Smile Charitable Trust Blog

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Martin Luther King, Jr. said that: Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men. Guided missiles never loose the track but misguided men are always out of track. Lust, anger and greed are like diseases afflicting the minds of people. The variety of problems bedevilling the world today - poverty, starvation, violence, disease and pollution, to name a few – are the symptoms of these diseases.

Dealing with these symptomatic problems through social service will not bring about a lasting solution. As long as we are not freed from slavery to our internal enemies, we cannot be peaceful or happy. And as long as we are not peaceful and happy, we will inevitably indulge in activities that will perpetuate the symptomatic problems.

1. Politicians divide us, terrorists unite us!
2. Most people who fight over The Gita, The Quran or The Bible, probably have not read either of the books!
3. It is dangerous to talk to a stranger but it is perfectly OK to marry one.
4. We’d rather spend more on our daughter’s wedding celebration, than her education!
5. Hunger kills a person every 3.6 seconds and over 15 million children every year.
6. To satisfy the world's sanitation and food requirements would cost only US$13 billion- what the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year.
7. Nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion - a majority of humanity - live on less than $1 per day, while the world's 358 billionaires have assets exceeding the combined annual incomes of countries with 45 percent of the world's people.

Guidance is available to us whenever we want. We just have to be reasonably awake to receive it. Then we’ll have all the inspiration we could possibly want.

Do the best things in life come for free? Same question, to five different people and five different answers, essentially they articulated to be the same answer.

1. First of all, nothing in life is free. Have you ever heard of an oxygen bar? You have to pay to breathe air. What about water bills and stuff? So! Nothing in life is free. That means life is filled with a bunch of crap!!! I’m highly disappointed that I am just no realizing this too.

2. Yes. Love, friendship, happiness, hopes...they are all free. Life is free too and it's a great gift!

3. Yes of course! Our eyes, ears, tongue, nose, brains, heart - aren’t they the best things without these, will we be so happy on earth? They are the best things for which we pay nothing. Other than these our unique talents are also free. Love from everyone is also free. Most importantly; our life is also free. Isn’t it the best thing?

4. If you talk about material things then yes they don't come for free! But if you talk about love and friendship, you see that it's always free! And is better than the material things

5. Philosophically speaking, yes they do! I mean remember that story, where the rich man gets sleepless nights thinking about his money while the poor man sleeps without any worries? At the end its happiness, friendship, etc which matter.

We all go through times when we want to feel loved, appreciated, admired and trusted. We want to be important to others and we want them to be important to us. This is all normal and natural but whenever it seems as if we are in an otherwise situation (not necessarily a romantic one), we can start to wish that we had never allowed ourselves to become so vulnerable. That’s when the religious /holy books remind us: to be free from “attachments/Moha”. We would like to care a lot less about a demanding situation. We can't fake disinterest but only solution is to nurture a greater independence of mind …ONLY. 

We turn up on Earth knowing nothing, about where we have been in the past and where we have come to make our present. We are clean canvases. But, sooner or later, there is always someone strong-minded to make an impression on us. We are trained about our culture and our heritage. But when is it ever accurately explained to us that nobody really knows fairly; who we are or why we are here on the earth! Our emotional life ALWAYS reflects a clash between us and people who feel sure that they have answers. We are better off with fewer of those answers... and more questions! Questions fulfill our life purpose.

Son asked; what present I shall give you Papa on your birthday. You choose, I said. He said – but I have no money Papa. I assured him to imagine that he had money and he has to buy a present for Papa which will make Papa happy always and everyday. I told him as well, he may as well; take some time to think about it properly. Half hour later, he came up with an idea in his mind and said Papa: I have an answer, let’s go and buy it. Oh boy; what a gift it was. Best gift of my life. I am proud of Rishi for being so observant. A snow-white teapot set. When I was growing up with my grand-father, he was drinking black tea and now I am. Black tea in a snow-white tea cup is something very alluring for me, it excites me, brings smile on my face with a thought of emotional connection with my grand-father. Rishi has perhaps observed my satisfaction, very accurately, on many occasions.

Didn’t they say above best things in life come for free? If not, free, but with very little cost perhaps, for sure with pure affordability. Free or very little cost; same thing. How does it matter? Let’s not invest emotions here. Having tea from snow-white cup was not the only best thing/gift for me on my birthday. A home made fish curry and last but not least – a surprise gift from Bhaijaan. Bhaijaan chose to relay his recent movie “Kick” in Star-Gold channel to spice up my evening. Some say: Bhai-jaan’s movies are time pass. I say; how does it matter – that’s exactly what I like and that’s exactly what gives me contentment.

Thank you everyone for all your kind wishes on my birthday. And may you have all the best things in your life, for free, or with little cost.

It is Sunday and its time for listening to my favourite smoothing song; here it is:

End of Dussehra and start of Eid festival. What an eventful weekend it is!  Today is the most important day of my life. The day I celebrate the most important achievement of my life, the birth day of MySon-MyJaan “Rishi Rehan Mohanty”!

Rishi has been using the word “My” these days, quite a lot. I asked him what is this “My business” all the time? He said remember Papa; you told me whatever you have got, is mine too! Smart buoy. I do remember my son. Everything is yours. When Papa is all yours, all that Papa has got is all yours too.

Papa, do you love me the most? Yes, absolutely THE MOST. How much is the most, one billion times? No, one trillion times, Gundu! Is One Trillion bigger than one billion, Papa? I think One Zillion is even bigger than One Trillion. Then I love you one Zillion times Papa.

I know; many years later when you will learn to use internet, you will find this little article in my website and that day you will be old enough to understand and believe that indeed your Papa, loves you the MOST in this world, more than anything, more than everything combined.

Are you not happy Papa that I am six today? No! Why Papa why? Because I always want you to be this little, my baby. I always want you to be this playful, playing with toys, stumble & stammer while speaking and I want you to run around the house like a little squirrel, always.

The curious case of THE MARVERICK “Rishi Rehan Mohanty” : http://imageartification.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/the-bravest-little-buoy/

I can’t believe we are in October already, it feels like we started a year, just recently. How fast it goes…that’s why they say perhaps… It’s the journey, not the destination that matters! Hope we all have a great journey this year. We still have three more months to catch up on the journeys, yet to be undertaken.  

While running in the park this morning, a song played from my Nano. I wondered what this song is doing in my Nano, with rest of my exercise tracks! Who got this song here? Awaz ayi, “MEIN! Tera Rooh, tera saya! Mein woh hoon jo marta nahin, uddd jata hey, idhar se udhar. Mein wohi hoon jo tujhe haar khusiyon se wahif karata hey – ache banney ki, achha rehney ki raah dikhata hey. Mein tera Rooh, aur mera naam Roohdaar.” Mein idhar bhi hoon, udhar bhi. Mein asmaan bhi hoon, zameen bhi. Remember you said Sunday evening can be the most insightful and peaceful time, from the whole week. And you have to play a song for our soothing Sunday evening. Tow yeahi hey that song.

This is the song.  Have a brilliant week ahead. Subh Ratri.

We often make comparison… how Shahrukh Khan’s acting is similar to that of Dillip Kumar’s. We said Salman Khan is Dharmendra of current times. We notice Ranveer Singh’s, being identical to latkas-jhatkas of Govinda BUT we say Amir Khan/Hrithik Roshans are league of their own. There can never be someone who can ever match the versatility of Amir Khan/Hrithik Roshan. Not anymore; it took quite sometime for Amir Khan to make that impression of perfectionist. He started in 1987 but we started appreciating him really since his movie “Lagaan”, which was released in the year 2000. Same with Hrithik Roshan.

I see another actor who is carefully stepping forward, with his bid to make another icon of versatility. We got to watch “Haider” to believe this. Shahid Kapoor has become almost perfect in acting with this movie.

This movie is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Haider - a young man returns home to Kashmir on receiving news of his father's disappearance. Not only does he learn that security forces have detained his father for harbouring militants, but that his mother is in a relationship with his very own uncle. Intense drama follows between mother and son as both struggle to come to terms with news of his father's death. Soon Haider learns that his uncle is responsible for the gruesome murder, what follows is his journey to avenge his father's death.

It’d appear from the story-line that the movie must be filled with dreadful lot of violence, but it is not the case. There is not much aggression until the last scene. The movie is just filled with intense acting of some very credible actors and my favourites too: Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, KK Menon & the “Mr Icing-on-the-top” Irrfan Khan. Irrfan Khan, undoubted has become an assuring factor for the quality of the movie, performances in the movie and medium to get recognized in international platforms. I shall be happy if the movie “Haider” is considered as India’s nomination for Oscar.

The movie has been picturised in Kashmir, which does not look the Swiss Alps but still deserves to be considered amongst the most beautiful places on earth. I get emotional, when I notice a beautiful human relationship. In this movie, there is a subtle yet very powerful relationship, displayed between a father and son.

So; what shall we go for? Shall we make it the best movie of this year – kaardein? Let me go 4 /5. Yeah, we all should go watch this, this is not to be missed. The craft-work, the carving skills and artistic elevations of Vishal Bhardwaj is absolutely impressive. 

Happy Dusserah Everyone!  Mother Durga came out on this day in view after summons from all the other Gods and Goddesses. It was their combined appeal to end the existence of Mahisasur (The Devil). Maa Durga was furnished with ten weapons in her ten hands. Each of them symbolises a particular purpose and assignment. So Goddess Durga became unconquerable with Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma, Dhal, Kharga, Teer, Kuthar, Barcha & Ghanta in her hands! Mother looked powerful yet kind in her Avatar. And children greatly feel assured, when the mother herself is so powerful and kind. Finally Devi Durga with all her power bestowed on her slayed Mahisasur and freed the world from the evil.

Maa Durga taker her rightful place in our lives every year during this time (Sep-Oct) and together with her she brings along her family and friends: Karthikeya, Ganesh, Maa Laxmi and Maa Saraswati to accept our hospitality. It is a reflection of our strong root and striking Indian family system. Durga Maa symbolizes the power of the Supreme Being , the all pervading cosmic energy that maintains moral order supporting the divine law (dharma). Maa is also known as "Shakti". Worshipping Maa Shakti invokes divine forces of Strength, Morality, Power, Protection and divine grace.

The celebration (rather an ritual) of Maa Durga, wife of Lord Shiva, daughter of Himalaya starts in the earnest on Mahasasthi day, when Maa arrives on the back of the King of animals, Lion, who epitomises external power and fairness. Mahasaptami, Mahaastami and Mahanavami go by with worshipper’s heart filled with joy and leave everybody in a festive mood.

Last day of the puja, Vijaya Dasami, today – we pray to the mother Durga for her endless blessings and to end miseries of the mankind at large. As we embrace each other today on this auspicious day; lets hope for a peaceful and happy year ahead for everyone, everybody!

Somwar ko hum mile; mangalwar ko nain! Somwar ko hum mile; mangalwar ko nain! Budh ko meri nind gayi; jhume raat ko chain! Are sukar shani kate muskil se aaj hai etwar! Saat dino me ho gaya jaise, sat janam ka pyar!!!

We met on Monday; we had an eye contact on Tuesday! We met on Monday; we had an eye contact on Tuesday! I couldn’t sleep on Wednesday and lost my calmness on Thursday! Difficult it was to spend Friday and Saturday; Today is Sunday. And in these seven days; I experienced amount of love I needed, for next seven lives! I didn’t write this! I loved this song, when I was growing up, as a kid. Like any accurate dreamy Libran; I dreamt of myself acting, singing/dancing around the trees; in many of the popular Salman Khan songs or Amitabh Bachhan song; in my childhood! My sister says I was a born actor; I used to stand in front of the mirror & deliver dialogs, when I was little.  “Mother - Khana Lao…”; like Shatrughan Sinha delivering KHAMOOSSSHHHH!). Apparently her daughter does the same these days, just like her Mama (Maternal uncle!).

Lyricist of the above song; wrote that everyday contributed something, for him to experience the amount of love needed, for next seven lives in just seven day! He is right. Everyday does contribute something for us to measure something sizably achieved in a week. Scales measure little more aggregated values; for example achievement in a week, achievement in a month, achievement in a year, quantity in KGs. We don’t really report smaller measurements: achievement in a day, achievement in a minute, achievement in a second or quantity in milligrams. It’s possible but they will be insignificantly small in value/quantity/count; hence meaningless and inappropriate.

Why is that then we are so annoyed with Monday or shall we say scared of Monday? Our hairs stand up tall, with slightest of the thoughts about Monday! We literally hate Monday! My poor Monday!

There is something wrong. If we try and analyse – we’ll notice that we overindulge between Friday and Sunday. We kill ourselves with enjoyment until the very last minute possible on a Sunday, even late evening. And as a result, we are JUST tired and feel recovering on a Monday morning. There is no fault of poor Monday on this. Why is it responsible for us being uncontrolled during the weekend? Not fair!

Monday can be beautiful and enjoyable as well – if we space out our activities equally, for our own benefit. How about we distribute enjoyment and employment equally between seven days, where there will not be any scope for inequality. All days will be similar in terms of their look, feel, offerings and experiences! We shall and we can welcome everyday with same spirit, with just little work at our end. Shall we?

When I got home this Friday evening; there was a song playing on the tele. I don’t think I have watched this movie but really appreciated the song so much that I kept playing it, all through the weekend. Not necessarily a good song, I may not like it another time – but for this weekend; it had the required frequency. Sunday evening can be the most insightful and peaceful time, from the whole week. I present you this song for your soothing Sunday evening. Have a flashy week ahead. Subh Ratri, Sabah al khair! Good Morning  Monday – Goodnight Sunday!

We are instructed from the very early age that if we want to succeed in life, we should implement prudence and consider the cost of our conduct before we make progress. If people really thought long and hard before they did anything, there would be no surprises, drama or adventure.

Not just a person, a group but the bulk of the preceding generation perhaps thought in that line, preferred risk-averseness over risk-taking attitude. As a result; pace of India’s economy was as sluggish as the references made to us Indian... a country of snake charmers, street dogs, rubbish eating abandoned cows on the road and what not!

Until recently; every ruling government found pleasing and pleading western leadership for various internal and external matters, as if our progress was very much dependent on the kindness of other wealthy and powerful nations.

China on the other hand, has built everything based on  its own strengths, proving its efficiency and competitive power.

Why is that then, the world leadership are found lobbying around India so much AND not so much with China? Shouldn’t they? Political leaders of many influential nations have either paid personal visit to newly appointed Prime Minister of India or have duly requested him to visit their country ASAP. What is that which India has, and China has not?

Today, India is a young nation . We have 605 million people below the age of 25, while in the age group 10-19, poised for higher education, we have 225 million. This means that for the next 40 years we would have a youthful, dynamic and productive workforce when the rest of the world, including China, is aging. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has predicted that by 2020, India will have 116 million workers in the work-starting age bracket of 20 to 24 years, as compared to China's 94 million. 

It is further estimated that the average age in India by the year 2020 will be 29 years as against 40 years in the USA, 46 years in Europe and 47 years in Japan.  In fact, in 20 years the labour force in the industrialised world will decline by 4%, in China by 5%, while in India it will increase by 32%. And the IMF, in 2011, reported that India's demographic dividend has the potential to add 2 percentage points per annum to India's per capita GDP growth over the next two decades. 

Most of the magical and rewarding experiences of us as a country will come as a direct result of ignoring cautiousness, and acting out of wild passion and reckless drive. We have nothing to loose. We need to stand up to our potential. Our potential lies in our self-belief, collective strength and wholesome merits.

• The Mangalyaan mission costed India $73 million (~Rs.450 crores) which is even cheaper than the budget of film “Gravity” which was about $105 million.
• Mangalyaan will observe the environment of Mars and look for various elements like methane (marsh gas), which is a possible indicator of life.
• It will also look for Deuterium-Hydroden ratio and other neutral constants.
• The orbiter weighs 1,350-kg, which is even less than the weight of an average sports utility vehicle.
• The manufacturing of Mangalyaan took 15 months while NASA took five years to complete MAVEN.
• Mangalyaan is the first spacecraft to be launched outside the Earth’s sphere of influence by ISRO in its entire history of 44 years.
• ISRO will be the fourth space agency in the world after National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US, Russian Federal Space Agency (RFSA) and European Space Agency to have successfully undertaken a mission to Mars.

Environmental economists have a way of thinking about the world that extends the way most other economists think about the world. The total amount (weight) of what goes in must equal the total weight of what comes out. This is why it is called Materials Balance: in the long-run the environmental teeter-totter must balance. This is because, with the exception of nuclear reactions, matter is neither created nor destroyed. If it doesn’t come out in one form it must come out in some other form. Nothing is lost: production and consumption just change the form of things. Everything that is produced and consumed has it origins in the environment….is what they say!

Production is simply about rearranging of stuff. Energy is what allows the rearrangement. Factories take inputs, rearranging them to produce an array of commodities. Some of these commodities are valued by consumers, or other producers, so can be sold for a positive price. Producing these “market” commodities is why the firm is in business. But other less desirable commodities are produced as well. T he total weight of the inputs used by the producer must equal the total weight of the market goods and other emissions generated by the production process.

NOW; LET’S STOP FOR A MOMENT AND APPLY THIS TO OUR EATING & DIGESTION PROCESS.

What we eat must burn out; by means of us doing work, hard work, exercise and whatever it may take for it to happen naturally. If we burn less than what we eat - those substance will continue to build up inside and make us FAT. If we burn more, then we become slimmer and if we burn the same as we eat, then we stay as we are. And none of those marketed deviant solutions can help us demolishing the build up inside, without damaging the working logic of our body parts.

Imagine; what’ll be the position of those fancy formulas of weight reduction – if we all try to understand this SIMPLE fact!!! Shall we?

Weekend is here. I hope it to be a wonderful one for all of us…!