Jan Lokpal Bill: Call for Action

Drafted by Justice Santosh Hegde, Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal, Jan Lokpal Bill has been refined on the basis of feedback received from public on website and after series of public consultations. It has also been vetted by and is supported by Shanti Bhushan, J M Lyngdoh, Kiran Bedi, Anna Hazare etc. It was sent to the PM and all CMs on 1st December, last year. However, there is no response.

Anna Hazare has announced fast until death from April 5, 2011 at Jantar Mantar - New Delhi

Anna Hazare’s appeal to the people:

When I sit on fast (unto death) from 5 April, I urge my fellow countrymen to:

*  Join me in fasting for one, two, three or whatever number of days you can comfortably fast.

* Along with fast, please pray to God (whoever you believe in) for better and corruption free India.

* Write an impassioned plea to our Prime Minister that we look upon him to pass “Jan Lokpal Bill”,else we  will be compelled not to vote for his party in next elections.

* Remain calm and peaceful and develop the courage to go to jail, if required, in this next freedom movement.

Note: This Blog post is issued to disseminate information.

The Pixel Project : Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal Campaign

The Pixel Project, a global volunteer-led virtual non-profit organisation working to end Violence Against Women (VAW), invites you to take part in our first ever Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign which launched on the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This campaign aims to raise US$1 million for the VAW cause while inspiring men and women worldwide to work together to end VAW. This year’s beneficiaries are Malaysia’s Women’s Aid Organisation and the U.S.A.’s National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

 

The campaign encourages a global audience to collectively unveil a million-pixel mystery collage of 4 world-famous celebrity male role models by donating US$1 per pixel. The distinguished line-up includes a Nobel Laureate, a Pulitzer Prize Winner and superstar Environmentalist. These world-exclusive portraits are taken by award-winning international photographer, Jillian Edelstein.

Our male role models have also recorded exclusive public service announcements speaking out against VAW which will be launched as each man is revealed. By highlighting positive male role models, we aim to galvanise men and boys to get on board the cause by demonstrating that they have a major role to play in ending VAW. 

P.S: The Project and related Website is owned and operated by Pixel and its licensors, and the Information and Services (and any intellectual property and other rights relating thereto) are and will remain the property of Pixel and its licensors and suppliers. The trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed on the Website (collectively, the “Trademarks”) are the registered and unregistered trademarks of Pixel, Pixel licensors and suppliers, and/or others. SimplyJITH wishes to support the above project and this post is issued to disseminate information, for which necessary permissions were taken from The Pixel Project. 

Destiny : Puzzled!

Often I find myself pondering over this question, even when my life offers me all that I possibly want, there is a sense of loss...why? What am I destined for? Do you sometimes find yourself praying for a positive encounter about understanding your destiny? Many people find destiny elusive and capricious, and it's true that while some people seem to be naturally blessed to seek their path, others seem to get no help at all. In my opinion, destiny is much more than just a cosmic whim. I feel our relationship to destiny is strongly aligned with our own attitude towards it and that the choices we make can actually go a long way into creating our own path.

    

For example, some of the people have actually paved their path by looking at problems and stumbling blocks as opportunities. These people just don't give up when things look bleak or walls seem insurmountable. It is true that when trying to tackle a problem, there is always the possibility you won't overcome it. That said, if you quite before you even give it a good try, you are most likely eliminating any chances to excel. You will have to win over yourself first.

Being aware of the pros and cons of opportunities that come your way is a very important part of creating your own destiny. A good card player knows when to stay in the game and when to fold his cards. Often what we mistake as destiny, can be simply the fact of having experience and using good judgment. People we may perceive as being destined could just know how to pay attention and to do their research. In this way, they have become good at judging when to move forward and when to step back, thus improving their chances. You need to take ownership of your actions.

    

Many people we look up to, are just very good at preparing for success and they are not afraid of hard work. Preparing for success also affects how often one enjoys what we perceive as nature's play. If you want to become an actor you take acting classes, have head shots taken and look for a good agent. Prepare yourself by working towards your goals. Then when an opportunity comes you'll be ready to shine.

If you want to seek destiny, you need to win over yourself. Make up your mind and go after what you want, and take ownership of your actions and consequences. And as Paulo Coelho puts it, universe will conspire itself to make you reach your destiny.

Numbers : The Power of Nine

        

P.S: This post is an amateur attempt at numbers. I wish to present my understanding and lessons I learnt from  number 9.

There is a certain charm in the number 9. I wish to consider the word SimplyJITH, to present my observation.  If we are to list the number equivalents for each alphabet, add the resulting series of numbers and then we continue this schematic with individual digits of the sum total we obtain from our earlier exercise, until we reach a single digit, we end up with digit 6.

Alternatively, if we are position/replace each such number equivalent with corresponding difference between a suitable multiple of 9 and itself, and continue to narrow down with the summation schematic explained above to a single digit, we will again end up with 6. Please see illustration for reference. 

Number 9 presents a strong significance in the play of numbers. It is important for us to realize the absorption capacity it showcases. It teaches us an important lesson of magnanimity, to stand up to any moment of adversity or success with the same outlook and balanced spirits, absorb any happening into our stride and move on. Further, it presents an important lesson  in parenting,  to pass on this belief practice onto the next generation : multiples of 9 showcase the same trend.  

Let me present another interesting behavior pattern of number 9. This pattern is essentially the basis for the observation presented above. Nevertheless, it stands out with its own lessons to teach.  Consider any number, let me pick 73 for now to illustrate my point. If we add the two digits in the number, we end up with 7 + 3 = 10, going further till we end up with a single digit, we end up with 1. If we add 9 to 73, we end up with 82. Further, if we apply the same schematic presented above, we will again end up with 1.  

Number 9 presents the divinity in forgiveness and the needed ability to remain true to yourself, rather than being driven by external factors. Number 9 will give no distortion to any number, rather it leaves the number with its own shades and continue to remain unaffected. It is important for us to forgive anyone and let him/her be with his/her shades rather than trying to influence/disturb their lives. More so, it is important to remain true to our intention, continue to strive for spiritual excellence and inner purity; rather than being carried away by external influences. 

Place: Batu Caves, Malaysia

Date: 16th March 2011

Bitches earn Riches

When you meet up with old friends after a long time, the conversation usually covers a wide range of topics. It is probably because each of us wants to give a complete update in a brief time capsule, that we package various threads into a single fabric.  I was part of such an entertaining episode recently, and I wish to record it as a tribute, for it was an enriching experience. I wish to explain the rather not-so-obvious title for this post, before the readers walk down the wrong lane of thought. The phrase which is listed as the title for the post was presented by one of my friends. And the first word comes with a symbolic undertone: people who have little or no regard to moral values, rather than the usual meaning.

“Money is the root of all evil and that all rich people get snobby and unfriendly…”

“I do not think so, it is more to do with the greed, to have more…”

“When one is not true to his/her intentions, and wants to deceive others, he/she may see momentary gain, but on the longer run will be left with reasons to live with…”

“If all the bitches earn riches, why should we have morals? ”

“You are you, and not someone else…live your existence...”

“What’s wrong if I be the same? At least I can enjoy, what have I got by being me? ”

It is important to understand that to pass through a phase of grief, emotional turmoil and despair without taking to drugs, alcohol, over eating or indulging in practices which are rather not common or moral; one needs to become a spiritual champion. I belief, the pay off for enduring suffering, for soberly embracing the inevitable bouts of emotional pain that nature or others bring , is wisdom and serenity in the face of calamity.  Having said that, it is important to note, the work of a champion is beyond just plain simple or easy and needs support from people around us and also from within.

It is important to notice the dual role of nature in regard to good cop – bad cop schematic in any calamity that we are subjected to. It gives us an opportunity to learn, presents us with a lesson, but what we learn from it and how we act upon it is what defines us. With increasingly fragile relationships that we seem to entertain and subscribe to, the principle of mutually respecting one another and their emotions by being true to each other – through the trials of life, is slowly fading away. What goes around… comes around. It is important to respect Nature, and understand the necessity to stay true to what we are. This gives us immense happiness and a sense of dignity for our existence. To seek beyond nature – to deceive others through immoral practices will only see nature punish us…the cruel way.

Place:  Le Meridien – Jakarta

Date: 14^th March 2011

P.S.: The credit for the photo reference goes to another close friend of mine. 

The Power of Lavender

The eschatology that binds Hinduism, Christianity and Islam as one—vis-a-vis the final events in history,  i.e. fulfillment of a divine plan for humanity, and the immortality of the human soul—is congruously and collectively fulfilled by the Divine Feminine (Adi Shakti).

Adi Shakti is a concept of Hinduism, of divine feminine power. Adi Shakti is responsible for creation, is an agent of change and has the potential for self destruction. The generic approach to independent existence, and thus a false belief of empowerment has lead millions of women to fall into a downward spiral of questionable character. The power and the grace of feminineness, comes with a potential to ignite the flame of dignified individuality. It is important for men amongst us, to understand its sanctity and give every woman with such a flame the respect she truly deserves. At the same time, the potential   if put to use in an adverse way, will lead to self destruction. Any woman who seeks to dishonor the dignity of the flame and put it to a non - righteous use, will be reduced to a state of submissiveness—slave of selfishness and being objectively worthless forever. 

Celebrate dignified feminineness complimented by fragrance of purity, selfless love and righteous existence; failure of which invites introspection of self, marred by the smell of disgust and selfishness, forcing us to reason, if there is a necessity to continue such a worthless existence.

Togetherness

There is a strong belief, that no truth is ever lost - that every word ever spoken, every act we were a part of,  every emotion we lived with, still exists and when that truth comes calling, one should be able to face it, and continue to respect oneself. This is possible when one did not cheat oneself and others in their life....

Rachel heard voices from her past, but they were muffled and fragmented, and they filled her with remorse.....

'Mom, I found Albert fun loving, caring and he loves me.. and is probably the one who will love me for rest of my life. I want to call off my engagement with Paul, do not want to be with him anymore'

'Albert, I have been cheating on you betraying every ounce of trust you showered on me.'

'Relations need more maturity and nurture, I hope my daughter knows what a relation is about and what she is doing.'

'I know mom, I need my man to shower me with a teddy every day and lots of love. Remember the teddy  Dave presented me on our secret weekend trip to Cheney? But then, he was not as charming as Paul was.'

'Do you know you're a very special girl to me Rachel ? One I seek to grow old together with, I felt it from the first time I saw you....I shall always hold you.'

'It's over Albert, I do not wish to marry you. I'll be happy if you do not call me anymore. I found someone else now...Charlie has been taking care of me, while you were away.'

'Rachel, I know you are an innocent girl lost in the lonely lanes of youth. I shall relocate, distances have put us away for long....'

'Mom, Albert had been irritating me with his phone calls all through my Amazon trip with Charlie, I do not need his love anymore, can you tell Albert not to disturb me anymore?'

The voices would not stop. Her past became a kaleidoscope of shifting images that kept racing through her mind. Such recurrences have become more common these days. The Pagatele women were never known for their fidelity, but Rachel's case was rather unusual - behind the facade of fame and glamor (which were the usual reasons for Pagatele women to cheat on their men) lies a hidden web of unmatched selfishness, addiction and fallacious reasoning to justify her actions.

Continued...

P.S.: This blog post presents a first view/glimpse of third chapter of my book (not yet published) titled Precocious Truth: Unrequited Love. You may read the prologue for the same here.