Why do Hindus believe in these two doctrines? One being karma and the other being reincarnation. Because these doctrines not only explain the unusual occurrences logically. They also shed light on day-to-day events of life. Hindus do not consider life and death to be mutually exclusive. But intertwined and inseparable. Like the two sides of the same coin. If there are disparities between two individuals at the time of birth, and if these disparities can be seen. Then the cause for these disparities must have preceded their births.
Karma: The word karma means “action.” In accordance with the cosmic laws of karma. Each individual reaps the fruits of his actions, performed in this lifetime or in former lives. This logically explains the disparities in creation, between various individuals, environments and situations. No deed, small or great, good or bad, can be without an effect—this essentially is the law of karma, the law of casualty. In fact one begins to feel as if it is Newton’s 3rd law of motion—‘to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’ was drawn out of the doctrine of karma.
Karma is no fate. Fate implies helplessness in a human being, to determine his own destiny. The law of karma states that the individual is the creator of his own destiny, because his conscious choices in life determines his actions and the fruits thereof.
Reincarnation: Hindus believe that the jiva, or the individual being, travels from life to life. Acquiring bodies and environments best suited to exhaust his vasanas (vices) or innate tendencies that are expressed as desires, emotions, and actions. The exhaustion of vasanas allows the jiva to reach his ultimate goal: complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death through the realization of his true nature as the Self, or Brahman.
—synopsis from a book on Hinduism—by Chinmaya Mission Trust—
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)
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. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
The ancient and traditional greeting of ‘namaskar’ or ‘namaste’ is for one and all. It is done reverently by joining the palms at the chest and humbly bowing the head. Namaskar or Namaste is a form of prostration and salutation and has profound spiritual and ego bearing significance.
In Sanskrit, namah + te = Namaste. It means, ‘I bow to you along with my prostrations and salutations.’ Namah can also be interpreted as na mama, which in the literal sense would mean, “not mine.” The purpose of saying Namaste is thus to negate one’s ego. Rather separate yourself from your ego and recognize the Divine in every person we greet. And, as we feel the Lord God resides in us. In the same manner we feel, it resides in others too. The joining of the palms depicts this sense of oneness. When we know this significance. Our greeting paves the way for a deeper and divine communion, complete with love and respect.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
Participants waiting for the flag to unfurlflag hoisting area
SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
RAMANUJAN DIVYANG REHABILITATION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER- A NOBLE EFFORT
children attending Independence Day function
Children getting ready for their item
My mother’s birthday falls on the 15th of August—that happens to be our Independence Day. She is now no more, but I continue to remember and celebrate her birthday each year in a virtuous manner. And, pursuing the cause as ever, I wanted to do something different again this time, when I came to know that Ramanujan Divyang Rehabilitation & Skill Development Center—located in Palwal is celebrating the Independence Day in a noble manner, so I decided to visit them on that day. The center works for children with special needs. And on the occasion of the Independence Day they had planned for a musical extravaganza where all the protagonists were children who were hearing impaired.
Minister arriving at the podium
Glimpse of song and dance
The programme commenced with the chief guest Shri Vipul Goyal, a cabinet minister in Government of Haryana, in charge for Industries, performing the flag hoisting in the presence of these noble yet daring children, followed by a spell of bright and colourful cultural programmes of dance and music performed by the same children.
Needless to say it was a tough task for these children to have stepped, toed, and danced to the soothing rhythms of the gentle music that was being played, that provided no hearing stimulus to them, yet the show went off as immaculate.
Minister handing over awards
Apart from the chief guest the programme was also well attended by Shri Tek Chand Sharma M.L.A.; Shri Deepak Mangla—political secretary to the chief minister; Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma—deputy commissioner Palwal; Shri Rahul Sharma—superintendent of police Palwal; Shri Bijender Saroth—President, District Red Cross Society and Shri Jawahar Singh—district president, BJP. As a kind gesture an amount of Rs 50,000 was announced as donation by the honourable minister who was too moved by the spirits of these children.
At this august moment Dr Rajeev Mohan Kukreja—founder Chairman, and Dr Sujata Tripathi—Director of the center were also present.
Children receiving awards
Children receiving awards
There isn’t much need for me to describe the function anymore as the pictures will say it all. But what should not go unnoticed is the glimmer of hope in the eyes of both the children and their parents. We all do enough for ourselves and our children but it requires something extra in you to step out and do something for others and especially children with special needs.
Below is a synopsis of what the center does and you could join the cause by donating liberally.
Ramanujan Divyang Rehabilitation & Skill Development Center
About Us
We are a self sustained educational society of great repute located in one of the backward districts of Southern Haryana, where we are running a ‘facility center’ for children with special needs since 2013. Through this facility center we are imparting specific therapies along with training and education for their overall betterment, as we want all such children to be cognitively and financially self-reliant. And as a first step towards this goal we are providing them with vocational and computer training. Our center, vow’s for good benchmarks and keeping in line with that we have evolved the values of three “S” that we are currently pursuing: a. Self Confidence b. Skill Enhancement c. Selfdependent.
FACILITY FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The center has identified more than 100 children with special needs from nearby villages & Palwal town, and has started a facilitycenter in order to provide them with therapies, together with training & education. It has two sections namely MR(Mentally Retarded) & HI (Hearing Impaired). And we are happy to inform you that today over 30 such students are training under this noble and demanding mission on a regular basis. The center has also appointed two special educators & a speech therapist registered with RCI having required qualification, along with other support staff.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
We intend to cover as many Divyang children and adults to bring them under the central umbrella of ‘mainstream earning members’ in the family and society, by imparting vocational & computer training that they are capable of learning. We also intend training rural women who are unable to travel to towns or cities away from their homes. And for the purpose, the center runs the following programs and has simultaneously applied to (NIOS) National Institute of Open Schooling, for affiliation and accreditation of the following courses:
Cutting & Tailoring
Indian Embroidery
Basics & Advance Computer Training
Project ‘SWAVALAMBAN’ — FOR WOMEN & DIVYANGS
Rural women and Divyang persons are often exploited since they are financially not independent. Project Swavalamban is a brain child of Ramanujan Foundation to provide employment exclusively to rural women & Divyang
persons. Swavalamban means ‘Self Dependent’ or “Having Freedom of Action or Initiative/Decisions.” Under project ‘Swavalamban’ our center inculcates and develops skills as per capabilities of the learner & subsequently provides them with raw material to work with. Produced artifacts thereafter are retailed in the market under the brand name “Swavalamban”. This makes it convenient for them to work out of their homes and simultaneously facilitates them to even look after their families. Thus: people involved in project Swavalamban will no longer be a liability for their family and society and will earn their livelihood with self respect.
Currently on a pilot basis following products are being produced by these people:
Hand Knitted Sweaters for ladies, gents, kids and infants.
Embroidered home furnishing such as bed-sheets, pillow covers, table cloths etc.
Handmade dari (rug) from waste wool.
BUT WE NEED HELP
Most children enrolled in the facility-center are from a very poor background. They are unable to pay any fee for such facilities. Till date Ramanujan Foundation and its team were bearing all the expenses. But due to down turn in education sector leading to severe downturn in our own revenues the foundation for now is finding it difficult to bear the cost of center. Hence the humble request, to all our well wishers, patrons and like-minded people to kindly donate as generously as possible for the noble cause.
Number 18 unquestionably has a great significance in Hindu scriptures. Apart from the fact that there are 18 Purans, 18 major Up-purans, and 18 Dharm-Shastras. The importance of number 18 is best explained in the great epic of Mahabharat, which is divided into 18 parvas or sections. The great war of Mahabharat was fought with 18 divisions of army. And out of this 11 were on the side of Kauravas and 7 on the side of Pandavas. The war lasted for 18 days. Finally, it is said that only 18 persons survived the war. The treatise Shrimad Bhagwad Gita is a part of Mahabharat and has 18 chapters. In Gita, Lord Krishna describes the ideal man in 18 verses at the end of Chapter 2, in which he lists the 18 traits that constitute the man with a steady wisdom.
The central theme of all scriptures of all religions in the world are the same: Prime being the victory of the higher being over the lower one, or righteousness over unrighteousness, or of good over the evil, of dharma over adharma. Ved Vyas had originally titled Mahabharat as Jaya (victory). The word Jaya is in the opening stanzas of both Mahabharat and Gita.
In the Katapayadi–System (numerical notation system) of Sanskrit numerology, each letter has a formula-based numerical value, where the numerical value of the word Jaya is 18. To stress on the importance of the word Jaya, number 18 is given a prominent place not only in Mahabharat, but also in various other Hindu scriptures. Thus, number 18 is repeatedly used as an auspicious reminder, to be alert in our constant battle, for inner spiritual victory.
Hindu calculation of time is based on ‘manvantara.’Antara means “space” or “duration between.” Manvantara is therefore a period of time or duration, during which a Manu (the archetypal human being) rules the entire creation. Hindus developed the skill of calculating time based on manvantaras. Western scientists and archaeologists later discovered. That these manvantaras are based on accurate astronomical calculations.
One manvantara is calculated as follows:
360 human years make one divya varshs (celestial year)
4,800 divya varshas make one Satya Yuga, or Krita Yuga.
3,600 divya varshas make one Treta Yuga.
2,400 divya varshas make one Dvapara Yuga.
1,200 divya varsha make one Kali Yuga.
All the yugas together total to 12,000 divya varshas. This one cycle of all the yugas makes one Maha-Yuga or Chatur-Yuga. One Manvantara=71 Maha-yugas, or 306,720,000 human years. One Kalpa, or cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction=14 manvantaras. and thus the cycle of time continues.
At the beginning of each manvantara, a Manu appears and codifies all ethical and social regulations to be followed during the manvantara. The Manu whose code is currently being followed is Vaivasvata Manu, who is the seventh in the line of the cycle of 14 Manus. The six Manus who preceded Vaivasvata Manu were: Svayambhuva, Svarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata and Chakshusha. The seven who will follow Vaivasvata Manu are: Savarni, Daksha-savarni, Brahma-savarni, Dharma-savarni, Rudra-savarni, Deva-savarni and Indra-savarni.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)
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. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
There are 544 members in the 16th Lok Sabha, and 244 members in the Rajya Sabha, which totals up to 788 MPs. Out of this there are 93 women MPs. That includes the powerful speaker of Lok-Sabha who happens to be a lady. And, yet they don’t have the time and will, and needed to be reminded about the draft Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2014. Pending for a long time now. I am more than sure they all understand the seriousness about abortion laws. Especially, when the foetus has abnormalities or is an ugly consequence of a rape. The editorial in Times of India is an apt reminder not only to our women MPs, who should use women power to get the bill through but even to all our legislators. Currently the apex courts are doing the job of legislators. Read the article below.
IT’S HER BODY
Today’s society and science demand an upgrade of the abortion law 1971
Parliament’s lackluster pace of legislating leaves citizens suffering various outdated laws. Two cases in the courts this week draw attention to the human costs of a delay in amending the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971—even though an updated draft has been on the table for years. Both cases concern the medical terminations of pregnancy being permitted only up to 20 weeks, a limit that made sense in terms of society and science four decades ago but is seriously out of step with the many developments since. When law’s failure to keep pace with science and global best practices becomes the cause of citizen’s suffering, its very purpose is subverted.
In one case on Monday the Supreme Court allowed a rape survivor to terminate her 24-week old pregnancy. This is the first judicially sanctioned abortion beyond 20 weeks. It followed upon a medical board reporting severe abnormalities in the foetus and its threatening implications for the petitioner. The point of note is that medical technology today can disclose much more information about the foetus after 20 weeks than earlier. Plus, it can make termination of the pregnancy safe for the carrying woman even at 24 weeks.
In another case also on Monday the Delhi high court granted similar relief to a teenaged rape survivor, provided an AIIMS medical panel certifies that the abortion of her 25-week foetus would be safe for this minor. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that the existing law, with its 2002 amendment, is adequate to handling pregnancy complications warranting abortion after 20 weeks. But the above two cases show that women stuck in such a situation have to seek an exception through the courts, which imposes additional trauma upon women who are already traumatized. Given the logjam at our courts, this also leaves their life in a race against time.
The draft Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2014 provides for abortion beyond 20 weeks under well defined conditions such as if mother’s life is endangered or the pregnancy is caused by rape. Centre should push for this updated legislation instead of upholding a status quo scripted four decades ago. Medical opinion and women’s groups are agreed and it is not even politically contentious. Every delay in passing an upgrade endangers many women’s lives.
Once while Dronacharya was imparting astra-shastra (Astra– is a fierce form of mantra that comprises of destructive frequency. Shastra– is essentially a physical weapon) training to Kurukul children (Kauravas and Pandavas) in Hastinapur, a black and tough appearing Bheel (tribal) child came up to him. He first bowed and said ‘pranam!’ (greetings) and then said—‘Acharya! (teacher) my name is Eklavya. I have come with the hope that you will be kind enough to teach me astra management, as you are teaching these children.’
Acharya, though, he appreciated the humbleness of the child. He couldn’t have given permission to a Bheel to stay with the Rajkumars (princes). He therefore said—‘Son! For mere knowledge of weapons to hunt animals you can ask your Guru to teach you. But as far as learning of astra is concerned it is not a must for you, as the same is required only when you have to rule a kingdom or fight a war.’
Upon hearing this Eklavya was disheartened. But his enthusiasm did not die down. He was determined to learn astra-shiksha. So, somewhere there only. Not far from Dronacharya’s gurukul (residential school) he built a cottage. Along with that he also made a bust of Dronacharya and established it in front of his cottage. And thereafter with his bow and arrow he started vigorous practice.
One day Dronacharya along with his shishyas was roaming around the jungles. When a dog of Pandavas by mistake dawdled away to where Eklavya was practicing his targets in full flow. The dog at the frightful sight of a dark and tough Bheel with a bow and arrow started barking. That spoiled Eklavya’s concentration and to stop the dog from barking he filled it’s mouth with arrows but without piercing it. This frightened the dog so much that he immediately retracted and ran towards Pandavas.
Upon seeing the dog both Pandavas and Kauravas laughed at its condition. But Arjun was immensely surprised. He realized someone had immaculately aimed the arrows in such a manner that none of the arrows had pierced his mouth. Even when, his mouth was completely packed with those arrows. And it was more than evident that the arrows were shot by some proficient archer. Acharya Dronacharya was also stunned and immediately decided to discover this ace archer.
Meanwhile, when Eklavya saw Dronacharya, he rushed towards him to pay his respects. On seeing his bust in front of the cottage Dronacharya was stunned. But just then Arjun who was right behind him slowly whispered in his ears—‘Gurudev! You had given a word to me that among all your shishyas I will be the topmost archer. But in front of him I look petty. Now how will you protect your own word?’ Upon hearing Arjun’s comment Achraya tried to reassure him. He then decided to demanded guru-dakshina (tradition of repaying one’s teacher or guru after the period of study) from Eklavya. And when Eklavya asked—‘Acharya what can I do for you that will make me blessed?’ Acharya hesitatingly replied—‘You need to give me the thumb of your right hand as guru-dakshina.’
Eklavya, who was otherwise matchless in strength and was a stalwart, suddenly turned patient. He heard his guru and then took out his sword and cut his right thumb and placed it near his feet. After losing his thumb he had ceased to be an ace archer. Because by performing the skill with his left hand he wouldn’t have been in the list of top archers of his times. But because of the sacrifice and unquestioned loyalty towards his guru Dronacharya. He became immortal in the annals of mythology.
There is no mention about how Dronacharya must have felt receiving Eklavya’s thumb as guru-dakshina. And at that moment did he feel small? But yes, ultimately he did bless Eklavya to immortality.
In life there are always gaps in what we plan to do and what actually happens. And at times even a small person can make a tall personality look small in front of his proficiency and attitude.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)
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. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
Once there was a war between Devtas (Demigods) and Asurs (Demons). And in that war by the grace of Supreme God Almighty Devtas achieved victory. Asurs who perpetuated in destroying the decorum of God Almighty and the religious scriptures lost in this war. Albeit, this great victory was because of the blessings of God Almighty, Devatas could somehow not comprehend the real reason for their victory. They thought it was purely because of their own power and might, and that no one else had anything to do with it. But Supreme God Almighty did not lose time in understanding the arrogance of Devtas. And, to put down their false pride he soon appeared in the form of a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Yaksha (broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots.)
Devtas could not understand this quaint form of God, looking like a Yaksha and were awe struck. They sent Agni-Devta (Fire-demigod) to find out about Yaksha. When Agni reached there, Yaksharoop (God in form of Yaksha) asked him, ‘who are you?’ Agni said—‘you don’t know me. I’m famously known in the world as ‘Agni-Devta.’ Yaksharoop then asked—‘You call yourself famous and powerful—but what kind of power do you yield?’ Agni replied, ‘I have the power to burn the entire universe into ashes.’ Upon hearing such arrogant words from Agni Yaksharoop kept a small straw in front of him and said—‘kindly burn this.’ Agni tried but couldn’t. He tried again and again but failed each time. And finally in anger he burst into flames from his toe to his head, yet he couldn’t burn the straw. In the end he got extremely frustrated and embarrassed and returned where he came from and told the Devtas, ‘I couldn’t find anything God like in that Yaksha.’ It was a blatant lie.
Thereafter, Devtas decided to send Vayu-Devta immediately to check on Yakshaswaroop. But he again asked, ‘who are you and what kind of power do you possess? Vayu-Devta replied, ‘In this entire universe I’m known as Vayu-Devta. I’m almighty and with my power I can make anything in this universe fly.’ At this Yakshaawaroop pointed towards the same straw lying on the ground and asked him to fly it. Vayu-Devta utilized all his strength but could not even move it by an inch and in the end filled with shame he too returned to the Devtas. When devtas enquired, ‘what happened, could you find out who this Yaksha is?’ he sadly replied, ‘I couldn’t?’
Finally Devtas politely requested Devraj Indra, ‘God! You alone can delve deep in this matter regarding Yaksha?’ Indra-Devta acceded to their request and said, ‘very well’ and left to meet Yakshaswaroop but before he could even reach him he had disappeared from there. But noticing the devotion and inquisition with which Devraj Indra had come, Bhagwati Goddess Uma suddenly appeared in front of him. Indra asked, ‘Mother! Who is this Yaksha?’ Bhagwati Uma replied, ‘This Yakshaswaroop is the Supreme God Almighty. You may not know, but only with his blessings and lilashakti (divine mesmerization) Asurs were defeated in that great war that you fought, and let me tell you, Devtas only had a minimal contribution in that great victory, but you all were not aware of this and dwelled in false pride and arrogance. And, therefore, only to smash the destructive pride in you Devatas, Supreme God Almighty has emerged in the form of Yaksharoop. You all need to understand that in this universe the might of the warriors, the strength of the mighty, the enlightenment of the litterateurs, the meditation of tapasawis (Sages in deep meditation) and the energy of the energetic; all of this comes only from only one source and that is the Supreme God. And through his divine plays emerges the righteous powers of which you get only few droplets. He is the nerve centre of all the happenings in the universe and he alone is the ruler of the universe in the real sense. And therefore priding about oneself is only misleading.’
Bhagwati Uma’s words were an eye-opener for Indra-Devta. He was embarrassed on his mistake and the mistake of other Devtas. And after returning he narrated the actual reason of their victory and that made all the Devtas realize their false pride and that in turn made them happy.
Savita looked a little restless, when, her husband, who was new in the job. Introduced her as a ‘housewife.’ After three of his junior colleagues, introduced their wives as ‘career-wives’ in the office gathering that was celebrating the annual target achievement ball. Savita, later tried to dilute her lukewarm introduction by talking more about her academic career than homemaker. But it got me thinking while I was standing in a corner. What is the future of and Indian housewife?
Oxford dictionary defines a housewife as a married woman, whose main occupation is, caring for her family, managing household affairs and doing housework. The traditional division of labour between the husband as breadwinner and wife as housewife. Chambers on the other hand defines housewife as a woman who looks after the house, her husband or partner, and the family, and who often does not have a paid job outside the home. Merriam Webster describes a housewife as a married woman who is in charge of her household. But in urban India, we generally refer a housewife as gharwali, a person who manages the house but doesn’t have a career. And in converse a husband is called a gharwala, but he bloody well has to go out and make a career.
But, the tables have turned in India now, where, things have really opened up for women, especially, in the urban areas. Be it education, skill development, entrepreneurship and the works. Traditionally, Indian women were tied to their homes and families as part of family tradition and also because there weren’t too many opportunities. But India since then has moved on and there exist ample opportunities now for them. To create their own identity in the 500 million strong, Indian workforce. Where, 60% of Indian population is below 35 years of age and where each year, 10 million additional jobs are required to keep the young Indian population afloat . So then the big question is will the 21st century woman in all her vanity and egomania love being called a housewife or a career wife?
India loves following the west. So let’s take the American workforce per se. It comprises of 47% female workers and 53% male workers (a close race) and therefore Supermom is not a myth after all, and Super Dad is beginning to become a realty in India (Vodafone campaign).
Last but not the least will the existing housewives (many now mothers) of India prefer their daughters being addressed as a housewife or a career wife and what about the husbands—a housewife or a career-wife and what about the wives—a house-husband or a career-husband? The answers won’t be that easy even if they are obvious.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)
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. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)
(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)
Some things are hard to write about. Some causes are hard to pursue. Some realities are hard to accept. But that’s life.
Yesterday, we were in Apollo Hospital, Delhi, to offer financial help to a couple of children combating cancer quite stoically and that too with a brave smile. As a cancer activist let me confess, I often draw courage from such brave young children who fight cancer to the hilt. And I rate them as the ultimate in the rungs of courage.
Tanmoy Anand
Tanmoy Anand was the first child we met there. A male toddler, barely, a year and nine months, and suffering from Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), hailing from Bihar. And it made me feel as if God is really cruel. Tanmoy appeared a bundle of innocence, joy, pain and hope. We wish him fast recovery.
Wamik Habib
The second child that we came across was Wamik Habib from Baramulla, Kashmir. He is a ten year old son, of one Mr Habibullah, a shopkeeper. Wamik was full of energy and no one could imagine he is suffering from Burkitt’s Lymphoma as he was busy speaking to his folks back in Kashmir while camping in the hospital with his father. We wish him a speedy recovery too.
Life strikes a different chord when you meet someone who is on the wrong side of health and as a result of which the philosophy of life changes at once. Each time I cross a hospital I feel God has left a very thin line between the patients inside and me, and I must be grateful to God for that.
Shravan charity mission 