Ecstatic visions, healing mantras

By their words shall you know them. The ancient Hindus left few other clues. They seem to have condensed their thoughts into riddles. It's the stuff they leave unsaid that offers endless interpretative scope, just like a line of song in our classical dance. Then, their choice of imagery is so elegantly vivid. Take this verse, describing the essence of the Vedas as a four-braided, well-dressed young woman, to whose words two great birds in a tree listen attentively. Chatush kaparda yuvati supesha kruta prateeka vayanani vaste/tasya suparna vrushana nishedaduhu (hope I have it right! Corrections welcome from elders and betters). The four braids of course denote the four Vedas, personified as an eternally fresh and bright young woman, whose highly attractive wisdom wings through the ages for all time. Such a dazzling vision - how can one not like the ancients, at least for their apt little ways with mind-pictures?

Or take the Gayatri. The sadhana of Gayatri is supposed to lift sorrow and benefit both the individual and society at large. Each syllable in it is a palimpsest, or bunch of layers, of meaning. What are its benefits, according to that otherwise unlovely creature, Manu? He says that of all the mantras, there is none to match Gayatri. A person who recites this mantra regularly cannot be cowed down by any threat. Nor is this person scared of kings (those in power), asuras (those stronger), rakshasas (malefic forces), fire, water, air or snakes. Manu also upholds that a person who makes the Gayatri part of his life (and we now add 'her') will become Brahma himself. The house in which the Gayatri is a habit will never catch fire and its children will never die. Let's try to figure this out, knowing what we know about how our ancients think - cryptically!

Obviously, it's daft to take these observations literally. Mere mortals do not become Lord Brahma. Nor is there any physical guarantee possible for either property or life. So what could Mr Manu possibly mean? Let's look at the Gayatri itself. Tat savitur vareniyam bhargo devasya dhi mahi diyo yo na prachodayat. That Sun, who inspires our minds to action, we mediate on that luminous creator. In modern words, surely it means our lives happen through our mental attitude. A positive attitude will help us transform 'bad' luck into 'good' luck: in the Pushkara Mahatmayam, Brahma conducts this big yagnya. Each time there's a problem, he uses the opportunity to create something else, including, by the way, the Gayatri. Thus, by positive thinking, our personalities (houses) will never be destroyed. Nor will our dreams (mind-born children) ever die. Isn't that supposed to keep life fresh and interesting?

The Mahabharata, a war book, says that reciting Gayatri establishes peace in society. It figures. Chilled-out individuals don't quarrel. They prefer conflict management and resolution!

Courtesy: The Indian Express, March 31, 2003

MUMBAI: The Convergence of Information, Communication and Entertainment (ICE) would make India a hub of global entertainment Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in the next few years.

India would emerge as a major back operations destination for special effects and animation, with rushes of films shot in US and UK being brought to India for processing and editing, E-Entertainment Alliance chairman Amit Khanna said at the inaugural session of a FICCI seminar on Technology for Information, Media and Entertainment Industry here on Thursday.

This would result in creating more job opportunities in India, as the global entertainment industry would encash on technical advancement, low-cost and 1.1 billion population of the country, Khanna said.

"Moreover, box office attendance in US posted an all-time high last year, despite a slowdown in its economy and the growth of the US film industry will indirectly translate as profits to Indian software firms", he added.

At present, due to its expertise in software, India is experiencing a digital mayhem and revolution which will make it "an unavoidable destination", Khanna added.

Speaking on entertainment potential in India, he said the country will witness an emergence of digital theatres, which would help in eliminating the burden of taking multiple prints.

"Moreover, entertainment will not be restricted only to television and theatres, as people will turn to mobile phones for movie clips and games", he added.

Courtesy: PTI, March 13, 2003

Beaches and lagoons are pass. Now, India Tourism is promoting Deccan Queen train and Taj Mahal look-like to Britain.

India with its wide and varied riches has a lot more to offer than Goa, Kerala and Rajathan; so, India Tourism office in London invited travel agents and tourist organisations from around Britain to inform them about the secret attractions of Maharashtra, such as the Taj look-alike monument built by Aurangazeb's son in Aurangabad and the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves with their breathtaking paintings.

India Tourist Office is all geared up to launch a massive drive to promote India as a tourist destination, and is considering using the huge network of black cabs and the underground to promote India.

Alka Kohli of India Tourism invoked much interest among the gathered invitees, with the mention of Deccan Queen train that cuts across mountains and valleys giving an intoxicating adventurous journey along the West Coast.

She said Mumbai - capital city of Maharashtra - is a well-known destination but the state has a lot more to offer like picturesque Ratnagiri and Oxford of the East - Pune.

At the conference, held at Washington Hotel in Mayfair, some delicious, innovative mini idlis topped with chutney and Bombay toasts were served which became instant hit.

Courtesy: www.hindustantimes.com, March 10, 2003