SHORT STORY: REDISCOVER LIFE

June 29, 2015ARTICLE SPIRITUAL, articles, casual causerie, causerie, column, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, Uncategorizeddeath, fear of death, god, karmas, knowledge, life, lifetime, puran, rediscover life, shravan charity mission, spiritual, vedas, veds, virtues, wisdomshravancharitymission

Once upon a time there live a Mahatma in a small town, whom, many people from in and around the area visited for spiritual knowledge. One day a person who was particularly known for his anger and cruelty came up to him and said, ‘Your holiness, my mind is always filled with bad and dirty thoughts that prompts me to do wrong things. So, can you please help me keep away from these dirty thoughts and can you also help me acquire some spiritual knowledge?

Mahatama, thought for a while and then said, ‘son, before I pass on any spiritual knowledge or message of peace to you I want to caution you, that you’ll die within a month.’

Upon hearing this, the man got a shock of his lifetime. Fear of death almost gripped his mind immediately. He hurriedly went across to his wife and said, ‘I have troubled you a lot in the past but now I want to correct my mistakes. Please forgive me, because as per holy predictions I’m going to die within a month. Therefore I now want to live with you peacefully.’ Then he went to his kids, parents, relatives, friends and neighbours, and apologized to everyone and started living with them peacefully.

The change in the state of his mind had changed his behaviour in a dramatic way. Everyone, then reciprocated to his affection with cordiality and the whole ambience was filled with positivity. But the man had one, regret; that he is going to die within a month.

On the last day of the month Mahatma came to him, and asked about the experience. He replied, ‘Guru ji my mind is always filled with the thought of death, and that has changed the state of my mind to a great extent. Now people love me, and my mind is completely at peace, but I have only one worry and that is I’m going to die now.’

Mahatma smiled and said, ‘the very thought of death within a month has changed you for good, and everywhere around you, there is peace, love and harmony. We all know life is impermanent and through our karmas we can spread a lot of happiness, yet we don’t. You are not going to die soon, but don’t let these beautiful thoughts ever die in you as they have benefitted you so much. Stay happily with everyone. And live in the present, as that is the supreme spiritual knowledge.’

Most problems of our life, stems, from our belief that we are going to live for a very long time, even when, every now and then we see death all around us.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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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)

*****

SHORT STORY: UNSCHOLARLY SCHOLAR

June 28, 2015casual causerie, causerie, column, short story, snippet, story, Uncategorizedcigarettes, drinking, experience of life, free advice, health, lifetime, liquor, passer by, rich man, rupees, scholar, smoking, spiritual, struggle, unsolicited advice, unsolicited advise, vicesshravancharitymission

Once upon a time a rich man in a small town was standing on the terrace of his house and smoking a cigarette. While doing so he was also basking under the evening sun and reminiscing the hard struggle that he had undergone during his lifetime, to earn his reputation and standing in the society. While inhaling a puff each time, it appeared, as if he was remembering every challenge of his life. And while exhaling, how he countered the challenges.

Just then a scholar was passing by on the road. He stopped for a moment, and looked up at the rich man and asked, ‘Hey you!! why are you smoking. Don’t you know it is harmful for health?’

‘Yes I know. Yet I smoke, because I like it.’

‘And since how many years have you been smoking?’

‘For the last twenty years.’ replied, the rich man, in a jovial tone.

‘And how many cigarettes do you smoke each day?’

‘Say about two packets, which is about twenty cigarettes.’

‘And how much does a packet cost?’

The rich man thought for a moment and then gingerly replied, ‘Say about two rupees.’

‘That means you spend about four rupees a day, which in twenty years with interest will be somewhere around thirty five thousand rupees.’

‘Yes I know. I am a businessman.’ Curtly, replied the rich man.

‘And what other vices do you have?’ asked the scholar in a concerned tone.

‘I also drink?’

‘Drink!! That is really bad. But, how much do you drink?’

‘A pint a day. That costs some ten rupees, and that too I have been drinking for the last twenty years.’

The scholar was astonished. He halted for a moment to calculate and then said, ‘That means you have wasted another ninety thousand on drinks.’

‘So what, and how does it matter?’ asked the rich man.

The scholar, by now was irritated at the rich man, and he decided to give him his peace of mind. He said,

‘Hey you!! Don’t you know. Both cigarettes and drinks are extremely harmful for health. Plus you have wasted over a lac of rupees on your vices. Had you saved all this. You could have bought this house, atop which you are standing so proudly.’

The rich man looked at the scholar in amusement. Took a deep puff and said,

‘Dear passerby. This house is mine, my vices are mine and I’m in good shape.’ But who are you to ask these questions?

Moral of the story: No matter how intelligent you are. Avoid, unsolicited and free advice to others.

Refrain: Smoking and drinking is harmful for health.

***

By Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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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 that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. 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

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now 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

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(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. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 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. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

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

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

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

*****

MEMORY LANE: HIS HOLINESS DALAI LAMA’S ESCAPE AND EXILE TO INDIA

June 27, 2015Uncategorized1959, assam, buddhist, china, Dalai Lama, dharmshala, gelug school, his holiness, kamakhya prasad tripathi, minister, monk, nobel laurette, tezpur, tibetshravancharitymission

HH Dalai Lama with my father next to him and a journalist — HH Dalai Lama received in Tezpur by my father standing next to him, and a journalist asking questions. And don’t miss his radiant smile … that speaks about his courage even after being exiled.

HH entering India, and behind him in the 2nd spot is my father.

MEMORY LANE: HIS HOLINESS DALAI LAMA’S ESCAPE AND EXILE TO INDIA

The picture in the middle is a rare photograph of the 14^th Dalai Lama. In the year 1959 during the Tibetan uprising, fearing for his life. The Dalai Lama and his retinue fled Tibet with the help of CIA’s Special Activities Division, crossing into India on 30 March 1959. Reaching Tezpur in Assam on 18 April. Where, he was received by my late father Mr Kamakhya Prasad Tripathi, a Minister then in the Assam Government. What is truly striking about the picture is the radiant smile of the 24 year old Dalai Lama (Real name: Lhamo Dondrub) who inspite of having lost his kingdom wears that courageous smile.

Dalai Lama was born on 6 July 1935 at Taktser, China. He is a recipient of 1989 Nobel Peace Prize.

Truly, a nostalgic moment, to see my father receiving and welcoming HH Dalai Lama into India.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

Share if you like it

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)

*****

SHORT STORY: GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES

June 27, 2015ARTICLE SPIRITUAL, beautiful lines, column, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, Uncategorizeddestiny, faith, god, god helps those who help themselves, goodness, holy scripts, karma, kindness, mahatma, mythology, puran, purans, religion, river, short story, spiritual, vedas, virtueshravancharitymission

In primitive times there was a Mahatma who lived in a village located on the banks of a river. Where, many villagers, from in and around and even far off places used to come to him for help and advice.

One day a moorkh (simpleton) from the nearby village came to the Mahatma and started weeping. And, upon Mahatma’s enquiring about the cause he replied, ‘Guruvar, people in my village are very bad, they always misbehave with me. So what should I do to protect myself from such rogues. Please advice to help me out.’

Mahatma consoled him and politely said, ‘don’t you worry and have confidence in God, for he will set everything right.’ And upon hearing this, the moorkh was happy and soon he left for his home.

After a few months there were severe floods in the village when everyone started running helter-skelter to save themselves, but the moorkh was cool. He just climbed the roof of his house and started praying to God. And when the flood water started touching the roof a kind person spotted him and extended his hand to help him. But he refused to hold his hand and said, ‘I don’t trust you but I’m confident God will help me.’

In the meanwhile the flood waters had climbed further and reached up to his neck and seeing this, some people perched in a passing boat offered to help, by asking him to jump but he again refused and said, ‘I only trust God.’

After sometime he started drowning, when some kind people finally rescued him. They helped him back to consciousness. But the moorkh instead of thanking them, went up to the Mahatma and started complaining, ‘you had asked me to have faith in God, but this tip of yours nearly killed me, for he never came forward to help me.’

Mahatama smiled at him and sweetly said, ‘Hey you simple soul, in response to your prayers only these people and the boat were sent to you, to save you. But you refused to take any help. Even then God almighty who wishes and desires everyones welfare, to save you, sent some kind people, otherwise by now you would have been dead.’ But Mahatma was not finished as yet when he further sermonized, ‘always remember in response to your earnest prayers God will not come and do your “karma” for you. He has given you brains and you need use it.’

This story is from Puran (Hindu holy script) and conveys a simple message–“God helps those who help themselves.”

Share if you like it

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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)

*****

POETRY: GLAMOUR VS HONOUR … in honour of defence forces

June 26, 2015POETRYairforce, army, army officer, border, captain, colonel, defence, defence forces, harsh terrain, international border, jawan, loc, major, martyr, mes, nation, navy, officer, para-military, poetry, pride, soldiershravancharitymission

GLAMOUR VS HONOUR

(In honour of defence forces)

Away from the glamour and in a corner,

I lead a life of honour,

Where I defend my motherland,

While you claim all the glamour.

For me my motherland is my honour,

About which there is no clamour,

Where in the line of control,

I often display my valorous banner.

And when I stand in the border alone,

I find it is bereft of any glamour,

Where in the dredge and murk,

I defend my honour,

While you sleep at home,

In those serene corners.

When I enter the martyr’s memorial,

I find it is decorated with honour,

But there is no glamour.

And one day when honour met glamour,

Glamour had lots to clamour,

But only about glamour,

For glamour felt,

Honour had not made glamour,

But glamour had made honour,

But I didn’t realise,

Without honour there isn’t any glamour.

Honour returns disillusioned,

As glamour refuses honour’s honour,

And while keeping a watch at the LOC,

The soldier in me clamours,

About the dishonour by glamour.

But the call of duty,

Sweeps aside all the dishonour,

Where once again,

In the pitching sun, hitting rain,

and frosty cold,

I embark upon my duty,

To defend my my motherland,

For let my dues remain my dues for my needy countrymen.

And the “honour” of my nation is my “soldier,”

And the glamour–anything that dishonours my “soldier.”

***

By Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

Share it if you like it

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

(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)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

Story of an Indian salesman who is lowly qualified but fights his ways through uncertainities to reach the top. A good read for all salesmen. Now available in Amazon.com

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

*****

SHORT STORY: THE LONG HISTORY OF MANKIND

June 24, 2015beautiful lines, casual causerie, causerie, column, interesting facts, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, Uncategorizedbooks, career, csr, education, elephants, gita, goal, gold coins, history, history of mankind, human race, karma, king, knowledgeable, life, mankind, mission, routine of life, scholars, spiritual, vedas, vidvanshravancharitymission

Long time ago in a far away kingdom there lived a king who wanted to know about the complete history of mankind. Starting, right from the birth of the first man till the present day man. He therefore, decided to summon all the Vidvans (scholars) to his kingdom to understand from them. How much time it will take to provide him with this valuable and unique knowledge. Vidvans, discussed the matter amongst themselves. After which, the senior most out of them, got up and humbly said, ‘Your majesty. This otherwise will take a very long time. But we shall try and complete the exercise for you in about 20 years. And it will cost around 27,000 gold coins.

Although, the cost of the assignment was exorbitant and the time frame was much more, than what the king had expected. He was still eager to know about the history of mankind. Therefore, he agreed to their proposal, and thereafter, handed over the gold coins to them and decided to wait for the findings.

When the king had given the go ahead for the exercise. He was 50 years old. Since then, some twenty years had passed and he was now 70. Upon completion of the promised period all the Vidvans, reached the palace of the king with some 2000 books in 20 elephants. But by now the king had grown old. His eyesight and hearing had receded. Even his general health was not as good as before. So, he couldn’t have sat and attempted to read these voluminous books. Because, to read them, one would have required at least a time frame of ten years.

So, the King softly said. ‘With this health condition of mine. Ten years is a long period. So kindly reduce the number of books for me. So that I can read them in lesser time.’

Vidvans, again got into a huddle. To discuss the issue and came out in consensus, ‘Your Majesty. We will surely fulfill your wishes by reducing the number of books. But it will take five years and 5000 gold coins.’ The king had no choice being midway, than to accord his approval. And after 5 years. The team of Vidvans, as agreed. Entered the King’s palace with some 200 books.

But in the last 5 years. The king had fallen sick and had become extremely weak. So very weak, that he couldn’t even move. Even his eyesight and hearing capability had reduced substantially. And in no way. He could have gone through those books.

The king therefore smiled and politely said, ‘I am obliged. That you all worked so hard for me. But now, I am physically not capable of reading these huge books. And in case, someone tries to read it to me. Then also, it will take a lot of time. So kindly reduce the number of books further.’ Vidvans had no choice but to agree to the King’s request. So, they told him. Your Majesty, this time it will take. At least a year and some 1000 gold coins to complete the exercise. To which the king readily agreed.

After a year. All the Vidvans, as agreed reached the king’s palace with three voluminous books. But by now the king’s health had further deteriorated. Where, the doctors had given up hopes. Pundits and priests in the kingdom had now started their prayers. To save him.

One Vidvan went close to the king and said, ‘Your majesty we have finally summarized the entire history of mankind, into, just 3 voluminous books. For you to read and benefit.’ King replied in dejection, ‘Now it is too late. As I am on my death bed. My wealth, time and efforts, all went for a waste in pursuit of this knowledge. Before, I even start reading the history of mankind that you all have brought for me, my death will take me far away.

‘Nahi Rajan’ (No Your Majesty) replied the Vidvan, who was standing close to him, ‘you’ll surely learn about the history of mankind. And, in fact. Should I tell you about it in your ears now?’ King was in deep pain, but he made an effort to say, ‘Well if you can narrate it, in my ears. Please do it fast.’

Vidvan respectfully bowed at the king and whispered in his ears, ‘a man is born. He eats all his life and at the end he dies. In short. This is the ultimate reality of mankind.’

‘That’s all, only this much,’ said the king and he expired, thereafter.

This is one such a story that narrates, how the majority of mankind, have spent their time in this world. They are born, they eat and in spare time they do some work and one day because of tension and disease they expire.

Can we not do better than this?

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

Share if you like it

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)

*****

BOOK QUOTES … INTERESTING LINES

June 23, 2015Uncategorizedshravancharitymission

Shravan charity mission

Name of book and author is not mentioned. Should you want to know please write to us.

He followed her into the bedroom. In a week–it was only a week–her appearance had degenerated extraordinarily. Her hair looked greasy. All her lockets were gone, and she was wearing a Manchester longyi of flowered cotton, costing two rupees eight annas. She had coated her face so thick with powder that it was like a clown’s mask, and at the roots of her hair, where the powder ended, there was a ribbon of natural-coloured brown skin. She looked a drab. Flory would not face her, but stood looking sullenly through the open doorway to the veranda.
“Thank you, Monsieur.” She spoke in English but her voice was foreign, a rich low voice very seductive in quality. As she was about to pass on, she hesitated and murmured: “Pardon, Monsieur, but I think…

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QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY-HALLMARK OF ANY BUSINESS

June 23, 2015article, causerie, column, short article, short article on business, short story, snippet, story, Uncategorizedbusiness, career, company, consistency, corporate, customer, enterprise, food, foot fall, growth, haldiram, integrity, king of chaat, Lucknow, profession, professional, quality, standard, street foodshravancharitymission

By quality we generally mean. Standard of a product, when compared with other brands of the same product; and how good or bad something is. And, when we want to classify it, we call it poor, good or even excellent.

Quality, to my mind is also deliverance of what you promise. For, quality is something that keeps evolving, and anything that evolves cannot become an ‘excellence’ overnight. So quality varies along the process of evolution of a product or service.

Sporadic quality here and there has little meaning, unless it comes along with consistency. As that once-in-a-while approach to quality, appears as an insouciance dabble by any producer or marketer.

Recently, when I was in my hometown. I visited ‘King of chaat’ (a street food joint) a couple of times in Hazratganj—an up market of Lucknow, that I used to visit some thirty years back. Since, then, this food joint has gone through a generation and has even grown exponentially.

But that apart. I was more astonished at the very fact, that each dish tasted just the same as it used to taste some thirty years back. And, in all probabilities many of their employees also by now, must have changed hands. But the food joint has been able to maintain its foot fall only through its dictum of quality with consistency, I’m sure.

And this is not an example in isolation. As in every city you will find similar street food joints that must have commenced with tasty quality. But those that have survived, and saw growth had the element of consistency in them and the rest packed off.

That brings me to the moot point. That each business professional should also be like a street food joint that needs to consistently give quality output to grow in life. I am particularly comparing such professionals with street food joints, because they operate under the most difficult circumstances and are not as resourceful as big enterprises. And, apart from internal pressures they also take on fierce extraneous pressures to which they are often vulnerable.

So, after having a good fill in ‘King of Chaat’ that day. Before leaving the place, I asked the current owner who happened to be the son of the founder. His key to success and this is what he had to say,

‘My father gave me three important business tips. One, never be in a hurry when you get a chance to understand your customers taste. Two, quality without consistency is flippancy. Three, consistency without quality is stagnancy.’

Have a good day.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*****

A MAGGI SALESMAN’S HEART IN CONVERSATION WITH HIS MIND

June 22, 2015Uncategorizedconsumer, customer, emotions, food, FSSAI, junk food, maggi, nestle, noodle, quality, sales, salesman, spiritual, switzerlandshravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

A MAGGI SALESMAN’S HEART IN CONVERSATION WITH HIS MIND

Heart: I just don’t feel good these days.

Mind: But why, what happened?

Heart: Arrey yaar for the past five years I’ve been selling ‘Maggi Noodles’ thinking it is perfectly healthy and suddenly the lab tests by FSSAI reveal it has a high lead content which is extremely bad for health.

Mind: But that’s not your fault. As a loyal salesman you did what the company told you to do–sell. Plus, you have your wife and kids to look after. So you if won’t sell who will? And, as a matter of fact there are many salesmen who even sell cigarettes and liquor both being killer products, for the sake of their career, family and themselves; so how should they feel?

Heart: But there is a huge difference between the two situations; for a salesman selling liquor or cigarettes knows he is selling poison to his customer, and the customer too knows he is buying poison and that squares off. But in this case neither I, nor the customer, mostly children, knew they were consuming something poisonous, not good for health. And, considering it safe, I must fed thousands of Maggi packets to my own children, and today my wife and children question my wisdom and integrity when they see the product being banned on TV.

Mind: But you haven’t done it knowingly, so you shouldn’t feel guilty. And for all this while your company kept advertising it’s a quality product and perhaps the safest to consume. Am I right?

Heart: Yes you’re right. But I guess the company forgot the meaning of quality. Where, I always thought quality means, deliver what you promise, but in the case of Maggi it was not so. And the Food Safety and Standards authority of India also kept sleeping all this while, and they should also take the blame.

Mind: What is done is done, and can’t be undone, but what are you planning for your future.

Heart: Well, I haven’t thought about all that. But yes, I guess in the last five years I too could have taken a personal initiative, like that food inspector in Barabanki town, to get Maggi tested, but I didn’t. We often trust big names and brands for the simple reason that we believe they will deliver what they promise. But this was not the case here. And even brand ambassadors ditch the consumers.

Recently Nestle India had to destroy ‘Maggi noodle’ stocks worth three hundred and fifty crores as same was banned by Government of India, because tests revealed it had high lead content.

We have many dutiful salesmen in the food industry, putting their heart and soul together, in bringing about various delicious food products to customers across the world. And in this fraternity we also have Maggi salesmen. And there is no need for them to feel guilty, for, they have only done their duty in providing what the customer wanted and it was for Nestle to have ensured quality—deliver what you promise which they couldn’t. And so, I will not be surprised if this turns out to be one of the biggest cases of brand erosion under a big banner.

SHORT STORY: DIVINE ALIGNMENT

June 20, 2015ARTICLE SPIRITUAL, casual causerie, causerie, column, short article, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, Uncategorizedchristian, death, destiny, divine, faridabad, gita, god, Granth sahab, gurudwara, Hindu, holy, jew, life, muslim, parsi, sikh, spiritual, Sukhwinder, tragedies, tragedyshravancharitymission

Today, once again, early in the morning I was woken up by a phone call from Sukhwinder Singh. He is a Granthi in a Gurudwara in Faridabad. But he also happens to be my friend, in the abstract spirits of comrade-in-arms. It appears he has a satellite connect with God and is able to figure out. When, over a period of time my entire self goes into a depression, thinking about my younger son, whom I lost some six years back. And just then he calls up.

He doesn’t understand English and I can’t talk fluent Punjabi and so we make the most of it in Hindi. His occasional calls pep me up but I am not sure if it’s the other way round too. And, unlike most Sardars he is short and stout and often wears a saffron patka. We came together in life because we both share the curse of losing our sons in a space of a week.

It was sometime in mid-February when I had admitted my younger son, when he was towards his last in a hospital in Faridabad for palliative care, where I found Sukhwinder’s son also admitted for liver disorder. He was in serious state, around twenty years of age; and the next day he expired. Our rooms were adjacent and so I had enough opportunities to picture and frame him in my mind. And, upon the sad and untimely death of his son, that afternoon, I walked across to his room and paid my deep sense of condolence. Thereafter, in a ballooning bundle of grief, he along with his wailing wife, family and the body of his son left the hospital.

I was feeling sad for him. But I too wasn’t far behind. As my tragedy too, befell upon me within the next four days. I was thereafter on leave for a couple of weeks. And when I resumed office. Every morning I used to drive past a Gurudwara where one day I spotted Sukhwinder. I stopped my car and went up to him. Just to ask how he was, and quite frankly also to discern, better or worse than me. He was looking the other way when I put my hand on his shoulder. He turned around and without wasting time, I reminded him of the hospital and politely enquired about him, post his son’s death. He could recollect me in seconds and asked about my son. I gave him the tragic news. He sounded hurt. I decided to leave after a brief chat, but he ordered for a cup of tea. And our friendship thus began.

Since that day till the time that Gurudwara was on my way to office, once in a while we used to meet over a cup of tea and he used to narrate quite a few invigorating episodes from ‘Granth Sahab’ and ‘Gita’ that helped me tide away, and soften my tragedy.

It is now more than six years we continue as friends and we make it a point to talk to each other at least once a month just to share happiness and sorrow, and probably one day when we stop receiving calls from each other one of us will know the other has kicked the bucket.

Our world is full of affinity, when it comes to being from the same religion, sect, ethnicity, language and food. But after I lost my son I realised there is also an affinity that takes birth out of unusual tragedies in life. I and Sukhwinder had similar tragedies leading to a very unusual experience in life not known and felt by many, and that brought us together.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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