Our daughters

 Our Daughters: The Pillars of a Strong Nation

Our daughters—Manu Bhaker, Vinesh Phogat—have once again made us proud with their remarkable performances in the recent Olympic Games in Paris. These young women are the torchbearers of a legacy built by many of our nation's daughters. From PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in badminton to Sania Mirza in tennis, Mithali Raj in cricket, and Mary Kom in boxing, Indian women are breaking barriers and setting new standards.

Beyond sports, Indian women are making significant impacts in every sphere of life. We remember Indira Gandhi's leadership as Prime Minister and celebrate the literary genius of Sarojini Naidu and Mahadevi Verma. The bravery of Rani Lakshmibai paved the way for India's freedom. In business, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Savitri Jindal, and Arundhati Bhattacharya are redefining what's possible. In science, we admire the achievements of Dr. A. Lalitha, India’s first female electrical engineer, and Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the "Missile Woman of India."

However, these triumphs are juxtaposed with reminders of the dangers that still threaten our women. The recent incident in Kolkata, where a resident doctor was raped and murdered, has left the nation in shock. The fact that the culprits are yet to be brought to justice deepens the wound.

Some may argue that these incidents are isolated, mere statistical blips in a nation of 1.4 billion people. But I firmly believe that irrespective of the political party in power, we must unite as one and fight these rascals with all the strength we can muster.

The LinkedIn platform is frequented by intellectuals, students, and business leaders—the very core of our society. It is upon us to take a stand, voice our outrage, and demand action. As our ancient saying goes, "Where women are honored, there the gods are pleased" (यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते, रमन्ते तत्र देवताः). The movie Pink, with its iconic dialogue "NO means NO," captured this truth with clarity that resonates with future generations.

Our religious scriptures consistently place women at the heart of our moral fabric. We always say "Sita-Ram," "Radha-Krishna," never the other way around. Women are revered as the embodiment of the divine.

The legendary singer Mohammed Rafi’s song from Sikandar-e-Azam beautifully encapsulates India’s culture and the exalted position of women within it.

It is my hope that we, as a nation, will unite in our resolve to fight these monsters. Let us honor our daughters, not just by celebrating their achievements, but by ensuring their safety and dignity in every aspect of life.

#EmpowerWomen #RespectWomen #DaughtersOfIndia #JusticeForWomen #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #StrongNation #WomenInLeadership #IndianWomen #EqualityForAll

 

JODHPUR RAJ INTENRATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

 Jodhpur RIFF 2024: A Symphony of Souls

For years, I’ve carried a deep yearning to experience the enchantment of Jodhpur’s Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), a mystical convergence of music and tradition held every October.

This five-day celebration, graced by the vision of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh ji of Jodhpur, is more than just a festival—it’s a spiritual journey through the very heart of Rajasthan’s soul.

On the second day of this sacred gathering, I found myself immersed in the morning Bhajan Samagam. The atmosphere was charged with a divine energy that transcended time and place, drawing every soul into deep meditation. The melodies flowed like a gentle river, carrying us into realms beyond the mundane, leaving us mesmerized.

But perhaps the most profound aspect of this festival lies in the harmonious unity it fosters. The Meghwal group and Manganiyar group, a collective of Hindu and Muslim musicians, weave an ethereal tapestry of sound. These Muslim families sing Krishna Bhajans with such fervor and devotion that you feel an unbreakable connection to something greater. Their voices echo across centuries of tradition, and in their music, you witness a perfect symbiosis—two communities, intertwined in art and spirit.

As I sat there, enveloped in the purity of their songs, a thought lingered: if only our leaders could witness this seamless brotherhood. In a world often torn apart by division, here was a living testament to the beauty of unity, where contributions from both faiths enrich the fabric of our country.

#JodhpurRIFF #RajasthanCulture #FolkMusic #UnityInDiversity #CulturalHeritage #MeghwalManganiyar #SpiritualJourney #HarmonyThroughMusic #MaharajaGajSingh #BhajanSamagam #FolkFestival

 

 

Arrogance

 अति रूपेण  वै सीता ह्यतिगर्वेण रावणः ।

अतिदानाद्  बलिर्बध्दो ह्यति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत् ।।

 

This  proverb, taken from Chankya Neeti is truth of real life.   It  exemplifies that anything in excess in not good for the happy life.  It says because of excessive beauty Seeta was abducted, Because of excessive pride Rawan was killed and King Bali lost everything because of excessive generosity.  Therefore, too much excess is harmful.

In today life, we come across so much real incidences, still we forget the truth and mistake again.

We need not go deep into the history.  Just look around and you will  be bombard with thousands of real life cases.  Many businessmen who were like Kings in their domain of business like Naresh Goel now languishing in Jail.  Vijay Mallya, Chowkis are facing trials in India.  Some of the most powerful politicians are now behind the bars.  Think of super stars like Rajesh Khanna, Parveen Boby who had nobody to take care of them during their last breath.

 

Even in many corporates the executives at times become arrogant without realizing their limitations.  This arrogant reflects inherent their short comings which they want to hide and may be later but their downfall is assured. 

 

Today I respectfully bow down to the lyricist Majroo Sultanpuri who penned this beautiful song :Iek din bik jayega, mati ke Mol…: for the film “Dharmkaram”, soulfully sang by respected Mukesh.

 

 

 

 

Corruption in India

 Corruption: The Unwelcome Guest We Can’t Seem to Kick Out

In India, even the average person could give a TED talk on corruption—it's that ingrained. Sadly, the issue is like that relative who overstays their welcome: deep-rooted, persistent, and, despite all efforts, tough to get rid of.

So, What is Corruption?

In my view, corruption is simple: when someone demands what isn’t lawfully theirs to get a job done, that’s corruption. It’s like being asked to pay extra for your pizza to be delivered on time—except here, we’re not talking about pizza.

An Example (That’s Far Too Common)

Picture this: a revenue officer in Punjab earning ₹25,000 a month, yet driving luxury cars and juggling two iPhones like a circus act. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Nope, it’s just another day at the office. Try getting a property document registered in Punjab without slipping a little something extra to the sub-registrar—spoiler alert: it won’t happen.

This system is so unchecked that these positions come with a high "posting fee"—if you know what I mean.

Government or Private? Corruption Doesn’t Discriminate

We often blame government officials, but corruption in the private sector is no slouch. Whether it’s purchasing decisions, project approvals, contractor awards, or property acquisition, corruption seeps in like water through a leaky roof—and surprisingly, management often knows about it.

Why Does Corruption Flourish?

Here’s why this problem grows like weeds in a garden:

1. From the Top Down
   If the promoters or top brass don’t follow ethical policies, the message is clear: "Do what you want." It’s like seeing your boss use the company car for personal shopping trips—suddenly everyone feels okay doing it too.
2. Too Much Trust, Not Enough Checking
   When management blindly trusts certain employees and doesn’t monitor them, it's like leaving your cookie jar in the hands of a toddler—you’ll find it empty.
3. Flawed Checks and Balances
   Many companies design systems to keep departments in check, but if these cross-functional teams are cozying up to each other, who’s really checking?
4. Stale Roles, Rotten Practices
   Long tenure in the same job, especially in the same location, invites temptation. People in these roles start viewing bribes as “bonuses.”
5. No Fear, No Consequences
   When companies don’t crack down hard on unethical behavior, corruption flourishes. For instance, a person caught accepting bribes is simply transferred to another department. That’s like moving a bad apple to a different basket—it still spoils the bunch!
6. Pay Me More, Or Else...
   Many justify their actions by saying their salaries don’t match their responsibilities. But taking a bribe because of low pay is like robbing a bank because your wallet’s empty—still illegal!
7. Union Muscle
   Case in point: In Punjab, all the Tehsildars went on strike when one of their own was caught red-handed. Solidarity, yes—but maybe not for the right cause.
8. Manual Intervention Equals More Opportunities
   Whenever a process involves manual approvals, the "extra charges" slip right in. In project approvals, a file can pass through 5 to 10 hands, and in states like Punjab and Haryana, it may even reach the Chief Minister’s desk. Each stage has its own "fees."

Can We Uproot Corruption?

Easier said than done! But corruption is slowly eating away at the roots of our society. I’ve met many young Indians who left the country to start businesses elsewhere, fed up with the bureaucracy and corruption back home. I remember a young couple in Singapore who told me how government officials in India harassed their parents, who ran a small business. They had enough and moved to Singapore, where at least the system doesn’t demand "under the table" payments.

We have the laws—so what’s missing?
Strong anti-corruption laws exist, but enforcement is as rare as a solar eclipse. We need to take a page from Singapore or Dubai, where the rules aren’t just for show. In our country, democracy sometimes gets used as an excuse for ignoring wrongdoing. For instance, political spending limits exist in elections, but the actual costs are astronomically higher. First, we need to fix the system at the very top.

In the Private Sector: Set the Tone at the Top
Companies need robust systems to curb corruption, but it all starts with the tone at the top. Leaders like Ratan Tata and Azim Premji are shining examples—if the management walks the ethical walk, the rest of the company will follow.

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Salasar Balaji

 Sunday Story

Salasar Balaji: A Sacred Site Fueling the Local Economy

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the revered Hanuman Temple in Salasar, known as "Salasar Balaji." Invited by a friend to inaugurate his new Dharmshala with all modern amenities for pilgrims, I witnessed firsthand the thriving economy that has grown around this spiritual centre.

Located near Sujangarh in Churu District, Salasar’s identity is intertwined with this temple, which dates back to 1754 AD when a divine idol was miraculously discovered by a farmer. The temple has since become the heartbeat of the local economy, supporting thousands of families through shops, hotels, and other businesses.

However, despite the temple's prosperity, the town itself faces significant challenges. Basic infrastructure, like sewerage and waste disposal, is lacking, and the town is often waterlogged during the monsoon season. This is a call to action for social workers, intellectuals, and business leaders to help improve sanitation, healthcare, and the overall upkeep of these vital towns.

Take Amritsar, for example, home to the Golden Temple, the highest seat of Sikhism. While the temple itself is immaculate, the city struggles with cleanliness and infrastructure issues. We need to ensure that the care and devotion we see inside our sacred sites extend to the communities that surround them.

Our temples are not just spiritual havens—they are economic engines that sustain entire communities. It’s time we extend our efforts beyond the temple walls to ensure that the surrounding areas reflect the same devotion and care.

My short video of the temple site tells the story of thriving ecosystem.

hashtag#SalasarBalaji hashtag#TempleEconomy hashtag#CivicResponsibility hashtag#Sanitation hashtag#SustainableDevelopment hashtag#CulturalHeritage hashtag#CommunityEmpowerment hashtag#Amritsar hashtag#GoldenTemple

Jains Day of Universal forgivenss

 Jain Day of Universal Forgiveness (Sunday Thought)

Jains, though only 0.4% of India’s population, play a major role in the economy, excelling as industrialists, lawyers, chartered accountants, and philanthropists. Known for their non-violence and integrity, they have never demanded reservations, blocked highways, or staged protests. Instead, they focus on helping society, as seen in Bhamashah, who funded Maharana Pratap’s fight, and Seth Todar Mal, who paid for the cremation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons. Their quiet yet impactful contributions have left a lasting legacy in India.

Today, Jains across the globe celebrate Samvatsari, or the Day of Universal Forgiveness, a day rooted in profound humility and spiritual reflection. This sacred day encourages individuals to seek forgiveness from all living beings while extending their own forgiveness to others. It's a moment to acknowledge that, intentionally or unintentionally, we may have caused harm through our actions, words, or even thoughts.

Samvatsari marks the culmination of Paryushan, the most significant festival in Jainism. This is not just a day of personal repentance but a time to foster empathy and compassion, both for ourselves and others. On this day, Jains reflect deeply on their actions over the past year, offering prayers for universal well-being and engaging in acts of kindness.

Many Jains observe strict dietary and spiritual practices during Paryushan, including fasting, consuming food before sunset, and drinking only boiled water. They also abstain from leafy vegetables, adhering to the belief that during the monsoon season, these foods harbor more microorganisms, aligning with Jainism’s core principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Non-vegetarian food is strictly no even on routine days. Scientifically, this practice supports health and hygiene, but spiritually, it reflects a deep respect for all forms of life, even the tiniest.

As we observe this day of forgiveness, I humbly ask my LinkedIn community for forgiveness if I have ever caused harm—whether knowingly or unknowingly. Michhami Dukkadam—May all my transgressions be forgiven.

hashtag#UniversalForgiveness hashtag#Samvatsari hashtag#Jainism hashtag#Compassion hashtag#Paryushan hashtag#Ahimsa hashtag#ForgivenessDay hashtag#SpiritualReflection hashtag#MindfulLivin