Today is fifth June, 2022

Today, I am starting my first vocal blog of an experience I had years ago on third June, 2022 I was sitting in my office that is the college where I have a cabin, where I’m winding up and moving on, where I worked for about eight and a half years. I was trying to collect my data in different pen drive that I had already become full, and I was getting very frustrated because so important that before I retire from my present college, I should have all the data from my desktop, because I will never surrender it. Feeling very frustrated, very lonely. I was the only person on the entire floor, on the entire corridor, feeling very frustrated. Then, and then, you know, I suddenly remembered, God, why it remembered? Because I heard a voice. It was a thought voice in my mind. There has there has to be one pen drive in this room. There is a pendrive in this room. I heard it so loud and clear that I believed it. Because sometimes when I hear such thoughts, I believe them. I got up and started looking desperately. I opened one or two drawers because I already looked everywhere in the whole room, but somehow I looked around, opened one or two drawers, lifted a few files, and suddenly under the cupboard I saw a piece of cloth, white, silky cloth sticking out. I pulled a little on it. I went down and put a little on it. It was a ribbon. Since I remember that had dropped a ribbon a few days back, and I wasn’t very few days being almost two months back, would have forgotten about it, but I wasn’t even sure what was at the end of the ribbon, whether it was a badge or it was something else. I pulled the ribbon Lo and behold. What did I see? I saw there was a pendant dangling from that ribbon. Oh, my God. I became aware that God is here too. He is everywhere in this mundane place where I was doing something very boring, I was just packing up and data and pen drives, a personal data he’s there to guide me. If he had not guided me, I would have forgot that partially filled pen drive under that Almirah, and would have lost that data, which I had already stored almost three months back, and that particular pendrive I had enough data for whatever I required from us. I am very grateful to God, because he comes to my rescue every time I need Him. And he comes unasked, unrequested, showers His blessings on me always. So. Thank you, God, thank you my guru, My Baba. You are my father. You are my mother. Everything I am ever grateful to you.

This transcript was generated by https://otter.ai from a dictation given by the author Manohar Khushalani

Modern Indian Poetry by women poets isn’t just about feminism. We all agree that women have suffered for centuries and now have a voice to revolt openly but as their educational capabilities have expanded beyond patriarchy they are also writing on travel,  adventure,  science,  fine arts and politics. But I should not have conflict with men who laid the railway track through my native village.
I have written on Benares,  Poetry and Science Opposites meet,  Combating War by Art and Poetry   my dear friend Rachna Joshi has written on travel tapestry,  Usha Mujoo Munshi has  written on Situation in Kashmir,  Mayura Tiwari has written on many themes,  Neelam Saxena Chandra has written on Brussels, Tanuka Endow has written on Time, Sukrita  Paul Kumar has penned on The Chinese Cemetery and above all J. Bhagyalakshmi has written on Let there be Peace All Around. Similarly several women poets have taken up several different subjects, issues and written wonderful poetry and not just on troubles the women face because of men.

Racha Joshi writes in Celestial Nights

At Edfu, on a ride
through the old city
we go to Horus temple
see the falcon headed Sphinx
and the shrine of God.

Here her fleeting mind goes to Egypt and her secular self watches Horus temple.

I too have no grudge with men, as there are several situations when I was encouraged by men. I write though on women of the Hills, women of desert, women near the river. But i have also written in Cosmic Tour,

I cosmic dust
Miniscule life
in a gigantic universe

Also on Prakriti and Purusha on feminine and masculine genders.

Swami Vivekananda who was a great advocate of women’s independence and education, mentioned   ” A Bird of humanity can’t fly with one wing.”

Lets respect men and women both as humanity needs two wings to fly. Whenever protest is needed we will but will also acknowledge the bridge across the river which has been made by a male labour’s hands.

To quote J. Bhagya Lakshmi who says no to suffering and violence, no to battles and conflicts, and no to Hiroshima and Nagasaki  and writes against Terrorism. I write art and poetry that can combat war, like through  works of Picasso and Salvador Dali.

My objection is with crying women. Let you explore many dimensions of life and be fearless to combat negativity. All of us are not paragons of virtue, this implies for both men and women.
Women be fearless and express your identity in verses eloquently. And you are doing it.

Mandira Ghosh
Secretary and treasurer
The poetry society India

Who is Jhulelal? The meaning of Cheti Chand

Jhulelal is the Ishta Dev (patron deity) of Sindhi Hindus. He is regarded as a divine incarnation who appeared to protect the Sindhi people in a time of great religious crisis. His story is central to Sindhi identity and faith, especially among Sindhi Hindus.

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The Legend of Jhulelal:

Around the 10th century CE, Sindh (now in Pakistan) was ruled by a tyrannical ruler named Mirkhshah, a fanatical Muslim king. He demanded that the local Hindu population convert to Islam. The Sindhi Hindus were deeply troubled and turned to the river Indus (Sindhu) for divine help, praying to Varuna Dev, the god of water.

Their prayers were answered with the birth of a miraculous child named Uderolal, who later came to be known as Jhulelal.

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Why is he called Jhulelal?

The name “Jhulelal” comes from the word “jhoolna” (to swing). As a child, he was often seen gently rocking in his cradle on his own, with a divine light surrounding him. This mystical quality earned him the name Jhulelal—the one who swings (miraculously).

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How did he save the Sindhis?

As Jhulelal grew, he became a spiritual leader with extraordinary powers. He confronted Mirkhshah, warning him against religious persecution. The ruler mocked him initially, but after witnessing miracles—such as surviving attempts on his life and controlling the elements—he grew fearful and backed down.

Jhulelal preached unity, religious tolerance, and peace. His teachings appealed not only to Hindus but also to Sufi Muslims. Over time, he became a symbol of communal harmony, especially in Sindh.

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Legacy and Symbolism:
• Jhulelal is often depicted sitting on a palanquin on a fish (palla fish), symbolising his connection to water and the river god Varuna.
• He represents protection, justice, and faith.
• His blessings are invoked by Sindhis worldwide, especially during Cheti Chand, his birthday and the Sindhi New Year.

By Sunil Sarpal

Life is too short, as a result, one should do all those things that need be done in this life span so that when the time for departure comes, one should not feel repented.  Life teaches us enormous lessons but do we really want to learn them.  There are those wasting their precious time in consuming liquor and eating animal food.   Is it necessary to indulge in such consumables when there are those who cannot meet both their ends. .  Entertaining themselves with different types is also a waste of time and energy.  Instead one should involve himself with some creative pursuit.  

What is the harm in speaking sweetly ?

Kabir Sahib says  –  Aisy Baani Boliye Mun Ka Aapa Khoye,
                                Aoron Ko Sheetal Kare Khud bhi sheetal hoye. 

There are so many behavioral examples to lead a gentleman’s life.  Whatever job or business opportunity comes our way, it is our moral duty and responsibility to carry it out in a rational manner.  Never indulge in double talk, cheating or scandalous activities because God is taking stock or our every act of omission and commission. 

Are we leading the life of a pious, if not, what is our moral responsibility towards creator, the God ?

Are we in the pursuit of turning our persona into a Mandir ?

Mandir means –  Mun Ke Andar

Shah (God)  tusaan to wakh Nahin
Bin Shah De Duja Khak NahinI
Par Dekhan Wali Akh Nahin
Jind Te Hi Judain Sehndi Ye

It is entirely in our hands to turn the table of our mind’s direction.  We should have two most important values in our life. 

‘Bhai’  means fear from God.  And ‘Bhav’ means keep God in our memories always.  Following these values, one day our persona will turn into a Temple of Living God. 

Whatever gifts we have been bestowed with from God, we should always remain indebted to HIM.  We should not feel obsessed with what we have received from God.  This is just a transitory phase in our life.  What we consider our’s will be somebody else’s tomorrow.  Since everything is temporary and nothing as permanent, then we are just like passengers living on the alms provided by God as per our own karmas. 

Tun To Tera Khak Milega,  Chaurasi Mein Sadna

In order to break the cycle of death – birth – death, one needs to search for Shabd Guru who gives the lessons of bhakti so that this golden opportunity of human birth does not go waste, otherwise

Ayenga Jayenga Dukh Payanga

India Union Budget, July 18 2024

By Shantanu Goel

July 18, 2024

Current landscape:
Indian stock markets are trading at an all-time high with Sensex shattering 80k mark and Nifty at arms length with 25k, translating to 25% returns over last 1 year
These are unprecedented numbers which are largely driven by 5 factors – India’s strong economic growth numbers, continuity in governance, expanding retail participation, high interest rate in developed economies and China’s struggles over the post covid era

What would the government want to achieve:
The government would love to continue the narrative that India is rightfully on the path of success. Stock market numbers are a great tool to demonstrate just that. Post general elections, the most potent tool to influence the markets is – the Union Budget
Therefore, the government would be inclined to take steps to directly influence the market numbers (in addition to indirect actions like increased Capex and fiscal spending)

How can they achieve it:
One way to influence the long term growth of an economy, and hence the stock market is – (in India’s case) increased government spending
For perspective, India has historically been a consumption driven economy with close to 60% contribution to the GDP driven by domestic consumption
The current regime has tried to push the Capex by unprecedented investment in infrastructure – thereby propelling the GDP from Government Spending component

However, infrastructure is slow to build and it won’t reflect in growth numbers quickly. So to influence the story, the government needs to bring in policies which will impact (maintain) short-term growth of the market
Therefore, I believe the government could use taxation as a tool to achieve this

Options at hand:
There are 3 options that the government can explore:

1. Adjustment to long-term capital gains tax: increasing it can bring shockwaves to the market, so thats not viable
Decreasing it can help maintain stability to the current numbers but will create a loss to the exchequer which needs to be filled from somewhere else

2. Adjustment to short-term capital gains tax: Any change to this won’t lead to any material benefit, so the government is not likely to consider it

3. Adjustment to tax on F&O: Decreasing it doesn’t seem to offer much benefit so we’ll skip dwelling into it
Increasing it will impact the trading in short-term, but will stabilise in medium term. Also, this will be in continuation to the government’s stance on warning retail investors to be “cautious” of F&O trading and be mindful of its dangers

My predictions:

Possibility 1: The government increases the F&O tax but will balance it by reducing (potentially removing) long term capital gains tax in the Union Budget of July 2024

Possibility 2: The government increases increase the F&O tax but will balance it by increasing the exemption limit of long term capital gains tax from 1 lakh to 3-5 lakhs in the Union Budget of July 2024

Either option may create waves in the short term but will help to stabilise the markets in the medium term as it will incentivise investors to hold their investments for a longer term – thereby also avoiding the “imminent” market crash

Best regards
Shan

By Sunil Sarpal

We are living in an age (time) where we have literally forgotten the virtues of the above words. The above words are rendered meaningless and lost their significance in our lives. Running on a fast lane, perhaps, man has zeroed down to so much practical approach that humanity has lost its meaning and become a thing of the past. Where will such a scenario lead to, God knows.

God has created this creation and put human beings on top of the ladder. A human being should not dis-associate himself from ‘human’ nature by behaving and acting like an animal.

Both ’empathy’ and ‘compassion’ are an integral part of human life.

Human nature should not deteriorate to the level so that God starts challenging it by introducing deadly viruses such as Corona.

If all ‘yonies’ behave and act like what is expected of them, there cannot be any kind of unusual chaos we may have to counter with.

First and foremost, we should be good human beings then an Engineer, Doctor, Scientist, or businessman.

Love life to the fullest, so do with our brothers and sisters and always maintain peace and harmony all-around by shedding hatred and animosity.

If you find a negative a minded person, maintain a discreet distance from him and do make him realise that you do not belong to his type of creed

Discard the company of negative-minded people and embrace and propel goodness all-around. After all, we are human beings endowed with a sense of discrimination.

By Sunil Sarpal

A healthy lifestyle is a must to lead a life cheerfully. 

In the morning before sun rise,  visit the close by park for walk/jogging/running as per demands of your age/body.  Most of the parks these days have in-built Gym.  One can do exercise of your choice.  Never miss out on this regimen so that you may start the day in a vibrant and healthy ways. 

Consume a coconut milk after the work out. 

After a shower,  the breakfast should consist of milk and some ‘dry fruits,  apart from what you prefer.  Avoid Paronthas and too much butter. 

Make it a habit not to eat between two meals. 

The lunch should always consist of Curd and Salad, apart from Roti, Sabji, Daal, Rice etc.  The food should not be spicy and oily. 

If because of the demand of your age, you feel like taking a nap, it is your choice. 

Tea in the evening accompanied by some biscuits. 

Avoid consuming food at dinner time and instead eat fruits, particularly seasonal ones.  and hot milk. 

Avoid food from outside. 

Always eat moderately and never indulge in over eating. 

Eat when you feel like and clean up your stomach once or twice in accordance with your routine. 

Dont eat non veg and drink liquor.  Stay away from the company those prefer such things. 

By Sunil Sarpal

It is a hard and well known fact that one day everybody has to leave this mortal frame.  Life therefore be treated as a dream run.  Sometimes the dream is good and favourable but sometimes it is a bad omen.  One has to undergo both good as well as bad phase of life in a sporting manner.  

The hard lessons of life should be learned on a serious note that this world is fraudulent and on false footing.  

It is karmic to be rich with abundance of material things at your disposable.  Similarly, it is also karmic to be a pauper.  Being a pauper should not be considered a sin.  Sinner is the one who always look at the world keeping ‘maya’ up-front.  

The title of the article  –  MUN TOON KYON GUMAN KAREGA

Why should I be so much obsessed with what I have.  Whatever I have, has been given by God.  Why should not I be indebted to God for what I have and feel his gratitude.  

TUN TO TERA KHAK MILEGA

One day, your body will perish.  You will lose grip on its strength.  From childhood to youth to old age and this sequence  will happen with everybody.  

This is an inevitable reality of life and finally this frame will end up in flames.  

The ‘soul’ keeps on traversing in 84 lacs yonies in accordance with his karmic debt.  

A question often seekers ask to Satguru  –  knowingly if so much pain and sufferings one has to bear then why God sent souls to this world.  To which, Satguru gives a very ambiguous reply that without going into the history, I can show you the way forward, how to break the cycle of life-death-life.  

BHAJAN SIMRAN

Till the time it boils down to settling karmic account of a soul,  the soul keeps on traversing from one yoni to another.  Bhajan Simran has in it to clean up the karmic debt of a soul.  

In this yug which is called kalyug, people are so much entrenched in accumulating maya and in  mundane affairs that they do not have time going to satsang and listening to satguru’s teachings.  Satsang of ‘shabd guru’ is that forum where the nuisances of Naam Bhakti is explicitly explained in a systematized manner.  

Human form is considered top of the creation.  Breaking the cycle of birth-death-birth is possible in human form thru Naam Bhakti. 

By Sunil Sarpal

What is Santmat ?

Sant + mat  =  Teachings of Sant. 

Babaji often sums up in his discourse  –  NANAK KE GHAR KEWAL NAAM

What is Naam  ?

The words of Naam have been derived from the names of deities.  Above the eye centre of human being,  there are five Ruhani Desh and each Ruhani Desh has a separate deity.  So five Ruhani Desh have five different deities and the names of those deities form the NAAM. 

Satguru, in his satsang, explains that Naam  already exists within us, human beings.  The process of giving Naam Daan by Satguru to a devotee is just to channelise how to do bhakti.  How to sit in meditation and how to repeat those holy names, concentrating at the eye centre of forehead. 

In fact, the human body is the real temple of God.  But because ‘maya’ plays a pivotal role in human being’s life,  ‘mun’  has become slave to sense pleasure viz Kaam, Krodh, Lobh, Moh and Ahankar. 

Human beings remain in the process of satiating one desire after the other and in this process keep accumulating N number of karmas.  In order to repay the karmic debt, human soul has to remain in the cycle of 84 lac yonies.  In which yoni a soul deserves birth is decided by kaal on the basis of karmas. 

Kaal is the driving force in this creation in which we live in.  According to our ‘karma’  Kaal Bhagwan decides what our soul deserves, be it human form,  animal yoni,  tree etc. etc.  from the living beings. 

‘Mun’  by nature, keeps accumulating karmas and resultantly the soul remains entrapped in changing one yoni after the other and this cycle goes on unabated. 

Satguru ,  in his satsang, often says  –  KARM JO TOON KAREGA USIKO BHOGNA BHARNA. 

How to break the hudoo of birth-death-birth ?

NAAM BHAKTI

In human form only,  Naam given by time’s Satguru enables a human being to break the cycle of life-death-life by doing daily meditation.  

The soul then merges back to its origin i.e.  God wherefrom it descended to this creation. 

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By Sunil Sarpal

In this article, I like to dwell upon ways and means thru which this human body is turned into a Temple of Living God.

Bulleh Shah, a sufi faqir, when interested in realising God, he went to his Satguru who was working in his farms. Bulle Shah asked his Satguru “How to realise God” ? His Satguru Inayat Shah gave him a very simple example – ATHON PUT KE TE OTHEY LANA.

This means that you switch your ‘mun’ from this world to within for God realisation.

In this yug which is called KALYUG, it is Naam Bhakti which can lead you from a simple mortal to a ‘Temple of Living God’.

Doing daily meditation of Naam can first cleanse your ‘mun’ and then pour ‘nectar’ in his frame. In this case, nectar means – shabd dhun. By doing daily meditation and listening to shabd dhun will guide you from being an imperfect human being to a perfection personified.

A perfect ‘mun’ has in it to turn a man to a Temple of Living God.

That is why it is said in satsang – Harimandir Aye sharir hai.

Only a human being is entitled to enter into the gates of heaven.

‘Naam Bhakti’ cleanse the heart from the filth he carries from ages.

‘Mun’ by nature, is slave to sense pleasure.

Listening to ‘shabd dhun’ leaves a lasting impact on the ‘mun’ to get rid of all impurities of mind and embrace good qualities of life. When the heart becomes pure then his persona becomes a ‘Temple of Living God’.

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