I had some work in the Andhra Bank at Kakinada some years back. I found the forms there for various activities were bi-lingual - in English and Hindi. Now, Andhra Bank may be a nationalised bank but was founded by Late Sri Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitharamayya and by its nomenclature itself identified with Telugus. It is there only to provide service to its customers. How many in Kakinada need the help of Hindi to be served in a bank? This is nothing but tyranny on Telugus.
I would like to know as to in how many Central Schools in AP, Telugu is taught. Even in project schools, where the employees are not generally transferred, telugu is not taught in quite a few. Students, whose mother tongue is Telugu are deprived of even elementary knowledge of their language. In UP Telugu was supposed to be taught as a third language but is not being taught, I know for sure.
Important buildings, monuments, schemes, etc. are not named after Telugu heroes in AP. Why should we not comommorate our heroes. Why Ambedkar when Sanjivayya is available. Why not a Kannamadasu or Joshua if somebody from a particular community is to be named after?
Why do we oblitrate our own hoary history? Why this official censorship? How many Telugus know about the sacrifices done by Duggirala Goplakrishniah? He stands at par with Subhash Chandra Bose in preferring freedom struggle to joining ICS to which he was also selected. In which syllabus is the Chirala-Perala movement included? How many know about V.B.Raju, an outstanding parliamentarian and epitome of honesty? Are not the erudition, honesty in public life, sacrifices made by giants like Tenneti Viswanatham, Vavilala Gopalakrishniah, Tanguturi Prakasam, Veeresalingam, Joshua worthy of being told to future generations?
Apart from official censorship, there is another aspect at which I wonder. You find Subhash Chandra Boses, Jawaharlal Nehrus, Stalins, Lenins and even Hitler amongst Telugus but alas no Prakasam or Durga Bai! How broad-minded we Telugus are!
We experience the cacophony of hindi patriotic songs on Independence/Republic Days in AP but no Ghantasala or Suryakumari. No songs like Maakoddu yee Tella Dora Tanam. No songs of Garimella. How many know such exist.
I have seen India in its length and breadth but I find this trait peculiar only to Telugus.
Ponder...
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
A few questions to Sashi Tharoor
This is one more blog to discuss and debate about which Sashi Thaoor is nostalgic in his artilce in Sunday Times today. I will neither denigrate him nor agree with him but simply pose a few questions.
a) Does he think that there are only fanatic and moderate hindus? What about the secularists who muddy the Hindu waters more than the fanatics?
b) Does 'Staying away' amount to running away from law or not? What is the difference between Q and H?
c) Does the fact that 'nudity was a staple of Indian Art and sculpture for millennia' gives licence to artistes now to create an atmosphere not conducive at the present juncture of 'communal' and 'secular' politics? Is there a voice of sanity or a towering personality who can pull this country out of the present mess? If our traditions of bygone era are to be replicated now, even by a fringe, will it not lead to prosecution or law and order problems? For example Can certain classes of people denied entry into temple as that was the case then? Are we to go into a time wrap or be aware of current tensions and avoid them.
d) In Sashi's opinion, if demolition of Babri Masjid was denigration of Hinduism, then demolition of thousands of temples in India was denigration of which religion? Demolition of Bamian Budha is denigration of which religion?
e) Sometime back, 'The Hindu' today's champion of secularism, started a comic strip in its weekly children's section on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). This was not a caricature but a healthy and interesting way of imparting moral education to young minds through parables. There were protests on portraying the Holy Prophet. The secular 'The Hindu' promptly stopped the feature and on top proferred a grovelling apology. Sashi, what is your stand on this episode?
a) Does he think that there are only fanatic and moderate hindus? What about the secularists who muddy the Hindu waters more than the fanatics?
b) Does 'Staying away' amount to running away from law or not? What is the difference between Q and H?
c) Does the fact that 'nudity was a staple of Indian Art and sculpture for millennia' gives licence to artistes now to create an atmosphere not conducive at the present juncture of 'communal' and 'secular' politics? Is there a voice of sanity or a towering personality who can pull this country out of the present mess? If our traditions of bygone era are to be replicated now, even by a fringe, will it not lead to prosecution or law and order problems? For example Can certain classes of people denied entry into temple as that was the case then? Are we to go into a time wrap or be aware of current tensions and avoid them.
d) In Sashi's opinion, if demolition of Babri Masjid was denigration of Hinduism, then demolition of thousands of temples in India was denigration of which religion? Demolition of Bamian Budha is denigration of which religion?
e) Sometime back, 'The Hindu' today's champion of secularism, started a comic strip in its weekly children's section on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). This was not a caricature but a healthy and interesting way of imparting moral education to young minds through parables. There were protests on portraying the Holy Prophet. The secular 'The Hindu' promptly stopped the feature and on top proferred a grovelling apology. Sashi, what is your stand on this episode?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Oral Traditions of India
Men must have been definitely communicating amongst themselves before invention of script. Even after invention of script, which must have been the preserve of the privileged few, record of events, epics, traditions, stories of valour, songs, etc. must have been passed on from generation to generation through oral tradition.
In India even after the advent of script, Vedas were to be learnt only from a Guru though oral rendition and never through reading. One reason could be the need for chaste pronounciation and correct intonation (swara). Another reason could be the selfish desire to keep it the preserve of a few.
On another plane, till the advent of gadgets like phonogram, record-player, tape recorder, etc. music was preserved entirely in the minds of a few and passed on to the disciples through word of mouth. Not only the lyrics, but the entire style (Bani or Gharana) was preserved and carried forward by the Gurus and Sishyas through oral tradition. This is true especially in Indian context because, notation is just not possible as in the case of western classical music, as Indian music, whether Carnatic or Hindustani, is based on Manodharma or innovation on the spot and not put in a straightjacket.
It is mind boggling to realise that there were and are well-versed veda pandits who could chant thousands and thousands of lines from memory even while learning new lessons and practicing what was learnt already.
Likewise, the reportaire of an eminent singer, who can elaborate a raga, brings everything from out of his memory improvising the style and duration for that particular occasion, particular mood, particular audience, is also something to marvel.
Likewise historical events, mythological stories, etc. are sung by illiterates all learnt by rote. There were songs for every occasion and every chore to lessen the burden of the task or for mere merriment. All these are passed on through oral tradition.
The tradition of making children commit to memory is a continuation of this process.
If we are to preserve the vast trease trove of our culture, epics, sagas, language, history, we should nurture our tradition of imparting knowledge by rote. Mere publication or recording alone will simply not be adequate.
One food for thought! How many mothers can sing a lullaby today?
Ponder...
In India even after the advent of script, Vedas were to be learnt only from a Guru though oral rendition and never through reading. One reason could be the need for chaste pronounciation and correct intonation (swara). Another reason could be the selfish desire to keep it the preserve of a few.
On another plane, till the advent of gadgets like phonogram, record-player, tape recorder, etc. music was preserved entirely in the minds of a few and passed on to the disciples through word of mouth. Not only the lyrics, but the entire style (Bani or Gharana) was preserved and carried forward by the Gurus and Sishyas through oral tradition. This is true especially in Indian context because, notation is just not possible as in the case of western classical music, as Indian music, whether Carnatic or Hindustani, is based on Manodharma or innovation on the spot and not put in a straightjacket.
It is mind boggling to realise that there were and are well-versed veda pandits who could chant thousands and thousands of lines from memory even while learning new lessons and practicing what was learnt already.
Likewise, the reportaire of an eminent singer, who can elaborate a raga, brings everything from out of his memory improvising the style and duration for that particular occasion, particular mood, particular audience, is also something to marvel.
Likewise historical events, mythological stories, etc. are sung by illiterates all learnt by rote. There were songs for every occasion and every chore to lessen the burden of the task or for mere merriment. All these are passed on through oral tradition.
The tradition of making children commit to memory is a continuation of this process.
If we are to preserve the vast trease trove of our culture, epics, sagas, language, history, we should nurture our tradition of imparting knowledge by rote. Mere publication or recording alone will simply not be adequate.
One food for thought! How many mothers can sing a lullaby today?
Ponder...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Serious Business of Humour
Today a few extracts from Paul Brunton's 'A Hermit in the Himalayas'
"During all my wanderings in the mystic courts of Heavens, I have yet to notice any prohibitory announcement upon the walls proclaiming that laughter is prohibited."
"After all, it is better to jest and joke about this ephemeral life of ours than to imitate the undertaker. Life wihout its sprinkling of humour is like soup without salt - it lacks savor. We must laugh if life is to be made endurable. If nature has not made us a little frivolous, we would be most wretched. It is because we are frivolous that the majority do not hang themselves."
"Life is mostly tolerable if we are able to laugh at it."
"Humour is a mysterious quality which the gods have given to the fallen mankind as a soporific substitute for the divine exaltation it has lost. It provides an excellent way of liberating oneself from the dismal effects of misfortunes, from drab environments, from unpleasant realities and persons, but above all from one's personal ego. A man who can laugh at himselh has to that extent acquired some degree of impersonality."
"During all my wanderings in the mystic courts of Heavens, I have yet to notice any prohibitory announcement upon the walls proclaiming that laughter is prohibited."
"After all, it is better to jest and joke about this ephemeral life of ours than to imitate the undertaker. Life wihout its sprinkling of humour is like soup without salt - it lacks savor. We must laugh if life is to be made endurable. If nature has not made us a little frivolous, we would be most wretched. It is because we are frivolous that the majority do not hang themselves."
"Life is mostly tolerable if we are able to laugh at it."
"Humour is a mysterious quality which the gods have given to the fallen mankind as a soporific substitute for the divine exaltation it has lost. It provides an excellent way of liberating oneself from the dismal effects of misfortunes, from drab environments, from unpleasant realities and persons, but above all from one's personal ego. A man who can laugh at himselh has to that extent acquired some degree of impersonality."
Monday, June 18, 2007
Yoga Karma Su-Kaushalam
It should be our endeavour to do any job to the best of our ability. We should embed this thought in our mind while doing even the trivial of routine chores.
Now what is doing to the best of one's ability? How to achieve best results?
First we should have Asana Soukhyam i.e. we should adopt the correct posture, which is least tiring, ergonomic and comfortable. Proper work table, etc. should be ensured.
Most of the appliances are accompanied by maintenance manuals. These should be studied and preserved for ready reference.
We should have all the tools, implements, gauges, etc. readily available like the arrangements made in an O.T. There should be no searching while on the job. We see professional artisans arriving to attend to repairs without tools. Most common experience is their arriving without a ladder when the complaint is attending to fuses, wiring, etc. at a height. They drag expensive furniture and climb on them with scant regard to the damage they cause. Many a time they put themselves into danger. In West it is stated, workers come with all sorts of tools and are well prepared to tackle any need. This is lacking in India.
Tendency to borrow tools is abhorring. One should possess oneself all that may be commonly needed like screw drivers, pliers, hammer, etc. Generally the tendency is to borrow tools, damage them or lose them or not return them without being reminded.
Other common needs like nails, screws, washers, etc. should always be stored and not sought only when there is a need.
Conscious regard for personal safety, safety of others and safety of equipment is another pre-requisite. Elementary precautions like switching off power supply before attending to electrical faults, disconnecting appliances before attending to them, are some examples.
There should be a sort of mental flow chart as to how to approach a problem and solve it. Prior planning and knowledge about the job should be there.
The job executed should be most ideal and not mere patch work. Temporarily solving a problem knowing fully well that the it will recur will not do. We should do a work to our utmost satisfaction let alone the satisfaction of the customer.
The person should be competent to do the job. He should constantly upgrade his skills and be aware of the state of art of the technology involved.
After the job is done, the tools/implements should be thorouhly cleaned, correctly packed and put away in their respective places for easy retrieval next time.
For the uninitiated, they should avidly watch when a professional is working so that they are atleast aware of the job implication and are not short-changed. This will also upgrade their general knowledge, common sense and may be, some skills.
Only right person should be entrusted with the right job. In critical jobs, professionals should be engaged whatever be the cost.
Enjoy solving your problems yourself. Save on time and money. But do a good job. Do no risk safety by handling things you are not competent to handle. But keep on thinking and learning.
Ponder...
Now what is doing to the best of one's ability? How to achieve best results?
First we should have Asana Soukhyam i.e. we should adopt the correct posture, which is least tiring, ergonomic and comfortable. Proper work table, etc. should be ensured.
Most of the appliances are accompanied by maintenance manuals. These should be studied and preserved for ready reference.
We should have all the tools, implements, gauges, etc. readily available like the arrangements made in an O.T. There should be no searching while on the job. We see professional artisans arriving to attend to repairs without tools. Most common experience is their arriving without a ladder when the complaint is attending to fuses, wiring, etc. at a height. They drag expensive furniture and climb on them with scant regard to the damage they cause. Many a time they put themselves into danger. In West it is stated, workers come with all sorts of tools and are well prepared to tackle any need. This is lacking in India.
Tendency to borrow tools is abhorring. One should possess oneself all that may be commonly needed like screw drivers, pliers, hammer, etc. Generally the tendency is to borrow tools, damage them or lose them or not return them without being reminded.
Other common needs like nails, screws, washers, etc. should always be stored and not sought only when there is a need.
Conscious regard for personal safety, safety of others and safety of equipment is another pre-requisite. Elementary precautions like switching off power supply before attending to electrical faults, disconnecting appliances before attending to them, are some examples.
There should be a sort of mental flow chart as to how to approach a problem and solve it. Prior planning and knowledge about the job should be there.
The job executed should be most ideal and not mere patch work. Temporarily solving a problem knowing fully well that the it will recur will not do. We should do a work to our utmost satisfaction let alone the satisfaction of the customer.
The person should be competent to do the job. He should constantly upgrade his skills and be aware of the state of art of the technology involved.
After the job is done, the tools/implements should be thorouhly cleaned, correctly packed and put away in their respective places for easy retrieval next time.
For the uninitiated, they should avidly watch when a professional is working so that they are atleast aware of the job implication and are not short-changed. This will also upgrade their general knowledge, common sense and may be, some skills.
Only right person should be entrusted with the right job. In critical jobs, professionals should be engaged whatever be the cost.
Enjoy solving your problems yourself. Save on time and money. But do a good job. Do no risk safety by handling things you are not competent to handle. But keep on thinking and learning.
Ponder...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Rationalism and Curse
Rationalism demands a cogent and logicial explanation sans which a belief is treated as superstition or blind faith or even tyranny over the minds of the gullible. In India, Rationalism is mostly directed at Hindu religious beliefs and practices. However, some of the beliefs and practices which apparently cannot be rationally supported had their own secular/mundane/practical/effective purposes.
Curse is one of them.
Before the advent of British to India, as anyone will readily accept, there were no registration offices, no stamp papers, no registration, etc. How then were land/property disputes avoided? How ownership was determined? Was it because of sparce population and abudance of land?
Forgetting about private ownership for a while, if we look at the public lands, like a village tank or temple lands, inscriptions abound where the donor solemnly lays a curse on anyone who tresspasses or grabs against the intended purpose. This is a good evidence that land-grabbing is not a recent phenenomen and that in those days a curse was a good deterrent.
In some parts of Rayalaseema there is a practice that if anyone loses valuables like ornaments due to burglary all the villagers are to throw a ball of dung into a heap and the valuable is normlly recovered in the dung heap without the culprit revealing himself. Anyone violating this system comes under a curse, it is believed.
Even now disputes are settled in the Kanipakkam temple under the belief that the wrong doer will come under the curse of Lord Ganesa if he does not mend his way.
Now with a plethora of laws, courts, registration offices, documentations, litigation has not abated albiet increased manifold.
What is good? Inculcating a sense of irrational belief in curse (if it is possible in these days) or muddle through police stations and legal jungle?
Ponder...
Curse is one of them.
Before the advent of British to India, as anyone will readily accept, there were no registration offices, no stamp papers, no registration, etc. How then were land/property disputes avoided? How ownership was determined? Was it because of sparce population and abudance of land?
Forgetting about private ownership for a while, if we look at the public lands, like a village tank or temple lands, inscriptions abound where the donor solemnly lays a curse on anyone who tresspasses or grabs against the intended purpose. This is a good evidence that land-grabbing is not a recent phenenomen and that in those days a curse was a good deterrent.
In some parts of Rayalaseema there is a practice that if anyone loses valuables like ornaments due to burglary all the villagers are to throw a ball of dung into a heap and the valuable is normlly recovered in the dung heap without the culprit revealing himself. Anyone violating this system comes under a curse, it is believed.
Even now disputes are settled in the Kanipakkam temple under the belief that the wrong doer will come under the curse of Lord Ganesa if he does not mend his way.
Now with a plethora of laws, courts, registration offices, documentations, litigation has not abated albiet increased manifold.
What is good? Inculcating a sense of irrational belief in curse (if it is possible in these days) or muddle through police stations and legal jungle?
Ponder...
Interacting with Youngsters
With the crumbling of joint family concept, interaction between grand parents and grand children is virtually extinct except for occasional visits. Traditions and values used to be handed down and the grand parents also benefited through a sense of usefulness and pride.
Change is natural. No point in regretting over changes that may not be palatable but over which we have no control.
Apart from the joy that one gets from interacting with one's own grandchildren, one more benefit was the opportunity to interact with those other than peers. When we interact with peers, we hardly imbibe anything new and, especially in old age, there is nothing but exchange of unpleasant experiences, complaints and discussion about health problems. This makes us all the more depressing. This I learnt from a young gentleman today though some vague idea was there in me earlier. But he put it more succiently.
Thus, interaction with youngsters is of immense help, in fact eye-opener, in these days of lonliness amidst the concrete jungles. If your grand children are away, interact with other children. Help them with their studies, if possible, without any monetary consideration. Share their interests. Take care of them if their parents are away. Share confidences. More importantly learn from them because their knowledge is fresh.
Ponder...
Change is natural. No point in regretting over changes that may not be palatable but over which we have no control.
Apart from the joy that one gets from interacting with one's own grandchildren, one more benefit was the opportunity to interact with those other than peers. When we interact with peers, we hardly imbibe anything new and, especially in old age, there is nothing but exchange of unpleasant experiences, complaints and discussion about health problems. This makes us all the more depressing. This I learnt from a young gentleman today though some vague idea was there in me earlier. But he put it more succiently.
Thus, interaction with youngsters is of immense help, in fact eye-opener, in these days of lonliness amidst the concrete jungles. If your grand children are away, interact with other children. Help them with their studies, if possible, without any monetary consideration. Share their interests. Take care of them if their parents are away. Share confidences. More importantly learn from them because their knowledge is fresh.
Ponder...
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