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Its amazing significance

          India at 75! These three magical words evoke an immense sense of pride within the hearts of all Indians as we celebrate 75^th anniversary of Indian Independence. In this momentous occasion Indian national Flag stands out as one of the most visible manifestation our democratic polity. In this context it of great interest to note significant milestones vis-à-vis evolution of TIRANGA – TRICOLOUR as the Indian National Flag is popularly and lovingly known. The thrust of this article is to bring to fore the amazing journey of evolution of Indian National Flag (facts gleaned from various sources).

Genesis

2.      As per available sources it was between 1904 and 1906 that first Indian Flag came into existence. It was by an Irish disciple sister Nivedita.

Unofficial Version in 1906

3.      In India the first national flag in India is said to have been hoisted on 07 August, 1906 in the Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park, Calcutta, source Deccan Herald). The flag was composed of three horizontal strips of red, yellow and green with Vande Mataram in the middle. It is believed to have been designed by Freedom Fighters Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo. The red strip on the flag had sun and a crescent moon and the green strip had eight half open lotuses. The second flag was hoisted in Paris by Madam Bhikaji Cama and her band of exiled revolutionaries in 1907. Being similar to the first flag the modification that being the top strip had only seven stars denoting the Saptarishi. This flag was also exhibited at a socialist conference in Berlin (source Deccan Herald). Another source indicates that Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first version of Indian national flag – a tricolor of green saffron and red strips at the International Socialist Congress held at Stuttgart, Germany in 1907.

4.      As per this very source Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Dr. Annie Besant hoisted the third flag during the Home rule movement. This flag had five red and four green horizontal strips arranged alternately with seven stars in Saptagiri configuration. One corner of the flag had a star and crescent and on the other corner of the flag was the Union Jack (at the pole end)

Origin of Indian Flag

5.      The origin of the Indian Flag in its present format is based on flag designed by Shri Pingali Venkayya a Andhra youth who presented this to Mahatma Gandhi at All India Congress session at Bezwada (now Vijayawada) in 1921. Shri Pingali Venkayya was an Indian Freedom Fighter and a staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi. This flag designed, which was presented by Shri Pingali Venkayya and presented to Gandhiji, consisted of the colours associated with the two principal religions, red for the Hindus and green for Muslims (This flag was based on Swaraj flag). Gandhiji modified the flag by adding a white strip representing the remaining religious communities in India. Hence the tricolor with the spinning wheel on the white background was ‘unofficially’ adopted at AICC Bezawada Conference in 1921. This was the origin of ‘Tiranga’/Tricolour.

6.      The flag adopted by Congress at 1921, AICC Session came to be associated with nationhood for India and it was officially recognized at the AICC session held at Karachi in August, 1931.

This was the landmark in the history of the Indian flag

          A resolution was adopted that tricolor as India’s national flag. At the same time, the current arrangement of stripes and the use of deep saffron instead of red were approved. To avert any communal or sectarian associations or interpretations to the original proposal, new attributes were associated saffron, white and green stripes. These were, Saffron for courage and sacrifice, White for peace and truth and Green for faith and chivalry.

Adoption of Indian National Flag

7.      Watershed moment came on 22 July, 1947 when a resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, National Flag of India was adopted in its present form by the Constituent Assembly. The spinning wheel in the centre of flag was replaced by blue chakra- the dharma chakra. It would be great interest to note views expressed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru while moving the resolution. Relevant extracts from Constituent Assembly debates dated 22 July, 1947 are as under:

          “Resolved that the national Flag of India shall be horizontal tricolor of deep Saffron (Kesari), white and dark green in equal proportion. In the centre of the white band, there shall be a Wheel in navy blue to represent the Charkha. The design of the Wheel shall be that of the Wheel. (Chakra) which appears on the abacuse of the Sarnath, Lion Capital of Asoka. The diameter of the Wheel shall approximate to the width of the white band. The ratio of the width to the length of the Flag shall ordinarily be 2:3.”

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I feel at the present moment for behind this Resolution and the Flag which I have the honour to present to this House for adoption lies history, the concentrated history of a short span in a nation’s existence. ‘Nevertheless, sometimes in a brief period we pass through the track of centuries. It is not so much the mere act of living that counts but what, one does in this brief life that is ours; it is not so much the mere existence of a nation that counts but what that nation does during the various periods of its existence; and I do venture to claim that in the past quarter of a century or so India has lived and acted in a concentrated way and the emotions which have filled the people of India represent not merely a brief spell of years but something infinitely more. They have gone down into history and tradition and have added themselves on to what vast history and tradition which is our heritage in this country.

          So, when I move this Resolution, I think of this concentrated history through which all of us have passed during the last quarter of a century. Memories crowd upon me. I remember the ups and downs of the great struggle for freedom of this great nation. I remember and many in this House will remember how we looked up to this Flag not only with pride and enthusiasm but with a tingling in our veins; also how; when we were sometimes down and out, then again the sight of this Flag gave us courage to go on.

          Then, many who are not present here today, many of our comrades who have passed, held on to this Flag, some amongst them even unto death and handed it over as they sank, to others to hold it aloft. So, in this simple form of words, there is much more than will be clear on the surface. There is the struggle of the people for freedom with all its ups and downs and trials and disasters and there is, finally today as I move this Resolution, a certain triumph about it a measure of triumph in the conclusion of that struggle.

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          This Resolution defines the Flag which I trust you will adopt. In a sense this Flag was adopted, not by a formal resolution, but by popular acclaim and usage, adopted much more by the sacrifice that surrounded it in the past few decades. We are in a sense only ratifying that popular adoption. It is a flag which has been variously described.

          Some people, having misunderstood its significance, have thought of it in communal terms and believe that some part of it represents this community or that. But I may say that when this Flag was devised there was no communal significance attached to it. We thought of a design for a Flag which was beautiful, because the symbol of a nation must be beautiful to look at. We thought of a Flag which would in its combination and in its separate parts would somehow represent the spirit of the nation, the tradition of the nation, that mixed spirit and tradition which has grown up through thousands of years in India. So, we devised this Flag.

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It will be seen that there is a slight variation from the one many of us have used during these part years. The colours are the same, a deep saffron, a white and a dark green.

          In the white previously there was the Charkha which symbolized the common man in india, which symbolized the masses of the people, which symbolized their industry and which came to us from the message which Mahatma Gandhi delivered. (Cheers)

          Now, this particular Charkha symbol has been slightly varied in this Flag, not taken away at all. Why then has this been varied? Normally speaking, the symbol on one side-of the Flag should be exactly the same as on the other side. Otherwise, there is a difficulty which goes against the rules. Now, the Charkha, as it appeared previously on this Flag, had the wheel on one side and the spindle on the other if you see the other side of the Flag, the spindle comes the other way and the wheel comes this way; if it does not do so, it is not proportionate, because the wheel must be towards the pole, not towards the end of the Flag. ‘there was this practical difficulty.

          Therefore, after considerable thought, we were of course convinced that this great symbol which had enthused people should continue but that it should continue in a slightly different form, that the wheel should be there, not the rest of the Charkha, that is the spindle and the string which created this confusion, that the essential mitt of the Charkha should be there, not the rest of the Charkha, that is the spindle and the string which created this confusion., that the essential (motif)of the Charkha should be there, that is the wheel. So, the old tradition continues in regard to the Charkha and the wheel. But what type of wheel should we have? Our minds went back to many wheels but notably one famous wheel, which had appeared in many places and which all of us have seen, the one at the top of the capital of the Asoka column and in many other places. That wheel is a symbol of India’s ancient culture, it is a symbol of the many things that India had stood for through the ages. So we thought that this Chakra emblem should be there, and that wheel appears.

          For my part, I am exceedingly happy that in this sense indirectly we have associated with this Flag of our not only this emblem but in a sense the name of Asoka, one of the most magnificent names not only in India’s history but in world history. I have mentioned the name of Asoka I should like you to think that the Asokan period in Indian history was essentially an international period of Indian history. It was not a narrowly national period. It was a period when India’s ambassadors went abroad to far countries and went abroad not in the way of an Empire and imperialism but as ambassadors of peace and culture and goodwill. (Cheers.) Therefore this Flag that I have the honour to present to you is not I hope and trust, a Flag of Empire, a Flag of Imperialism – a Flag of domination over anybody, but a Flag of freedom not only for ourselves but a symbol of freedom to all people who may see it. (Cheers) And wherever it may go- and I hope it will go far, not only where Indians dwell as our ambassadors and ministers but across the far seas where it may be carried by Indian ships, wherever it may go it will bring a message, I hope, of freedom to those people, a message of comradeship, a message that India wants to be friends with every country of the world and India wants to help any people who seek freedom. (Hear, hear)

          That I hope will be the message of this Flag …

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          It is stated in this Resolution that the ratio of the width to the length of the Flag shall ordinarily be 2:3. Now you will notice the world ‘ordinarily’. There is no absolute standard about the ratio because the same Flag on a particular occasion may have a certain ratio that might be more suitable or on any other. Occasion in another place the ratio might differ slightly. So there is no compulsion about this ratio.

          But generally speaking, the ratio of 2:3 is a proper ratio. Sometimes the ratio 2:1 may be suitable for a Flag flying on a building. Whatever the ratio may be the point is not so much the relative length and breadth, but the essential design. So, Sir, now I would present to you not only the Resolution but the Flag itself.

          There are two of these National Flags before you. One is on silk-the one I am holding and the other on the side is of cotton Khadi.

          I beg to move this Resolution. (Cheers)

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          Mr. President: I have not notice of three amendments to this Resolution.

          Mr. President: I would ask Members to express their assent to the Resolution which has been placed before them and show their respect to the Flag by getting up and standing in their places for half a minute.

          The motion was adopted, the whole Assembly standing.

          Thereafter Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru proposed Sir, may I respectfully suggest that the two Flags which have been displayed this morning may be specially preserved and subsequently deposited in the National Museum (Applause). Mr. President: I accept that suggestion.

          An Honourable Member: I request you on behalf of the House to convey our homage to Mahatma Gandhi and tell him that we are observing the day very magnificently.

          Mr. President: I will do that with the greatest pleasure.

          Indian National Flag (Its basic attributes)

• Indian Flag is horizontal tricolor in equal proportions of deep saffron (Orange) on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. Each colour represents something different. Saffron stands for courage and sacrifice. White represents peace and unity and truth. Green stands for faith and fertility.
• Ashok Chakra has significant place on the national flag. The Chakra was modeled after the ‘wheel of dharma’ a religious motif from Hinduism, Jainism and especially Buddhism. Ashok Chakra is also called the wheel of duty.
• The most visible use of the Ashok Chakra is at the centre of the Flag of India where it is rendered in a navy blue colour on white background replacing the symbol of Chakra (spinning wheel) of pre-independence version of the Flag. The blue colour represents knowledge and cleaniness.
• There are 24 strokes of Dharma Chakra are the representation of the 24 Rishis of the Himalayas in which Vishvamitra is first and Yajnavalkya the last (source: www.mha.gov.in)
• The Ashoka Chakra is also known as ‘Samay Chakra’ in which 24 strokes represent 24 hours of the day and is symbol of movement of time. (source: www.mha.gov.in)
• It is worthwhile to note that Truth or Satya, dharma or virtue ought to be controlling principle of those who work under the Flag.

Flag Code of India

          A set of law, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the national flag of India was introduced on 26 January, 2022. Flag Code of India has been divided into three parts. Part1 of the Code contains general description of the National Flag. Part II contains provisions regarding hoisting/display/use of national Flag by members of public, private organization, educational institutions etc. Part III comprises of provisions regarding hoisting/display of the National Flag by the Central and State Governments and their organizations and agencies. (Source: www.mha.gov.in ž Flag code of India)

          There has been an amendment to Flag Code of India vide order dated 30.02.2021(at para 1.2 of Part I of the Flag code, 2002) to the effect that “The National Flag shall be made of hand spun and hand woven or machine made, Cotton/polyster/ wool/silk/khadi bunting”.

          The code has been further amended at para 2.2 of part II to the effect that “(xi)” where the Flag is displayed in open or displayed on the house of a member of public, it may be flown day and night.

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

          The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 enacted on 23 December, 1971 is an Act of the Parliament of India which prohibits the desecration of or insult to the country’s national symbols, including the national flag, national emblem, national anthem, the Constitution and map of India including contempt of Indian Constitution.

          [www.mha.gov.in ž Documents ž National Flag, Emblem & Anthem]

          The Indian National Flag – TIRANGA/TRICOLOUR represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.

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I   INTRODUCTORY

           H     O     P     E      and      F     A     I     T     H

       This is a compilation of some of the most moving, heart touching , motivational and inspiring quotes/ posts which I came across via whatsapp shares / , posts / forwards in the exclusive whatsapp group of my school friends, at a time when the entire human kind of the world was in the throes of life threatening pandemic.  But these difficult times also brought within my friends and of course so among people world over,the innate resilience to be self motivated , share the message of hope and faith , just  get connected  with friends and relatives give to  strength and also draw strength for themselves too.

     This pandemic is perhaps once a life time unprecedented world calamity , where boundaries , regions, nationalities blurred, everybody is under threat, and what   hitherto before what we used to watch in thrillers, suddenly stared at our faces .  But the equally important fact which emerged is the resolve, the struggle and determination to survive. For survival every effort , howsoever seemingly innocuous it may appear mattered, for instance just staying at home , maintaining social distancing , observing basic precautions and equally importantly being with family members, loved ones , friends ( who incidentally could be together or meet) mattered.

       It is within this process of staying in touch via social media one of the most popular medium being whatsapp , that the inspirational , motivational messages holding out the two crucial life saving attributes –hope & faith , emerged. Mere reading some of these gave surge of a sense of security and well being.

      It is this very reason why I felt to come up with this compilation….something within myself told me that I need to compile these inspirational messages/ posts/ forwards…, capture the moments and times , when people ( in my context my friends, this can and in fact certainly is true in respect of all other people whom I do not know )  came forward with such inspirational quotes / messages and kept the hope floating.

       At this juncture I wish to express my gratitude and acknowledge my friends in my school whatsapp group and a few . other posts from very close friends for these wonderful posts.Also I wish to acknowledge my wife and daughter  and my publisher  who always encourage me to pen down when anything inspirational that comes my way. I also wish to   clarify at the very outset that I what exactly is the source(s) of messages – some of which I have shortlisted and strongly felt to include in this compilation, shared on via whatsapps it is not  feasible for me to identify. My very idea is these messages which are so good and came about during an unprecedented period in the history of mankind should not be lost sight of  buried under the deluge of information which one comes across day in and day into, once GOD willing we get out this crisis.  

          I merely sought to conceptualise this compilation, share my own thoughts of the primordial importance of hope and faith, both of which are very closely related and intertwined.  

Why do we need positive positive affirmations I sought to dwell upon hope in this introductory. I seek to dwell on faith as my concluding musings.

Hope

      Vicissitudes in ones lives is in a way a universal phenomenon. There are ups and downs and again the bouncing back in life.  In the times of downs , the innate hope   in most of us based on the   belief that whatever obstacles that might, be can be and would be, keep us going on.  Lamentably in moments of utter despair some people seriously think of giving up on their life. Those are life and death moments.It is at such critical juncture that the  redeeming positive aspect of humankind that  springs  from Hope keeps the Life alive.  At the threshold I wish quote from  the phenomenal persona –

Helen Keller :

         “Hope sees the invisible , feels the intangible , and achieves the impossible “

     Hope  keeps one  going on in times of adversity. The universal truth that  after a sunset SUN always rises the next day.This is the most tangible and credible  instance of importance of HOPE. It’s of course not easy for one to keep going drawing from ones’ own inner resources . In the grave times of difficulties some people   desperately seek or some need , knowingly or unknowingly ,at least one ray of hope to hold on and not give up. Some people lamentably tend to  Sometimes at the  most desperate , in edge of the cliff moments , as trite saying ‘ when Life clings on a tenuous thread’, there is that critical need for HOPE.

     The beauty of the matter is one never knows , from what quarter one may draw that elixir of Hope, which can and turns round ones life for the better. An inspirational message from a friend , relative, a sign on Bill Board ; a quotation one may come across in a book , newspaper or  from whatever sources, and these days some whatsapp messages/ posts/ forwards. We never know what can touch ones inner most chords.

    As one quote goes …nobody can touch the words but words do touch everybody….

         Pandemic which gripped the entire world came upon the humankind in a manner of speaking like an unexpected cloud burst which left people world over bewildered , frightened and lockdowned.

           Just to remain alive people had to stay put wherever they are. Even stepping out of their dwelling was fraught with risk and even the thought to take a stroll out was a distance luxury. All of a sudden days people  realised they had time whether they wanted it or not. With so much time at hand , initial for quite a few were spent clearing  up with pending work and tasks at home ,  which piled up over a period of time, catching up with reading and following news. But on the other plane started connecting with relatives, friends via social media. In the process of connecting and sharing on social media I came across some amazing posts, profound , deep –touching the chords of heart.

        The realisation dawned upon us that we were in midst of a  life world crisis , which one may come across once in a life time. It is in such a state of mind /bewildered , confused , that led to existential thoughts and musings. Human mind reacts and responds to situation as it emerges. There were scores of people who were not fortunate to stay in the comforts of ones homes. Many were far from their homes, for many there weren’t homes even. Each day was an endeavour in survival. This kindled the humane emotions among some who came forward and rendered whatever help they could .

      Doctors, health care workers , police personnel were out there in helping people , at the risk of their lives.

      For many while staying in comfort and safety of home, their mere staying at home was a big in itself to combat the spread of pandemic .I too like many stayed at home through lockdown , amidst working at home had the opportunity to pursuing creative activities.It is in this direction that what initially started as a flicker of interest in some very good posts on my friends’ whatsapp group,led me to look for profound messages on a daily and at times many times a day. A mere reading of some posts had a uplifting feeling.  Then it occurred to me why not save all such posts and compile them at one place. While reading some of the posts I felt an indescribable warmth of positivity , hope and optimism .  It is not that one comes across such messages on a regular basis. This was outcome of lockdown ,several friends of mine too were looking up for positive messages, posting these and the process spreading positivity and hope. This is what has been happening world over.Even when I just shared some great posts I got prompt likes for those. Then it occurred to me  why not capture these messages, the moments ,times by way of a compilation of some of the posts which greatly touched or moved me.

         Being an incorrigible optimist I am confident to the core of my heart that we all will get over this crisis.

       During the process I realised what a positive message, post , a word of encouragement can do to uplift spirits . Sometimes all that one needs in times of crisis that last support to cling to, that glimmer of hope , just some sign –any sign , which motivates one not to give up and  cover the last leg before the finish line- and emerge out of

successfully.

            Human spirit  has tremendous power to motivate a person ,to surmount most difficult challenges and at  certain make or break moments in life,  all it needs is a positive message at the right moment .It is in circumstances such as these howsoever adverse, positive messages , signs of hope , which may come from whatever source, sometimes even from unexpected quarters, help a person to rise up like phoenix  and overcome ones hurdles.

                 Motivational quotes, messages, thoughts are gems and have timeless relevance. Hence I have come up with this compilation . The Part II which follows comprises the compilation , wherever feasible I have sought to give a sequence but where I felt the messages to flow in natural course, I let it be. I have ended this with chapter /Part III  in which I have briefly dwelt on Faith covering there in inspirational verses from various Holy scriptures.

I fondly hope that my endeavour through this compilation serves at least to an extent its desired purpose.

                             II   LOCKDOWN DAYS MUSINGS

             As  the lockdown sets in ……….initial musings

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And people stayed home

and read books and listened

and rested and exercised

and made art and played

and learned new ways of being

and stopped

and listened deeper

someone meditated

someone prayed

someone danced

someone met their shadow

and people began to think differently

and people healed

and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,

dangerous, meaningless and heartless,

even the earth began to heal

and when the danger ended

and people found each other

grieved for the dead people

and they made new choices

and dreamed of new visions

and created new ways of life

and healed the earth completely

just as they were healed themselves.

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Wash Hands Like LADY MACBETH.

Seclude Yourself Like MISS.HAVISHAM.

Postpone Your Tasks Like HAMLET.

Eat Like FALSTAFF.

Wear Masks like BENEDICT.

Be Proud Like DARCY and Avoid Dancing With LIZZIES.

Don’t Touch Or Steal Others’ Kerchiefs Like IAGO.

Unlike ROMEO, Avoid Meeting JULIETs Who wait in the Balconies. Let Them Wait Till Morrow.

Don’t Wander Around Like Ulysses.

Be Wise Like Beatrice.

Let The West Wind Blow

Listen to Nightingales, 

Admire Daffodils.

Stay Home

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WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT …

I heard that we are in the same boat. 

But it’s not like that. 

We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. 

Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be. 

Or vice versa. 

For some, quarantine is optimal: moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a whiskey or tea.

For others, this is a desperate crisis. 

For others it is facing loneliness. 

For some, a peace, rest time, vacation.

Yet for others, Torture: How am I going to pay my bills?

Some were concerned about a brand of chocolate for Easter (this year there were no rich chocolates).

Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend, or if the noodles would last for a few more days.

Some were in their “home office” .

Others are looking through trash to survive.

Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money.

Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at the banks. 

Others to escape.

Others criticize the government for the lines.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it, and some don’t even believe this is a big deal.

Some of us who are well now may end up experiencing it, and some believe they are infallible and will be blown away if or when this hits someone they know

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020.

Others say the worse is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat.

We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

And each one will emerge, in his own way, from that storm.

Some with a tan from their pool. Others with scars on the soul (for invisible reasons).

It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, seeing.

See beyond the political party, beyond religion, beyond the nose on your face.

Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it.

Do not judge the good life of the other, do not condemn the bad life of the other. 

Don’t be a judge. 

Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him.

We are on different ships looking to survive. 

Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy and responsibility.

–Author unknown

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Some time it takes overwhelming breakdown to have undeniable breakthrough

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Some time it takes overwhelming breakdown to have undeniable breakthrough

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In the mindset of every crisis, lies great opportunity

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……………….thoughts during lockdown

*INTROSPECTION

QUARANTINE

The Latin root of the word “quarantine” is “forty”.

So what does the holy books say about 40? 

The flood lasted 40 days.

40 years Moses fled Egypt.

40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments.

Exodus lasted 40 years.

Jesus fasted for 40 days.

Lent is 40 days.

40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.

A group of theologians thinks the number 40 represents “change”.  It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change.

Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray. 

Please know that during this “quarantine” rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Almighty.  The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.

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A EMPTY BOAT  

A monk decides to meditate alone, away from his monastery. 

He takes his boat out to the middle of the lake, moors it there, closes his eyes and begins his meditation. 

After a few hours of undisturbed silence, he suddenly feels the bump of another boat colliding with his own. 

With his eyes still closed, he senses his anger rising, and by the time he opens his eyes, he is ready to scream at the boatman who dared disturb his meditation. 

But when he opens his eyes, he sees it’s an empty boat that had probably got untethered and floated to the middle of the lake. 

*At that moment, the monk achieves self-realization, and understands that the anger is within him; it merely needs the bump of an external object to provoke it out of him.* 

*From then on, whenever he comes across someone who irritates him or provokes him to anger, he reminds himself that The other person is merely an empty boat. The anger is within me.”*

Take time for introspection & search for answer

“Empty boat” is a famous & fabulous metaphor. Its value lies in its implementation.

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During World War II, numerous fighter planes were getting hit by anti-aircraft guns.

Air Force officers wanted to add some protective armor/shield to the planes. The question was “where”?

The planes could only support few more kilos of weight. A group of mathematicians and engineers were called for a short consulting project.

Fighter planes returning from missions were analysed for bullet holes per square foot. They found 1.93 bullet holes/sq. foot near the tail of the planes whereas only 1.11 bullet holes/sq. foot close to the engine.

The Air Force officers thought that since the tail portion had the greatest density of bullets, that would be the logical location for putting an anti-bullet shield.

A mathematician named Abraham Wald said exactly the opposite; more protection is needed where the bullet holes aren’t – that is -around the engines.

His judgement surprised everyone. He said We are counting the planes that returned from a mission. Planes with lots of bullet holes in the engine did not return at all.

If you go to the recovery room at the hospital, you’ll see a lot more people with bullet holes in their legs than people with bullet holes in their chests. That’s not because people don’t get shot in the chest; it’s because the people who get shot in the chest don’t recover.

Remember the words of Einstein-

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.

(Source: From the book – “How Not To Be Wrong”, by Jordan Ellenberg).

Count how Safe we are at Home.

After relaxations of lockdown, remember our engines will be exposed.

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 GO NOT THE TEMPLE  

By Gurudev  Rabindranath Tagore: 

Go not to the temple to put flowers upon the feet of God,

First fill your own house with the Fragrance of love and kindness. 

Go not to the temple to light candles before the altar of God,

First remove the darkness of sin , pride and ego, 

from your heart…

Go not to the temple to bow down your head in prayer,

First learn to bow in humility before your fellowmen.

And apologise to those you have wronged. 

Go not to the temple to pray on bended knees,

First bend down to lift someone who is down-trodden.

And strengthen the young ones.  

Not crush them.

Go not to the temple to ask for forgiveness for your sins,

First forgive from your heart those who have hurt  you!

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Life is a game of chess. we cannot undo the moves but we can make the next step better

We all have our own book of life

we are just trying to find

someone who can read it

and understand it

Always remember that

your present situation is

not your final destination.

The best is yet to come

Corona has proved that

everything around us is so

temporary. Things our lives

revolved around… work,

gym, malls, movies, society

have all gone for a toss as

we are learning to live

without them. It has taught

us that in the end, it is your

own home and family

that keeps you safe

**                             **                       **                      **

THE BEND IN THE ROAD

Sometimes

we come to life’s crossroads

And we view what we think is the end

But God has a much wider vision

and he knows it only a bend

the round will go on and get smoother

and after we have stopped for a rest,

the path that lides hidden beyond us

is often the path that is best

so rest and relax and grow stronger,

Let go and let God share your loud

and have faith in a brighter tomorrow

you have just come to a bend in the road

**                 **                  **                           **

The biggest lesson

I learned this year is

to not force anything;

conversations , friendships

relationships , attention ,

love. Anything forced is

just not worth fighting

for , whatever flows flows,

what crashes crashes.

It is what it is

the heart that

loves is always

health , the heart

that serves is

always happy

the heart that cares is always

strong and I pray

that God keeps you

healthy, happy and strong

**                         **                     **                       **

Behaviour is always

Greater than knowledge

Because in life there

are many situations

where knowledge fails

but behavior can still handle

Only when normal things

are not normal anymore

do we realize how special normal things are

………..INTROSPECTION ……POSTIVE AFFIRMATIONS

The  5 W’s of life

Who you are is what makes you

special. Do not change for anyone

What lies ahead will always be

a mystery. Do not be afraid. Keep your faith

When life pushes you over,

be strong and push back harder

pray and keep believing

Where there are choices to

make, make the one you won’t regret

Why things happen will never

be certain, Take it in stride, trust

God and move forward

nothing is permanent

in the world

not even our troubles

**                           **                           **                        **                 

105 year old lady’s advice to us all

For better digestion I drink beer, in

case of appetite loss I drink white wine

in case of low blood pressure I drink

red wine, in case of high blood pressure

I drink scotch, when I have cold I drink Schnapps

When do you drink water?

I have never been that sick.

**                        **                           **                      **

When God blesses you financially,

don’t raise your

standard of living, raise your

standard of giving.

**                       **                    **                          **               

if you want happiness in life

never be a owner of Love,

Always be a Donor of Love…

**                      **                         **                       **

A lession  from our hand

all fingers are not

in the same length

but when they bend,

al stands equal

Life become easy when

we bend and

adjust all situation

**                     **                        **                    ** 

No one gets a sudden rise

not even the Sun

It takes time to rise to

the peak of success

just keep ur efforts goind and

be positive

**                                                    **                                                                    **

The strongest factor for success is

self-esteem. Beliving you can do it,

believing you deserve it and

believing you will get it

**                                                    **                                                                    **

if you can

stay positive in a

negative  situation

you win

**                                                    **                                                                    **

A Secret of life

road has speed limit

bank has money limit

exam has time limit

but thinking has no limit

so think big

and achieve big

**                                                               **                                                         **

Morning is not only sunrise but a

beautiful miracle of God that

defeats the darkness and

spreads light

may everyday spread

light in your whole life

**                                                               **                                                         **

Sometimes

it is very hard

to move on,

but once you move on,

you will realise it

was the best decision

you have ever made

**                                                       **                                             **

Dive deep into your life

and think ….think

how have I lived?

How can I make my life better

**                                                  **                                                **

Don’t be pushed by

your problems, Be led

by your dreams

**                                                    **                                        **

Dive deep into your own life

and think.. lthink

how have i lived?

How can I make my life better

***                                                 ***                                      ***

Every problem is like

a red signal, if you

wait sometime, it will

turn into green

slow progress is

better than no

progress

stay positive and

don’t give up

**                                                    **                                        **

Hope is the think with feathers

That perches in the soul

and sings the tune

without the words

**                                                    **                                        **

Every bad situation will have

something positive

even a dead clock shows the right

time two a day. stay positive

God knows what is best for you

***                                                 ***                                      ***

Inspiration creates passion

that converts negative poison

into positive power

***                                                 ***                                      ***

We don’t talk about

trees getting older

we say they are growing

Let use the same term

for ourselves; we are not

getting older, we are just growing

that  is the spirit of living

**                                                    **                                        **

your life is a reflection of your thoughts

**                                                    **                                        **

Never lose hope

Just when you think

it is over

GOD sends you a

Miracle

……..Unlocking …..over coming fear

This situation can be best described by the following poem ‘fear’ by Khalil Gibran;

(the noted Lebanese American also write, painter and philosopher) brings out with a deep insight how a river overcomes ‘fear’ while entering the sea:

“ It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path

She has travelled, from the

Peaks of the mountain, the

Long winding road, crossing

Forests and villages.

And in front of her she sees

An ocean so vast, that to enter these seems nothing

More than to disappear forever.

But these is no other ways

The river can not go back

Is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take

Risk of entering the ocean,

Because only then will fear

Disappear, because that’s where

The river will know it is not

About disappearing into the ocean,

But of becoming the ocean”

     I read poems now and  then, I had factored this in my reading habits. The lockdown period provided me a lot of time, to catch up with all that I intended to read as also go about looking up for poems, randomly, and around this time  I came across this poem. I was instinctively  stunk by it .Then re read it I was simply swept away by its profound message, a positive affirmation and its visual realism, so beautifully rendered.

I felt, It was pleasantly incident of having real this poem, at a time, when the phased process of ‘unlock’ began. This pandemic unprecedentedly in living memories of many , had gripped almost everyone with a fear of a kind hiter before not experiential. People had mixed feelings, an admixture of urge to go out once again, stepping out of then homes but the same time the feared of the contagion. People cannot continue staying inside their homes, shetters wherever they were during the lockdown or day or other. They had to move on, overcoming their fear. The above poem of Khali Gibran was relatable to this scenario and also with a reassurance, that all will be fine, people just need to overcome the ‘fear’ as the river did before entering the sea.

      I felt it was pleasantly co incidental of having read this poem , at a time when the phased process of ‘unlock’ began. This pandemic unprecedented in living memories of many , had gripped almost everyone with fear of a kind hitherto before not experienced . People had mixed feelings, an admixture of urge to go out again, stepping out of their homes but the same time feared the contagion .People cannot continue staying inside their homes, shelters wherever they were during the lockdown one day or other they had to move on, overcoming their fear. The above poem of Khalil Gibran was relatable to this scenario and also with the reassurance , that all will be fine , people just need to overcome the ‘fear’ as the river did before entering the sea.

***                                                             ***                                                       ***

 In over coming the  fear strength is needed and it does come. I would conclude this part with the following post, which I feel is topical

“Strength

Does not come

from when you can do,

Strength comes from

Overcoming the things

You thought could not”

                                       III  F A I T H

         Now I would like to dwell upon Faith.

           As I feel sustaining ‘FAITH’ instils in a person a sense of security and propels one to go ahead with one’s calling with confidence and achieving their goals.

           FAITH plays a sheet anchor role seeing a person even in most trying times.

            “ Nothing is ever too hard to do. If your Faith is strong & your Purpose is True

               …..Because Life is Run by Faith & won by Grace”

          The importance  of FAITH has been emphasised in all religious scriputres .I would ,however, hasten to add that for having faith following any religion is not at all  a necessary  

concomitant.

           FAITH emerges from within one’s own being.In the context of this compilation which is an endeavour in undescoring positive and motivational affirmations I felt it appropriate to include in this final chapter some motivational quotes on Faith from reknown philosophers , poets , essayists and writers , whose sage words have eternal relevance and are very pertinent in present context.

           On faith there is a wealth of literature , lest I may not digress from the main narrative, based

on my readings I have culled out a few inspiring quotes, which I reproduce in the following paragraphs.

          After each set of quotes I have recorded my own impressions as there came to me.

          Mahatma Gandhi

         “ Faith is not a delicate flower which would wither away under the slighest stormy weather “

             ( The Quintessence of Gandhi in His Own Words)

            {The affirmative words of Mahatma emphasise the strength of Faith}

          Swami Vivekananda

          “ Never lose faith in yourself ,you  can do anything in this universe

            Never weaken , all power is yours “

            ( Swamivivekanandaquotes.com)   

           “ Have faith in yourselves and stand up on that faith and be strong ; that

              faith and be strong; that is what we need”

               ( The Complete works of Swami Vivekananda / Volume 3/ Lectures from Colombo to

                 Almora /The Mission of Vedanta)

            { This powerful words of Swami Vivekananda makes us realise the power of faith and

               enthuses to move forward with faith }

          Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

          “ Faith is a bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark”

              ( harfordcontybarfoundation.org)

              { Gurudev’s inimitable poetic words reflect latent faith deep within us, which is our driving

                force}

           Ralph Waldo Emerson

           “ We are born believing . A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples .”

             ( Ralph Waldo Emerson (1860) The Conduct of Life , Worship )

            “ Our faith comes in moments …. yet there is a depth in those brief moments which

             contrains us to ascribe more reality to them than to all other experiences.”

              ( Ralph Waldo Emerson (2012) ‘Self Reliance and Other essays p116)

          {The  sage words of  Ralph Waldo Emerson are reflective of faith ingrained in our psyche

             and  highlights the power of faith  }

             Walt Whitman

             “ Keep your face always toward sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you “

                 ( goodreads>Walt Whitman> Quotes )

               { Walt Whitman  beautifully expresses the eternal positivity which emanates from Sun

                  which rises daily and with it brings sunshine}

            Paulo Coelho

            “ He had not a cent in his pocket , but he had faith. He had decided the night before that

               he would be as an adventurer as the ones he had admired in books”

               ( Paulo Coelho (1998) The Alchemist -10th Anniversary Edition , Harper , San Fransisco   )

             { This extract from Paulo Coelho ‘s highly popular “ The Alchemist” resonates with the

               resolve among all of us to venture out, fortified with our inherent faith , to pursue our

               calling , vocations , livelihood pursuits , during the gradual unlock process.}

              Finally in the words of Robert Forst  “ In three words  I can sum up everything I’ve learnt

              about life, it goes on .”

                        The best of the brains- scientists , doctors , researchers – world over racing against the time are working relentlessly for coming up with that life saving vaccine for the dreaded Covid 19. The collective effort and endeavours of humankind , for once are working towards a common

goal. I have the hope and faith that the saviour vaccine will soon come out and provide humans world over that much needed shield and safety .

Everybody is looking towards the year 2021 as a year of HOPE , and so it will be.

                   I conclude my compilation on this positive note.

           It is with this reassuring frame of mind , I wish to say that last two para of this compilation will become dated. Nevertheless the compilation of positive affirmations and motivational quotes  some of the best which I have endeavoured to capture  that came about in lockdown days, have timeless relevance.

           It is my fond hope that these would continue to motivate and inspire people.

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA – Diverse Dimensions

          I presented and dedicated  first copy of my book  “ Parliament of India- Diverse Dimensions “ to Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha. This marks launch of my book on which I have been working for quite some time. . I am beholden to Hon’ble Speaker for this honour.

          This book is a compilation of ten articles of mine covering the varied facets of working of Parliament of India, Parliamentary procedures, practices , membership related matters , rituals and conventions .

      In this book I have endeavoured to dwell on minutely in depth on myriad aspects of India’s democratic polity and various aspects of Parliament , based on my  experiences and impressions gathered as a parliamentary officer for more than 30 years  and  25 years as Officer at the Table ( Lok Sabha).Through these ten articles I strove to cover a wide gamut of Parliament related aspects , hereto before not as such documented from a practitioner’s perspective .

These ten articles are : Functioning of Democratic Institutions in India; Parliamentary Expressions and Practices; Whips in Indian Parliament ; Status of Members Expelled from Political Parties; Nominated Members; Simultaneous Membership in Houses of Parliament /Legislatures; Managing Disruptions in the Indian Parliament ;Conflict of Interest; and A Day in the House( Lok Sabha).

     I dedicate this book  to the August institution of Parliament of India . I sincerely hope that this book would serve as useful reference source and manual for parliamentarians ; officers/officials of  Parliament /Legislatures; academics , research scholars and all those interested in the diverse aspects of parliamentary matters .

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Background

During my Visiting Fellowship at Institute of Advanced Studies , University of Warwick, Coventry, UK ( on nomination by Dr  (Prof.)Shirin M. Rai , Professor , Department of Politics and International Studies ) at the University, I inter alia gave a talk at the   National Medsin Conference 2012 ( convened by National Medsin Conference Committee, University of Warwick and attended by students of medicine in U K ). The theme of the Conference was Maternal and Child Health- delivering a better life, which was held on 20 and 21 October, 2012 . My talk was on 20 October, 2012 during the second plenary with the theme ‘Safeguarding Women and Children’.

The delegates  were students of medicine and Speakers at the Conference were from medical profession. Interestingly I was the only one from non medical fraternity!  This talk was not actually scheduled in my Fellowship programme.How it came about is also is also an interesting happenchance. While I was in midst of a discussion with Shirin regarding our projects, the request by coordinator of the Confernce for somebody to speak on Advocacy came up . Shirin asked me would I like to take this talk, I was game for it.I had a brief meeting with the coordinator to have know of what exactly they were looking for. That  day night after mulling over it for a while , I sent an email giving broad format of my proposed talk to the Coordinator ,she in turn put it across to the organisers. It just look a few emails and I was on board.

Now coming to my talk , how do I come into the picture? My intervention was from the perspective of advocacy. I said as much in my opening remarks. Given my background, ( at that relevant point of time I was Private Secretary to Union Cabinet Minister holding charge of his dual Ministries   offices) ,  my talk ,therefore, was in regard to way forward vis a vis conclusions drawn  at the conference emerging from deliberations made therein.  Hence thrust of my talk was upon post Conference action that is what methodologies were available for implementing decisions, views that emerged from the Conference .

Before my turn came , as was obvious my previous speakers all hailing from medical fraternity spoke from a medical perspective. As I rose to speak  honestly I did not know how my talk would be received . But fortitously my talk that day and my interventions the next day that 22 October, 2012 in the Q& A session were well received. This indeed was  a matter of great satisfaction for me as it reinforced my faith that convergence is feasible even among people coming from different streams.I have been thinking for quite some time to share this.

Further the theme of the Conference as also my interventions have relevance even to this date. Hence I felt it appropriate to share views expressed by me as a presentation at the Conference through this article on my blog.

Views expressed at the Conference

I began with focus of my presentation which relates to the practical aspects of implementing health care and how to achieve any welfare initiative.The issue at hand was Maternal & Child Health and in this context delivering a better Life. Now this indeed is and should be the objective of any welfare State. Different countries may have different laws and mechanisms , but there exists a common ground.We may term it as a core area of operation.

Thereafter I stressed that my talk was NOT about WHAT measures be taken for delivering better life. For someone who isn’t from medical background it is not for me to comment on these aspects. Given my legislative and administrative background my thrust was upon how to achieve the desired goals.Dwelling upon the approach I indicated that Governmental intervention is a sine qua non for achieving any welfare initiative. In order to ensure that certain welfare norms need to be adhered to in a society, there has to be some policy, guideline or stipulation.Such madatory requirement can be brought forward by the Government.

Towards this end for initiation of any action by the Government it needs to be backed by polotical will .In other words political leadership need to feel the need for an action by the Government. In real terms it doesn’t happen suo motu.Attention of the Government has to be drawn to an issue. There has to be some demand or generation of public opinion on an issue. For this what is required is a consultation process. It is precisely where conferences, consultations or workshops play a crucial role. That is what the present Conference sought to achieve. The view emerging from the collective wisdom of medical fraternity , social activists who are well conversant with the issue, forms the basis for further action.

In most of the countries there are Ministries or departments handling health care issues.

The Way Forward -The real action starts once a view emerges from a Conference .Thereafter I shared the practical issues which aren’t as such documented anywhere. Representations need to be made to the concerned Ministers or authorities in Government . Petitions can be made to Members of Parliament . There are in many countries parliamentary committees looking after health care issues, represntations can rather need to be made to these committees. The committees can hear the stakeholders too .

Now the next level, which is the policy making.This would draw the attention of Government which pave way for formulation of policies and if need be debate in Parliament or enactment of a law. However mere enactment of law or formulation of a policy would not suffice.The same need to be implemented. Hence apart from deliberation on what needs to be done focus has also to be how to pursue it.

Conferences or workshops also need to work out a strategy by forming core group with the remit as to how to secure attention of legislators in other words the legislative reach.

Connecting the dots….That reach or connect is established by making representations to Ministers involved with health care or Members of Parliament. Once interest is generated the Legislatures ‘ intervention has to be sought by way of discussions in parliamentary committees or discussion in Parliament with  a view to set out certain benchmarks for women and child health care which cannot at all be compromised.

Summation

Having dwelt upon my talk and interventions in aforementioned Conference,  I wish  to conclude by underscoring the fact that conferences /seminars , needless to say serve a very useful purpose, these provide a platform for the stakeholders and those interested in the themes of such conferences and seminars and from deliberations therein , emerges usually a unanimous view /resolve to address issues deliberated upon. Then comes the next level , as I had highlighted in my talk itself- how to take forward , that is where advocacy through legislative interventions seeking executive action vis a vis implementation actions , assumes relevance. This precisely is  the purpose of bringing this as  an article on my blog.