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Volume 1

A Family-Magazine from SevA dArShAn KuwAit

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Issue 10

15th January, 2012

Sopanam - January 2012

For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150 Sevadarshan@gmail.com

Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)

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2 Sopanam - January 2012

Editorial
A new year has begun all over the world with the English calendar of 2012. For the Indian community also a new beginning has started with the Makara Sankranthi. With the sun travelling from Dakshinayanam to Uttarayanam, it is the transmission from Dhanu to Makaram rasi. It is widely considered as the best time to embark on good things and new thoughts. It is time for us to start good karmas that will benefit the society and the entire universe. It is the best time to make new positive resolves that will help solve our personal problems and issues in national life. Currently the Nation is facing the impact of the global economic crisis that seems to be spearheading many issues in the national circuit bringing about negative vibes in the society. Makara Sankranthi would be a good time for us introspect on these issues, acquire more knowledge with a good understanding of what is good for our nation and in turn do good for its society. We are faced today with confusion with our own spiritual intellects questioning the very basis of our philosophical thoughts and openly talk against them in the name of freedom of expression and freedom of thoughts. While we must understand that our culture has given us the freedom to express and debate on anything and everything, we must learn from our Rishis how to do it without breaking the national unity and peace that exists at all times. As we celebrate the approaching of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda , our nation needs to study Swamijis message and understand what he stood for. He is the role model for our Nation and the philosophy he gave us will guide the whole world. The world today looks at Bharath, as always, to provide the philosophical thoughts based on Dharma as a solution to the crisis they face on many fronts. Spreading this message should become the aim of every Indian. And this can be spread through our good conduct and service for the unity and upliftment of the world society (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) Swamijis clarion call of Uthishtatha Jagratha is the message we need to take to heart and move forward in our daily life. It will serve as the much needed furl to drive us through any crisis with a sane and calm mind. On this Makara Sankranthi, lets take a pledge to take forward Swamijis work of man making with a selfless attitude to attain spiritual and material wealth while serving humanity. In the process we will be fulfilling the dream of many great souls like him who taught, fought and died for our Nation. Lets realize their dreams for our Motherland.
3

editorial Board

Krishna Kumar Paliath Manoj Nair Vibheesh Tikkodi Redhish Chandran Gayatri Raveendran

data Management

Ajaykumar Anjaneyam Rajarajan Ganesan Anandharaj Konni Rani B. Basker Sindhu Sanjith Reshmy Krishna Kumar Aneesh Kumar. U Ajith Kumar. S Suresh Varickolil Roopesh R. Souparnika Reshmi Sudheer

Creative & design

Sreenivasan C.P. Sunil Pookode Vinaya Babu. C.K. Viswajith .M.K. Prejith

For Comments, Submissions & Subscriptions please write to

email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
Sopanam - January 2012

Spiritualism

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Sopanam - January 2012

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Cultural

A Tribute to our Reformers

As India is on-course of celebrating its 63rd Republic Day, it will be apt to ask ourselves a question. Do we know those leaders who tried their best for a free India and to have a constitution of our own? The answer will be yes with an adjective a little, thanks to our educational syllabus which give an overview of the glorified Indian freedom movement. But what if the question is, whether we know those eminences that were a constant driving force for the betterment of our society and mankind right from the beginning, as a guiding light for the promising youth? Sure, we will take minute to answer. If we think about such personalities who uplifted our mental power, where shall we start? Ramayana and Mahabharata are certainly two great epics of Indian culture. Apart from the story narrated, it has a message to mankind. Through the teachings of Rama and Krishna it enlightens the whole human race with its divinity and charm. Rama was the embodiment of ones duties. Krishna showed us to love our fellow beings. The continuing smile on his face itself teaches us to face the world, good or bad, with same emotion. At the war front he enlightens Arjuna with his words. Doing our duties without the expectation of any return would be the best guideline for a peaceful life. By means of Gitopadesha, he is in fact putting forward the most powerful doctrine for our better life and an attempt to enlighten the whole human race. As time moved on, Indian culture witnessed many eminences who in the course of their lives and teachings tried their best to elevate the society. The redefinition of Indian life comprise of social, cultural, and spiritual aspects which are very much closely interlinked. Medevial Indian history
6

reshmy Krishna Kumar

marked the complete renaissance in religious backdrop. Bhakthi movement contributed lot to the society with a galaxy of social reformers led by great Indian thinker and philosopher Sri Sankaracharya during 8th century. The spiritual restructuring continued during the later centuries with great poets and philosophers like Kabirdas, Surdas, Mirabhai, Chaithnya Mahaprabhu, Tulsidas, Acharya Ramanuja, Guru Nanak, and the list go on. Through their thought provoking verses they could bring a new life to the religious thought process of common man. All stood for the unity in almighty and was against the formalism and ritualism. In its journey from medieval to modern phase of history, thought processes found its way against all the anti social practices that existed in our society. A complete renunciation would be possible only with the eradication of such practices. Mankind as the best creation of God should have the purity in thought which decides his deeds. All the reformers from time to time came up with their vision for uplifting society to this level of purity, harmony of intellect and emotion. A call for social justice and religious reformation ended up with the formation of Brahma Samaj by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. It was he who abolished the practice of Sati from Indian culture. Later Swami Dayananda Saraswathi came up with Arya Samaj, which clearly condemns caste system, animal sacrifice, child marriage and reject all such superstitions prevailed. He told the society that Vedas do not mention about any of these anti social practices and they were misled by the interpreters. His sermons and writings were so inspiring that India aspired for Swarajya,
Sopanam - January 2012

kmwkvImcnIw
Cultural
the self governance for the first time. He stood for universal equality. Another blessed pair to be mentioned in the path of modern renaissance is Sri RamaKrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. Sri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa was not a preacher of nationalism, but indirectly his spiritual teaching supported his precedors with its rejection of caste system and religious bias. Swami Vivekananda was his disciple and strong youth who believed in the immense inner power of human. He was the one to introduce Vedanta and Yoga to the western culture. He later formed Ramakrishna Mission. It will be unfair if we dont mention the name of Virchand Gandhi at this point. He shared the platform with Swami Vivekananda at world parliament of religions at Chicago introducing Jainism and importance of non-violence. Both died at younger age leaving behind a strong impression on the mind set of youth. A political reawakening had become a necessity of the period. Mother India is blessed with her children who are genius and capable of supporting and protecting their brothers and sisters who suffer. Patriots like Gokhale and Lokamanya Tilak initiated new trail in politics, education, power of media, nation and institutional build up and ideology which drew the national rebirth in a new direction. They advocated liberalism and parliamentary democracy and Gokhale showed us the potency of transparency in motivation, patriotism and speech as he participated in executive and legislative bodies. Rabindra Nath Tagore gave new visuals to Indian renaissance through his creativity. A true humanitarian, it was he who told us We can never have a true view of man unless we have a love for him. How can a common man who is to be boosted up in life heed to the sermonized thoughts and doctrines if he is striving hard even without a shelter to live? One among our genius who stood for common man, who cared
Sopanam - January 2012

for the major basic need of human was Vinoba Bhave. His land donation movement provided thousands of poor, land for making houses and living, which are donated by rich Indians. As an eminent scholar, thinker and writer he made attempts to translate Sanskrit texts and make it accessible to the common man. A man who would prefer India to be perished rather than that her winning freedom at the sacrifice of truth father of our nation, Gandhiji. He never sacrificed his principles to gain a political advantage. Apart from the role of a freedom fighter, Gandhiji was a true reformer who by means of his practice rather than mere preaches influenced many in their thoughts and deeds. His silent nurturing of people like Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru, C. Rajgopalachari, leader-lieutenants like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and poets like Sarojini Naidu provided free India with proficient leaders all over to take over the self governance. Apart the medieval phase which believed in spirituality, there exist modern scientists who gave scientific explanation to many of the existed superstitions professed by the physical senses and the intellect. The list of those who made every effort in self-finding and self-exceeding of Indian society keep on. Dr. S. Radha Krishnan, Maulana Azad, Dr. Zakir Hussaim, J.C. Bose and C.V. Raman; leaders like-Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Metha, and C.R. Das who promoted scientific humanism. This is the perfect point to remind ourselves the words of Swami Vivekananda. We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary, thoughts live and they travel far. History has proved that the thoughts of our genius has travelled so far, blessed our new generation with their achievements. Let the dormant fuel in us get ignited with these sparks for a better future.
7

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Sopanam - January 2012

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Views Views

The chosen people of Bharat

J .nandakumar Where does Bharat ( not the modern day India ) exist today? Where has it been erased? When did regions like Gandhara (Kandahar) cease to be a part of our nation? What was which was lost for it to be an alien land? The Sindhu, where the Vedas was born, today is the source of the greatest hatred towards India. Where are the places where there is an emotion of separatism? All these areas which have become geographically or emotionally alien are areas where people who lived the Indian civilisation have become a minority. The modern day intellectuals would not agree to the fact that when the spirit of nationalism becomes weak, the nation becomes weak. This is what the History of our land teaches us? These intellectuals label these nationalist feelings as communalism to escape the debate. These false feelings have created an atmosphere of public discontent in our nation today. They dont provide factual clarity to the thoughts they speak of. Ancient thinkers have told us that when there is confusion of thought, it is best to go back to the fundamentals. The fundamentals are represented by authentic scriptures, personalities, and fundamental facts all these can be the basis of fundamental thought. There are many intellectuals who have through their research understood the core of our national identity and have explained to it to us without a shred of doubt. Swami Vivekananda is the most important among these intellectuals. The basic document designed by Swamiji that brings out the aims and action plans of the Sri Ramakrishna Mutt established by Swami Vivekananda himself, is quite relevant given the circumstances. In this document, Swamiji is explaining not just the action plan for the ashram, but also his life mission and that of his Guru. This is seen as the matter in the first paragraph of the by law. The aim of
Sopanam - January 2012

the Matom is to guide a person towards performing good deeds and to ultimately lead to his spiritual emancipation. In the 20th chapter it is also said Only through religion can any idea be made acceptable in India. Therefore issues like economics, education and social development should be put forward using the medium of religion. Swamijis life also points out to the religion he was referring to. In Chicago he had clearly said that my religion is the mother of all religions which has shown respect to all faiths and views all other religions in the same perspective. He also proclaimed that the only way by which we could solve all our problems was through the instrument of the culture of the Indus valley. In the part Action plan for India he describes the condition of the Indian society in the context of Indian history. He also explains why it is unavoidable to protect the Hindu race and religion. According to historical documents there were 60 crore Indians following the Hindu faith when the invaders entered the country. But today the number of this religion in this country has been reduced to 20 crores. Swamiji had also a clear view about how the Indian civilisation should be protected.. In the bylaw of the Matom it is written thus The epitome of kindness Sri Ramakrishana was incarnated for the protection of the India civilisation race and its religion. Swamiji has repeated in many occasions that the greatest threat to the nation was the change in the culture and the disgrace to the heritage of its population through a process of genocide and forced conversion. The Yogi who understood the truth without any bias has placed before us the truth which he understood. Swamiji says that our urgent task is to establish a strong front against religious conversions and to keep them united with firm cultural foundations. The history of this nation will always be related to the rich culture and heritage that was always related to the descendants of the Indus civilisation.

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Sopanam - January 2012

hmI
News

Vivekananda Jayanti Celebrations

On the ocassion of Swami Vivekanandas 150th birth anniversary, Vichar Bharati will be holding a seminar on Swami Vivekananda, His Philosophy and Vision which became the eye opener for millions across the world. Swamijis unique message still remains as an unopened gift to mankind and Vichar Bharati aims to enlighten its members and well wishers with the message of this great soul. We invite you all on January 20th, 2012 at the Indian Central School, Abbasiya to listen to the message and to take the pledge to follow the footsteps of this great man in realizing his dream of a Strong India.

The speakers of the occasion:

Sri. Suresh. V. Balakrishnan (H.O.D, English Department, Bharatheeya Vidhya Bhavan) Swami Vivekananda and Man Making
wait Times) The role Swami Vivekananda in propagating Indian Culture and Heritage.

Sri. Sajeev. K. Peter (Business Editor, KuDr. Srikumar. T. S (Scientific Consultant,

Kuwait Foundation For The Advancement of Science) Swami Vivekananda, the Patriot and the Voice of India

Sr. Krishnarao Sarkar (Planning Engineer, KNPC) Swami Vivekananda The Role model of the Youth
Al Julaih Petroleum Company) Spiritual Perceptiveness of Swami Vivekananda We request you to be at the venue with your family at 0530PM.

Sri. Satyanarayanan (Electrical Supervisor,

Seva Darshan Adhyathimika Samathi, Abbasiya Ayyappa Pooja Celebrations

Sopanam - January 2012

11

`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan

Subhash Chandra Bose.

Give me blood and I shall give you freedom
I demand of you blood. It is blood alone that can avenge the blood that the enemy has spilt. It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom. The inspiring words are from Subhash Chandra Bose the unforgotten hero of our freedom struggle. Hhistory writers did injustice to this great freedom fighter. January 23rd is his 115th Birth Anniversary. Subhash Chandra Bose was born into a Bengali family in 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa. His father Janaki Nath Bose was a famous lawyer and received the title of "Rai Bahadur". He later became a member of the Bengal Legislative Council. His mothers name was Prabhavati Devi. Subhash was strongly influenced by Swami Vivekananda's teachings and was known for his patriotic thoughts as a student. He also adored Vivekananda as his spiritual Guru. He passed his B.A. in Philosophy from the Presidency College in Calcutta. After that, to fulfill his parents wishes he went to England in 1919 to compete for Indian Civil Services. In England he appeared for the Indian Civil Service competitive examination in 1920, and came out fourth in order of merit. However, Subhash Chandra Bose was deeply disturbed by the Jalianwalla Bagh Massacre, and left his Civil Services apprenticeship midway to return to India in 1921. After returning to India, Bose came under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Indian National Congress. In December 1921, he was arrested and imprisoned for organizing a boycott of the celebrations to mark the Prince of Wales's visit to India. Bose advocated complete unconditional independence for India, whereas the All India Congress Committee wanted it in phases, through Dominion status. Finally at the historic Lahore Congress convention, the Congress adopted Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as its motto Subhas Chandra Bose was jailed during Civil Disobedience movement in 1930. He was released in 1931 after Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed. He protested against the Gandhi-Irwin pact and opposed the suspension of Civil Disobedience movement especially when Bhagat Singh and his associates were hanged. Subhash Chandra Bose started a mass movement against utilizing Indian resources and men for Second World War. There was a tremendous response to his call and he was put under house arrest in Calcutta. In January 1941, Subhas Chandra Bose disappeared from his home
12

Suresh Sivadasan

in Calcutta and reached Germany via Afghanistan. Working on the maxim that "an enemy's enemy is a friend", he sought cooperation of Germany and Japan against British Empire. In January 1942, he began his regular broadcasts from Radio Berlin, which aroused tremendous enthusiasm in India. In July 1943, he arrived in Singapore from Germany. In Singapore he took over the reins of the Indian Independence Movement in East Asia from Rash Behari Bose and organised the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) comprising mainly of Indian prisoners of war. He was hailed as Netaji by the Army as well as by the Indian civilian population in East Asia. Azad Hind Fauj proceeded towards India to liberate it from British rule. Enroute it liberated Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The I.N.A. Head quarters was shifted to Rangoon in January 1944. Azad Hind Fauj crossed the Burma Border, and stood on Indian soil on March 18, 1944. However, defeat of Japan and Germany in the Second World War forced INA to retreat and it could not achieve its objective. Till now there are no clear cut evidences of Netajis death. May be our mainstream leaders dont having much interest in these things. Bose was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award in 1992, but it was later withdrawn in response to a Supreme Court directive following a Public Interest Litigation filed in the Court against the "posthumous" nature of the award. The Award Committee could not give conclusive evidence on Bose's death and thus the "posthumous" award was invalidated. No headway was made on this issue however. Let us salute this herowho did not get his just due from history.
Sopanam - January 2012

`mcX Zi\w hoWw BtcmKrw Bharath

Views Dharshan

Kanyakumari and Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Sindhu Sanjith
Kanyakumari , the southernmost tip of peninsular India is a land of pristine beauty. It is the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari is famous for its beautiful beaches, historical monuments and attracts tourists from every part of the world. People gather on the beaches to watch and enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. It is indeed a visual treat. Kanyakumari gets its name from Goddess Kanyakumari Amman who is the popular deity of the area. It is believed Goddess Parvati in one of her incarnations as Devi Kanniya did penance on one of the rocks of this land's end to marry Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess. Kanyakumari is a center for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage. It is also popular for its vast stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves and mineral sands. There are many tourist attractions in Kanyakumari which are of historical importance. To name a few: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thanumalayan temple Sthanumalayan Kovil, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Bhagavathi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial, Sitharal Jain Monuments. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a sacred monument at Vavathurai. It stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland of Vavathurai. This rock is considered as a sacred place and is known as Sripada Parai as it has been blessed by the touch of the sacred feet of the Devi Kumari. On the rock is a projection similar in form to a human foot and has a brownish complexion, and is venerated as a symbol of Shripadam. In December 1982, Swami Vivekananda had swam to the rock and meditated about the past, present and the future of India prior to his departure to Chicago to participate in World Religious Conference in 1893. The memorial was constructed in 1970 to honor the visit of the great spiritual leader, reformer and philosopher Swami Vivekananda. A meditation hall Dhanya Mandapam , a temple architecture with a statue of Swamiji is attached to the memorial for meditation. The memorial consists of two main structures, the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. The sangamam of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean can be seen from the rocks. The construction of the memorial had been through various political and religious controversial issues. Shri Eknath Ranade pioneered the construction and establishment of the Swamijis memorial. It was his dedication with the support of Sri Ramakrishna Math and the likeminded people that such a challenging task was accomplished. He had approached every State government to fund for the national monument. He also requested for minimum donation from common citizen. A huge rock memorial of the size (1301 x 56) which was approved by Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham came into existence in 1970. In the meantime he was also doing the ground work for the second phase of the memorial, i.e. establishment of Vivekananda Kendra a Living Memorial alongside the rock memorial. Vivekananda Memorial, a spiritually oriented service mission was officially founded on 7 January 1972. On that day, a saffron flag with Om inscribed on it was unfurled at the sunrise. Since then, everyday, at sunrise the saffron flag with Om is hoisted on the Rock Memorial and lowered at sunset. Vivekanada Kendra is an organization consisting of many youngsters who have dedicated themselves for the cause of selfless service to mankind. They serve the poor and the needy and also spread the teachings of Swamiji. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is worth a visit and indeed one of the prime attractions of Kanyakumari.

Sopanam - January 2012

13

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Bharath Dharshan

Kerala Varma Veera Pazhassi Raja

dr. Sindu Sudheesh

Nair landlords, the Tiyas ,the Kurichiyas and Kurumba tribals in his fight against the British. His army included people of different communities and tribes in his battles against the British. After an unsuccessful attempt by the British to assassinate him at his own palace, Pazhassi Raja fled to the Wayanad forests and became a wanderer in the jungles accompanied by his wife and immediate attendants. He formed a guerrilla army to face the British. After successfully leading many battles, Pazhassi Raja was gunned downed in November 1805. A King of the masses, a great man known for the valour and, courage,he defied the Mysore Army for 20 years and the British for 10 years, only to get killed in the battlefield like a true hero! a King , who gave up his life for fighting the mighty British for their rights,dignity and freedom.The greatest tribute to Pazhassi Raja's military genius is the fact that Lord Welleselys experience in war with Pazhassi enabled him to use Raja's tactics in Spain to defeat Napoleon's army. With the death of Pazhassi Raja, the resistance movement in North Kerala came to an end. Pazhassi Raja Kerala Varma was a ruler who was exceptionally brave and patriotic- a great man and a valiant ruler. The life of Pazhassi Raja symbolises one of true nationalism.

Veera Pazhassi Kerala Varma Raja, the King of Kottayam in the erstwhile Malabar Province, now in Kerala was undoubtedly the first Indian ruler to wage a war against the imperial British domination. Also known as the Lion King of Kerala he is remembered in the history of Kerala as a brave Warrior King who led battles against the Mysore army and the East India Company's army- which had much more power and ammunition and as a Royal Rebel as well as a folk hero because he is the epitome of courage and bravery. People worship him for his fearlessness,courage and valor.Veera Pazhassi was a general who led from the front and lived a life of an ordinary soldier.He always stood by his people, even when all the others of the royal family fled. In the beginning, he feigned friendship with the British civil and military officers in a tactical way and fought against the invader Tipu along with them. Later,when the British ignored their ally and started collecting tax unilaterally from the people of his country, the Raja could not remain silent and he revolted. He was able to get support from all divisions of people including the
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Sopanam - January 2012

`mcX Zi\w BtcmKrw Bharath

Dharshan

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Bharath Dharshan

Guru Gobind Singh

r. Sundara raman

took birth to uphold Dharma. He was also an excellent archer. Guru Gobind Singh had the fortitude and indomitable spirit to accept the cruel blows of fate. He was never the one to sulk and brood, rather each of those blows made him even more determined to lead the masses on the right path. He made lions out of yogis. The Guru was a social reformer par excellence who instilled in the society the spirit of courage, oneness and harmony. He had a holistic vision of Bharat and his mission was totally inclusive serving as a beacon light in the midst of internecine rivalries that were tearing apart the social fabric of the country in those times. The composition of the Panch-Pyare or the five heroes of the Khalsa panth who were anointed on Baisakhi day in the year 1699, bears testimony to the Gurus thinking. The Panch-Pyare were drawn from the present day Karnataka, Orissa, Gujarat, Delhi and Punjab. Guru Gobind Singhs life was one of all-round greatness He was a spiritual leader, a warrior, a martyr to the cause of Dharma, social reformer and a national rejuvenator. The inspiring and motivational legacy left behind by the Guru can be summarized by the glorifying words of admiration by Swami Vivekananda who advised all Indians to be a Gobind Singh if they wanted to do good to our country. Swami Vivekananda told our country-men, Despite seeing thousands of defects in our countrymen, they are the first Gods to be worshipped, even if they do everything to hurt you; even if every one of them sends out a curse to you, you send out to them words of love. If they drive you out, retire to die in silence like that mighty lion, Gobind Singh. Swamiji added that such an ideal ought to be before oneself always.

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, was born in Patna in December, 1666. Gobind Rai, as he was called in his childhood, became the tenth Guru in very difficult circumstances upon the untimely death of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur who was the previous and the ninth Guru. Guru Gobind Singh was the last of the Gurus in the tradition that was started by the holy and revered saint, Guru Nanak. The young Gobind Rai embarked upon his life-mission with a fiery note of idealism. As a child, he had imbibed the best of virtues from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He was inspired with the heroic examples of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna and bore a deep conviction that he too was born to protect Dharma. He thus began preparing himself for performing that historic role. Guru Gobind Singh was adept in Punjabi, Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit. He was a patron of good literature and was a great poet himself. His forte was martial poetry. He wrote in his auto-biographical poem that he
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`mcX Zi\w
Bharath Dharshan

The Kundara Vilambaram

( Kundra Proclamation )
Krishna Kumar Paliath
The British who by then had control of most of India started raising their voice against Velu Thampi who refused to give in to their demands of higher taxes. Small clashes began happening arond the state between the British and the King's forces. Since the King's army could not stand up to the British Velu Thampi took into confidence Paliath Achan Govinda Menon of Cochin and Samoothiri of Calicut. Velu Thampi camped at Kundra and declared open war against the British forces.He declared the presence of the British in Kerala as detrimental to the self pride and culture of the people of the state.They were defeated in the war and during the end of the war he was surrounded by the Maharajah's forces in a temple in Mannadi. When his brother refused to execute him, he killed himself. The British hanged his body in Tiruvananthapuram. The ruling dynasty maintained a silence. Unfortunately, the glaring landmark of history was set 38 years ahead of sepoy revolution. The country was not ready for such a war against the British. The armies were too ill equipped and people were afraid to raise their voices against their own Kings lest the invaders. Velu Thampi Dalawa is still remembered in Kerala for his heroism. He is considered to be one among the earliest rulers to fight against the British Empire. The Kundara Vilambaram is said to be one of the greatest episode in Kerala history, which marks the beginning of massive attack against the British Empire. This Kundara Proclamation in 1809 is considered as the first war for independence against the British, much before the First War of Indian Independence which happened in 1857. It will be the first proclamation by the natives of our country against the foreign reign and it helped spark many rebellions afterwards which led to the freedom of the country.

Even before the historically recorded 1857 rebellion against the British or the First War of Independence, a clarion call was given down in the southern Kingdom of Travancore by Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi, the Dalawa or Prime Minister, to rise up and revolt against the British colonization. The proclomation known as the Kundra Vilambaram spoke of the actions of the British resident which infringed on the freedom of the people of Travancore. The proclamation led to many princely states joining the fight against the British. Unfortunately, the British were able to defeat many of the rebellions. Some of the states surrendered for the fear of losing their kingdoms, Of the many heroes of Kerala's history, Velu Thampi Dalawa stands out for his fierce patriotism and for the sacrifice for his ideals and his people. During his time the King Sri Balarama Varma was a weak King. The affairs of the State was managed by his diwan Sri Sankaran Nampoothiri, who over burdened the people with heavy taxes and with his misrule. Velu Thampi managed to convince the King that the people were on his side and had the Diwan exiled. He even publicly whipped the Diwan's men for their atrocities. Velu Thampi became the Finance and Commerce minister of Travancore for about eight years. During this time, he changed the status of the Kingdom to one of prosperity.
Sopanam - January 2012

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BtcmKrw
Health

Essential Nature of the True Being

dr. Maya Gopinath

According to Shankaracharya, Asti (That which exists or Existence), Bhati (that which shines, shining consciousness or chit), Priyam(ananda, Bliss), Nama(name) and Rupam(form) are the five universal characteristics of which the first three refer to Brahma and the other two Nama and refer to universe. Rupa phenomenal

forms by means We perceivenamesand of vrithis of anthakarana (anthahkarana includes manas, chitta, budhi and ahankara) : :
Kha vayvagnijalorvisu devatiryanaradishu Abhinna sachidananda bhidyathe namarupani

Pure Existence, Pure Consciousness, Pure Bliss are common not only to ether, air, fire, water and earth ; but also to humans, animals, plants and beings-only the names and forms render one thing different from other. Brahma, as active principle is present in every part of manifest dimension, in the smallest subatomic particle as in the sun. It is the sun that penetrates, heats and give life to everything in this planet, but at the same time it is outside the phenomenal interplay of earthly life. Manifestation has three states. Gross state - the totality of living beings having a name and form. Scientists all around the world are constantly engaged in observing phenomena of Nature and are trying to find out the exact cause of all that take place in Nature. Astronomers with their powerful telescopes matches the heavenly map and studies the stars and planets carefully. The reflective philosopher sits in his contemplative mood and tries to find out the exact cause of worldly miseries and pain. The Universal law of cause and effect is quite mysterious for them. According to ancient sages of India, Beyond every formal structural modification beyond all ego-formquality, the substratum that is pure Existence (Sat) lives eternally. The life Substratum, that never undergoes change is Sat, the mode through which Sat manifests itself is Chit, the intrinsic vibration that permeates Sat and Chit is Ananda, absolute fulfillment Bliss Subtle state- cosmic mental state from which the gross evolves. There is no manifested form at any level or in any state that does not possess a portion of the cosmic mind. Causal state-this contains within itself virtually all the infinite expressions of universal life. Here everything is at potential state. It corresponds to pranja. All phenomena of nature are governed by one important law, law of causation or law of karma. From the vibration of an electron to the revolution of a mighty planet, from the telegraphic messages to the telepathic communication of a yogi in the thought world, every event is the effect of an invisible force that works in harmony with the law of cause and effect. If we take an individual life as an isolated event we cannot find any correct explanation or answer for affairs of life. Attraction, repulsion, breathing, talking, walking, feeling, thinking, eating , seeing, hearing, all actions of mind, body and senses come under karma. In nature everything manifests, exists, balances, compensates, replenish, refreshes, regenerates and go through the eternal circle of life according to the true will of Existence.
Sopanam - January 2012

Asti bhati priyam rupam nama cetyam sapanchakam

brahmarupam Adyatrayam jagadrupam tatodvayam

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Sopanam - January 2012

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Mathru Dharshan

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Sopanam - January 2012

Story
nishant Abhishek A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him.When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaisejar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter. Hethen asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. Sothe professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. Heshook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areasbetween the rocks.Hethen asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.Theprofessor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, thesand filled up everything else. Hethen asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with aunanimous Yes. Now,said the professor, I want you to recognize that this jar represents yourlife. The rocks are

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Just Sand

the important things your family, your partner, yourhealth, your children things that if everything else was lost and only theyremained, your life would still be full. The pebbles arethe other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. Thesand is everything else. The small stuff. Ifyou put the sand into the jar first, he continued there is no room for thepebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. Ifyou spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have roomfor the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that arecritical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner outdancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give adinner party and fix the disposal.Take care of therocks first the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest isjust sand.

Sopanam - January 2012

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Story SOAR BEYOND YOUR FEARS...

Gayatri ravindran Once there was a king who received a gift of two magnificent falcons from Arabia. They were peregrine falcons, the most beautiful birds he had ever seen. He gave the precious birds to his head falconer to be trained. Months passed and one day the head falconer informed the king that though one of the falcons was flying majestically, soaring high in the sky, the other bird had not moved from its branch since the day it had arrived. The king summoned healers and sorcerers from all the land to tend to the falcon, but no one could make the bird fly. He presented the task to the members of his court, but the next day, the king saw through the palace window that the bird had still not moved from its perch. Having tried everything else, the king thought to himself, "May be I need someone more familiar with the countryside to understand the nature of this problem." So he cried out to his court, "Go and get a farmer." In the morning, the king was thrilled to see the falcon soaring high above the palace gardens. He said to his court, "Bring me the person who performed this miracle." The court quickly located the farmer, who came and stood before the king. The king asked did you make the him, falcon "How fly?"

IY

With his head bowed, the farmer said to the king, " It was very easy, your highness. I simply cut the branch where the bird was sitting." We are all made to fly -- to realize our incredible potential as human beings. But instead of doing that, we sit on our branches, clinging to the things that are familiar to us. The possibilities are endless, but for most of us, they remain undiscovered. We conform to the familiar, the comfortable, the mundane. So for the most part, our lives are mediocre instead of exciting, thrilling and fulfilling. So let us learn to destroy the branch of fear we cling t o and free ourselves to the glory of flight.
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Bala Lokam

_metemIw

Panchatanthra Stories

Shweta Bharghavi

Do you know what are Panchatanthra stories and why are they so famous? Well, King Amarashakti was the ruler of Mahilaropya Kingdom. He had 3 sons, namely Bahushakti, Ugrashakti and Anantashakti. The king had a deep worry. All the three princes were fools. One day the king called all his ministers and courtiers for consultation. One minister suggested to appoint Acharya Vishnusharma as the official instructor for the princes. Vishnusharma was known to be a genius in all the shastras and the theory of politics and diplomacy. Acting on the suggestion, the king requested Acharya Vishnusharma to accept the three princess as his students and teach them the ways of the world. Vishnusharma, however, realised that it was more difficult than he had thought to teach his new students through conventional means. Therefore he decided
Sopanam - January 2012

to pass on wisdom to them in the form of stories. This collection, that has become famous over centuries, is called Panchatantra. Pancha means five and tantra means strategies or principles. After listening and working on these stories, all the three princes became completely educated in politics and became able administrators. Panchatantra, published in Sanskrit, in India, is perhaps the oldest of the children's stories written over 2,500 years ago. The author, Vishnu Sharma, used animal characters to convey certain morals.The collection of stories in Panchatantra are a real guide for parents to help them in raising their children and teaching them the moral values in human life. Here we present few selected stories from Panchatantra. Every story is accompanied by a moral.
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