(not the music group) but chronicles of a shamelessly self-proclaimed writer through reading, reflection and experience. Passionate about India, the nonprofit sector and the tiny role I get to play in this so-called Philanthropic ecosystem. My journey is about 'doing good' and sometimes getting it right! Living in the DC-metropolitan area with dear husband and two sons.
Yet another one of those times that have made me a slacker at blogging. Several of my recent posts have mentioned how there haven't been many posts and that it will be different from now on, etc. etc. Yes, I do love to write and yes there are some interesting (and not-so interesting) moments that I could keep blogging about but Shakespeare never did that either so I guess I can be excused on my own blog (j).
What indeed made me add a post today of all days was when I read the eternal question in one of those forward emails (grrr) - What is your resolution for the coming year? 'Writing' was what popped out of my head and then the brain started churning out all that I 'should do' in 2010. Now, should I put that on google docs, pages or better still, make a spreadsheet of 'dos and donts'? The newspapers talk of most common resolutions - go to the gym (not going to happen), quit smoking (old habits die hard), be more spiritual (ahem!)....so what would it be then, I wonder.
While the world rings in the new year, with Sydney already in 2010, I am reminded of what C&H a lot right now and their thought-process totally echoes what I would like to do at this point.
So here's the C&H way of wishing all of you a 2010 that is filled with contentment, safety, laughter, courage and acceptance -
With the belief in ‘Each-to-His-Own’ principle, we are in India, as my Dad likely states it, on a ‘Ritual to a Spiritual’ visit. No, by this visit, I do not mean yoga or any form of penance and meditation; rather to witness and be an integral part of a Jain ceremony termed as the Panch-Kalyanak Mahotsav – Five-Event Celebration.
I usually avoid writing/expressing about religion and/or its various facets mainly because of the very sensitivity with which it has been looked upon, the world over. Not that I am an atheist but while I do have certain agnostic perceptions, there is some level of faith that goes beyond the religious aspects. Nevertheless, as I am about to observe closely this celebration, I would like to share some of my experiences therein, without sounding too religious. I aim to express the overall process of this ‘ritual’ and the knowledge gained with a view to document its various steps and capture the overall emotions attached.
I would like to thank my Dad who has contributed most of the conceptual notes on the event without which I may not be able to fully comprehend its essence. Several of his notes are quoted in Italics. If, at any point, you think that the posts do not reveal the true essence of this celebration and/or that it tends to contradict (and upset) your own beliefs, do remember that this is not my intention and in advance, do accept my apologies.
Moving on to the celebration and before I do so, it is important to understand, in brief, a bit about the religion per se. While Wikipedia does a good job of giving a detailed description, simply put, Jainism is a neo-religious way of life wherein its believer usually focuses more on uplifting his/her soul to a level that is devoid of materialistic/worldly activities and moves to one of reflection, introspection, meditation and penance. In today’s day and age, this has proven to be difficult to practice in its entirety, yet there are several individuals who have treaded on this journey. “According to the religion’s spiritual texts, since its evolution, there have been 24 such souls that have followed this path of self-renunciation, gained universal knowledge, thereby attained, what is termed as, liberation of the soul (Moksha) and these individuals/their souls are called Tirthankars.” Devout followers of the Tirthankars are known as Jains and thus the religious connotation.
“Each Tirthankar is highly revered by the Jains (Their devotees) who believe that in so doing, are driven to the path of real peace and happiness.” From this same spirit of devotion also evolves a deep sense of desire to build a space symbolizing an individually driven force for ritual (and spiritual) gratification as well as a community feeling for worship and reverence. This space, typically referred to as a Temple (Mandir), is created with the support, financial and otherwise, from devotees wishing to install an idol – Deities who consecrate one or more of the Tirthankars. The Panch-Kalyanak Mahotsav is thus a five-day event celebrating the installation of the idol – with each event (day), closely observed as each of the life-stages that the Tirthankahrs go through i.e.
The posts that follow would thus look at each of these events (days) closely. If you have any questions, I may surely not be able to answer most of them, yet a discussion from a more spiritual perspective might be fruitful.
Since the past year or so, enough has been discussed, deliberated and dialogued on 'Green' - the buzz word world over. Last year was Poland and this year we will see it in Copenhagen where world leaders discuss the fate of climate change. We already know that damage has been done so what next? Yesterday when I took part in a virtual Climate Change Conference (titled 'Humanity's Leap in the Golden Era'), it dawned me more than ever before, that there is indeed nothing I have done in my part to even be more conscious of the environment, to contribute in a way less damaging or simply doing things that would typically be considered ‘responsible’ – in short, altering my very own lifestyle that currently generates more waste like nobody’s business!
One of the speakers at the conference focused on how our very own 'attitudes' need to change and this got me thinking of ways in which our household can be well-suited to work around being environment-friendly. So thanks to the world wide web, I came across several resources that can be extremely useful for amateurs like me. I resolve to adhere to some of these tips and sharing the same with the hope that it would lead you to also take action in your own little way.
*** As part of our ‘Green Team’ efforts at work, there was a video screening of The Story of Stuff over a year ago. This is indeed a good starting point in case you haven’t see it yet -
*** They say that any change begins from within, from ourselves, our own homes. Check out your own ecological footprint here.
*** Boy oh Boy! That is a lot of energy right there! Want to get a second opinion? Check how green you are.
*** So you want to know what this whole green business is all about? Want to know what global warming means and what are those carbon credits they are referring to? No, for once these 'credits' do not apply to your so-called 'credit history'. Check this information here and here.
*** TERI has created a fascinating child-friendly site to introduce environmental education to children here.
*** Want some more resources for children? Kidsgreen is a fun, hands-on resource that kids may love to indulge in.
*** Want to be more green-savvy on a daily basis? Check out Green Biz and Green Daily.
*** Earth 911 is a great resource guide on how to 'Reduce-Reuse-Recycle'.
*** For the 'Greenopreneur' in you, see what Inhabitat has in store. Don't you just love that Lego Table?
*** Want to devote 'green' to your mind and body? See what MINDBODYGREEN has to offer.
*** And no list can be complete without its WIKI page.
Have any links that you have bookmarked? Any handy tips you abide by? Look forward to your inputs, suggestions and any advice to help become a little more environment-friendly.
Since the past couple of weeks, I have been following Jessica Watson’s blogand a journey to fulfill her desire to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop AND unassisted around the world! She set sail, after few trial and errors, on October 18, 2009 and this journey would take around ten months. This is the route she would follow.
“Tomorrow I’m going to get up and sail around the world” is how she shares her excitement to the audience the day before she sets sail. She is savvy in her writing and makes the reader an integral part of her journey – a surreal feeling that we too are in the yacht with her.
To be honest, I have mixed emotions out here – while one part of me thinks this is out-right crazy, the other, more strong, dearly wishes that she makes through Godspeed! I mean, how often do we follow our dreams, passion and desires amidst all the fears, apprehensions, obligations, adverse circumstances and more often than not, the inertia within? And, how often do we actually motivate someone to take those steps, with all the risks and dangers aside – to leave the ‘protective’ instinct instead, support in such endeavors to soar high? This is not the first time someone has attempted such feat yet it seems like there is way too much ado about it. Overall, I am quite looking forward to her journey, curious to read her daily anecdotes and learn all about her life experiences of the vast ocean ahead of her.
One of her recent blog posts reads – “This morning I had a school of dolphins pass by and the odd bird also drops in to check us out. I think keeping the cabin tidy is going to become one of those never ending battles. Is it just me or does housework always take this long?”
It surely takes a drive, physical and emotional, to keep going. Good luck to you Jessica and indeed, soar high!
Post the Slumdog fever, and surely a tough act to follow, I am keenly looking forward to the Road, Movie. Not sure if the movie should be considered 'ahead of its time' like all movies by Dev Benegal - English August fame - yet, Road, Movie promises to bring out a surreal movement within Indian cinema. Abhay Deol once again sets higher expectations - Ek Chaalis ki Last Local, Manorama Six Feet Under, and Oye Lucky among others. Take a sneak peak before we get to see it on the 35mm -
"If you move through the world with your intellect, then you walk on only one leg. If you move through the world with your compassion, then you walk on only one leg. But if you move through the world with both, intellect and compassion, then you have wisdom"
These were the wise words of a Buddhist Monk Maha Ghosananda to Jacqueline Novogratz, as stated by the latter in her book titled The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World. I finally got around to completing the book, long overdue but worth the time it took to absorb the accounts of her experiences about her intellect AND compassion. For once, this book takes philanthropy at a different level, not in a prescriptive manner - one that defines charity and those anachronistic terms that look at 'social issues' from a sympathetic perspective - but with a personal revelation of life and times of those 10,000 hours spent as a healer, investor and an entrepreneur of social change.
"They say a journey of thousand miles begins with a single step. I took mine and fell flat on my face" - This indeed is a strong beginning not only to the book but also to the journey that Novogratz embarked upon her own as she moved out of her comfort zone from the Manhattan skyscrappers to Hamlets across Africa and Asia. The book is an extension of its title '....in an interconnected world....' with a fascinating tale taking the author to Rwanda - the Switzerland of Africa, a land of 1,000 mountains with sharp contrast of poverty and political upheavals; region that made her realize that in order to contribute, she would 'have to be ready to take Africa on its own terms, not hers'!.
Novogratz presents her book in the form of a memoir through numerous tales of social enterprise, each with a flow of emotions, perceptions and ideas on issues of poverty. These stories are gripping and in that, Novogratz leaves no loose ends. Her writing style brings out the transformation within her, the kind of philanthropic direction she drives herself into and who she goes on to become. She describes the Rwandan genocide in a manner so powerful and poignant that it leaves the readers distraught by the end of it. Her take on founding the Acumen Fund resonates the unconventional wisdom of philanthropy, a trend made more meaningful thanks to the likes of (among many others) Muhammad Yunus and Bill Drayton. Needless to say, these individuals including Novogratz, in their own way, are now monuments of social entrepreneurship.
Don’t get me wrong here. The Blue Sweater is not only about lessons of poverty and social enterprise but indeed about utmost honesty that instigates sense of hope and optimism. Of course, there are parts in the book that are left abruptly, areas where she could have further elaborated on strategic processes that were the result of her work or given a glimpse of the individuals whom Acumen later supported. Further, certain parts in the book seemed quite cliché according to me – quotes of prominent individuals at the beginning of almost every chapter. One can get quotes from Nelson Mandela, Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, even the Qoran. She may be inspired by them all but they do appear out-of-place especially in some of the chapters. Yet, my favorite of them all -
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future" - George Bernard Shaw
Overall, The Blue Sweater is a fascinating read especially for those involved in international aid and development. It is a paradigm-shift from what we already know – social enterprise, economic sustainability, poverty – to empowering leadership, dialogue and social change.
Want to know whether the book is for you? Find out here.
Wondering if The Blue Sweater does exist? Read the book and find out more.
Out of hibernation, truly so, Diwali does that to you!!
This festival is a coming-together of communities, beliefs and practices - a melting pot of sorts that has no defined rules and regulations except to celebrate life, peace and success over all that is evil. It is the real flavor of India and the country transforms into a space filled with lights, laughter, victory and vibrancy. Diyas are lit, colorful designs - aka rangoli - adorn homes, decorative lights are hung around windows and doors, gifts and food galore! Crackers, are burst and while this has increasingly added to the noise and pollution, lot of communities - small and large - have chosen to ban such form of festivity. Many may argue that the true essence of Diwali has been lost amidst such aesthetic forms of celebration but honestly, no one would have a real answer to that. Some seek solace by praying, some prefer to stay indoors; others travel, many indulge in festive rituals. A mix of such cultures thus add diversity and exclusivity to this festival. My experience during this time has been no different, yet having moved to the US three Diwalis ago, that charm and anticipation has not been the same. Nonetheless, I see a common thread cutting through the two countries during such festive occasions and it is evident that Diwali is indeed a unique combination of July 4th (firecrackers), Thanksgiving (continual feast) and Christmas (gifts, celebration of life and a perfect holiday)! So, no matter what faith or belief you come from, I would say, indulge in this assortment of harmony, show humility to those less fortunate, reach out to those in need, light sparklers and cherish in the moments with hope for more to come.
Want to know the significance of Diwali? Wiki-Diwali to you! And if that weren't enough, here is more (long) celebration the POTUS style -
Iceland is not a country one can visit again mainly because of its astronomical prices, but our recent holiday to this country was simply the most memorable! It is not a popular destination for the brown skin and when I say that, I mean it literally - validated by the fact that A and I were almost the only two 'brownies' in this land of fire and ice. Nestled alone in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this land provides some of the most stunning landscapes - with active geothermal springs, Glacier Mountains, waterfalls, black-sand beaches and an extremely vibrant remoteness to existence. It boasts of the world's oldest functioning parliament (established in 930), midnight sun in the summers, northern lights in the winters and most importantly, its 'Icelandic' way of life. Of course, it is a misnomer that due to its economic crisis, the country is ‘affordable’, nevertheless, our visit for a week was simply the most amazing! What better way to relive every moment of the trip than by sorting pictures and essaying on them –
Blue Lagoon
Since this is close to the airport, it made practical sense to begin our trip with this site. The Lagoon is a geo-thermal spa, man-made by accident, thanks to the water from the geo-thermal power plant in close proximity.
The water that was run off the filter from the plant was assumed to have been absorbed in the nearby grounds but it actually got collected in the surrounding lava and thus formed a Lagoon – an amazing aqua-blue color created due to the mix of algae/silica formed in the geothermal water.
The lagoon is surrounded by a misty landscape and lava fields abound. Maintaining this backdrop, the building is a low-key standpoint close to the plant that seems like a star-trek satellite base of sorts. One of the main touristic destinations turned out to be the most under-rated! The lagoon itself is considered to have curative properties typically, this experience involved slopping into the warm 30C water and grab handful of silica – from around the pool area – give yourself a scrub and then let it run through under an enormously hard waterfall - a natural form of ‘swedish massage’ one can ever get!
Golden Circle
We took a day-trip around the Golden Circle – mere collection of splendid wonders and historical sites and called golden because of the region being encircled with the most vegetation in the country. Also ironic is the fact that this site is a park where continents have met and collided to form fire and solidify into ice!
Silfra - We started off by taking a ‘dry-suited’ snorkeling ‘tour’ (thanks to Tobias from Dive.is) of the Silfra – the crack between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visible in this glacier, clear-transparent and purest form of water.
The sensation of snorkeling, at first intimidating, was the most impressive especially since the water current literally swayed us through the two ‘continents’ in 2C water. This clearly was the highlight of our trip!
Thingvellir National Park - Apart from being considered as the site ‘in-between two continents’, this is also the world’s first Parliament (930). We took in its various elements – the visible fault line where the plates meet in the form of a long ridge. We walked partly through the ridge with stunning views of the Althing.
Geysir - At first, this site let out an awful smell – the likes of ammonium peroxide in a chemistry lab. After a while, you get used to it especially when seeing Geysir Strokkur erupt every 7-8 minutes or so, a precision of super-hot water that shoots right into the air from a hole in the ground.
A stated that these are caused by hot water colliding with the cool one and thus thrusting towards the surface!
You would think this place would be quite touristic and lots of people strolling around – surely so, if existed in the vicinity of North American territories – long queues, with least proximity to the actual site and ushers flagging ‘no-entry’ zones, screaming crazily! Thankfully, this place had a café, souvenir shop and beautiful landscape, untouched by crazy-flocking brochure-driven industry.
Gulfoss (Golden Falls) - Same was true here where there were absolutely no security measures stopping us from going to the edge of the falls – and the experience was oh-so breathtaking!
There are two sets of these falls – each as magnificent (as Niagara) yet the wind and water with the stunning backdrop made it memorable.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
We drove to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – west of Iceland ridged by extinct volcanoes, landscape of glaciers, open beaches and sandy shoreline. It was this place that was referenced as ‘The Journey to the Center of the Earth’ by Jules Verne.
Budir - Visit to Snaefellsnes would not have been complete without a stay in Budir, 28-room hotel, set amidst a visceral surrounding with unspoilt view in all directions – lava fields, snow-capped Snaefekksnesjokull glacier and a wooden black chapel.
It is also one of the most romantic hotels with fancy food and to reiterate, a location to die for.
Glacier - The Snaefekksnesjokull Glacier offers some of the best hiking trails and while we nearly missed out on snowmobiling (the off-road driving on the glacier that was to lead us to the site became one of the scariest but wildest experience ever),
the view from the top was stunning!
Rural Iceland – About 20 minutes from Budir, is Arnarstapi, a small village of collective dozen homes with a tiny harbor – typical fishing community –
offers a quaint feel with rock formations at the seashore, caves carved in the cliffs with amazing arches and bird cliffs galore.
Another similar town is Hellnar that offers one of the prettiest restaurants on the base of the cliff, overlooking the ocean. These towns share similar impression in that, there are lego-typed homes nestled at decent proximity to each other with remote access to civilization (except for regular tourists flocking around) and yet, savvy with the Internet.Here we got to ride on the Icelandic horses – more so as a pleasure-ride through the sandy beaches and river streams.
It was strange in such a harsh land to see sheep in flocks including the black sheep of the family.
Reykjavik (Reh-Kah-Vikh)
We never got the pronunciation of this city right, until we got there. Nearly 60% of the country's population resides in its capital and a trip to Iceland does call for getting a flavor of its 'urban' lifestyle by staying in the capital. Apart from exploring the ‘wild’ side of the country, we also got a taste of the world’s northern-most capital. The city had a pretty look-and-feel with narrow streets opening up to the harbor, upcoming high-rises and buildings painted in shades of blue, yellow, red.
These streets are popular for the graffiti art that adorn walls of the small buildings.
At the center of the city and standing tall is the Hallgrimskirkja Church gifted by the US to the country honoring the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. Unfortunately, we were unable to go inside or enjoy this site due to the on-going scaffolding work. A statue of Leif Ericson (the first explorer to visit Iceland) stands in front of the Church and offers a pretty view of the city in the background.
Then there is a mock-up version of a Viking Ship that at first looks like a multi-legged insect!
Another site further away from downtown city – Perlan (The Pearl) –a glass dome structure consisting of museum, art gallery, revolving restaurant and an observatory with a stunning view of the city and far beyond.
The main shopping streets in downtown Reykjavik - Laugarvegur and Skolavoroustigur – with boutique stores, souvenir shops and cafeterias galore. We frequented one of the popular retaurants – A Naestu Grosum (meaning First Vegetarian) – that provides a plethora of vegan meals, mess-like food but amazingly delicious and fresh. And how can Indians miss out on Indian food - so visiting the northern most Indian restaurant in the world was a must – visited the Austur Indiafjelagio literally meaning The East India Company for some delicious desi khaana. One of the weirdest things we experienced is the concept of water – drinking and otherwise. Hot water from the tap smells of sulphur and egg mixed together BUT the cold water is the purest form of water one can ever get. So the first piece of advice we got as tourists was to NOT buy bottled water in Iceland.
Overall, Iceland has a wonderful blend of luxury and adventure which, thanks to DTW, we were able to experience both. The sights it offers do tend to take the breath away and the remote existence was extremely romantic.
So would we visit this country again? To see the Northern Lights, most definitely!
