HAPPY NEW YEAR

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Good bye 2016,

Welcome 2017,

And the turn of teens,

Only makes me feel umpteen.

*

For 16 was good, and well understood,

Tough, but still withstood,

And straight forward too, so never misunderstood,

And with the help of all that,

17 is now a likelihood.

*

With the thick of life, thin comes along,

And with sweet 16, 17 comes along,

Just as, with the past, the future comes along,

And with the sorrows, the joys come along.

*

Each new year springs up new hopes,

Each coming year throws up new goals,

Where you roll back old scrolls,

To live in with your new roles.

*

For I have new resolutions to make,

Old resolutions to break,

For old time is ticking,

New time is revving.

*

For remember triumphantly,

Life holds no sway, without the bygone days,

But will stop to breathe, without the flowering days,

So 17 on 16 is the order of the day.

*

Life churns, only with the churn of years,

And there is no life, without the change of years,

So welcome 17 and say goodbye to 16

For that is the real trending.

*****

THE GOOD MAN

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    Once upon a time there lived a rich person who had built a huge temple in his hometown. He had kept one poojari there (Hindu temple priest) to perform, the daily puja of God. And, to meet the expenses of the temple, he had transferred his assets, such as, land, farms and even his orchards in its name. He had done some meticulous planning and organized the whole thing in such a manner. That, for all the devotees coming to the temple; those who were hungry or in pain, or any other person who was poor or even a sadhu (sage). Could have, stayed there for a couple of days. He could have eaten the prasad (devotional offering of food made to God) from the temple as his meal. And after putting all these wonderful ideas in place, he was now on the lookout for a manager. Who could well handle the temple property along with its systems and procedures in an efficient manner.

    Many candidates came to the rich man for the job. They all knew. That if they are selected as the manager of the temple. They will get a good salary. But the rich man rejected everyone. He told them—he required only a good man. And, that, he’ll be able to find one himself.

    On this unbecoming behavior of the rich person, people starting abusing him discreetly. Some even started calling him simpleton and mad. But, the rich man did not pay any heed to what anyone said. When the temple used to open in the morning and people used to line up for darshan (auspicious sight). He used to climb up to his terrace. From where, he used to quietly watch all the devotees who came for darshan. One day a quintessential person came to the temple. His clothes were torn and dirty. He didn’t appear to be well educated. He had his darshan after which he was about to leave. When the rich man called him to his house and asked—‘Sir! would you like to work as the manager of this temple?’

    The man was rather surprised. He said—‘I’m not very educated. So, I, really don’t know, how I’ll be able to handle the management of this huge temple?’

    Rich man said—‘I don’t want a very educated manager either. I’m just looking for a good man. Who could become the manager of this temple.’

    The man politely replied—‘My dear brother. In this sea of human beings around the temple, what made you feel. That I am the sole good man around?’

    Rich man mildly elucidated—‘I know you are a good man, because this pathway to the temple had a pointed edge of a stone jutting out. And for many a days now, I was watching it. Many people had hurt themselves because of it. People used to fall because of it. Then they used to get up and just go away. But you were different. You were not hurt with that stone. Yet, considering, someone else might get hurt. You decided to pull it out. I was watching you, when you called for the shovel from my labour. Only to take the trouble of digging that stone out. Thereafter, you leveled the area for others comfort and safety.

       The man responded—‘that is nothing. In fact, it is every man’s duty to remove thorns, pebbles and even stones, stuck in the ground that might hurt someone.’

    To which the Rich man confided—‘people who are clear about their duties and who believe in performing it alone are good men.’

    The man was appointed the manager of the temple. Where, the rich man was not wrong, because the man administered the temple in a very efficient manner.

   

*****

'SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION' RECEIVES APPRECIATION FROM APOLLO HOSPITALS

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

TOUCHING LIVES

‘SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION’ RECEIVES APPRECIATION FROM APOLLO HOSPITALS

    We are delighted to inform our donors and well wishers. That Apollo Hospitals, which happens to be one of the leading chain of hospitals in India. Has accorded recognition to the work we have done for ‘poor children suffering from life threatening diseases.’

    On 24^th December 2016, Apollo Hospitals celebrated their ‘Brave Hearts’ day, where the recognition was announced. It was a glittering function held in their auditorium at Sarita Vihar in Delhi. Where, apart from little brave hearts. The function was well attended by Doctors, officials, parents of brave hearts and NGO staff.

     Shravan Charity Mission was registered in 2010. But due to unavoidable circumstances it could start work only in 2012. Since then it has touched many lives.

    On this sterling moment we would like to thank Apollo Hospitals for their cooperation in bringing about the best in us. And we pledge to continue with our mission.

*****

  

POEM: I'M 60

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

I’m 60

When I turned 60,

Mind said, it’s now going to be risky,

But heart interjected—no way, it’ll only be frisky,

Where midway said—one way or the other,

Life is going to be slippery.

*

For career was over,

Cul-de-sac was closer,

Growth engines had succumbed,

Moolah was at its end.

*

Though posts and positions were over,

Fascinations, were still tall and not at all over,

From countless no ends,

I was heading towards a dead end.

*

I never thought of sixty,

Nor did I think of fifty,

Thirty is what I always thought of,

Till I was told I’ve turned sixty,

And for me,

It was tricky and as if bereft of whisky.

*

But age had nothing to do with my being thrifty,

As I always felt blessed,

And de-stressed,

Till someone announced I’ve clocked sixty.

*

Soon I realized,

Things were not the same,

For I was no more in fame,

But was it any shame?

*

Is, when my heart argued my mind,

And in the intertwine,

Heart convinced the mind,

All is not lost,

And at 60, life begins with a new chime.

*

For sixty is only a perception,

So a big deception,

Let some doors close,

For some to open.

*

But it’ll only open,

If you dare to do so,

Else you would only drift,

To the hell of oblivion.

*

I woke up inspired,

I woke up rejuvenated,

For years don’t matter,

In this bubbling atmosphere,

And all that matters

Is your emboldened gear.

*

So get up to do something worthwhile,

For you still can do it,

Even if the era has changed,

There is still so much to change,

From humanity to disdain.

*

And there is enough left,

Even for the seventy and eighty,

What to talk of sixty,

To grandly maintain.

*

I have memories galore

Some pleasant

Some unpleasant

But all to the core.

*

Having crossed several milestones,

I don’t look for stones,

For the page has turned,

More towards the urn.

*

So keep the lilt of life alive,

By discounting all your frights,

By upholding all the rights,

And by being upright.

This poem is for all those who have turned 60. It is essentially important not to stop doing things under the excuse of being old. There is so much to do and so much to improve in this planet. So don’t just pull the curtain on yourself. Rather, rise up to start your second innings. Good day.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*****

MAHABHARAT- DRAUPADI'S PARDON

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    Draupadi’s make shift tenement was filled with shrills and bloody echoes of wail. The holy war of Mahabharat had just about ended. In which Pandavas had had a thumping victory. But in spite of all this, there was a frightening and lasting lament in Pandava’s camp. But no one exactly knew why? When suddenly, Pandavas ran towards the chamber of Panchali from where these hell cries were coming.

    The scene was truly gruesome. As there lay dead, the severed heads of all the five sons of Draupadi in a pool of blood. That was even smeared on their torso. Dharmraj Yudhistir couldn’t bear the scene when he whimpered, ‘Draupadi … its heart rendering.’ And beyond that he couldn’t utter a word. Perhaps, with these few words, his unqualified agony together with surprise and inquisition, all came alive in one go.

    Upon witnessing the gory scene, Gandeevdhari Arjun’s shoulders started twitching. He couldn’t control himself, and yelled in anger—‘except for that morbid devil Ashwaththama. Who else could have carried out this ghastly crime? Wipe your tears Devi. As I enter into a pratigya, that I will make this rogue prostrate at your feet. I will squash him with my legs, so that you can bathe with his blood.’ And then Arjun requested Krishna to be his charioteer. He then wore his armour and lifted his Gandeev and charged after Ashwaththama. Clean-handed Pandavas were now listless, at the brutal murder of their sons. They were now getting wild and ferocious and wanted revenge forthwith. Under the circumstances, scared Ashwaththama couldn’t have remained out of their clutches for long.

    Arjun was beginning to get restless. He asked, ‘Madhusudhan, what should we do with this rogue? How should we punish him?’ And, before, he could even completed his sentence, Lord Krishna in an angry tone reacted—‘Parth! A rascal Brahmin’s execution, alone, is the way out. And this was your vow too. So, where is the question of any permission in this?’

    But while grieving on her dead sons, when Draupadi saw Guruputra Ashwaththama tied in ropes and lying in the room. She stood up and started pleading for mercy with Arjun—‘Prannath! Please forgive him.’

    But Arjun remained adamant. He said, ‘Draupadi sit on his chest—I want you to bathe with his blood.’

    Draupadi continued beseeching in her gruff timbre. She folded her hands to namaskar Ashwaththama and then addressed Arjun—‘Aryaputra! Ashwaththama happens to be the son of the same hallowed person from whom you have learnt superior war skills. He is also a Brahmin and therefore respectable to Chatriyas. And his mother Kripi is even alive today for the sake of her motherhood, where she sees her son Ashwaththama as her only motive in life and doesn’t follow her husband anymore. Nath! Also, my sons won’t return to life even if Ashwaththama is sent to the gallows. The way I’m weeping for them. His mother too will weep for him, and God only knows what else she might do. In case I can’t give happiness to someone, why should I be the reason for his sorrow?’

    Arjun, along with all his brothers was watching this amazing scene of morality being spelt out by Draupadi. Standing on the side was Bakenbihari in his usual manner in a calm posture. He slowly came forward and sarcastically said—‘what happened Arjun, why have you stopped? Come on lift the sword.’

    Arjun bowed at Lord Srikrishna and said—‘Madhav please pull me out of this dharmsankat’

    Srikrishna as if testing Arjun’s patience said—‘I am once again repeating my orthodoxical tenet to you. And, mind you. I am repeating it for your benefit alone parth!—Not to kill a fallen Brahmin, but to kill a miscreant—this alone is the ultimate dharma.’

    Arjun was spellbound for a moment. But he was a celebrator of wisdom and knowledge. And for him, as if this golden, primordial hint was enough. He acted forthwith. By pulling out the mani embedded in Ashwaththama’s forehead and thereafter tonsuring him. He then left him to wander as an insulted Brahmin who is like a dead person.

    Thus without killing the Brahmin, Arjun gave Ashwaththama punishment equivalent to death and fulfilled his pratigya.

Glossary

Panchali – another name of Draupadi

Gandeevdhari- the bearer of bow—Arjun

Devi – Divine Draupadi

Gandeev - Bow

Pratigya- Vow

Madhav/Bakenbihari/Madhusudhan-  Another name of Lord Krishna

Parth- One who doesn’t miss his target. Name given to Arjun by Lord Krishna

Prannath- Lord of life

Namaskar- Hindu greetings.

Aryaputra - Noble prince.

Nath- Lord.

Dharm sankat- moral ambiguity

Mani-jewel

    Extracted from Srimad bhagwat puran.

*****

OUR VISIT TO GOOD SAMARITAN DORRIS FRANCIS

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Kamlesh Tripathi

Dr Sujata Tripathi with Good Samaritan Dorris Francis

Dr Sujata Tripathi handing over cheque to Dorris Francis

Help is pouring in for ‘traffic heroine.’ As TOI puts it in their Noida edition dated 30^th November 2016. In our blog we have previously written about her. (URL is below)

https://goo.gl/tGJuv8  Contribute for Good Samaritan Dorris Francis’s cancer treatment.

On 3^rd December we too visited her, to do our bit. The picture shows it all. You too can make your contribution for this brave person as per account details given below:

Name of account: Shravan Charity Mission

Bank of India account no: (680510110004635)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

Or mail your cheque to

Shravan Charity Mission

S-002, Arihant Ambience

Crossings Republik

Ghaziabad-201009

Uttar Pradesh

LORD KRISHNA'S RASLEELA SHOULD NOT BE EMULATED

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

    Most Gopis (radha and her sakhis) in their previous lives were great female Rishis (Sage). They were extremely proficient in the study of Vedas. When, Sri Krishna was earlier born as Lord Ram in Ayodhya, all the Rishis wanted to have sensual pleasure with him. Lord Ram had then given a vardaan (blessing) that when he is born as Krishna he will fulfill their wishes. Therefore, to have sensual pleasure with Sri Krishna was an old time wish of the Gopis. And for making Sri Krishna their husband they even went up to Devi Katyayani. There are many such examples like this that establish the fact of Sri Krishna’s supremacy. He was certainly not tied down to the systems and procedures of the physical and mortal world. To bless his devotees in various life situations he used to undertake various jobs and roles. But he could do this only because he was the supreme force. Ordinary and common people should only follow the great teachings of Lord Krishna as spoken and written in Bhagwad Gita. They should never imagine or dare to imitate Krishna by doing the raasleela (Dance of divine love).

    If Sri Krishna could perform raasleela, he could also lift the Goverdhan mount with his little finger. Or he could even kill the ferocious female demon Pootna which was not possible by any ordinary human being. And he had that supreme might to carry out such tasks. Such instances only decorate his personality. In the same manner even raasleela was an uncommon task, that couldn’t have been performed by an ordinary person. Mythology says even Arjun kept doing his duty as advised by Sri Krishna to keep him happy. Doing his duty alone was in his prowess even when Arjun was a great warrior. Krishna desired he should fight his enemies for the sake of mankind which he did to please him. First Arjun was not ready to fight. But later when Krishna exhorted him he changed his mind and decided to fight. Ordinary people only need to follow righteousness and Dharma in the form of karma. They should not abandon their karma at any cost. And by trying to emulate raasleela they are only inviting their own disaster. In the same manner Lord Shiva after Samudra Manthan (churning of the sea) drank the poison that came out of it. This was in the interest of humanity and since then his throat went blue. But if an ordinary person drinks poison to copy Shiva he will surely die.

    So it goes without saying. Whatever Sri Krishna did with the Gopis in the raasleela was on account of the age old Vardaan that carried no personal benefit for him.

*****