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  • Education for LIFE

    I strongly believe that EDUCATION is preparing children people for LIFE itself, not for merely a CAREER. Education is not about starting from pre-KG to a 12th grade and getting a certificate. It is not a hunting ground for a career. You start hunting and then end-up with prospective buyers and sellers in the market. You figure out what is the more lucrative as of today. Education then gets translated into all these wrong areas.

    But that is not always the case. Even if you earn the money you want, what do you do with it? How do you handle it? What is your attitude to it? The answer to all these questions is what education is all about.

    There is this confusion between preparing for a job with the means of education. Education is much larger, deeper, and wider than finding a job. It is not about finding a job, it is not about making money, and it is not about seeking power or whatever!

    One must understand the word SUCCESS in life. You are more successful if you handle yourself well anywhere. That is personal achievement. I believe that everybody who is handling himself well and has a wholesome personality is an achiever by himself. You need not reach heights to achieve that in terms of popularity or celebrity status. You have to be a self-manager and I think that is what our Indian culture taught us.

    “Prepare yourself. You the person,” and that should be the nucleus of education. That is why in those days; people came from all over the world to Taxila, to Ujjain and to Banaras. Searching for that land of wisdom, which could impart the right kind of education. This is what our ancestors in ancient India have left us with. If you are just able to tap into that wisdom of ancient India, you are fine.

    It is a treasure trove of knowledge. It is truly unique. It is what I call the ROUTE to our ROOT.

    More later, on ROUTE to our ROOT.

    2009.11.07 / no responses / Category: News

  • MY ROOTS

    I was seven years old then. I had an opportunity to “tour” some of the most prominent places in south india, with my family. I was deeply influenced by the greatness of the indian culture, that I witnessed at such a young age. Even though I visited those same places several times over, those early impressions I had as a child are deeply etched in my memory. I have always felt that it is very important to expose our children to the rich indian heritage, so they will grow into responsible adults with sound moral values.

    I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe our ancient culture, constantly since my early childhood days. I am profoundly thankful to the almighty for making this possible.

    I used to be absolutely thrilled to visit my village and see my great grandfather with his wonderful “Kudumi” (pony-tail). Even more so, at seeing our ancient “Thathachariyar” that even my great grandfather used to be afraid of. It was a sweet little village in Cuddalore where my mother grew up, filled with peace loving people. They lived disciplined lives with smiling faces and innocent hearts. The villages were as pure as the people who lived in them. There was no “pollution”. There was only the steady rhythm of the “Jatka Vandis” (horse drawn carriages) that frequented the village from dawn to dusk.

    Everyone lived their lives with a innate sense of fulfillment. I was able to sense the thread of unity that bound each one of them. Irrespective of whether they were rich or poor, I was able to see that they lived their lives based on basic principles, values, morality, discipline, peace and patience. When I looked at their eyes, I was able to see a a steady mind guiding their vigorous approach to life.

    Great grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, our neighbors - i did not spare a single one of them. I would conduct a series of “interviews” and grill them with questions about their way of life and their ancestors. I would try to glean glimpses of ancient India from these interactions. I met the learned, the workers and the knowledgeable and would keenly observe the peace they experienced from their old way of life. I would seek out anyone with a sense of heritage and get close to them. I would feel a “oneness” with them and experience an indescribable sense of immense joy.

    I still remember, Valliammai, the old lady who used to sing folk songs to the rhythmic pounding of the betel nut and the folklore she narrated; the driver of the “Jatka Vandi” who used to start his every sentence with a singsong “In those times…” but instead provided a treasure house of knowledge in his own way and the unique relationship that my orthodox Grandfather and he shared despite their differences; the flower seller who recounted stories about her ancestors; the “Kudumi” clad, “Pachaiappa Asari” who sang devotional songs in a high tenor; the turban clad Ghee seller sharing his experiences of his travels around India; the people who came to make buttermilk at my Grandmother’s house, “Barjaaragan” the cook, the extremely pious “Ramasamy Bhattacharya” and several others.

    Thus I was able to learn a lot from the different people I had the opportunity to meet. The soul of the Ancient India, was symbolized by the satisfaction and gratification that these people derived from living a simple and spartan lifestyle.

    The “Thiruvaanaikkaa” temple still remains etched in my memory. The temple and the adjoining homes put together comprised the whole village. Every lane led to the temple. My Father was raised in one such home. This old town and its surroundings was a major influence at a very young age. The River Cauvery dotted by lush trees was the backdrop for an organized life which encompassed their responsibilities and livelihood. This spirit of India was also reflected in the many of the adjoining villages.

    As I grew up, the burning desire to learn more about this Ancient heritage, caught on to me. I was able to feel the greatness invested in this age old culture. I was able to clearly envision the reasons for the knowledge, peace and progress that existed in those times. The angst to see this old India now… grew inside me. When I thought about it, a host of reasons came to my mind.

    In those times, there were several people who were considered “Elders” and some were considered “Learned”. The whole village respected them and considered them their role models. Many times, I have felt that this generation will be the last to follow such tradition. I have observed them keenly.

    I have wondered where they gained such respect from? Is it because they were highly educated, studied in Universities or was it their wealth? Were they scientists or researchers or great achievers?

    They were none of these. So, why then did the whole village look up to them as role models? It was because they served as prime examples as to how a human being should lead a fruitful life. They symbolized the abiding principles of Ancient India - discipline, civility, peace and culture. They were the true catalysts of my thoughts.

    India has always commanded respect from the rest of the world. This country has elicited an interest and curiosity from people of different cultures and different lands. Several International Universities, now conduct research studies on Ancient Indian literature. The reason that the world now looks up to India as a treasure trove of heritage is because it was filled with people who were constantly in the quest for truth and knowledge. This was the birthplace of the world’s first literature - The Vedas. This has been historically proven. Since the origins of this literature was so ancient and the source untraceable it is considered “Timeless”.

    Conclusively, India was the only country that emphasized on the “Inner” journey towards a tranquil soul, compared to external experiences. India is the known pioneer of Astronomy, Mathematics, Geometry, the Atom, the Universe, Medicine, Logic, Politics and Science.

    I consider myself honored to be a part of this rich culture and heritage, in a long line of our illustrious ancestors. This has been the inspiration to my life’s way and thus is a part of me.

    2009.10.24 / no responses / Category: News

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