working with some assistants, delivered the feast on time. The Vanniyars had found another calling. They formed teams and have been catering for functions across the region ever since.

The cooks of Kalayur can serve up with élan the many items that go into a traditional vegetarian spread. With the right equipment and ingredients, cooking a full-fledged feast for 1,000 people is a breeze – it takes them under three hours! They are so much in demand that their services have to be booked well in advance, particularly during the wedding season.

Today, each of the 200-odd Vanniyar households in Kalayur has at least one male cook. They do not go to catering schools; the village itself is their school. Training begins when a boy is as young as 12 years. Rookie cooks are made to peel, cut and chop, while seasoned hands take ownership for various components of the feast. The Head Cook does the planning, allots the work and checks that the flavours are emerging correctly, using his experience to bring it all together. It takes around 10 years to be regarded as ‘senior cook.’

Recipes are passed down from one generation to the next.

And the future looks good, because the young men of Kalayur are eager to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. Meanwhile, the women take care of the fields while their menfolk are away cooking up storms. And, in their own houses, the men do not lift a ladle; the home kitchen is the woman’s domain!

e-Village At first sight, Akodara, around 90 km from Ahmedabad, capital of Gujarat, seems to be just your average Indian village, with clusters of houses, some petty shops, a couple of schools and an anganwadi (government-run child care centre), a marketplace, as well as a bank and an ATM kiosk.

The people there are also typical of rural India – mostly farmers engaged in cultivation or rearing cattle. But the typicality is only superficial. Akodara is an icon of the Digital India campaign. The private bank there holds the key. It has sponsored the transformation of this mediocre place into a

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Marottichal is a place where battles are fought daily - on the chess board.

microcosm of what the universally digitalised India will look like. Practically no one in Akodara now carries cash around.

All transactions, even as low as Rs. 10, are done digitally.

Almost every adult in the village has a bank account, and a customised SMS banking platform and software enables users to do basic banking transactions on their mobile phones.

Government benefits are credited directly into bank accounts, so the old and the infirm do not have to travel long distances at significant expense to collect their dues. School teachers are able to make students understand abstract concepts using animation clips. There is an attendance system that lets parents know whether their wards have reached class or not. The anganwadi is covered by CCTV cameras.

Wi-Fi connectivity allows farmers to keep up-to-date with commodity prices. And, on the wellness front, there is an e-Health Centre from which medical reports of the villagers can be sent to the best specialists for assessment and advice.

Step into Akodara, and you step into the future of rural India.

In black and white The people of Marottichal spend all their spare time plotting the downfall of kings. No, they are not village-level Machiavellis. They are chess enthusiasts! The old men and school children, homemakers and blue collar workers of Marottichal are all compulsive chess players. Unbelievably, less than 50 years ago, few in this village in the southern state of Kerala knew even the basic rules of the game. Illicit liquor breweries once thrived in Marottichal, and so did alcoholism and gambling. The average villager was as addicted to cards as he was to liquor. Astonishingly, the whole scenario changed

when young Unnikrishnan returned from the town where he had been working, to open a tea shop in his native village. He brought with him a passion for a game he had picked up – a game that, incidentally, had originated in India around the 6th century. Chess. Unnikrishnan gave free lessons in chess to anyone who came to his shop. And the people of Marottichal were hooked! They exchanged one addiction for another. An estimated 4,000 of the 6,000 villagers now play the game daily! Battles are waged in school compounds, on the porches of homes, at street corners and, of course, at Unnikrishnan’s tea stall.

People even come from other parts of India and from abroad to pit their wits against the people of Marottichal over the ubiquitous chequered board. The villagers aver that chess has changed their lives. Today, they are a community which uses its brains; even its technology-loving teenagers play online chess. The village has a Chess Association, which is working to have the game included in the syllabus of the Marottichal school and, thus, ensure that a whole generation grows up knowing the moves.

The cleanest one In a corner of the northeastern state of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong nestles among East Khasi Hills. It may not be ‘developed’ in terms of malls and other amenities. But this little village is far ahead of much of the country when it comes to one important attribute: cleanliness.

Nowhere in this village will you see piles of rotting garbage, mounds of plastic waste and overflowing gutters.

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Curiouser and Curiouser Even as we take a leaf from books of the villages discussed, here is a some lighthearted trivia about three unique villages.

Twinning tendency: Scientists have been baffled by Kodinhi village in Kerala: It has over 400 pairs of twins and the number is growing!

Is it in the genes? Is it something in the air? Or soil? Or water? Researchers are trying to solve the riddle.

Charmed by snakes: The people of Shetpal in Maharashtra are used to having snakes slither in and out of their homes. Not just any snake, deadly cobras! The reptiles enter houses at will, accept the milk or eggs they Mawlynnong's residents believe in picking up their own thrash - literally.

The roads here are scrupulously clean. The 100 or so houses are spic and span.

Every home has a toilet (a rarity in some parts of India) and everyone knows how to use it correctly. The water bodies are crystal clear. And so is the air.

may be offered, and snooze in the hollow spaces set apart for them in the rafters and other areas of every home. Amazingly, no major incident of snake bite has ever been reported there.

Cleanliness is a way of life at Mawlynnong. It is a habit that has been ingrained in the population right from childhood. It is a collective responsibility. Children run out into the streets every morning, armed with brooms, and sweep up the fallen leaves before going to school. And on weekends and holidays, the village elders assign to various groups the responsibility of cleaning up public places. No one regards this as a burden or bother.

The past in the present: If you feel confused

Even the garbage bins of Mawlynnong are easy on the eye. They are woven, conical bamboo baskets, placed strategically all over the village. The villagers segregate the waste, turning bio-degradable garbage into compost, and dispose of other trash appropriately. Plastic waste does pose a problem, but they tackle it by the ‘best out of waste’ approach, turning it into containers for plants, and even swings for their children.

texts, rites and discourses, is the preferred

So how did this remote village take cleanliness so seriously, years before Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachch Bharath (Clean India) campaign? No one is certain, but some say this passion for cleanliness could have been the fallout of an outbreak of cholera in the village over a century ago. Hygiene was essential to contain the spread of the dreaded disease, and the villagers probably just kept up the good practices.

Mawlynnong is now on the world map – as the cleanest village, not only in India but in the whole of Asia. Way to go!

when you enter Mattur, a tiny village in Karnataka, you have good reason to be! The scenes of contemporary Indian village life are at odds with the spoken language: Sanskrit.

This ancient language, the root of many a modern one, now mostly confined to religious language of communication in Mattur, across ages, professions and social standing. It is said that an understanding of the grammar of Sanskrit makes it easy to grasp the logic of math. That seems to be borne out by the unusually large number of engineers and IT professionals hailing from the village.

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India Diaries

by Team Culturama

Picture Perfect Memories Melissa Freitas, who is known for her awardwinning pictures of India, talks about her life in the past four-and-a-half years in Chennai, the most memorable photography adventures, and how working and non-working spouses can make the best of their time while on assignment

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Melissa Freitas is well known in Culturama as the winner of multiple awards in the annual Beautiful India Photo Competition. In the four-plus years that she has lived in Chennai, each year, she has been scooping up the top awards in one or more categories. More so, her love for India and all things Indian shine through her pictures. Melissa and her husband, David, came to Chennai when David, who works with Ford, was relocated to India. As they wrap up their assignment and wind up in Chennai, we take a quick walk down memory lane with Melissa.

How many years have you called India home?

What were your first impressions, and how have they changed?

I have been living in Chennai for over four-and-a-half years. I learnt so much during my time here! Most certainly, I learnt how to be more patient, how simple life can be, and that I can overcome any challenge in life to be happy.

I remember when I arrived here, I said to myself: ‘Oh my gosh! How am I going to make it for three years?’ Now, I say to myself, ‘I wish had more time here to do everything that I still haven’t done!’ So, one piece of advice: Plan your time here to make sure you do everything you want to. We always think we have so much time to take advantage of these opportunities, but the time passes so quickly. When your last day here arrives, if you do not plan, you may regret not doing a lot of things. I will be always thankful for the opportunity to live in this chaotic, lovely country.

You were the winner of our photo competition multiple times and had a keen eye for beautiful India. Please share with us a funny or touching story from when you explored the country.

I will miss taking photos here! This has been the most amazing place for photography for me. Everything and everywhere is so colourful and interesting. I was once at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, while a marriage ceremony was being celebrated. I asked if I could take photos and the groom happily allowed me to do so. Then, the bride and groom began posing only for me, and they left the photographers they had paid for taking their photos! I found that to be so interesting and entertaining!

My biggest photography adventure was at the Kumbh Mela in Nasik in 2015. I was amazed by the festival! So many people and events! Another inspiring moment for me was after Cyclone Vardah in Chennai in December 2016. I took a photo of a woman single-handedly cutting a big tree that had fallen. Although there were many men watching, she

All photos by Melissa Freitas. Many of Melissa's photos won top awards at Global Adjustments' Beautiful India Photo Competition

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Melissa Freitas receiving an award at the 20th Beautiful India Photo Competition Awards Ceremony

was doing this hard and heavy job by herself. Yes, that’s how amazing women are in India! How brave they are! India can be a challenging country for women at times. I went to the salt station in Marakkanam on a number of occasions. I had the opportunity to talk to the women who work there. They work as much as the men, but they make half the money.

Unbelievable! I see the same in construction. Hats off to the hard working women of India!

How does a global citizen like you living in India balance immersing into the new culture while retaining her own identity?

My first year was definitely a challenge. Unfortunately, during that time, I had some family issues back home, and it took time to meet people and make new friends. During those first few months, my days were long and I thought that I would really struggle to make the most of my time here.

However, I started to meet people, plan my days and build my life here. For example, I play golf one day per week; on another day I go to an orphanage to visit the children; on another, I go out and find a place to take photos.

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What tips do you have for living in India – specifically for the non-working spouse?

I would suggest that they make a routine and plan their days. For me, it is easier to keep myself active when I am making commitments. There are so many things and places to explore in Chennai and the rest of India. Sometimes there are some frustrations, but that is part of the process.

What is the one thing that David and you had to change in your behaviour to adapt to India?

Manage our expectations. Culture is a delicate subject, and it changes from one country to another. Adjusting to a new culture is not easy, no matter where. And we need to try to understand another culture rather than expect that it to be the same as our own. If we do this, we will not allow ourselves to become frustrated or disappointed.

Who would you regard as your ‘Indian teacher’ in terms of life lessons?

The brave women of Chennai.

An Indian food you found hard to take?

Anything spicy is difficult for me! It is very different from the food in Brazil, where I come from.

Your thoughts on young Indians……

I see them as very smart, energetic and friendly. I think they have a real opportunity to take the best of the local culture and merge it with the global environment in which we live. India’s future depends on the youth embracing the chance to be part of the global community.

Your experience of Indian hospitality…

Of course, we are visitors here. But we often encounter very warm and hospitable people, who are eager to share their history and experiences with us.

What do you think of the Indian way of life?

This is clearly a very long topic. Books or articles could be published on it! In summary, I believe that the Indian pursuit of knowledge is one of their greatest traits. Knowledge itself, however, must be applied to create value. I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the pursuit of knowledge while continually seeking ways to exceed the expectations of all.

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Driving Forces

by Suzanne McNeill

Spiritually

Yours

The idea that all living things are interconnected is the basis behind India’s many values and practices, which Indians follow even today. These practices reveal a deeper layer of interpersonal bonding, and are essential to establishing understanding and empathy in the larger society

Photo: Michael STROBAND, Germany

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The sense of a connection to something bigger than the individual is a characteristic that defines an Indian’s way of life. Spirituality manifests itself in people’s religious practices and beliefs, but is also present in everyday behaviour. From the way Indians greet each other, to simple lamp-lighting ceremonies, inauguration rituals and the symbolism of wearing kumkum (red) powder or offering it to others, there are numerous ways that Indian society embraces sacred meaning and reverence towards the universe. This does not mean, however, that Indians are other-worldly or unconnected to the ordinary things of life.

Taking a Closer Look

Sandalwood paste is integral to rites and ceremonies. It is considered sacred and is applied to religious utensils and decorates icons of the deities. Its distinctive fragrance means it is offered to devotees as it has a calming influence on the mind and is cooling on the skin. Red kumkum powder is offered to guests as a sign of respect. The manner in which it is offered may vary from region to region, but the gesture is venerated throughout India; and so offering kumkum binds the country in spirituality. These spiritual practices are also intertwined with Ayurveda, India’s science of good health.

Of Legend and Myth “Shanno astu dvipade, Shan chatushhpade” are words from a Sanskrit chant that wish happiness for all twolegged and four-legged creatures on earth, reflecting the entire chain of being. All living things – plants, animals and humans – are interconnected and worshipped in the country in which four of the world’s greatest religions were born, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Other

AUGERI, Italy Photo: Nancy M

The lighting of a lamp is practised across the whole nation. The spiritual significance of this ritual is to drive away the darkness of ignorance, of being separate from one another, with the light of knowing the unity of all life. It is also interpreted as harnessing material prosperity: if you light a lamp, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, will enter your home or office and shower you with plenty. Therefore, new ventures or a housewarming start with the lighting of the lamp.

Photo: Olya Morvan

Indians greet each other with a slight bow and hands pressed together, saying Namaste, which stands for “You and I are one” and “I bow to the divine in you”. With India in transition, such underlying meanings may seem to be forgotten, but the belief that we have to respect the other person with an external bow continues to reign in the Indian heart.

religions have long flourished on India’s soil: Islam, whose adherents represent a seventh of India’s vast population, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and Judaism. At four-fifths of the population, Hinduism is the greatest number, but the beauty of India is that all co-exist peacefully on a day-to-day basis despite government and leadership changes that appear to advance one or the other faith groups. India’s spiritual core is undiminished. There are many streets where you can see a tree being revered, milk offered to an ant hole or a cow being venerated. This worship of nature is also part of India’s interconnected psyche, as our Sanskrit chant reminds us.

The Here and Now Although people continue to practise these everyday spiritual gestures, for many the rationale for the ritual is being lost. Government and non-government organisations are making a big push to understand the underlying beliefs that drive behaviour. One challenge is the few gurus and swamis who create scandal, leaving young people confused

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World Echoes In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in California and the two participated in a Q&A session. Zuckerberg told a story about how he had taken inspiration for the future of Facebook from the spirituality of India. Early in the company’s history, before things were going well, Zuckerberg visited his mentor Steve Jobs for advice. Jobs told him that in order to reconnect with his vision of the company he should go to India and visit the temple that Jobs himself had visited early in his evolution of thinking about what he wanted his company, Apple Inc., to be. Zuckerberg recounted how he travelled around India for a month. He saw how Indians connected with each other and was inspired to think how much better the world could be if everyone had an opportunity to connect. The trip reinforced for him the importance of what they were doing, and has remained with him over the years as he has built up Facebook.

In Conclusion…

Photo: Anna BOZZI, Italy

about who or what to follow. However, there are many more learned, kind and wise gurus leading groups across the country, such as Jaggi Vasudev, better known as Sadhguru, who started the Isha Foundation; the Art of Living, whose spiritual leader is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; the teachers of the Chinmaya Mission; and the Sathya Sai Organisation, founded

by Sathya Sai Baba. Modern Indians are following the teaching, not the guru, so that as long as India exists it will be a beacon of spirituality for the world.

Mark Twain wrote of Indian spirituality, “It makes our own religious enthusiasm seem pale and cold […] In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire,” and from American historian Will Durant, “India will teach us the tolerance and gentleness of mature mind, understanding spirit and a unifying, pacifying love for all human beings.”

Cultural Expressions The Namaste greeting is a common cultural expression of India’s spirituality. In rural India, people even greet each other with the words Ram Ram, which means “Joy on your heart”, or “Ram Ram” and “Jai Shri Krishna”, salutations that are witness to the divine in the other person.

Incense sticks may be lit alongside a lamp and offered to the divine at the start of a working day, whether in an office or at a small roadside stall. The fragrant incense engages the mind towards the divine.

You may see a coconut being broken at a temple, a wedding, at the inauguration of a new factory. This is to bring good luck, but also has a spiritual purpose. The coconut represents the head, and breaking the coconut breaks the ego that prevents us seeing the unity of life.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

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Festivals of India

by Team Culturama

Season of Festivities A cycle of celebrations is set to begin this month, starting with two important festivals dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha in the Hindu tradition

Photo: Juan Pablo, Mexico

Janmashtami

Ganesh Chathurthi

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is said to be the eighth avatar or appearance of Lord Vishnu on earth. The birth of Lord Krishna is revered as a special occurrence. Krishna’s uncle, Kamsa, had threatened to kill the child as soon as he was born. Krishna’s father, Vasudeva, stole out of prison and carried the baby across the Yamuna River to his friends, Nanda and Yashoda. The scene is enacted in temples and community stages. Women also draw tiny footprints (using a paste of rice flour and water), starting from the door and into the house, to symbolise Krishna's journey into their homes.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a 10-day festival that begins with the installation of a clay idol of Ganesha at home – symbolic of the elephant-headed god’s visit. Communities see the installation of massive idols of Ganesha in podiums in street corners. Communal reading of holy texts, staging of dramas and dance, and displays of martial arts are held. At the end of the 10 days, the idols are immersed in the ocean, lake or any other water body – symbolically conveying that Ganesha has returned to his heavenly abode. The occasion, known as visarjan, sees the formation of large crowds at beaches and lakes. To ensure minimal stress on the environment, there has been great emphasis on the need to use eco-friendly materials to make the statues.

September 2, 2018

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Myth & Mythology

by Devdutt Pattanaik

To win a challenge that involved going around the wold, Ganesha went around his parents and claimed that they were ‘his world’. In what seemed to be an ingenious solution lay an important lesson in perception One day, a sage called Narad came to Mount Kailas, a mango in his hand. Kartikeya’s eyes widened when he saw the mango; Ganesha’s mouth watered. “Who is it for?” they asked in unison. “It is for Shiva’s better son,” replied Narad, a mischievous glint in his eye. Parvati realised what Narad was up to: The cunning sage had taken upon himself the impossible task of making parents choose a favorite child.

All eyes turned to Shiva. “Better son? What’s that?” Shiva wondered, “Sons are sons. Some are older, some are younger.

Some are taller, some are fatter. Some are stronger, some are smarter. How can one be better?”

“Here is how,” said Narad. “You create a measuring scale.

He who measures better is the better son.” Shiva looked at Narad not quite understanding what was said. So, Narad elaborated, “Well, creating a measuring scale is easy. You can say that my measuring scale is obedience – he who is more obedient is the better son. Or you can say that my measuring scale is money – he who makes more money is the better son. Or you can say that my measuring scale is achievement – he who can do the impossible is the better son.” Shiva burst out laughing. “That is the most stupid thing I have

heard. A measuring scale! This is so funny.” Narad retorted immediately, “Do you realise that you are laughing only because you have a measuring scale that measures stupidity?

In that measuring scale, my ideas are stupid. But I have another measuring scale. In mine, my ideas are brilliant. Who is right?”

Shiva was impressed by Narad’s words. “I am pleased with you, Narad. You go ahead and decide a measuring scale that will measure a better son for me,” said Shiva to Narad, “That son can have the mango.”

“The better son is the son who goes around the world three times,” declared Narad. No sooner did he say this than Kartikeya leapt onto his peacock and set out to be the better son. Up into the sky he rose and through the clouds he flew, determined to go around the world faster than Ganesha.

Ganesha, however, stayed where he was, on Mount Kailas, playing with his mouse, much to the surprise of Narad. “Why don’t you go around the world?” he said to the elephant-headed lad. “Let him do what he wants,” said Parvati indulgently. “But he will lose,” said a concerned Narad. “So what?” said Shiva, “It’s only a mango.” Then Shiva smiled,

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Photo: Myles John CUMMINGS, UK

“Look Narad, yet another measuring scale, one that belittles that wonderful mango you have given so much value to.”

Kartikeya went around the world once. He did so twice.

He glanced behind for a moment, checking to see if Ganesha was catching up but Ganesha was nowhere in sight. Kartikeya wondered where his brother was, a little concerned about his brother’s well-being, and a little anxious about his own victory. As Kartikeya began his third circle around the world, he felt a little uneasy about Ganesha’s behavior. What was he up to? He knew his brother was no simpleton!

Sure enough, just as Kartikeya’s peacock was about to land on Mount Kailas, Ganesha got up and quickly ran around his parents. Once. Twice. Thrice! “There,” he said, “I won.”

“What do you mean, you won,” said Kartikeya angrily, alighting down.

“Well, brother,” said Ganesha, “I say I won because I went around my world three times. You say you won because you went around the world three times. Tell me, brother, tell me, father, tell me, mother, tell me, Narad, tell me all of you – what matters more? My world or the world.”

“Is there a difference?” asked Parvati. “Yes, there is,” said Shiva. “Observe how ‘the’ world is objective. It contains the plants, the animals, the sky, the mountains, the clouds, the rivers, the stars, the ants and the people around us. But ‘my’ world is subjective. It contains our thoughts and feelings, our dreams and our memories, that is known only to us. What do you think matters more – what everyone sees or what we alone feel?”

Nobody said anything. But somehow everybody knew the answer. And it was clear who the winner was. Kartikeya smiled, went up to Narad, took the mango from his hand and gave it to his brother, after giving him a tight hug.

Ganesha cut the mango in two and offered one half to his brother. The two brothers then cut their respective shares and shared it with their parents. The seed inside the mango was given to Narad who said, “In my world, with my measuring scale, the seed is the best part of the mango.” Mount Kailas was filled with sound of everyone’s laughter.

Published in Mumbai Sunday Midday, 11 Oct 2009. Reprinted with permission from www.devdutt.com

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Holistic Living

by Eknath Easwaran

A place for science, and science in its place

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A technology that doesn’t put forward arrogant claims that it can fix anything – a technology that is humble, efficient, and nonpolluting, that supports a simple, healthy lifestyle. Such a technology would be a true boon I want a technology with a human face, on a modest scale.

I can give you a personal example. Recently I had to make an emergency visit to my periodontist, a very skillful man.

I admire all the technology he used, which enabled me to recover quickly and get back to giving my talks. (During my lengthy appointment, the mantram was my consolation and my joy. I wish I could let every patient who goes to a dentist or a periodontist know how wonderful it is to use the mantram at that time!)

A humble technology for a simple lifestyle So I’m not against technology at all, but I want a technology that doesn’t put forward arrogant claims that it can fix anything, a technology that is humble, efficient and non-polluting, which supports a simple, healthy lifestyle.

By simplifying our lives, we can get more time and energy and interest for working with, loving and serving other people. Instead of multiplying human wants, we can begin to reduce them voluntarily. Such a civilisation is not poor, not even in a material sense. It has a place for every material thing that enhances human life. But it has no place for things that are at the expense of life, or that sap vital resources – including time, most vital of all. It renounces, so as to leave life freer for the things that matter most.

With such a shraddhā guiding our lives, our health would improve; depression, alienation and boredom would shrink or disappear.

In our relationship with the environment, we can bear in mind that the real power does not lie in the hands of technologists or politicians or directors of multinational corporations. It is individuals like you and me who make the final decisions about what is bought and sold at the mall, how much carbon dioxide is pumped into the atmosphere, and what is dumped into the sea.

Make small changes To counteract climate change, we do not have to renounce fossil fuels. There is a reasonable margin for their use, since Mother Earth provides an abundance of trees to

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garbage can, and you won’t have to take out the trash so often.

This does not have to be done overnight. You might start by simply trying to cut back on the amount of packaging you buy. And when you need to buy products packaged in metal or glass, please be sure to recycle. But even better – especially where plastics and toxic chemicals are concerned –reduce waste before you buy, by choosing the least-packaged, leastprocessed product available.

Postindustrial art at its highest If these suggestions seem like trifles, remember that there are a large number of tremendous trifles in life. We think they are trifles until we look back and add them up; then we discover that, taken as a whole, their effect has been tremendous. Each time you buy the least-packaged, leastprocessed product, you are helping to reduce the garbage glut.

If these suggestions seem like trifles, remember that there are a large number of tremendous trifles in life. We think they are trifles until we look back and add them up; then we discover that, taken as a whole, their effect has been tremendous “breathe” in our carbon dioxide and return oxygen. But all of us, as an expression of love for our grandchildren and for the earth, can look for ways to produce less carbon dioxide.

We need not be unrealistic: there are occasions when we need to travel by airplane, for instance, but let us try to do it only when necessary. And we often need to use our cars – then we can express our love by taking a few people along.

Try to rearrange your schedule so you can start early and go a little out of your way to pick up a friend. This will not always be easy, but every time you travel with two people per car instead of one, you are cutting your personal pollution by 50 percent.

We can also look into ways of reducing the amount of garbage we produce, especially items like plastic cups and bottles, batteries, appliances and household chemicals. Every week, each of us produces about 25 pounds of garbage. Why not just plan to reduce this figure by five pounds? Make it just 20 pounds per week. That will leave a little extra room in the

To me, cutting down on waste is a fine example of combining thrift and cooperation to make daily life a work of art. In every form of art, from painting to architecture to poetry, isn’t it considered the height of taste to leave nothing superfluous, to use every element of the composition in the most elegant and efficient manner?

By this standard, what could be more beautiful than a meal that comes straight from the farm, or from your own garden? I go to the theatre regularly and enjoy concerts and dances, but I can think of nothing more utterly artistic than such a meal. Not only is it fresh, tasty, nourishing and free of toxic residues, but it is a living expression of love for Mother Earth. This is post-industrial art at its highest. And, as I said, it does not have to happen overnight.

Article courtesy Blue Mountain Journal (https://www.bmcm.org/ inspiration/journals/) Extracted from"Turning Ideals into Action: The Spiritual Challenge", Spring/Summer 2018.

Join Us Every Saturday Global Adjustments Office, Chennai, facilitates a free weekly spiritual fellowship group following Easwaran’s Eight–Point Programme of Meditation. E-mail us for more information at globalindian@globaladjustments. com. If you are in other cities, visit www.bmcm.org for e-satsangs.

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