Spiritual Tour of Maharashtra, Ashtavinayak Yatra Feb 2013

This was my first spiritual tour of rural Maharashtra (Raigad , Pune & Ahmednagar district). Amazing and meaningful time spent with family and also learning more about our pilgrimage and people in rural area. 

We started early morning on 18^th Feb from Mira Road, Mumbai and First place of our visit was MAHAD (Varad Vinayak); Second place we visited was PALI (Ballaleshwar); Third was Lenyadri (Girijatma) on the hill, nearly 300 steps; Fourth was Ozar (Vigneshwar). We had overnight halt at Ozar very good Accommodation at Temple Guest house no. 4, good rooms with attached toilet. 

Next day on 19^th we again started early in morning and Visited RANJANGAON (Mahaganapati), then Sidhatek (Siddhi-Vinayak), then to Morgaon (Mayureshwar) and last at THEUR (Chintamani). We took night halt at Theur at Balaji Bhakta Niwas, good and reasonable accommodation. 

Mostly Ashtavinayaka Tour is a three days & two night visit, but we completed all eight temples in two days, though it was hectic travel. 

Ashtavinayaka literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Ganesha is the Hindu deity of obstacles, unity, prosperity and learning. The term refers to eight Ganeshas. Ashtavinayaka yatra refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra state of India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesha, in a pre-ascertained sequence.

The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight ancient holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the murtis in each temple. The form of each murti of Ganesha and His trunk are distinct from one another. However, there are other temples of eight Ganesha in various other parts of Maharashtra; the ones around Pune are better known than the former.

Read in Detail: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtavinayaka

On last day i.e. 20^th we started little late in morning at 8am and first visited Ramdara Temple near Loni, its is an old temple with idols of many deities. The main shrine is that of Shiva, but the statue is famous for the idols of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Next to the temple is also an ashram of Shri Devipuri Maharaj also known as Dhundi baba. The temple also has am impressive Nandi. There is a small beautiful pond next to the temple. The location of the temple along with the abundance of trees in the vicinity makes this place very calm and beautiful.  Second we visited Shree Datta Mandir at Narayanpur, its only Ek Mukhi (signle head) temple of Lord Dattatray in India. Narayanpur is a famous place in Pune region.Narayanpur is famous for their Lord Ek Mukhi Datta.Usually lord Datta has 3 faces but in Narayanpur there is Ek Mukhi Datta.The statue of Lord Ek Mukhi Datta is very beautiful.The idol of Lord Dattatreya here in the sanctum is different from the idols that we see otherwise.You can also see the Padukas i.e. footwear of Lord Datta here. These were placed in the sanctum by Lord Datta himself before he left for Samadhi.Many devotees comes to Narayanpur on the eve of Guruvar and Pournima.The number goes in lacs on the occasion of Datta Jayanti.  

Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayanpur,_Pune 

We also visited Ancient and beautiful Shiva Temple right next to the Datta temple known as Narayaneshwar Temple. The stone carvings inside the temple, the carved out ropes on the pillars remind you of the Kamakya Temple of Guwahati. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum is below the floor level which is the case in many Shiva Temples in India. The gabhara has gupta (hidden) Shiva-linga. Above it, there is golden shiva-linga gifted to the temple by Shivaji Maharaj’s mother Jijabai.  The burning lamp beside the Shiva Linga is the only source of light in the sanctum. 

Our Last visit of the Tour was Balaji Temple, Narayanpur. Balaji temple is replica of actual Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala. The stone sculpture of the original Tirumala Tirupati temple has been mimicked in wood and painted in grey oil-paint here. The temple is an initiative by the Lord Venkateshwara Charitable and Religious Trust, a trust set up by the Venkateshwara Hatcheries corporate group. The standing idol of Balaji is royal and awesome. If you visit quite early in the morning, you can see idol of Balaji in a matter of minutes whereas on a weekend or in the later half of the day, you have to wait for hours in a long queue. Surrounding area around main temple has small temples of deities like Krishna, Mahalakshmi, and Padmawati etc. The temple is very well maintained and also provides living rooms and kitchen facilities for visiting devotees. We had our Lunch at Free Mahaprasadam, very tasty rice meal. Every one here gets Big Ladoo as prasad.

This Three days tour was wonderful, enriching and memorable; we reached home on 20^th Feb late evening. Full of energy and peace to take on ongoing life.

For me it was recharging tour, away from maddening crowd and never ending work.

A well spend time with family and travel is good once in six months for life long happiness.  

Looking forward for more chance to explore my India ........  Sailesh Mishra 

 


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

'Women...in my life' : A tribute for World Women's Day

I was born,
a woman was there to hold me.......... my mother

I grew as a child......
a woman was there to care for me.......to play with me.......... ..my sister

I went to school.....
a woman was there to help me learn....... ....my teacher

I went wrong in college
a women was there to help me to correct............my girl friend

I became depress, whenever I lost
a woman was there to offer a shoulder ............ my wife

I became tough......
a woman was there to melt me.......... ..my daughter

I started my own venture...... 
a women was there who believed & supported me ........my friend & colleague

When I will die
a woman will be there to absorb me in.......... ...my motherland



Salute to all the Women's, without you this world would have been hell.



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Office Furnitures Required for Senior Citizens center near Mumbai

Dear Friends,

It our pleasure to inform you that we at Silver Inning Foundation are in process to start Center for Senior Citizens, created for inclusion of those isolated and lonely Elderly to a relatively healthy, and independent Elderly Community and to make them feel needed, dignified and self worthy .

Silver Inning Foundation Senior Citizens Center will start tentatively in next 15 day in western suburb of Mumbai at Mira Road.

For this purpose we need new / second hand (good condition) following items:
1) Two full size godrej type storewell cupboard for storing files and documents
2) Twenty Nilkamal type plastic chair with arm rest
3) Two Computers in good working condition for computer training
4) Two computer tables
5) Two Library racks to store books -upto 6 feet height
6) Library books - Hindi ,Marathi, Gujarati , English
7) One Water Filter
8) One music system

9) One projector

Donation in Kind and Material are welcome.Let us know in which way you can support.

We request your support for the cause of our Elderly.

Thks.

Warm Regards,
Sailesh Mishra
Founder President - Silver Inning Foundation
sailesh2000@gmail.com
www.silverinnings.com

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Lets STOP corruption and hatred

I thought younger generation will infuse energy to STOP the corrupt and hatred society/politics,but my heart bleeds for my country. See what is happening with violent protest all over India , see what happen in Assembly of Elected representative in Maharashtra,see the partial judicial system , see the corruption by ex CM of Jharkhand..................................Iam tired ,Iam helpless

Is this going to be Abdul Kalam's India 2020 ?

I have lots of hope , our Elders should guide and mould the energy of youth for nation building.


Lets come together, Let be the change we want to see . Lets preserve our culture,tradition and move towards becoming Super Power India.

Please stop culture,language,age,sex,color,class,race,nation,caste divide.Lets work together as responsible citizens of this world ,let live for today and work for better future for all.

Lets make this society for all ages , society for all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Follow the leader… but not blindly!

A lot has been written on leadership, and leadership in every area of life. Yes, follow the leader and you will be fine. Follow Moses and you will reach the Promised Land. Develop the vision of a Moses, and you will stand out.

One great teacher near Galilee once asked fishermen to: “Follow me; I will make you fishers of men.” Many like Peter abandoned all and followed him.

“I am the way, the light and the truth,” he had said to them. Indeed, everyone of them needed to experience the inner light, to reach self-realization and then to be able to walk on the straight and narrow path; because as Harold R. McAlindon noted we may not know where the path lead: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” The great teacher led the way and left footprints for others to walk in safety.

Only the brave are prepared to go where there is no path to leave a trail. Those intrepid sea-farers who braved the waves to discover new lands while facing dangers on the way were leaders; those fearless Everest mountain climbers like Hilary and Tensing who put life and limb at risk were leaders; those first men who were prepared to fly to the moon and other planets were indeed leaders. In every domain from time immemorial only people with far-sighted vision, prepared to go where no others have been or willing to go, have made the impossible possible; this is how progress is made. In science and medicine great strides have been made only at the cost of people willing to go one step further.

When you are prepared to donate blood you are a leader; when you are ready to donate your organs to others while still living, you are a leader; when you are ready to give your whole body after death to advance the cause of science, you are a leader. When you are ready to die in order to save others you are a leader.

This is what we really need today in every walk of life. May you all be fit Leaders who can see beyond the ordinary. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you.

This is well illustrated by a story sent to me recently by my friend Nanda Murthy. An old Farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson.Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bhagavad Gita. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Bhagavad Gita just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bhagavad Gita do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.

Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!" "So you think it is useless?"

The old man said, Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.” Son, that's what happens when you read the Bhagavad Gita. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Krishna in our lives." Follow good example set by the leader and be transformed.


By Dr Bala D Lingiah, Glasgow



Courtesy: Mauritius Times


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

One day course at Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai

The grand opening of the Global Vipassana Pagoda was a memorable event, a major milestone achieved in the Vipassana movement. The mega one-day course was attended by more than 11,000 meditators from various parts of the world. Goenkaji wishes to conduct several one-day meditation courses in the Global Pagoda to benefit meditators worldwide.

Therefore, the Global Vipassana Foundation has decided to conduct such mega one-day Vipassana courses every month from April 2009.

The course will be in the presence of Goenkaji.

The schedule of the courses is as below:
19th April 2009 — Third Sunday
9th May 2009 — Saturday, Buddha Purnima
7th June 2009 — Sunday, Purnima
7th July 2009— Tuesday, Guru Purnima
16th Aug 2009 — Third Sunday
20th Sep 2009 — Third Sunday
4th Oct 2009 — Sunday, Purnima
15th Nov 2009 — Third Sunday
20th Dec 2009— Third Sunday

Course time: 11am to 4pm

All meditators have to register at:Email: global.oneday@gmail.com ; globalvipassana@gmail.com

Or call at ……Registration timings : 10.00 am to 5.30 pm.Tel no: 022- 28452111 or 28451204Cell: 098928-55692, 098928-55945

Please note that there is no facility to stay overnight at the venue.All meditators are required to get a photo identity card such as driving licence, voter ID card or passport. This is mandatory for security check by the police at the pagoda site.

Kindly register for the course, so that the Global Vipassana Pagoda trust can serve you better.

May everyone progress and establish themselves in Dhamma and inspire others!

With All Metta,

Global Vipassana Foundation (Trust)

Posted by Mr.Om Nath Garg



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Expats discuss the plight of parents back home

Old-age homes in India are not a stigma among the senior citizens anymore, said a man who joined his daughter in Abu Dhabi recently.

"I know several old couples in the Indian city of Mumbai who moved to old age homes, against the wishes of their children," said M.K. Mathews, 65, a widower for the past ten years.

His words get relevance in the wake of growing concern among Indian expatriates in the UAE about the welfare of old parents back home - who have been left alone to fend for themselves - due to fast social transformation like withering of the family system.

The proposals to tighten the family sponsorship rules in the UAE have also given momentum to such discussions. Mathews said many old people opted to make the move voluntarily, because their caretakers could not alleviate their loneliness at home.

Options


"A community life with peers and facilities like medical care and other essential supports prompted them to settle for that option," Mathews adds.

He has seen and heard many such old parents consoling their children who are in the diaspora: "Don't worry about us; we are enjoying each other's company at the home for the aged."

Even if parents move to senior citizen's homes at the behest of their children in the diaspora, it is mostly due to unavoidable circumstances, said Mathews, who lives alone in Mumbai, following the death of his wife, ten years ago.

He says it is true some children deliberately neglect their parents. "I know of a rich young man, the only son in the family, who kicked his mother (a widow) out of his home," he said.


But, what about the old parents who neglect mature children? He asks. "Some of them (parents) are neither willing to join their children abroad nor move to old age homes because of the property the own," says Mathews, who was a manager with Reserve Bank of India before retiring. "They could give their properties to their children or grandchildren and take pleasure trips or make pilgrimage journeys to just enjoy their retirement savings. If you are static, you are almost dead," he says, convincingly.

Better names

"The stigma attached to 'old age home' in Indian society, makes old parents to suffer alone at home rather than moving to the comfort of a seniors' home," said Mohammad Mustafa Saidalavi, 35, an IT Professional from Kerala. I think, the name 'old age home' created the stigma, he said. A 'love home' or 'care home,' would have attracted more 'endorsement' from the conservative Indian society, said Saidalavi.

"If I neglect my parents living alone at my home (in India), there will be no issues. But if I accommodate them at an old age home, the society will blame me for 'abandoning' the parents, said Saidalavi who has been living in Abu Dhabi for the past ten years with his wife and two children. Having a well paid job and a spacious accommodation, he brought his parents to Abu Dhabi, but they could not adjust with the situation here.

He made it clear that he doesn't need to send his parents to an old age home, thanks to the support of a good caretaker and an elder brother staying near his home.

"But, what will others who have no such supports do?" As per the social custom of Muslims in north Kerala, he, as the youngest son is supposed to look after the parents, so they are reluctant to move to elder bother's home.

I have heard that old age homes in India do not have many Muslims, said Saidalavi. "It may be because the community is more concerned about impractical social customs than the welfare of its senior citizens." That attitude requires a paradigm shift, he said.

Another Indian expatriate rejects the concept of old age home because it has been misused by 'new generation' to get rid of the responsibility to look after the old parents. "Old parents themselves choosing the old age homes, may be an 'urban phenomena' which will not be true to the majority of the Indian population who keep 'traditional values'," said Ahmad Shabir, 35, an Accountant from Uttar Pradesh. "A few of the expatriates may have such compulsions. But still, even other people who are settled comfortably back home still send their parents to old age homes. This move contradicts the theory of 'compulsion and necessity'," said Shabir.

"You can guess how many expatriates may adopt such 'short cuts' to abandon their own parents," he adds.

For senior citizens, values and sentiments of the previous generations are so important to them as money and comfort is, to the new generation, Shabir says.

Even the people who live in towns are attached to their homes where they were born or spent their childhood, the surroundings and the community, said Shabir.

"And if they want to spend the last moments in life there, can we blame them?" he asks.

Concept: Origin of old-age homes

The concept of old-age home in India developed in late 1990s. There are 'paid homes' run by private agencies and 'free homes' run by voluntary organisations in almost all cities in India. The homes take care of health, nutritional and spiritual needs of the old people.

According to the National Policy's technical group on population projection, by 2013 the population of those over 60 will touch the 100-million mark. By 2025, a whopping 177 million people in India will be over 60 years of age.

Indian Parliament has enacted a law in 2007, which stipulates three months' imprisonment for those who do not look after their old parents. The children cannot go in for appeal against the punishment.

This was done deliberately, considering the helplessness of the old people. The law stipulates to punish those who abandon their parents or relatives whose property they had inherited. It has a provision for establishment of old age homes all over the country.

It states that due to withering of the joint family system, a large number of elderly were not being looked after by their families.


Courtesy: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Society/10272052.html

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

A rakhi for trees

The Taru Bandhan ritual being practised in the tribal heartland of Jharkhand has helped restore and conserve hundreds of acres of forestland in the state.

The tribal heartland of Jharkhand in eastern India has evolved a unique tradition of forest conservation -- tying rakhis to trees. Rakhi is an Indian festival for siblings where the sister ties an auspicious thread of love on her brother’s wrist, amidst great revelry and feasting. The latter, in turn, promises her protection throughout his life.

Jharkhand’s indigenous people harbour such strong feelings towards the forests and trees that villagers tie the same auspicious rakhi thread around the trunks of trees. The ritual, called Taru Bandhan or Vriksh Raksha Bandhan, is aimed at preserving trees from the axe and the saw. In return, the forest offers people a sustainable way of life.

Hundreds of villages in Jharkhand practise this unique ritual on the eve of the state’s foundation day fortnight, starting November 15. And, thanks to the villagers’ enthusiasm, the celebrations continue right up to the New Year.

In the tradition of the Rakhi festival, this ritual too starts on an elaborate note as the women of the village, dressed in their colourful best, gather in the forest. A bedi (altar) is erected on an elevated patch of land, at the forest entrance. It is decked with flowers and embellished with motifs created out of coloured rice paste and other grains. It is here that the Van Devi (Goddess of the Forest) is invoked with offerings of fruit, incense sticks and holy threads that are later wound around the trees.

“For them (the villagers) the event is also an occasion to celebrate and rejoice,” says Amarnath Bhagat, Ranger, Hazaribagh. Amidst the sounding of the nagara, dhol and mandar (tribal musical instruments), vermillion is applied on the trunk of the tree. A garland of hibiscus or marigold is suspended from the tree and an aarti (ceremony done with incense sticks and earthen lamps)performed in much the same way as that which takes place during the Rakhi festival.

The festival is incomplete without children who take part in large numbers, not only for the continuance of the tradition but also to spread awareness. They enact small plays at the venue, and design posters and banners that are displayed at the site.

The ritual is most commonly practised on a sal or sakhua tree (Shorea robusta) or the mahua (Madhuca latifolia), karaunj (Pongamia pinnata), kathal (Hallocarpus indicus), neem (Azadiracta indica), etc. “Sal is regarded as the ‘king of the forest’. It greatly promotes conservation and proliferation of various types of plant species, thereby improving biodiversity and conservation of nature,” says Kanhai Mahato from Tuktuko village, Bagodar block in Giridih. “Our village forest management and protection committee has restored 800 acres of forestland,” he adds with pride.

The villagers choose a patch in the forest where the rakhis will be tied to trees. “Once a tree is ‘ritualised’ we do not pluck even a leaf from it,” says Anju Devi from Mangro village, Vishugarh block, Hazaribagh.

The credit for initiating the Taru Bandhan festival, nearly a decade ago, goes to a local villager by the name of Mahadev Mahato from Dudhmatia village in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district. A schoolteacher by profession, Mahato has helped restore nearly 25,000 acres of forestland. “For the natives of Jharkhand, the forest is an inseparable part of their life; why not include trees as part of our family and rituals,” he asks. Mahato expresses satisfaction that his passion has not only spread to his fellow villagers but also to the forest department that has acknowledged his efforts. Palamau, Dhanbad, Chatra, Koderma and Hazaribagh are some of the districts that have taken the initiative in propagating this unique “green tradition”.

Chief Conservator of Forests B R Rallan, from Hazaribagh where the practice is most common, says: “The concept is basically the brainchild of Mahato, which we are carrying forward in other districts too.” It has proved very effective in bringing about villagers’ participation in forest conservation, which forms the basis of joint forestry management.

Mahendra Prasad, DFO, Hazaribagh, says the practice has proved extremely effective in protecting the forests. “We have already covered 62 villages, and the enthusiasm of the villagers is high. So much so that even international students from Jadavpur University came here to witness and participate in the festival.”

By Moushumi Basu a journalist based in Jharkhand.

Source: http://infochangeindia.org/200812087523/Environment/Stories-of-change/A-rakhi-for-trees.html

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Spirituality Bytes :Book Review

Spirituality Bytes – A guide to understanding and managing the journey called life. Dr. PV Vaidyanathan.

Spirituality is a device that helps you understand and accept life as it exists. This easy to read book comprises of ten chapters of varying lengths (Just one page to forty five pages), the longest one on "Life" and the shortest one on "Spirituality in a nutshell".

While dealing with Life the author touches upon a series of apparently unconnected issues such as: Search for Identity, choosing the middle path, Letting go, quitting the comfort zone, Essence of NOW, Awareness, Freewill, Desire or Deserve, Money and its role etc.

The book is purposely designed to be a collection of different topics such as GOD, fear, greed, anger, present moment awareness, the art of listening, how not to take anything or anybody for granted, mind, meditation etc. The very structure of loosely connected topics makes it easy for anyone to start at any chapter and read the sub sections that are only a few pages. The author spells out his views clearly and asks readers to accept or reject them freely. The selection of topics mostly justifies the subtitle.

However, one teaching that stares in your face all thorough the book is "to take the middle path". Don't be a control freak and don't let yourself be totally laid back – follow the middle path, he says. While taking decisions, 'balance is the key' – again the middle path approach. While talking about Stress handling ( a subject on which he has written another book) he opines: Don't take much more than you can chew; avoid multi tasking and have a balanced view of life. Allocate your time suitably among family and work

Love is all about freedom – allowing the person you love to be free. It is more of giving than of taking. One of the observations of the author which made me gasp aloud: "How true!" was on 'boredom': "children say they are bored when all that they need is parents' attention". Who, other than a pediatrician, can know better?!

He advises you to celebrate Death everyday. Live today as if there is no tomorrow. Life gives you a second chance but death gives you none. These seemingly simple utterances have a profound meaning for senior citizens in their twilight years. He even says you should cry. Tears cleanse your system of accumulated toxins. Only if you can experience extreme sorrow, you can experience extreme happiness, he says. I too agree that extremes of happiness and sorrow are at the end of a circular spectrum and if you look at it in another way they are close to each other!

I will recommend this book to anyone who would like to take his life easy rather than to the one who would like to make it easy going. If you accept life as it is, there is nothing else you need to do specially. Read the book and be your own judge.

Spirituality Bytes – A guide to understanding and managing the journey called life. Dr. PV Vaidyanathan. Readworthy, New Delhi 2009 pp170. Price: Rs 195.00 Available from the publisher at: 4662/21 Ansari Road, Daryagunj, New Delhi 110002 Phone: 011-43549197 info@readworthypub.com

Book Review by Dr P Vyasamoorthy vyasamoorthy@gmail.com



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

Bhaktivedanta Hospital is pleased to invite you for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 11th October’08.

Palliative Care is offered to terminally ill patients along with their families by a multi-disciplinary team when the patient has incurable diseases like in the case of Cancer, AIDS, CRF, etc…

Most of such patients are deserted & disregarded by their own families and the society at large. We render a helping hand by offering free services to spend their remaining life free of pain & misery and help them to lead a life with dignity and happiness.

Our hospital has been silently offering such services for the last 15 months in and around Mumbai suburbs and it has been well received. Over 100 terminally patients and their families have benefited by our services. It is First of its kind in Thane District and Western Suburbs of Mumbai.

The program schedule is as follows:

6.00 pm – 6.15 pm: Chanting of holy mantra to invoke auspiciousness.

6.15pm – 6.45 pm: Presentation on palliative care

6.45- 7.00 pm: Patients & relatives talk

7.00 pm to 7.15 pm: Chief Guest talk

7.15 pm to 7.30 pm: Prize & certificate distribution for Trained Volunteers

7.30 To 8.00 pm: A short drama on palliative care.

Kindly accept our humble invitation along with your family and encourage our team of medical and Para-medical staff who are relentlessly involved in this yeomen service.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Avnish Panday

Palliative care physician

Bhaktivedanta Hospital

Mira Road, Mumbai, India

Cell: 09321996870

E-mail: avnish.rns@gmail.com

Website: www.bhaktivedantahospital.com

Also Visit: http://www.silverinnings.com/Directory%20sublink.html

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Religion can spur goodness—but it depends

Be­lief in God en­cour­ages peo­ple to be help­ful, hon­est and gen­er­ous—but only when re­li­gious thoughts are fresh in their minds or when such be­hav­ior en­hances reputa­t­ion, re­search­ers say.

Those are the con­clu­sions of a study based on an anal­y­sis of re­search span­ning the past three dec­ades. The stu­dy, by Ara Noren­za­yan and Azim Shar­iff at the Uni­ver­s­ity of Brit­ish Co­lum­bia in Can­a­da, appears in the Oct. 3 is­sue of the re­search jour­nal Sci­ence.

The pa­per first re­views da­ta from an­thro­po­l­ogy, so­ci­ol­o­gy, psy­chol­o­gy and eco­nom­ics. The au­thors then ex­plore how re­li­gion, by en­cour­ag­ing coop­era­t­ion, con­tri­but­ed to the rise of large, sta­ble so­ci­eties of un­re­lat­ed in­di­vid­u­als.

Among the find­ings:

• An­thro­po­log­i­cal da­ta sug­gests there is more coop­era­t­ion among re­li­gious so­ci­eties than oth­ers, es­pe­cially when group sur­viv­al is threat­ened.
  
  
• Eco­nom­ic ex­pe­ri­ments in­di­cate that re­li­gios­ity in­creases trust among par­ti­ci­pants.
  
  
• Psy­chol­o­gy ex­pe­ri­ments show that thoughts of an om­nis­cient, mor­ally con­cerned God re­duce lev­els of cheat­ing and self­ish be­hav­iour.

“Religiously-motivated ‘vir­tu­ous’ be­hav­iour has likely played a vi­tal so­cial role through­out his­to­ry,” said Shar­iff, a doc­tor­al stu­dent. “One rea­son we now have large, co­op­er­a­tive so­ci­eties may be that some as­pects of re­li­gion – such as out­sourc­ing costly so­cial polic­ing du­ties to all-pow­er­ful Gods – made so­ci­eties work more co­op­er­a­tively in the past.”

Across time, ob­serve the au­thors, the no­tion of an all-pow­er­ful, mor­ally con­cerned “big God” usu­ally be­gat “big groups” – large-scale, sta­ble so­ci­eties that suc­cess­fully passed on their cul­tur­al be­liefs.

To­day, re­li­gion has no monopoly on kind­ness and gen­eros­ity, the re­search­ers not­ed: in many find­ings, non-be­liev­ers acted as help­fully as be­liev­ers. The last sev­er­al cen­turies have seen the rise of non-re­li­gious mech­a­nisms that in­clude ef­fec­tive polic­ing, courts and so­cial sur­veil­lance. “Some of the most co­op­er­a­tive mod­ern so­ci­eties are al­so the most sec­u­lar,” said Noren­za­yan. “Peo­ple have found oth­er ways to be co­op­er­a­tive – with­out God.”

By University of British Columbia

Source:http://www.world-science.net/othernews/081002_religion.htm

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Religion ,Alzheimer's and My Dad

My dad was a very spiritual, religious man. I never thought that he'd forget about something that he had such great love for all his life. More and more I am getting frustrated toward this horrible disease called Alzheimer's.

My dad was born and raised in the LDS religion. He was a Bishop during my teenage years. I remember so many people counting on him for his council during those years. He was such a wonderful leader and loved by many. Still loved by many even though he doesn't have communication much with anyone anymore, I know they still think about him and pray for him. Alzheimer's has stripped his memory of something that he lived and breathed. His religious beliefs. He doesn't talk about it anymore nor do I believe that he even knows what church he belongs to. It's unfortunate that he doesn't get to go to church much since my mom has such a hard time getting around. He relies on her to take care of him. He needs to go to church and it hit me big this past Sunday. I was sitting at his kitchen table talking with him briefly. Actually, it was quiet at the table until he asked me how life was over on my end. I am not sure if he even knows much about my life anymore. He knows me and thats about all he remembers. So, I answered him by saying everything was great and I had a great day at church. He looked at me with a strange look in his face and he asked "what church do you belong to"? My heart broke at that moment.

I am convinced that Alzheimer's not only takes your mind but it disconnects you from your soul. It's evil.

I too was born and raised in the LDS church with parents who have a strong love for Christ. They taught us why we are here on this earth and what we need to do to return to our heavenly home. Before my dad suffered with memory loss, there is no doubt that he knew what my religious beliefs were and what church I belong to. He taught me so much about what I believe today. So, I was so shocked when he looked at me so clueless and asked me that heart breaking question.

I just want my dad back. When will they ever find a cure for Alzheimer's?


Well, at least I can say this one thing, his disease is only temporal. I am grateful that I get to be with him on the other side someday. It will be an environment of perfection, free from Alzheimer's. Then I can say, I have my dad back.....and it will be forever.


Posted by Krista

Source: http://www.alzheimersteam.com/2008/09/religion-and-alzheimers.html



Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Mansukhlal .V. Ruparelia - Silver Personality of the Month - August 2008

‘’Retired’’ but “Not Tired”

Mansukhlal Ruparelia was born on 1st March, 1934 in Karachi, now in Pakistan. Karachi, at that time was a very well-planned, nice, neat and tidy city, where people from all communities were living peacefully and happily. There were sufficient number of gardens, grounds and open spaces for children to play freely. His childhood passed very happily- playing and studying. He had large number of friends, ten of whom are in Mumbai and remain in contact through phone on every Sunday and meet on various family functions even after more than 61 years of leaving Karachi and cherish happy childhood memories.

His primary education up to Standard IV was in a nearby school about a mile away. A teacher used to come to take him and bring back. There was no heavy load of books, there were hardly one or two small books with slate & pen (like chalk). There were no note books, pencil, and pen for Primary classes. No uniform! These things were not even available freely in those days! Every thing was scare. People were not able to afford.

Mansukhlal was admitted to a very renowned Gandhian School called Shri Sharda Mandir. This was the foundation of his life. The medium of teaching was Gujarati his mother tongue. This school was like Ashram with bright airy classes covered with green creepers. Principal & Teachers were real Gurus and very much devoted with deep love towards children & Nation. In addition to education, their main aim was to develop good human beings with national spirit. It was always a pleasure to go & remain in school for as much more time, as possible.

He was bright at studies and was coaching weak students in free time, there were no tuition’s or Classes in those time. Education was of very high standard. Games & extra-curricular activities were many. While he was in Std V at age of 13, India got Independence in 1947 and unfortunately faced the partition of the Country. They had leave Karachi in Oct, 47, incurring heavy losses and came to Morvi in Gujarat. There were difficulties in settling & ripe years of child-adult were spoiled. But further study was not affected.

At Morvi, in Gujarat, his family established a shop, but it was not enough for the family expense. As he was loved by his teachers, one of them suggested to his father that he should be sent to Mumbai for further studies and they shall take care of all his expenses. But his father did not agree and insisted on joining service, though he was only 16. Then same teacher got him a job in Railways immediately after his results. On formation of Western Railway by amalgamating of all railways in particular areas, he came to Mumbai in 1951. Passing departmental examinations in first attempts and getting promotions, he reached the psot of Joint Director in Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS-one of the IAS Central Services).

During his employment he passed B.A. and B.Com. by attending morning & evening colleges. He also passed `Rashtra Bhasa Ratna` in Hindi and also appeared in IAS in 1960 and passed the written in the first attempt, though could not come in final panel. Throughout the career, he was liked by superiors and his colleagues’ for being very prompt, sincere & straight forward.

After retirement, he took second career and joined a well-known Private Limited Company and worked their for 8 years and completed total employment of 50 years. One remarkable achievement he has to his credit that in the span of 50 years, he has not taken a single paisa or given any as bribe!!

His father had a big joint family and he was very much interested in reading. He inherited reading habit from him. His mother was very mild & straight forward and these two virtues came from her. He also developed liking for Music, traveling to different places and social service perhaps from the school.

As of now, he has collected almost 1000 books, 200 audio cassettes and many CD/VCD and enjoys reading and listening music. He has traveled the entire country and many places more than once. He is fond of photographs and has a big collection.

Mansukhlal day starts at 4’o clock in the morning and ends at 10’o clock in the night. He does Yoga-Pranayam, goes for Walking, goes to nearby Laughter club, Relaxes in afternoon, views Television for 1 ½ hours ,listening Music for about 3 hours, surfs computer, goes to Local Senior Citizen Association regularly for 1 hour daily, sees movies occasionally. Sunday he prefers to be with family.
When asked about the secret to his fitness he says ‘’Eat less, walking, remain active, sleep early, get up early’’

He is enjoying his Silver Years as Grand Parenting and loves his younger grand daughter calling him `Hai Dadu` `Dadu` or `Morning Dadu` in different lovely tones with smiling & sparkling face. This he says increases his joy, spirit & of course life span too. He is happy and lucky to see his grand childrens are matured at tender age and care for the feelings of others! He wonder many a times as to from where they have picked up such good sanskars- from previous birth, genes or her surroundings!!

He also keeps himself busy by guiding in his grand children in studies and get important lesson from them on Computer problems. Dada-Dadi are happily living with constantly flowing love of all their six grandchildren and going ahead day by day at 75 and 72 with 50 years of happy married life!

After retiring from his Job Mansukhlal has taken Mission for life ‘’Service To Senior Citizens’’. Earlier also during his employment he used to in some way or other would take up some social cause. In 1999, when National Policy of Older Persons was announced he approached organisation and media to take up the cause of Senior Citizens.

He contributes his knowledge and skill by addressing large number of issues pertaining to Senior Citizens like Health Problems, Insurance, Relief in Fees of Doctors and Cost of Medicines, More facilities & Concessions from Central, State & Municipal & other authorities, Financial Management, Will, Managing their spare time and creating awareness about their status and rights etc.

He utlises his time in being actively involve in (RTI) Right to Information movement and seeks information for welfare of citizens from Municipal corporation, Transport Authorities, and various Government departments. In this way he not only creates awareness but also helps the authority in addressing the issue.

He attends and contributes to various forums, meetings and workshops. He is also actively involved and is member of Associations of Senior Citizens and organisations like Retired Railway Employees Welfare Association (RREWA), Silver Innings, and Society for Serving Seniors Global to name few. Writing articles in various magazine and website on various issues keeps him busy and activates his mind for productive ageing. He is a true inspiration to all the elders and younger generation to be aged some day.

His friend and family say at 75 yrs. he is “Retired” But “NOT TIRED”.

Mansukhlal. V. Ruparelia
E-mail: mvrup@yahoo.co.in
Mobile:09821732855.

Courtesy: http://www.silverinnings.com/Silver%20Personality%20of%20the%20month.html

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Global India: Alternative to Peace Corp

THE PEACE Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then American president John F Kennedy challenged Americans to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that time, more than 1,90,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and committing more than 1,000 new volunteers as a part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals, who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

Today, I challenge the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi to create such a organisation to help young Indian generation to identify them self to to built India’s image abroad for example. Think of the global India and you might imagine teaching in a one-room schoolhouse or farming in a remote area of the world. But while education and agriculture are still an important part of what the Peace Corps does, today’s volunteers are just as likely to be working on HIV/AIDS awareness, helping to establish computer learning centres, or working on small-business development, teaching English, assisting teachers, non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi teachings, peace and conflict resolution organisations and working with the elderly, sharing your professional skills/experience, global India should be a flagship programme for Indian nationals only.

Global India volunteers would work in the following areas: Education, youth outreach, and community development; business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS awareness; and information technology. Within these areas, the specific duties and responsibilities of each volunteer can vary widely.

Global India volunteers: In future, he or she will tell you that everybody had a unique experience.

Global India should be for young India, in search for self discovery, building life long relationships, great way to travel and experience other cultures, helping others, great for self-esteem and learn a language.

Global India should reach out on education, environment, information technology, HIV/AIDS awareness, health, agriculture issues, scientific issues, school teachers, art, manufacturing, Internet centres and opening community based schools.

Global India’s volunteer abroad will be a flagship and popular programme, year after year. Volunteer abroad offers the greatest flexibility of locations and start dates. Volunteer work is personalised to your skills and interests.

Global India’s intern abroad for students seeks academic credit, international work experience, or field research. Internship supervisors facilitate learning experiences. Volunteer work is personalised to meet your area of focus.

Global India’s volunteer work is project-based and can be completed within a week. Popular option among students as alternative spring break. It is also popular with families and professionals with limited vacation time.

Global India’s mission should be volunteering abroad is the chance for you to make a personal contribution at the global level, to experience hands-on learning about another country and culture, and to exchange ideas with people you might not otherwise meet. As an international volunteer, you will learn from the communities where you work, and from the experience of travelling in the country and interacting with new people.

Global India: Volunteering abroad is a life-changing experience. You are sharing your enthusiasm, time, skills, and energy — and giving ’yourself’ in a way that allows you to effect positive change. Making a difference can be as simple as spending time with orphans, sharing love and affection, sharing stories and photos with the elderly in a community, or practising basic English with students of all ages. Similar basic volunteering needs in your home community exist overseas, and anyone with an interest in filling those needs can make a difference.

Global India should be the life-changing experience that does not end when you return home. Another important part of international volunteering is getting involved in your own community back home. For some, this will mean remaining aware of, or active in, global issues; for others it may mean educating friends and family about the realities of the country where they were a volunteer. For everyone, returning home is an opportunity to share the enthusiasm and inspiration of your experience and be a voice for greater social involvement. By sharing your international volunteer experience with those in your home community and finding ways to incorporate what you learned into your daily life, you play an important role in fostering cultural understanding between people.

Global India: Making the decision to volunteer overseas is a personal one, and for every volunteer there is a unique and individual answer to the question: Why volunteer abroad?
Gobal India: The overall motivation to volunteer overseas stems from a need to ignite a sense of social responsibility and activism, as well as from a desire to learn about a new country and culture. For some, international volunteering is also a way to gain a new perspective of the world and a renewed sense of the role they play in the world. Therefore, volunteer work abroad can be an intense experience, with opportunities to focus on meaningful global concerns that day-to-day life can’t accommodate.

Global India will give a volunteer personal growth, having a purpose, gaining independence and confidence, connecting with others, seeing a country from the inside-out, learning new language, and local life.

By : Ramesh Manghirmalani
Source : http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=137903


Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Silver Innings July 2008 Update

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter-- Mark Twain

Dear Friends,
It's our pleasure to bring to you the update of your website Silver Innings. Below are new articles recently posted on various sections on 1st of July 2008, to read more you need to visit particular menu on the website www.silverinnings.com .Hope you enjoy this and send us your feedback at info@silverinnings.com .


We also invite articles of interest, inspiring short stories, jokes, reviews, etc. Please note publication is sole decision of web master and as per rules laid down by Silver Innings.


SILVER PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH - July 2008
Ela Bhatt – an Iron Lady with Simplicity


Ageing:
International
Americans Living Longer, A Federal Report
Average life expectancy continues to increase, and today's older Americans enjoy better health and financial security than any previous generation. However, rates of gain are inconsistent between the genders and across age brackets, income levels and racial and ethnic groups.

THE MADRID INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGEING: GUIDING FRAMEWORK AND TOOLKIT
This Guiding Framework was created to assist countries to give effect to the commitments made at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid in 2002. The Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing provided a fresh perspective on the situation of older persons and presented a new global agenda to address issues
of ageing.

WHO's Campaign for Active Ageing
The Global Embrace is a worldwide intergenerational walk event that takes place annually around the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October.

Why Population Aging Matters
People are living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives. This represents one of the crowning achievements of the last century but also a significant challenge.


India
Elderly Vote power
Elderly have 13% share in Indian Electoral. Average voting percentage in Indian elections is 55 to 58%.By S.C. Maheshwari


Facts and Issues
Elder Abuse its there!!!!!!!
There is a general feeling amongst Senior Citizens that children of to-day do not bother about their parents, their wishes, their happiness, their requirements etc and some children misbehave and/or beat their parents!
Read an article by M. V. Ruparelia

The old and the ignored
With the population of elderly people rising, their health care has become a matter of concern especially since the family support system is crumbling and there is no comprehensive geriatric care system.


Successful Ageing
Dare To Dream Again
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

GEORGE CARLIN's view on Ageing
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

A wonderful Old Age Poem By Edgar A Guest


Health/ Fitness
Physical
Growing Older, Staying Strong
Sarcopenia is a significant yet overlooked problem in the older population. Analogous to the loss of bone mass commonly known as osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, which results in the loss of strength.

Hip Protectors Won't Prevent Fractures in Elderly
The use of energy-absorbing hip protector pads won't prevent hip fractures, new research suggests.

The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Ageing Ageing is an integral, natural part of life. The way in which we grow old and experience this process, our health and functional ability all depend not only on our genetic makeup, but also (and importantly) on what we have done during our lives; on what sort of things we have encountered in the course of our lifetime; on how and where we have lived our lives.

Dementia & Alzheimer's
Staying Social May Keep Dementia at Bay
The key to a healthy mind in old age may lie in an active social life, a new study suggests. "If you are socially engaged, you are at lower risk of dementia,"

A cruel disease, a family in crisis
For any family, Alzheimer's disease is a cruel diagnosis. The disease attacks the brain, erasing memory, destroying the ability to reason and leading inexorably to the disintegration of the personality and a pitiless death.

Activity for someone with Dementia
Many of these activities require no planning and others may need a little preparation.

Dementia: Info and Advice for Caregivers
Dementia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for people to remember, learn and communicate. These changes eventually make it hard for people who have dementia to care for themselves.

Outdoors has special meaning for those with Alzheimer's disease
Most of us enjoy being outside on a regular basis ... To feel the sun on our faces and the breeze on our skin, to enjoy the sounds of the birds, to catch a glimpse of nature, to plant something and nurture its growth.

Test your knowledge of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease affects about 24 million people worldwide. Because of the nature of the disease, caregivers play a very important role, and it is essential for people to understand this role.

Lifestyle
Healthy Habits
You might think: I've made it this far without paying much attention to my health. I'm too old to become a "health nut" now.

Ergonomic Tips: Computer Use by Senior Citizens

Medical
Older Americans 2008 – Key indicators of Well-Being

Diet
Keep fit for life
Given the impact that good nutrition and keeping fit have on health and wellbeing in later life, WHO, in collaboration with the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, organized a consultation to review the scientific evidence linking diet and other factors—especially exercise—affecting
Nutritional status, disease prevention and health promotion for older persons

The Miracle Diet
Scientists have long touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for heart health. But there's more and more evidence that the diet can keep you healthy in other ways, too.

Relationship
Parents and Grandparents
Grieving: Facing Illness, Death and Other Losses
Grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. One of the greatest losses that can occur is the death of someone you love. Other losses include the loss of your health or the health of someone you care about, or the end of an important relationship, such as a marriage. Healing from a loss involves coming to terms with the loss and the meaning of the loss in your life.

Grandparents and Grandchildren's
Aging gracefully: Local students demonstrate what caregivers can learn
In approaching the care of a family member with memory impairment, we often think of adult children and elderly spouses as the key players in the caregiving journey. The often forgotten but very important players are the younger family members. Teens may sit silently on the sidelines wondering what is really happening to Grandpa and yearning to be included in the journey.


Hobbies and Activities
Travel & Knowledge
Travel makes the horizon broader. Some such knowledgeable statement has been attributed to some Francis Pork or Bacon I do not remember whom. I had read this essay while travelling by a local train in Mumbai.
By Mr. H.R.Shenoy

News and Event
Articles
Let Us Reciprocate
In our First Innings, many of us were having a designation like General Manager, Engineer, Office Superintendent, Professional etc with some what defined duties and working time schedule like 9 to 5 etc and were habituated to live life like that! After retirement, some are in dilemma as to what to do without anything to do! By M.V.Ruparelia

Senior Citizens and Their Associations
First and foremost duty of educated Senior Citizens and Associations is to make all Senior Citizens of their entire area of operation realize and cherish this superior status given by United Nations Organization and to bring them out of inertia of remaining aloof and idle and encourage them to mix freely with all in the society.
By M.V.Ruparelia


Global Aging: Sustainable Solutions in Support of Lives Fully Lived Information

Nandini Voice for the Deprived Newsletter July 2008

National Center on Elder Abuse – June 2008 Newsletter

Alzheimer's Europe – May 2008 Newsletter

Designs for all – June 2008 Newsletter

Inspiration Calendar July 2008

News
Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH (WEAD) June 2008 Programme Report

Silver Innings: Petition to STOP Elder Abuse in India

Silver Innings: WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY – HUMAN CHAIN 15th June 2008 - Press Note

June 16th: Article of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in Hindustan Times – Mumbai

June 16th: Article of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in DNA Newspaper – Mumbai

June 16th: Photo of Silver Innings World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in DNA Newspaper – Mumbai

June 16th: Article of ILC-India of World Elder Abuse Day 2008 in Sakal Times – Pune

Press Note: Silver Innings and Sterlite Foundation's Computer Education for Senior Citizens

Article of Silver Innings Computer Education for Senior Citizens in Sakal Times – Pune


Now, learn how to take care of elderly
First-of-its-kind geriatrics course launched by Symbiosis International University

Old Age Homes
The Administration on Ageing's Nursing Home
It is almost becoming rare to hear the phrase "long-term care" without also hearing the word "rebalancing" in the same discussion. This is because of the very active effort underway to ensure that individuals in need of long-term care (LTC) have access to a wide range of non institutional options.



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Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.