Category Archives: casual causerie

THE STORY OF AJAMILA … A story from Srimad Bhagvatam by Kamlesh Tripathi

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    Once, in the city of Kanyakubja (present-day Kannauj), there lived a Brahmin named Ajamila. He had studied all the Vedic scriptures from a very young age. He was noble in character and conduct. Well-mannered, free from false pride, he was upright and kind to all living beings.

    One day, when Ajamila was gathering flowers in the forest for his daily puja, he saw a beautiful enchantress. Her beauty captivated him, and immediately he fell under her wicked spell.

    Soon, Ajamila drove out his faithful wife and elderly parents from his home. He married the enchantress and had many children with her. Ajamila, who had once led a chaste life, now spent his days trying to please his immoral wife. He indulged in many sinful activities that he would have never done before.

    Despite being born a Brahmin, Ajamila started killing innocent animals to feed his large family. He began stealing and cheating others, and even encouraged his sons to follow a similar sinful path.

    Among all his children, Ajamila was especially fond of his youngest son. His name was Narayana. The child’s innocent behaviour and playful ways had won over Ajamila’s heart. He spent most of his time with Narayana.

    Years passed, one day, when Ajamila was old and on his deathbed, he saw three Yamadutas, the terrifying servants of Yamaraja, the god of death, coming towards him. They had come to take Ajamila’s soul and punish him for all the sins that he had committed in his life.

    Gripped by intense fear, Ajamila began to weep. In panic, he started calling out the name “Narayana,” which was his beloved son’s name. And, he kept calling ‘Narayana’ on and on, without realising that he was actually chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana.

    The Vishnudutas, who were messengers of Lord Vishnu, heard the holy name of their Lord being chanted by Ajamila on his deathbed, and immediately, they rushed to the scene.

    Just as the Yamadutas were about to pull Ajamila’s soul out of his body, the Vishnudutas arrived there and tried to stop them. But the Yamadutas refused to listen. They insisted that Ajamila should be punished for his sins. The Vishnudutas then explained, “Ajamila has already atoned for his sins. Not only those sins committed in this life, but also for those committed over millions of lifetimes, simply by chanting the holy name of Narayana in his helpless state. The name of the Lord is divine. Even though Ajamila was unaware, each time he called his son by his name Narayana, he was actually chanting the Lord’s name and cleansing himself of his sins. Lord Narayana protects those who chant His Holy Name.”

    The Yamadutas were thus silenced by the profound wisdom of the Vishnudutas. Defeated, they returned to Yamaraja, their master, and recounted all that had happened. Yamaraja concurred with what they had been told. He said, “What you have heard is true. Although I’m your master, Lord Narayana is the Supreme Lord of the entire universe, and we are all His servants.” He added, “Just as a king has ministers to carry out his commands, I and other demigods work under the direction of the Supreme Lord.”

    Yamaraja then explained the rewards of chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana:

    “Even the most sinful person is taken to the Supreme Lord’s abode, and he is freed from all punishment if he chants the holy name of Lord Narayana at the time of his death. Lord Narayana will always protect those who chant His holy name.”

    He then advised his servants never to bring a person who chants the Holy Name or engages in the devotional service to Lord Narayana. Instead, they should bring only those who do not chant or fail to remember the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.

    Ajamila sincerely bowed to the Vishnudutas when he realised he had been saved from the Yamadutas. He expressed gratitude for rescuing him from going to Naraka. Reflecting on his past sins, Ajamila was filled with remorse for having abandoned his first wife and parents. He now clearly saw the wrongs he had committed.

    Ajamila now understood the immense power in chanting the holy name of Lord Narayana. He deeply regretted wasting his life in sinful acts and resolved that, if given a second chance, he would dedicate himself to the service of the Lord.

    By the mercy of the Lord Narayana, Ajamila was granted a second chance to live. He seized the opportunity and went to Haridwar, where he spent the rest of his life chanting and serving Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Narayana.

    One day, when Ajamila was meditating, he saw a golden aircraft descending from the sky. Inside it were the same Vishnudutas who had saved him earlier. They had now come to take him to his eternal home, the abode of Lord Narayana.

    Ajamila peacefully left his body on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Haridwar and joined the Vishnudutas to serve his Supreme Lord forever.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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AGE AND ACHIEVEMENTS: 5 LIT LUMINARIES

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AGE AND ACHIEVEMENTS: 5 LIT LUMINARIES

    What is the right age to achieve something in life? Is 40 years, too little time, or adequate time to achieve something in life? Let us consider the lives of five luminaries of the 19th century who were more or less contemporaries and who became world-renowned figures in their short lifespans. Let’s start with Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk, a spiritual guru and a literary luminary, lifespan 12 January 1863- 4 July 1902, a total of 39 years. Then you have the American writer Edgar Allan Poe, who was born on 19 January 1809 and died on 7 October 1849, a life span of 40 years, followed by the French writer Guy De Maupassant, born on 5 August 1850 and passed away on 6 July 1893, a life span of 42 years. On the rostrum, there is also Nikolai Gogol, a Russian writer of Ukrainian origin. He was born on 20 March 1809 and he died on 21 February 1852, a life span of 42 years. And last but not least, we have Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, a Russian playwright and short-story writer born on 29 January 1860, and he died on 15 July 1904, at the age of 44. They all left behind a phenomenal legacy of success and heaps of lessons for future generations within the ebbs and flows of their limited lifespan.

    The mean life expectancy in the 19th century was 40-45 years. Global life expectancy today is around 72 years. There are two offshoots to this. One, the subject authors lived for around ninety to a hundred per cent of the average life expectancy of those times. Two, they only lived for a minus-plus of some forty years – a period, perhaps, too short for any milestone achievement, barring sports and maybe some other careers. When we compare 40 years with today’s life expectancy, it is only 55%. So then, does life expectancy have anything to do with your major achievements? The case study of the quintet doesn’t say so. There are authors, poets, and literary figures from other countries too, who gained fame but died very young, prominent among them is John Keats, to cite an example, who died at the age of 25. So, isn’t it ironic that some in a short lifespan of 25-40 years made gigantic strides, while others couldn’t manage to do that even in a century?

    In the 19th century, when these five were alive, they witnessed watershed changes in their countries. Some major events were as follows: India had the First War of Independence in 1857. The British East India Company was replaced by the British Crown in 1858. Russia had the Crimean War between 1853 and 1856; the Caucasian War, between 1817 and 1864; and the capture of Tashkent by the Russian Army in 1865. In addition, Alaska was sold to the US in 1867; the Russian-Turkish War happened in 1877, and the Russian famine in 1891. Alexander III, the emperor of Russia, passed away in 1894, and the first congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) was held in 1898 in Minsk, now in Belarus. In America and Europe, slavery was abolished through an act; the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, which overlapped with the 18th and 20th centuries, respectively, led to massive urbanisation. Construction of the Suez Canal commenced in 1859, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean through the Red Sea, providing a more direct shipping route between Europe and Asia. The Islamic gunpowder empires (Ottoman Empire, Safavid and the Mughal) were formerly dissolved, and European imperialism brought much of South Asia, Southeast Asia and almost all of Africa under colonial rule. It was also marked by the collapse of the Spanish, Zulu Kingdom, First French Empire, Holy Roman and the Mughal Empire.

    Even with all the hullabaloo in their country and continent, there was calm and composure in these five lit luminaries. They had a single focus, just like Arjuna’s concentration – the eye of the fish, and that was to keep writing till their last breath. Though born in a Bengali Kayastha family in Calcutta, Swami Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his guru, Ramakrishna, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self. Therefore, service to God could only be rendered by service to mankind. Anton Chekhov, even when he fell sick in 1885, kept writing till he died of tuberculosis in 1904. Some of them even had financial problems, leading to trying times to obtain education, and some even had to support their education by writing scripts for magazines and even by selling fish. Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, the second child of actors David and Elizabeth Poe. His father abandoned the family in 1810, and his mother died the following year. He became an orphan, yet he fought back to become one of the most formidable writers of short stories. When Maupassant was 11, his mother, an independent-minded woman, divorced her husband. Afterwards, Maupassant lived with his mother, who was the single biggest influence on him, but that entailed hardships. Gogol lost his father at the age of fifteen, yet he aspired to become a writer.

    The short lifespan of these great writers only teaches us that achievements are not a function of your age.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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The Making of Film Kundun on His Holiness The Dalai Lama

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Inauguration Note – Kundun (Koon-dohn)

    His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday marks a day of peace, wisdom and compassion. He is not only a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also a global symbol of peace and compassion.

    It is with great honour and deep respect that we inaugurate the screening of Kundun (koon-dohn), a deeply moving and visually stunning film directed by Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee) and written by the late Melissa Mathison. Based on the life and teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Kundun (Koondohn) offers a powerful and poetic portrayal of one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time.

    The film takes us on a journey through a critical period in Tibetan history, spanning from 1937 to 1959—a time of both great spiritual promise and immense political upheaval. Beginning in the rural province of Amdo, where the young reincarnation is discovered, Kundun (Koondohn) follows the Dalai Lama’s path to Lhasa, his spiritual and political development, and ultimately, his decision to flee into exile as Tibet faces brutal suppression by the Chinese Communist regime.

    The word “Kundun” (Koon-dohn), meaning “presence” in Tibetan, beautifully captures the essence of the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence. More than just a biographical account, the film serves as a meditation on faith, identity, compassion, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

    Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Roger Deakins captures the rich textures and sacred landscapes of Tibet with painterly elegance. The hypnotic and emotionally resonant score by Philip Glass heightens the spiritual and contemplative tone, blending seamlessly with the film’s narrative and imagery. Every frame is a tribute to Tibetan culture, tradition, and philosophy.

    Despite the political controversy that surrounded its release, Kundun (Koondohn) remains a landmark in spiritual cinema. It was courageously made, despite global political pressures, and continues to shine as a quiet but powerful act of cultural preservation and artistic integrity.

    We are grateful to Martin Scorsese (Skaw-say-zee), Melissa Mathison, and the entire creative team for their dedication to telling this story with honesty and reverence. As we watch Kundun (Koon-dohn) today, may we reflect not only on the life of the Dalai Lama but also on the universal values of peace, non-violence, and the strength of the human spirit.

    Let this screening be more than a cinematic experience—let it be a moment of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***

HOW I GAVE UP SMOKING

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    Giving up smoking is one of my greatest victories. It all started long ago when I began my first job. I was surrounded by colleagues who smoked, and gradually, I too got into the habit. At first, it seemed like fun, but over time, it became an ingrained addiction. I started with just a few cigarettes, but before I knew it, I was smoking a whole pack of ten a day. Within a year, it escalated to three packs, and over the next few years, it stabilized at around 4-5 packs a day. This had physical consequences for me—my voice became raspier, and I realized I was trapped in an unhealthy cycle. I would light up before meetings, after meetings, when I was stressed, depressed, or even as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.

    I noticed the side effects in myself. I would sometimes get a sore throat, which the smoking aggravated. My appetite decreased. My shoestring monthly budget kept stretching because of smoking. It started to dawn on me that giving up smoking could be a win-win situation: better health and saving. But, like many smokers, I too struggled to quit. I tried various methods—timing my cigarettes, switching to Pan Parag, and even extinguishing my cigarettes after a few drags, only to light them up again. But deep down, I knew the dangers—cancer, heart disease, and declining health.

    The real turning point came during a long train journey from Chennai to Delhi and back. I had applied for a job in North India and had received an interview call. I was excited but also nervous. It was a long train journey of 36 hours, and in the rush to get to the station, I forgot to buy cigarettes. I only had two left in my pack, and I smoked them both at night, planning to replenish my stock in the morning. When I woke up in the morning, I reached for my cigarette pack reflexively, but the pack was empty. The next station was over an hour away, and I thought to myself, “Why not use this as an opportunity to quit smoking?” I was reminded of Mark Twain’s famous quote, ‘Giving up smoking is easy, I have done it hundreds of times.’

    When the train stopped at the next station, I was tempted to buy cigarettes, but I decided to hold off. Soon, the train rolled out of the railway platform, and I felt victorious because I had managed to resist the temptation. This was my first small victory, but it felt significant. Thereon, I kept myself busy by reading a book, drinking more tea, and avoiding railway platforms that might have tempted me to buy cigarettes.

    By the time I reached Delhi, I had gone 36 hours without smoking. It wasn’t easy. The interview went well. I had some free time to explore Connaught Place in Delhi. I stopped at a bar for a shot of brandy. It helped in the chilly weather. I felt the urge to smoke. But I resisted again, and I succeeded; I felt good. Later that night, I boarded the train back to Chennai. By now, 48 hours had passed without cigarettes. The thought of buying a packet of cigarettes didn’t cross my mind. It was a baby success which I didn’t want to share with anyone. Finally, after 72 hours, I reached Chennai without smoking.

    My body and mind began to synchronise well without cigarettes. I noticed I felt better—hungrier, more energetic, and even focused. I realized smoking wasn’t just an addiction—it was a nervous and insecure habit. It might have provided temporary pleasure, but it was ultimately damaging, both physically and mentally.

    Occasionally, I felt insecure without cigarettes, especially in high-pressure situations or when I had a long trip ahead. But gradually, I became more resilient without them. I had learned that the easiest way to quit smoking was to stop abruptly. No great planning was required. You don’t need to gradually cut down; you just have to decide to quit, and your body and mind will adjust to the void. I found better ways to cope with stress, and life without cigarettes became the new normal.

    Soon, I began to enjoy the benefits of quitting smoking. My body was healthier, and my mind was at peace. I realized that quitting smoking wasn’t just about giving up an addiction—it was about regaining control over my life and health. In the end, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding things for me. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It saved my money, improved my health, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. For anyone struggling to quit, I hope my experience can be of help. Perhaps God had sent me for that interview only to give up smoking where Indian Railways helped me.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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AMBEDKAR: FROM CASTE TO CONSTITUTION

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    Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s life indeed serves as a beacon of inspiration for those committed to equality, social justice, and dismantling oppressive systems. His insights into the caste system were groundbreaking and remain relevant even today. His statement about the caste system being a “monster” that must be eradicated for any real political and economic reform resonates deeply. By acknowledging that caste is not just a division of labor but also a division of people, Ambedkar illuminated how deeply it harms not only individuals but society as a whole.

    His critique of the caste system’s eugenic claims and its failure to produce a better society reflects his understanding of how it stunts human potential. Caste, in his view, doesn’t just harm the oppressed; it also disorganizes the social fabric of those who perpetuate it. Ambedkar’s assertion that caste doesn’t improve the race but instead demoralizes it points to a broader critique of how hierarchies and inequality can stunt collective progress.

    These perspectives are not just theoretical but were put into action in his tireless efforts to reshape India’s Constitution, fight for the rights of Dalits, and challenge the deep-seated social structures that perpetuated caste-based discrimination. His contributions laid the groundwork for a more just and equitable society, making him one of the most significant social reformers in modern history.

    He was born into a Mahar family, one of the castes considered untouchable in the rigid caste hierarchy of India, on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madya Pradesh, where his father served in the army. Despite facing severe social discrimination, his early life was marked by a strong desire for education and an urge to challenge the status quo that oppressed people like him.

    He studied at some of the best institutions globally, including Columbia University and the London School of Economics, where he earned doctorates in Economics. He later trained as a lawyer at Gray’s Inn, London, and became one of the most highly educated individuals in India at that time. Dr. Ambedkar’s life was devoted to fighting for the rights of the Dalits and the marginalized communities in India. His famous slogan, “Educate, Agitate, Organise”, continues to resonate, urging oppressed people to seek knowledge, actively resist oppression, and unite for their rights. Bernard Shaw once stated, “Dr. Ambedkar’s struggle against the caste system and his determination to free the Indian masses from the shackles of superstition and inequality was truly revolutionary. He understood that real progress could only come through education and social reform.”

   As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India, Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping India’s legal and political framework. His vision helped enshrine fundamental rights such as equality, freedom of religion, and the abolition of untouchability in the Constitution. His contributions were critical in ensuring that India’s Constitution became a beacon of justice and equality, not just for Dalits but for all marginalized groups. He held a belief that, Constitution is not just a lawyers’ document but a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of age.

    He was also a staunch advocate for women’s rights and fought for their protection and upliftment within Indian society. He was instrumental in introducing provisions for reservations for Dalits, Tribals, and Other Backward Classes, ensuring their access to education and employment. Author of umpteen titles, he chose to embrace Buddhism as a response to the caste-based discrimination entrenched in Hinduism. His conversion was a radical act of defiance and transformation.  

    His contributions to the Indian Constitution and his steadfast fight against caste-based discrimination laid the foundation for the rights of the marginalized in India. In 1990, India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, was posthumously awarded to him. The salutation “Jai Bhim”, popular among his followers, remains a powerful symbol of his ongoing impact. ‘I want all people to be Indians first, Indian last and nothing else but Indian’ He said.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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HUXLEY’S TAKE ON TRANSLATED WORKS, BHAVAN’S JOURNAL

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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AESOP’S FABLES: THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL

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AESOP'S FABLES 
4. THE MONKEY AND THE CAMEL
    Once, there was a great celebration to honour King Lion. The monkey was asked to dance before the audience. The animals were pleased with his grace and lightness as he did one dance after another. The camel got envious of seeing the praise that the monkey got. He was sure that he could as well as the monkey. So rising in his hind legs, he began to dance too before everyone. But as he kicked out, the animals found it hard to keep their toes from under his heavy hoofs. The camel hit many animals as he danced. At last, the animals were so angry and disgusted that they drove him out into the desert.
Moral: Do not try to ape your betters.

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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HARMONY IN CREATION

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Published in The Goan Varta on 26.1.25

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA) IFSC code: BKID0006805

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READER’S REWIND: THE JOY OF A MORNING WALK

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Article published in The Goan Everyday on 3.1.25

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

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No Effort Goes In Vain

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    Primordial times are privy to the fact that nothing is achieved in life without effort. The effort could be either positive or negative. The choice is yours as God doesn’t control your Karma. A negative effort could lead to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki eradicating it completely. In contrast, a positive effort could be the construction of the Suez Canal which shortened the maritime distance considerably, between Asia and Europe, thereby accelerating the cargo and passenger movement by sea. And every inch of effort bears a proportionate result, as per the law of nature.

     Hu Shih, a former Chinese diplomat to America who was also an essayist, fiction writer, literary scholar, philosopher and politician once said, ‘Life on its own does not mean anything – it takes on any meaning that you decide to give it. Instead of spending all day contemplating the meaning of life, we may as well attempt to do something that gives it one.

    Be bold when making a case and cautious in seeking evidence; be earnest in all matters and solemn in your conduct. We must be firm in believing that today’s failure is yesterday’s lack of hard work and effort and that today’s effort and hard work will surely lead to tomorrow’s great success.

    The moments when you are sad and disappointed are the times when you need courage and faith the most. You need to firmly believe that no effort and hard work ever goes wasted in this world. I may not be the one to succeed – yet no effort will go in vain.

    Every part of yesterday makes up for what I am today; do not think too far ahead and grieve. From now on, I shall reap as I sow.’

    The sane advice from the Buddhist Dharmapada is, ‘The effort is like a treasure. Those who make positive efforts are mindful, pure in conduct, self-disciplined, and live in accordance with the Dharma, have ever-increasing glory. Through effort, heedfulness, and self-discipline, the wise make a continent for themselves that cannot be submerged by flood. The foolish and ignorant indulge in heedlessness, while the wise guard his heedlessness as if protecting a gem’.

     ‘There is a story of effort behind every success’ says the Chinese venerable master Hsing Yun. He says ‘The name of the effort may vary. Just as, to succeed, one needs hardships; to be celebrated one needs pressure; to gain honour one needs to labour; to achieve one needs to sacrifice and be dedicated. An ancient tree survives wind and frost. A skyscraper is raised with money and sweat. An old business has its ups and downs. An old man is tested by misfortune. Those who don’t look back have no past. Those who don’t look forward have no future. Those who don’t seize the moment have no present. Those who don’t master themselves will not change the society.’

    Hsing Yun further says ‘Repeated action becomes a habit, the habit becomes a character, the character becomes fate and fate rules your life and when you work hard, don’t worry about success or failure. When you have done your best don’t worry if you’ve failed, for no effort goes in vain.

        Here I’m also reminded of the Greek tragedian Sophocles who said, ‘Success is dependent on effort’, and have you ever seen an idle man succeed?

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Publications of Kamlesh Tripathi

BOOK TITLE: GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in eight prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in the libraries and archives of Canada; the Open Library; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore and the Library of Cancer Aid and Research Foundation, Mumbai. The title also finds a mention in a book titled ‘Enduring Cancer: Life, Death and Diagnosis in Delhi’ by Dwaipayan Banerjee published by the Duke University Press).

BOOK TITLE: ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(It is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)

BOOK TITLE: AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(This is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity, which is the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is catalogued and included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California; The Peshastin Public Library and The George Public Library near Washington, a Northern Central Washington Libraries branch; the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library in Arizona in the US and the Salina Public Library, Kansas, USA.

BOOK TITLE: REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).

BOOK TITLE: TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen but for any reader. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

BOOK TITLE: RHYTHM … IN POEMS

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems are about our day-to-day life. Poems from this book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times, Bhavan’s Journal and Arunachal Times. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

BOOK TITLE: MIRAGE

(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)

BOOK TITLE: AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra

(It is the story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE). Included in the library of Friends of Tibet.

(POEMS, SHORT STORIES AND ARTICLES OF KAMLESH TRIPATHI PUBLISHED IN JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES)

BHAVANS JOURNAL

Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3. Eagle versus Scholars, June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4. Indica, 15.8.20; 5. The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6. Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9. The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10. Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11. Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12. Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13. Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14. A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15. Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16. Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17. Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18. Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19. Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20. Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25. Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26. The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22;27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29. Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34. Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35. When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. The Nag Mandir 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23; 43. The Tale of Genji 15.10.23; 44. The Soul Connection 1.12.23; 45.Book review: Jungle Nama … a story of the Sundarban 16.3.24; 46. Book review: A Forgotten Chapter 16.5.24; 47. Exploring Ancient Egypt, 1.8.24; 48. The Story of Dhruva, 16.8.24; 49. Two Hundred Years of Tea in Assam 16.9.24;

THE SHILLONG TIMES

Articles & Poems: 1. Poem: Happy New Year 8.1.23; 2.Poem: Spring 12.3.23; 3.Poem: Right and Wrong 20.3.23; 4. The Gush of Emotion—Writing, 26.3.23; 5. The Nag Mandir, 7.5.23; 6. Poem: Mother 7.5.23; 7. Poem: Rain Rain 9.7.23; 8. Poem: You Come Alone You Go Alone 6.8.23; 9. Poem: Rain Rain (Second Time) 10.8.23; 10. Poem: Guru Teacher 1.10.23; 11. Poem: Autumn … The Interim Heaven 15.10.23; 12. Poem: Happy Diwali 12.11.23; 13. Overcoming Blindness: Learn it the John Milton Way 10.12.23; 14. The Happy Prince and The Happy Man’s Shirt 31.12.23; 15. Annus Mirabilis -2024 7.1.24; 16. Gandhi to Mahatma Gandhi- Incidents that Shaped Gandhi in South Africa 28.1.24; 17. Poem: Together But Not Made For Each Other, 11.2.24; 18. The Birds Bees and The Spiders of Nicholas Guildford and Jonathan Swift 25.2.24; 19. The Overcoats of Nikolai Gogol and Ruskin Bond 10.3.24; 20. The Ethnic Colours of Holi 24.3.24; 21. A Lesson from Dalai Lama, 21.4.24; 22. Poem: Morning Walk 28.4.24; 23. Trip to Rhine Falls, Switzerland, 19.5.24; 24. Poem: Hurt 2.6.24; 25. Poem: Your Conscience Was My Sign On 16.6.24; 26.Poem: The Eerie Ways of Time 7.7.24; 27.Poem: Celebrating the T20 World Champions 14.7.24;28. Read to Rise above mediocrity, 4.8.24; 29. Poem: Desire vs Reality 11.8.24; 30. Jack Ma’s Pristine Advice to Employers, Employees and the Youth 22.9.24;

THE ASSAM TRIBUNE

Article: 1. The Magic of Reading 11.12.23; 2. Gandhi to Mahatma 29.1.24; 3. Geography of Solitude 8.4.24; 4. A Lesson From Dalai Lama, 22.4.24; 5. A Source of Inspiration, 29.4.24; 6. The Four-Legged Library, 12.5.24; 7. Age and Achievement, 10.6.24; 8. Read … To Rise Above Mediocrity, 1.7.24; 9. Crusade for a College, 25.8.24; 10. Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory (Panorama) 27.9.24;

THE ARUNACHAL TIMES

Poem: 1. Hope—In The Arc of Twilight, 13.8.23; 2.Poem: Spring 3.3.24; 3.Poem: The Morning Walk 10.3.24;

BANDRA TIMES, MUMBAI

Articles & Poems: 1. Poem: SPRING, 1.4.23; 2. Poem: Mother, 1.6.23; 3. Poem: Rain Rain, 1.8.23; 4. A Lesson From Dalai Lama, 1.6.24; 5. Read to rise above Mediocrity 1.8.24

THE GOAN NET

1. Poem: Autumn – The Interim Heaven, 6.10.24

    ARTICLES IN THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE ESAMSKRITI

    29.12.2020: Indica by Megasthenes; 14.3.22: About The Dimasa Kingdom Assam; 10.12.22: Grand Trunk Road–Uttarapath; 5.10.23: The Ghost Town of Kuldhara Near Jaisalmer;

    (ALL THE ABOVE BOOK TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ON AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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