Buried in books

Books are man's best friend and they have been an integral part of his life. Whenever others have shunned him or shut him behind doors, they have been there as a constant companion and rejuvenated him. They took him on roller-coaster rides; ups, downs, mystery, adventure, fantasy, drama and what not! People could clear their clogged mind by reading books. They could take better personal decisions by connecting with the character of the book and looking from his/her perspective.

Knowingly or unknowingly, books have played a major role in improving their language and efficiency. Books changed their viewpoint regarding issues in the society. People wanted to be like their favourite characters, so they planted seeds of the commendable characterstics of theirs within themselves. People started craving for fictional worlds and wanted to become part of them too!

The past three months had been an amalgamation of emotions for me because I got a chance to read a wide variety of books. I had read books of different genres and  learnt many things from them. I got so engrossed in those books that I never knew how time just passed by.

During that book spree, I had read books of different authors like Dan Brown, Mario Puzo, Charolette Bronte, James Patterson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robin Cook and a few Indian authors like R.Krishnan and Rajagopalachari. I I have understood one thing after reading all those books. Every time you start a new book you must begin afresh i.e you mustn't start drawing parallels with the old book. You must understand that each author has his or her vision about his or her work. With each new book added to the collection, his/her thought changes and he writes the next book with a completely different mindset. Also, you must read with an unabridged attention. Only then you can get the complete flavor of the book.

Different people have different interests and they like only specific kind of books. Some like crime thrillers, some like fantasies, some like comedies and parodies, some like family books, some like informative books, auto-biographies , biographies and the list goes on. These categories are general ones. In these again, there are particulars too. Some like crime with fantasy. Some like mystery with adventure. So, one thing has to be understood here. The more diversified the demand or choice, the more effort has to be put in to satisfy the needs.

Now a question arises here. Are there any books that have satisfied all generations and all kinds of audience? There are books which have been worldwide bestsellers and were liked by everyone. But there is this one specific book- a very old one- which is relatable even in the current scenario. It gives us moral values to learn and is filled with almost everything- revenge, drama, plots, sub-plots, previous life connections and many more. This book is always high on adrenaline and the action is always on. By now you might have guessed which book I am talking about: The Mahabharat.

The previous month, I had read a scientist's take on the epic where he had given reasonings and explanations to the astronomical references made by Vyasa. He had also mentioned about how accurately calculations were made in those days. He had cited appropriate examples from the excavations and findings in the present to prove that the Mahabharat had taken place in reality.

Now you may ask me; there are many things which we already know so why should we read it. Remember, you may know many things about it, but there are even more things hidden. Even I thought the same before reading the book, but once I plunged into it, I was shocked at the number of things I was not aware of! For example, minister Vidur was born in a lower caste due to Rishi Animandavya's curse given to Dharmaraja! Shakuntala was named so because when she was born, she was surrounded by Shakuntas(birds)! So, never assume that you are fully cognizant of something because there will always be something that will slip out.

What are the values we should learn from this epic? There are so many things which we can or rather, we should learn from this epic, but know one thing. We can learn from the good people about manners, how to follow the path of Dharma and how to tread their path. We can learn from the bad people not to follow the path of Adharma, and not to fall prey to bad company. So, we can learn something from both good and the bad people. It is not always necessary to idolize a good person and strive to be like him. You can idolize a bad person and strive not to be like him.

Even though being the symbol of Dharma, Yudhishtira fell prey to gambling. Arjuna although knowing the fact that death is inevitable, couldn't slay his own ones as he was blinded by attachment. Remember, even the greatest of people may commit small errors. But, if you trust God and tell him your problems, he will stand by your side, guide you and help you overcome it. He will clear your hazy thoughts and give you proper clarity and direction. Never fear when God is with you because he will never let anything happen to you.

There is nothing wrong in going against your kith and kin if they are treading the wrong path. Some hard decisions have to be taken to maintain sanity in the family. You can tell people in a soft way, but if they don't listen, tough choices are to be made. You personally may have no interest or may feel very bad, but you take up the responsibility keeping in mind the betterment of everyone.

People following the path of Adharma have an upper hand only for a short span of time. But when they clash with the righteous ones, the latter always emerges victorious. This is a universal truth. The virtuous ones always undergo hardships in the start because it is their testing period. Once they pass the test and prove that they are undeterred, no one can stop them. The bad people only have momentary happiness in the start, but good people live long and attain eternal bliss. 

The Mahabharata depicts the glory of our country. There are several instances that prove how advanced our country was in the skill of warfare and metallurgy. We learn about the greatness of our culture and the definition of an ideal man. The Mahabharata has given us two gems: The Bhagvad Gita and the Vishnu Sahasranamam. The former is the storehouse of knowledge and the answer to all our problems.

Now a days people are more keen to finish books than actually reading patiently. This book will not allow them to go in their fast pace. Each fact is important as it connects to some part or the other in the story. Reading this book, one will know how to bury themselves completely in it and extract details and values. People will start looking keenly for the one missing part in the next books they read after this. Thus, they will know the actual fun of reading.

I don't mean to say other books aren't good or they don't have any values. It is just that we don't read in between the lines of those books. Every book has some message or the other. The focus or rather prominence is given to learning and discourses more in the Mahabharata than in other books. 

There are several other books other than the Mahabharata that are relevant even today. For example, the Arthashastra-written by the astute Chanakya during the olden times- contain so many tactics and stratergies of politics that have proved to be useful. Also, there are books like the Diary of Anne Frank that arouses our sympathy and makes us condemn dictatorial policies. Books like Wings of Fire and Long Walk to Freedom instill the nationalistic sentiments and devotedness towards our country. We understand the struggles put in to achieve milestones and respect their sacrifices. 

Sadly, these days, people are preferring e-books over hard cover books. Reading over the net damages your eyesight. Remember, nothing can replace the feel of holding a book in the hand. As far as possible, try avoiding doing that. But if there is no option like that, read only for a stipulated time and mainly- read in bright light only. This will reduce the strain and you can read easily. 

So, on the whole I'd like to say one thing. Don't read books with an intention that you have to complete them. Don't have any deadlines because in the end, time doesn't matter. It is how much you have learnt matters. Read with concentration because it will help you improve your imaginative skills. Also, don't limit yourself. Expand your horizons i.e, read books of versatile genres and aspire to know more about our country's undefiled heritage. Finally, don't read books just because everyone you know read them. Read books only if you are passionate about books- because, things done without interest is far worse than not doing anything.

                                      - Anusha Sridhar

Has humanity lost its way?

The word humane is derived from the word 'human' which means someone who is benign and considerate towards his fellow beings. It is noteworthy to say here that these qualities of 'humanity' and 'humility' have distinguished us from animals. But, look at the irony in the situation. Humans who are considered symbols of love, affection and care have themselves turned into perpetrators of violence. They have throttled voices that have gone against them. In greed to acquire power, they have crossed all limits and have trampled others' lives! There is a quote in Hindi that accurately depicts the current situation: Jab rakshak bhakshak ban jaye, jab sanrakshak hi shoshak ho jaye, to bhala kaun bacha sakta hai!

We have faced two world wars, plagues, diseases, famines and so many other life battling issues. During wars, although many fight, there are a few people who have a glimmer of humanity within themselves. They understand the fact that after a person is dead, he no longer remains anyone's enemy. They help the inflicted without looking at their status. Service done without expecting services in return is very good.

But sadly these days, helping people has become a publicity stunt. People act magnanimous just to acquire fame. They have their cheesy smiles and photographs clicked, but behind the camera, it is an altogether different story. The worst part here is the so-called saviours speak up only on a few issues and don't put their forward foot on others. They try to play safe always. Watch out guys! All these hypocrites are deliberately trying to be philanthropic so as to build a better image in the public. Remember, these acts are far worse than actual violence. Either you help or don't help, it is up to you. But don't act because you'd be breaking people's trust on benevolence. 

Have things changed since those days? Yes they have, but not completely. Violence or rather war between countries are not taking place. Lives aren't getting destroyed. But there is a different kind of war going on. Not the usual war of weapons, but war of words! There is a blame game going on between countries. During  a pandemic, one country considers other responsible for it. They feel that organisations are partial towards one particular country.

If any country wants full authority of some place, first there are discussions and then a step is taken. Yes, there are small fights, but talks are given major importance.

You can't rule out the fact that there are no more killings because man can never accept someone being greater than him. But yes, you can say that violence is now considered 'an option' and not the 'only one'. Countries have understood that fight between a few people mustn't be converted into fight between the whole place.

Now coming back to the humanity point I raised in the beginning. Has humanity actually lost its way? Has being humane become a means of gaining popularity?

If you are the messiah of the afflicted, you no doubt will become famous among the masses. There are people who help sincerely without expecting anything in return. But, you can't deny the fact that there are ones who take tough times as a medium to spread their agenda. Remember, work for the happiness you spread by aiding and not only for fame. That is when you will get complete satisfaction and your conscience will not prick you.

Now, coming to the final question. Has humanity truly lost its way? Has its definition changed over the years?

At this juncture, I am remembered by a quote of Mahatria: 'From selfishness to selflessness is the journey of life... growing and outgrowing. The essence of humanity is within you, discover it.'

Often being humane is connected with money. The more you give, the more concern you have. Many people of today's generation think so. I think that it is an absurd statement. Donation has turned into a competition. More the charity, more the compassion. I will not say humanity has lost its way. I will say people's vision has been blurred and they are forgetting the actual meaning of humanity. Charity is being done to fulfill one's selfish intentions. By doing this, whom are you trying to please? Why do you lie to yourself?

 Rise above your narrow walls of thinking. Stop doing things just because your competitors do it. Do everything whole-heartedly. Think beyond selfishness. Think about welfare of everyone. 

All of us are humane. It is just that we think someone will spring up from scratch and be the saviour. Why think about someone else, when you can be the change you desire! Imagine a world where everyone will live a comfortable life with no issues. That is the sole purpose of humanity. To succour the needy and help them rise.

Concern can be expressed in many ways. It is majorly done through money, no doubt. But, there are several other ways to show your care. Not everything can be bought by money.

True feelings are priceless. It is not something that generates from notes. It is something that stems from emotional support and personal contact. Make people feel that they are your own kith and kin. Give them the trust that you will always stand by their side during tough times. Make them feel secure by your presence. That is the truest and purest meaning of humanity.

So, remember guys, the path and purpose of humanity has not been forgotten. It is just that there is a slight deviation from the way and the definition has been twisted to one's own benefit. As rightly said by Gandhiji, one mustn't lose faith in humanity as it is an ocean. If a few drops of the ocean become dirty, that doesn't mean that the entire ocean is dirty.

Last but not the least, if a person knows the significance of emotion and the correct place to use money, he will master the sky and earth and will become an embodiment of a humane person.

                                    -  Anusha Sridhar

Rain

 Pitter-patter falls the rain

It always erases all our pain

It is a heavenly phenomenon and the best of creations

It always brings prosperity to all the nations.

 

In the rain, all the people love to get drenched

By making paper boats, their childish desires get quenched

In this season, people tuck up cozily in their rug

They relax on their bed with a book in hand and a coffee mug.

 

The sound of the shower soothes our ears and mind

The rain teaches us how to be kind

It doesn’t show partiality towards any city, state or country

It pours everywhere and provides nutrition even to the shortest stem and tallest tree.

 

It makes the barren soil fresh

And gives the encouragement to start afresh

It helps the flowers bloom and gives a bountiful crop

It provides a panoramic view and a beautiful backdrop.

We are really fortunate if we can witness a rainbow

This marvel of vivid colors brings in the sky a bright glow

In this season, the photographer hidden within us comes out

To find a good spot for pics, we are always on the lookout.

 

The rain has done many things for us

But unfortunately we don’t realize it

We go on disturbing the ecological balance and make a huge fuss

thus destroying nature’s charisma bit by bit.

 

Due to our recklessness, there are incessant floods in many places

Due to this there is a massive increase in the death cases

So, let us all take conservative steps to restore the rain’s beauty

Let us all join hands, work together and sincerely perform our duty!!

 

                                                                                   -          Anusha Sridhar

 

 

                                                                                                                            

Sky

            As I was sauntering on the sundeck

I had raised my head high

To view the large luminescent light

and the star-studded sky.

 

This gave me a lot of solace

And freed me from the day’s menace.

I realized how beautiful nature could be

If with the right eyes we could see.

                                                                                                                              

The pat of the breeze made my hair dance

Looking at the swaying trees, I went into a trance

All around, there was complete nonchalance

The rays of the moon brought reflections of reminiscence.

 

The dark sky and shining stars were contrasting

Just like black and white

The experience was everlasting

And the moon grew magnificent over the night.

 

The stars were like small crowns adorning the skies

The moon gave us hope to aim for the highs

As time passed, it had become pitch dark

Suddenly, there was a small spark.

 

There was a speck of orange light that arose

This proved the fact that faith never goes

Whenever the thick clouds covered the moon/sun

It always finds a way out

Because it knows its duties

and has no doubt.

 

How grim the situation may be

There is always a hope at the end of the tunnel

You just have to filter out negativity like a funnel.

 

Never think of a back out

Instead become more devout

Never consider the nights to be bad and long

Because it gives you a chance to become headstrong!

 

So, enjoy both the day and night

You will start feeling a sense of delight!

                

                             _ Anusha Sridhar

 

 

 

 

Expectations- the cause for doom or the catalyst for development?

It is a natural human tendency to have expectations on oneself and on others. But not many have the strength to look at themselves once they fail. They go on the track of depression and curse themselves. They become afraid to face reality and lock themselves behind doors. 

Now the main question arises here. Should people have expectations? Is it good or bad? The further lines will provide an insight on how I have perceived this deep-rooted topic.

First of all before plunging into this topic, we must know why people have expectations and what exactly does it mean. 'Expectation' is a term used to define a person's fixed goals which he wants to achieve. This word is used to build up the competitive spirit within us and gives us the strength not to limit ourselves and look beyond horizons.

Now coming to the point- why people have expectations? It is really simple. Having expectations will show us how high we can aim for and will decide our capability. It will show us our responsiveness if something in a plan goes topsy-turvy. It will show us how we can change the situation to our benefit and will assess our thinking power. 

Are expectations good or bad? There are several theories on this. Before proceeding further, one must know that there are two types of expectations. One, that is being forced on you and you personally have no interest in that. Two, that is your passion and you are desperate to achieve it.

In type one, again there is a split in the kind of people. First, are those who forgo their dreams due to peer pressure, accept whatever is being told to them and move on. Second, are those who are not fixed towards anything. Their mind keeps wavering, they can't decide what to do and thus end up in a dense labyrinth. They are the ones who lose out on both the options they have.

The first case of people are better as they at least channelize their energy in one direction (even though they are not interested) slowly, grow towards liking it and feel that fate has thought it to be a better option for them. Be like type two always- who have the burning  fire within, that's what I suggest.

As mentioned in the beginning, expecting something which you can achieve is fine (Not that expecting beyond is not acceptable, but yes, if you can make that true and do not lament if things go wrong and stand back stronger, you can expect higher). But once you set that benchmark for yourself, you can't fall below that. You either have to stay on the surface or go higher. The choice is yours how you want to be, but never have a high-low margin after you have reached your best, that's what I want to say.

See, there are not many who can hit six sixes in an over always. There surely will be ones, twos and fours also, one has to accept that. But what is the condition of those who have established themselves as a perfect scorer who has never gone wrong? What is the condition of those people who have a tag attached to their collar as the 'most-efficient' person? What will happen to those people who have achieved 'celebrity status' and end up coming to a lesser level due to one small mistake?

The most immediate reaction would be shock waves spreading among colleagues and friends. There will be a sudden change in their behavior and people start backstabbing you. Your position falls down and you are not given anything important. There is a saying that if a person who is an epitome of truth utters a lie for the first time, he would never be trusted again. Same thing here. People's perception towards you just changes in the blink of an eye and you become a topic of discussion as to how you spoilt your own name.

It is not that you can never bounce back. It is just that most of us have never thought of it as an option. Remember, if plan A fails, there are 25 more letters, meaning that there are many opportunities for you to prove your mettle and regain people's confidence on you.

But sadly, most people have horse's eyes, meaning, they don't look around them, they think think that the way in front of them is the only path and there is nothing else. They start behaving like frogs in the well who don't know anything other than their own dwelling place! This situation gets worse if people end up their lives.

Now again, we must know why people end their life. Self-expectation is not something that will drive people to the door of death. As already mentioned, we have expectations on ourselves and even on others. By others, I mean Bollywood celebrities, sports personalities, CEO of companies or be anyone for that matter. We even expect the way people have to sit! I mean above one point, if a person crosses the saturation level how can he have inner peace? By talking about these people everywhere; in newspapers, on TV, in paparazzi; aren't we making their lives public? Their personal life news bothers us more than what is cooking in our homes.

In one way indirectly, aren't we stealing from them the right to do what they want? (We literally stalk these people everywhere and if we don't like their clothes, we make them as headlines, why??). In this way we are adding more pressure to the already pressurized mind of those people who do not know how to handle their stardom side-effects. On top of that, there are trolls, memes made on them if something is not up to the mark. I am questioning, isn't this negativity enough to make weak people commit suicide?

The more better you become with each attempt or the higher you rise every time, the more limelight you get in this world. You are recognized wherever you go and lose your basic right to freedom!

When you start achieving your plans without faltering, you automatically get that 'celeb tag' on you. You can't be your true self, you always have to maintain that smile of yours and can't scowl at anyone. You have to maintain a code of decency and can't roam wherever you want. You have expectations on yourself to reach a certain height. But once you do so, you come to the spotlight and more than yourself, others start expecting things from you.

You never realize when self-expectations turn into group pressure! Always remember, the higher you rise on your ladder of goals, the more you give away with your personal choices. Everything in life comes with a price. There is nothing like free lunch.

The most common question that arises at this point is how do you cope up with the stress from all directions? What do we do? It is really simple. Have a true friend (parents are the best) with whom you can share everything and free yourselves from your sorrow. Weep on someone's shoulder whom you know will not leave by your side. Read your favorite book, listen to good songs or soothing music and indulge in your favorite pastime and see how your day changes within the snap of your fingers. 

Every life is precious and death is not the final solution. There are different ways to come out of the spiral of sorrow. Remember, you must always think twice before choosing something. If you are very particular about  your path and steady in your decision, be ready to face criticism and backlash because the world is filled with so many of that kind who have a problem even with your minute actions. Never end your life because you will be called weak. Stand back stronger and hit back at all those who condemned you. For a person who has fallen down, I think this is the best expectation that will keep his heart beating faster.

So, on the whole, I'd like to say one thing. Expect something as long as you know that you won't break so easily. Expecting to achieve your plans is fine as long as you know what failure is and how to battle it. Expectations are good as long as you have self-confidence, but are bad if you have over-confidence. Be strong to face the reality and see how your life will change diametrically. You will become a completely different person with new enthusiasm.

Expect something when you know that you will never tread the path of self-destruction if something goes wrong. Expect something only when you are FULLY AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES and be prepared to face any disaster that comes your way. Finally, be you, never change for anyone and expect the unexpected with grit and believe that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE AND EVERYTHING LIES IN THE HUMAN BRAIN! Keep up to your expectations- that is enough, as it is not possible to satisfy everyone, there will be people finding faults- and never fall down after listening to hate comments.

Rise like a phoenix from the ashes and prove your worth! If you can put a tick to all these conditions that 'yes, I can surpass these hurdles', then expectations will just become a piece of cake and achieving it will become a cakewalk..

                                         

                                      - Anusha Sridhar

Festivities

India is the best example of unity in diversity where people from different cultural mosaics live under one roof. These people have their own distinct traditions and they observe every ritual in their own unique methods. Even though these communities follow divergent practices, all of them come together to celebrate one common festival loved by all- Ganesh Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in every nook and corner of the country in a splendid manner for ten days. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of the problem-alleviator and the astute thinker- Lord Ganesha. Every day sumptuous food and mouthwatering sweets are presented to Vinayaka (He is just like any one of us, a sweet-lover with his favorite being Modak). Usually, the festival falls during many kids' exams so it is mostly them who pray  him for good scores and a nice rank. It is really amazing how these children balance between studies and fun so efficiently. 

 In many apartments and gated-communities, a Ganesh idol is placed which is worshipped every day. There are games, dancing, singing competitions organised in which everyone- regardless of age- take part and have fun. Children run hither-tither and play the entire evening. Prizes are given away to winners, there are auctions conducted (where it poures money and people go to any height to buy things) for the Laddoo and the Lord's Vastram, and in this entire event, kids get garbed in different attires every day and become really busy in taking pictures. In schools, clay Ganesha making competitions and a jamboree is conducted.

The main highlight in these entire proceedings is the lavish buffet provided the day before the idol immersion and the dance that we perform when the idol is being taken in a truck. During this time, it doesn't matter if you are a dancer or not. You just jump into the arena, shake and twist the way you want!! We hire drum-players for about two hours and keep dancing non-stop! Also, a mini-Holi is played by all where people smear color on each other's faces. Dozens of people go to the nearest lake in trucks and the roads become full! There would be no place, but still more and more people squeeze in. This is very common everywhere and people eagerly wait for that time- where they can open up the fullest.

 After complete two-three hours (or sometimes even four; completely unpredictable) of mental and physical gusto, finally, the air of excitement around us comes down and we become our normal self. After finishing the cleaning, we again start longing for the next year festivities and this cycle keeps going on.

Before proceeding further, one must know the reason why this household festival is celebrated like a carnival. During the British era, when Indians had no unity among themselves, Lokamanya Tilak wanted to bring everyone together. So he organised a religious gathering, stuck posters and popularized the notion of group Ganesh puja at the time when public gatherings were banned. Since Lord Ganesha is worshipped by all castes and creeds, he thought it befitting to bring Gajanan's worship to a larger platform so as to unite people and bring within them the spirit of nationalism. This festival played a pivotal role in shaping the patriotic fervour. Due to that reason, even today, the festival is celebrated in a majestic way.  

It is believed that when we immerse the idol in a water body, we would be leaving behind all our bad qualities thus elevating ourselves to the next state. In olden days, mud Ganeshas were submerged in water. The reason behind this was our ancestors concern towards all the beings of nature.  By doing so, the soil in the sea becomes rich in nutrients thus providing food for the aquatic animals. 

But sadly, these days, POP Ganeshas are used thus polluting the sea water. It doesn't get dissolved unlike mud and causes suffocation for the water animals. So, let us be aware of the fact that our actions done in ignorance would harm nature. Let us take steps to prevent the contamination of our pure water bodies and start looking for ingenious methods to make Ganeshas like using clay, dough, planting seeds inside mud so that it can be watered to grow plants etc. Let us play our role as a responsible citizen and spread awareness among people.

Due to the COVID pandemic, there may not be a full-swing celebration and mass gathering this time. So, let us put on our thinking caps and explore the options of making different types of Ganeshas using eco-friendly materials. 

In many institutions, centers and apartments there are virtual celebrations being conducted. This is done for two reasons. One, is to brighten up moods of people who are feeling sad that they can't have a gala time like last year. Two, is to take them back on a trip down the memory lane so that all the good days get refreshed amidst these adverse times.  Also, many channels have organised Ganesh utsavs with celebrities (which would be aired on national TV) so that people can feel happy seeing their favorite actors/actresses perform and forget their unhappiness.

Every year, we always perform the puja of Ganapati without full knowledge of the symbolism of the festival and the true meaning hidden behind his stories. Lord Ganesha going three times around his parents not only says that he is intelligent but also conveys the message that parents are the child's world and one must always respect them. He chose a mouse as his Vahan so as to spread the message in the society that no animal is less than the other and all lives are equal. He makes us understand that wars are won not by fight but by using one's brain.

The large head of Ganesha symbolizes wisdom and he has huge ears so that he can capture even the tiniest detail in a conversation and can listen to his devotees. The trunk can hold anything in this universe. Similarly, humans too should possess high adaptability factors. Due to these deep-layered messages hidden within these simple anecdotes and symbols, his cleverness and the way of bringing things out without hurting anyone, Lord Ganesha is worshipped first before beginning any task.

So, let us all spend this time well to become well-versed in the reasons behind celebrating any festival, follow the set of procedures wholeheartedly and know more about our mythology. Let us pray for the frontline COVID warriors and increase in the recovery rate of the country. Let us pray to the Vighnahartha- the remover of obstacles to give us the strength to cross this hurdle of COVID that is destroying livelihoods. Finally, let us all pray that by next year everything comes back to normalcy and we welcome him, in a more grand way!!

                                JAI SHRI GANESHA!!

                                         

                                                         

                                                                                                - Anusha Sridhar

The Pursuit

There have been several instances in life where we have not been able to deduce in which aspect of our conduct we were going wrong. Also, many a times, we felt unsatisfied regarding the choices we made and the company we chose. At that grim point in life, we tend to get baffled and fall into a spiral of confusion. We sometimes lose mental stability while racking our brain for answers without realizing that they lie in front of us!! It is just that we have never turned our heads to look at it.

Once the truth dawns upon us, we embark on a journey to seek explanations with a hope that ultimately we would know the reason for our caprices.

How will this 'personal quest for clarification of our queries' become successful? How can we kick-start this journey to the 'road of remedies'? It is very simple. Have an idol or an inspiration whom you emulate and follow his/her footprints. This part is very important because you must choose your role model based on your interests and not by succumbing to people's opinion. The person whom you prefer as a catalyst must be entirely of your own discretion because the more you connect with the person's interests, the better head-start you get on the path of progress. You can associate with their experiences and can relate to things happening with you. This will be a great advantage.

One more thing to remember at this juncture. Every unpleasant situation we encounter always delivers some or the other life lesson to us. This may seem shocking, but even the small naughty things that we commit, too, teaches us something!!

Since different people will look up to different persons, I take a common example with whom everyone can correlate with; the Supreme Godhead, the First Teacher- Lord Krishna.

Yes, you heard me right. The Paramount is an exemplar of good virtues. One can learn many things from him. If we implement them in our life then we will make great strides.

In every stage of His life, He has taught us something. He was mischievous when he was a kid- stealing butter, breaking pots- and had lots of fun too- dancing with gopis, playing games with friends, herding the cows with his pals and playing the flute very beautifully that mesmerized everybody and enchanted the gopikas who danced with him humming the symphonious tune. Even though he was naughty, he never disrespected his parents. He loved them so much that he couldn't see them in pain. He was always ready to do anything for their sake. What we must learn from him is that having fun in childhood is not a bad deed as long as you know your limits. When there is team spirit and oneness among friends, we can achieve anything. By lifting the Govardhan mountain, he proved that one must be ready at the time of a catastrophe and must put one's best foot forward in helping everyone.

By killing the evil tyrannical king Kansa, he fulfilled his promise that he gave in the sloka:

Paritranaya Sadhunam, Vinashaya cha Dushkrutam

Dharma Sansthapanarthaya, Sambhavami Yuge Yuge!!

He said that he will always come to the rescue of the pious and benign people and will annihilate the evil thus rescuing Dharma. He will help Dharma triumph over Adharma and will always descend whenever there is imbalance and chaos in the world. He has taught us the significance of a promise and made us understand the value of a vow and how by breaking it, we would breach people's trust.

He redefined friendship. His camaraderie with Arjun is one of the finest examples of a true friend. He showed to the world that a sincere companion is the one who is present in both your highs and lows. He is the one who points out your flaws and helps you recognize them. In this era of competitiveness, where there are more flatterers than bosom friends, we must take cues from them to differentiate between fake and faithful friends.

Your status in the society is not by your birth, but by your actions. But, unfortunately, many people have forgotten this and are discriminating between the economic statures, which have alienated those who are disfavored. This was prevalent even during the ancient times, but Keshav put a full-stop to all this by washing the feet of his poor Brahmin friend Sudama- who had walked a long distance without food and had just brought a small bundle of rice with him to repay the food he had eaten years ago when they were studying in the Sandipani ashram. Sudama neither spoke about the difficulties he endured nor about the extreme poverty he was living in, but Madhusudan knew everything about his friend's pitiable state. So without his friend asking, he made him rich by transforming his dilapidated hut into an ostentatious palace and gave him good clothes and jewellery.

From this we can learn two things. One is that, never think making friends with an impecunious person will lower your worth in the society. Remember, poorest of people have the richest of hearts because they have faced all kinds of circumstances. Second, a true friend will always know the deepest of desires in your heart and without you asking will fulfill your wish.

He was an affectionate and protective brother of Draupadi and saved her from the humiliation by Dushasan. He safeguarded her honor and stood as a barrier between her and all the evils. He was always there and helped her in all her difficulties. He wiped her tears and was her biggest well-wisher. The people of today must learn the true meaning of a big brother. In this age, where women are ill-treated and body-shamed, this is a fitting example of how a sibling relationship should be.

And finally, the first motivational speaker, Lord Krishna has given us a huge treasure which is proving to be useful in the current scenario- the Bhagavad Gita. Who better than the Omnipotent Being- the one who is above Maya or illusion and narrow walls of ethnicity- can explain to us the laws of living a successful life in the world?

Whenever we are in deep sorrow or are not able to take accurate decisions, following the discourses of the Gita will bring miraculous changes. The Gita gives us the push to rise from the shell of self-pity and makes us self-confident. This is one method to awaken our inner conscience and we can realize the power of the divine. We can arouse our souls from the deep slumber and can become soul-conscious, thus erasing the frenzy of materialism. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us how to be a 'Sthitapragnya', meaning the one who has renounced from worldly pleasures, has no ahankara within him and has a balanced demeanor in all kinds of circumstances.

The person who has achieved this highest level of knowledge will finish his journey to seek solutions and will rise above the rest. The person who is well-versed in the Gita and applies the teachings in real life also will achieve supreme bliss and will have no need to wander for answers, because, he himself will become a storehouse of wisdom.

So, let us all follow the path prescribed by the All Knowing God and imbibe the values that he established in the society. Let us not deviate from our way and work to carry forward our priceless heritage to the future generations and make them aware about the great legacies of the Lord. Let us strive to be a protective brother, a loving friend and a concerned person like the Supreme Deity. Let us go the extra mile to find out our faults and work towards being a better person.

                                               - Anusha Sridhar