"Desiderata" (Latin: "desired things") is a 1927 prose poem by American writer Max Ehrmann.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. “ ” Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata".

Depression is treatable, and your biggest help is you!!

In the run up to World Mental Health Day, which was yesterday, sad news trickled in. Asha Bhosle’s daughter Varsha had committed suicide by shooting herself in the head. Like many victims of depression, who feel a black cloud of sadness surmount them, Varsha found it too hard to live and thought it easier to end her life instead. The incident is a wake up call to all of us to help those who suffer from depression. Newspapers went on an overdrive after the issue to note that Varsha’s affliction was treatable. And that’s the truth: Depression is treatable. In this piece by Nirmalya Dutta, the author talks about the various kinds of depression and how to transcend the symptoms. She writes: “One of the most effective non-medicated treatments for depression is sharing with your loved ones. ” Also, when all else seems to be failing there is no harm in visiting a counseller or psychiatrist. While anti-depressants do not work for everyone, they do work in chronic cases and there is no taboo in popping a pill. But what do you watch out for? Overdoing the intake of nicotine and caffeine, and lack of sleep can be major causes of depressive symptoms. In such cases dealing with the disorder at the root can stop the black cloud from taking over. It may also help to develop a hobby or vigorously exercise. Strenuous exercise releases ‘feel-good hormones’ called endorphins that can help tackle symptoms of overwhelming sadness. According to Dutta, there are basically four types of depression: Clinical or Major depression, Bipolar or Manic-depressive disorder, Postpartum depression (depression after delivery of child) and Seasonal affective disorder (It usually doesn’t affect people who live in tropical climates like India.) Common symptoms of major depression include – despair and loneliness, unwillingness to do the simplest tasks, low energy levels, recurring nightmares and sleep disorders, loss of libido and appetite. These symptoms usually last for over two months. Bipolar disorder on the other hand is a cyclical disorder characterised by two phases – a manic phase and a depressive phase. In the manic phase, the patient is likely to suffer from delusions of grandeur, excessive self-confidence, feeling of euphoria and higher sexual drive while the depressive phase is very similar to the aforementioned symptoms of major depression. But no type of depression is untreatable. Considering that 1.8 lakh Indians commit suicide every year and there are 20 times more attempts, means at least 36 lakh people in India are surely suffering from major depressive disorder, writes Dutta. These are just the statistics. The numbers could be more overwhelming. There is no harm in seeking help from any quarter, but the biggest help can be you. The first step towards that is waking up from denial. Source: http://www.firstpost.com/living/depression-is-treatable-and-your-biggest-help-is-you-485519.html

50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

Ishq Mein Hum Tumhe Kya Batayein

Ishq Mein Hum Tumhe Kya Batayein, Kis Kadar Chot Khaaye Hue Hain,..
Maut Ne Humko Mara Hai Aur Hum, Zindagi Ke Sataaye Hue Hain,..

Usne Shaadi Ka Joda Pehankar, Sirf Chuma Tha Mere Kafan Ko,..
Bas Usi Din Se Jannath Ki Hoorein, Mujhko Dulha Banaaye Hue Hain…

Surkh Aankhon Mein Kajal Laga Hai, Rukh Pe Gazaa Lagaye Hue Hain,..
Aise Aaye Hain Mayyat Pe Meri, Jaise Shaadi Mein Aaye Hue Hain,..

Aye Lehat Apni Mitti Se Kehde, Daag Lagne Na Paaye Kafan Ko,..
Aaj Hi Humne Badle Hain Kapde, Aaj Hi Hum Nahaaye Hue Hain,..

Bikhri Zulfein Pareshaan Chehra, Ashq Aankhon Mein Aaye Hue Hain..
Aye Ajal Tehar Jaa Chand Lamhe, Wo Ayadat Ko Aaye Hue Hain,..

Dushmano Ki Shikayat Hai Baakhi, Doston Se Gila Kya Kareinge,..
Jhar Juke Jin Darrakhton Ke Patte, Phir Kahan Unke Saaye Hue Hain,..

Kya Hai Anjaam-E-Ulfat Patangon, Jaake Shamma Ke Nazdeek Dekho,..
Kuch Patango Ke Laashein Padi Hai, Par Kisi Ke Jalaaye Hue Hain,..

Katal Ke Waqt Sab Doston Ne, Ye Chukaya Mohabbat Ka Badla,..
Daal Di Khaakh Mere Badan Par, Ye Na Socha Nahaaye Hue Hain,..

Unki Tareef Kya Poochte Ho, Umar Saari Gunaaho Mein Guzri,..
Farsa Ban Rahe Hain Wo Aise, Jaise Ganga Nahaaye Hue Hain,..

Zindagi Mein Na Raas Aayi Rahat, Chain Se Ab Sone Do Lehat Mein,..
Aye Farishton Na Chedo Na Chedo, Hum Jahan Ke Sataaye Hue Hain,..

Khoi Khoi Si Bechain Aankhein, Bekarari Hai Chehre Se Zaheer,..
Hona Ho App Bhi Meri Tarah Ishq Ki Chot Khaaye Hue Hain

Meaning, Significance and Power of Gayatri Mantra

Meaning and Significance of Gayatri Mantra


Gyatri Mantra is recited in Sanskrit language as mentioned below:

“ओम् भूर्भुव: स्‍व: तत्‍सवितुर्वरेण्‍यं भर्गो देवस्‍य धीमहि धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात् ।”

(Aum bhoorbhuvah svah tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dheemahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.)

Thus Gayatri Mantra begins from the word aum whose meaning and significance has been explained in Mandukyopanishad. The word ‘Aum’ is in itself a hymn which is also called ‘Pranava’. This word contains three letters A, U, M. The letter A represents the cosmos, the body of Virat Brahma. When subtle Brahma (Supreme Eternal Being) manifests or projects himself into vast universe which can be visualized by the mind or by the senses it is called Virat or Vaishvanar. In this shape, magnificence of God is fully reflected. The letter U stands for intellectual design of creation, the totality of all subtle subjects and Brahma possessed of subtly differentiated creation is called Hiranyagarbha (also Sutratma or Prana) where every being is in the illumined shape of self-born sperm and foetus. The letter M stands for Saguna Brahma or Ishvar where Brahma described also as Omniscient and Omnipotent Being is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Destroyer of the world. Thus all the three letters combined together give description of God in three different ways.

The remaining part of Gayatri Mantra finds place in thirty-sixth chapter of Yajurveda. The word Savitri (or Savita) has two meanings—(1) the sun (2) One that inspires. Here the word Savita has been used in the sense of God who inspires us. Due to some confusion some people say that this hymn prays the sun.

The words bhoorbhuvah svah tell about the body of Brahma (Supreme Being). Bhoor or Bhooh means Being or matter and energy of the universe. Bhuvah means space and Svah means Atma or the Self or the Spirit. If we want to see God, we can see Him in anything visible in the universe. If we separate matter, energy and space, then we can know God through self-realization for in that position God is formless, weightless, consciousness or knowledge, all-pervading, all-knowing, omnipotent, eternal, imperishable and abode of bliss. Then God is called Paramatma.

Thus we can understand Gayatri Mantra in brief in the following manner-----

That omnipotent God (Supreme Being) pervades all matter, energy, space and consciousness. That (tat) God is the source of inspiration (savituh), is most venerable (varenyam), and is pure in character (bhargah). Our mind should take hold (dhimahi) of that divine power (devasya). May that Supreme Being (yah) lead (prachodayat) our (nah) wisdom (dhiyah) towards good path.

Gayatri Mantra is very significant for us because it describes, in brief, essence of God or material and spiritual aspect of God. It is also a magnificent hymn or prayer that yokes the mind with Supreme Being.

In the interest of readers and devotees another Vedic hymn is given here---

यो भूतं च भव्‍य च सर्व यश्‍चाधितिष्‍ठति

स्‍वर्यस्‍य च केवलं तस्‍मै ज्‍येष्‍ठाय ब्रह्मणे नम: ।

(Reverential obeisance to Brahma (Supreme Being) who is the past and the future and who precedes and pervades all beings, and who presides over divinity and who alone exists)

Atharva Veda Kand 10 Sukta 8(1)




Power of Gayatri Mantra


Rishis and Munis chose the words for the Gayatri mantra and arranged them in such a manner that, the chanting of this mantra created a powerful force. Gayatri manta has a lot of significance and you can yourself feel the power of Gayatri mantra by reciting it in the proper technique. While chanting the Gayatri mantra, always close your eyes and try to concentrate on each and every word that you say and then see the magical effects. To know more about the benefits of chanting Gayatri mantra, read on.

When a man is gifted with righteous wisdom, half of his problems vanish away. People land into trouble, when they are not able to take the right decisions. People tread the wrong path because they are not mature or wise enough to decide what's good for them and what's not. It is here that Gayatri mantra comes to play a major role by bestowing wisdom on the people who chant this mantra in the right way.

The performance of Gayatri mantra opens the gateway for knowledge and it is the raised intellectual level that enables a person to reach heights. The reciting of Gayatri mantra washes away the sins and provides the individuals with the intelligence to indulge in good deeds. It helps a great deal in purifying the mind, body and soul. You tend to feel relaxed after performing it and also your mind stops wandering, thereby leading to better concentration.

This single Gayatri mantra is so powerful that it brings the same reward as the reading of the four Vedas. The mantra has to be repeated thrice a day and in turn, it will confer all the blessings on you in the form of good health, wealth, vitality, beauty etc. You can chant the mantra even while carrying out your daily routine works. Many people are in the habit of chanting Gayatri mantra while walking in the morning. To attain enlightenment, there can be no better therapy than chanting this foremost mantra of the Hinduism religion.


Word by word meaning of Gayatri
Om – the primeval sound
Bhur – the physical world, this earth
Bhuva – the mental world
Svaha – the spiritual world
Thath – That (the Paramatma)
Savitur – The Sun, Creator
Varenyam – the most adorable, highest
Bhargo – Luster, Effulgence, tejas
Devasya - Supreme Lord
Dhimahi – we meditae upon
Dhiyo – intellect, understanding
Yo – who
Naha – our
Prachodhayat – enlightens, guides

We meditate on the most adorable and effulgent Supreme Spirit (The Sun) who directs and inspires our intellect and understanding!

Ganga Behti ho kyun - Bhupen Hazarika

Bisterno parorey, afankhya janore, hahakar sunio nisabdth nirovey,

Bhural hui tumhi, bhural hui bura ki aur……….



(Bisterno parorey: Vistar hai apar dono taraf

afankhya janore: Asankh praja dono par

hahakar sunio: hahakar sunkar bhi nirovey: shant

Bhural hui: “Ganga” in Assamese tumhi: tum

bura ki aur: behti ho kyun)



(Its in Assamese. Bengali version is a bit different. The pronunciations are in typical Assamese. E.g. ”sunio” is spelled as “humio”)



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, oh ganga behti ho kyun?……………..

Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Naitikta nasht hui, manavta bhrasht hui,

nirlajj bhav se behti ho kyun?……..



Itihas ki pukar, kare hunkar,



(HunkAr hunkar (Hum+kAr), s.m. The word or sound hun; a grunt saying `yes,' uttering a menacing sound; grunting, grunt (of a boar); roaring; bellowing; -- a shout; grunting)



oh ganga ki dhar, nirbal jan ko,

sabalsangrami, samagrogrami, banati nahi ho kyun?…………….



(Oh flow of Ganges, why don't you make the weak people stronger, make the villagers unite to fight for their rights)



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, oh ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Anparjan, aksharheen, anginjan, khadyoviheen

netravhiheen, dikshmon ho kyun?…….

(innumerable people are illiterate, letterless, without food, blind,

Why are you showing these blind people the path of devotion..?)



Itihas ki pukar, kare hunkar, oh ganga ki dhar, nirbal jan ko, sabalsangrami, samagrogrami, banati nahi ho kyun?…………….



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



vayakti rahey, vayakshti nirvighn, sakalsamaj, vayakshtitva rahit,

nishpran samaj, upbhoktina kyun?………..



(people stay without sufficient income, the entire society is economically challenged

society is lifeless, why are you unaware / unfeeling of this?)



Itihas ki pukar, kare hunkar, oh ganga ki dhar, nirbal jan ko,

sabalsangrami, samagrogrami, banati nahi ho kyun?…………….



Vistar hai apar, praza dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Tejasvini, kyun na rahin,

(why did you not stay full of glory)

tum nishchay, chintan nahin,

(you are decided, no worries)

prano mey prerna deti na kyun?……………

(why don't you give inspiration to life)



Tum madhyavami, kurushetra grami, gangey janani, navbharat mey, bhismarupi sutsamrajey, janati nahi ho kyun?………….



(you are flowing through the middle, seen the villages of Kurushetra (where Mahabharat took place), mother of Bhishm (great uncle of Pandavs & Kauravs), in this new India why don't you give birth to sons like Bhishm again?)



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Vistar hai apar, praja dono par, kare hahakar ni sabdth sada,

Oh ganga tum, ganga tum, ganga tum, oh ganga tum, ganga tum, ganga behti ho kyun?……………..



Ganga behti ho kyun?……………………………….



Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer(s): Bhupen Hazarika & the rest (Kavita Krishnamurthy, Hariharan, et al - only for ending notes)

Michael Jackson Earth Song Lyrics

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we
were to gain...
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was
yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth this
weeping shore?

Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Ohoo Ohooooo

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledged
your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was
yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth this
weeping shore?

Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Ohoo Ohooooo

I used to dream
I used to glance
beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know
we've drifted far

Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo, ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by greed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn

Aaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaah