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Sopanam - July, 2014 1

Volume 4 Issue 4 July, 2014 5116 BjmVw


t km ] m \w
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A Family-Magazine from SEVA DARSHAN KUWAIT
For more information contact : Seva Darshan, Kuwait - INDEMB/KWT/ASSN/150
Sevadarshan@gmail.com
Sopanam E-Magazine - (For members circulation only)
Sopanam - July, 2014 2
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Amritha Vachanam
AayX hN\w
Subashitam
kp`mjnXd
oe~ic~cae o ooae
oi.o aico mco
miazeJvvio ooo
oczm zc:mo
Aw
mooio oi.o g evemei o~ic~a
.mim. oczm gJvvi. .eazaemem
zc:moei o1mo.
eoe co.~am oco.1e vo_- z.o, oimoio., o~izeo
omo,_. o-im o~imoi_-omem g:.iamcme,
oe. e ueJo o.oi giia. g co.~am oeoemiuze
oaco ae+._e-ico mi~zco o.iamoio ooiaoiozei
ooeoiamoio, _o om .moio ozJuoeiia.
ueJu co.oco.i e~-oim_. g:.i.aem .m
o._im ..me:iio gemico zo_ico o.i_i. om
oe-im a_eco o.a1Joic a+aia_a voo ommm
gce:.J_mzeai ze.
Sopanam - July, 2014 3
Editorial
Editorial Board
Krishna Kumar Paliath
Vibheesh Tikkodi
Anandharaj Konni
Reshmy Krishna Kumar
Data Management
Ajaykumar Anjaneyam
Rajarajan Ganesan
Gopakumar. P
Sindhu Sanjith
Suresh Varickolil
Roopesh R. Souparnika
Adv.Vidhya Sumod
Dr. Sindu Sudheesh
Divya Satheesh Kumarakam
Anuradha Sundara Raman
Arun Kumar. N
Vishal Vikram
Ragesh Regunath
Raghiya Menon
Sheeja Anand
Praveen V.
Creative & Design
Sreenivasan C.P.
Vinaya Babu. C.K.
Sunil Pookode
Sreenadh. S
Cover Design - Nigesh Karunakaran
For Comments, Submissions &
Subscriptions please write to
email : vbkuwait@gmail.com
A special edition of Sopanam was inevitable this
month with the excitement of a new government
coming to power in India and the planning of an
exclusive womens only workshop, SHAKTHI, for
the frst time in Kuwait by the women members of
Seva Darshan Kuwait.
A change was bound to happen in the nation that
has been struggling under gross mismanagement
and was drowning in corruption and inaction. The
citizens of the Nation were looking forward to have
a strong leadership and they have whole heartedly
handed over the mandate to National Democratic
Alliance headed by the BJP and Shri. Narendra
Damodardas Modi, its PM candidate.
A nations aspirations lie in the dreams of a better
tomorrow by living happily today. This is something
every person struggles to achieve. We hope the
new government will keep this in mind while we
try to achieve our ultimate goal of a powerful self-
suffcient Nation capable enough to lead the world.
We hope the effcient leadership of the Prime
Minister and his ministers will do enough for the
expatriate community that serves as the countrys
ambassadors around the world.
Every citizen needs aspirations to progress and
these aspirations must translate as the Nations
aspirations. Eventually, ones aspiration will
become the Nations aspiration and vice versa.
They must be allowed to dream and it becomes the
governments responsibility to set achievable goals
to help transform those goals into reality in their
life time. Once people regain their hope and faith
in the Nations progress the brain drain reversal will
be much faster. We must have pride in our Nation
and must do much to instill this pride in our next
generation. This will also increase indigenous
productivity and quality.
Women are the backbone of the Nation. India has
always held in esteem the role of the mother in the
family. Unlike many other civilizations, Indians have
always seen equality in the genders. We have revered
them as Gods, Mother Earth, Nature, Literature and
everyday life. Empowerment is a western concept
where a need to give special attention is felt by both
sides. The need is to consider ourselves as equals
with everyone and our priority must be to educate
the society to understand this.
As our families prepare to leave for their summer
vacation and to be with their families, we wish them
all a wonderful vacation. At the same time we wish
our parents would take the children on tours and
visits which will be educative and get them closer to
our culture and heritage.
Gokulotsavam has become a festival for the
Seva Darshan family. The study material has been
distributed and our Bala Darshan students have
already started their preparations for the big day.
More surprise announcements await the contestants
in the coming days.
Wishing you all once again a happy summer
vacation.
Sopanam - July, 2014 4
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Cultural
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The The ancient scriptures starting from Rig-ved
to Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Manu Smriti
all talks about the equivalent place of a women to a
man.
O women! These mantras are given to you
equally (as to men). May your thoughts, too, be
harmonious. May your assemblies be open to all
without discrimination. Your mind and consciousness
should be harmonious. I (the rishi) give you these
mantras equally as to men and give you all and equal
powers to absorb (the full powers) of these mantras.
Rig-veda 10-191-3.
There are more than thirty women sages
(Gargi Vachaknavi , Lopamudra, etc.) in RV with
specifc hymns associated with them. In all the
Semitic religions like Christianity, Islam etc., there
is no mention of any revelation to women and no
woman is listed among the prominent disciples of
the founders or prophets of those religions.
Birth of the Goddess:
The feminine forms of the Absolute and the
popular Hindu goddesses are believed to have
taken shape in the Vedic era. These female forms
came to represent different feminine qualities and
energies of the Brahman. Goddess Kali portrays the
destructive energy, Durga the protective, Lakshmi
the nourishing, and Saraswati the creative. Here its
notable that Hinduism recognizes both the masculine
and feminine attributes of the Divine, and that
without honoring the feminine aspects, one cannot
claim to know God in his entirety. So we also have
many male-female divine-duos like Radha-Krishna,
Sita-Rama, Uma-Mahesh, and Lakshmi-Narayan,
where the female form is usually addressed frst.
Education of the Girl Child:
Vedic literature praises the birth of a scholarly
daughter in these words: A girl also should be
brought up and educated with great effort and care.
(Mahanirvana Tantra); and All forms of knowledge
are aspects of Thee; and all women throughout the
world are Thy forms. (Devi Mahatmya)
Women were considered to be the embodiment
of great virtue and wisdom.
The sun god follows the frst illuminated
and enlightened goddess Usha (dawn) in the same
manner as men emulate and follow women.
Athravaveda Samhita, Part 2, Kanda 27, sukta 107,
sloka 5705.
Katyayanas Varttika 125, 2477 mentions that
there were female teachers of grammar. Patanjali
wrote in his comments to Ashtadhyayi 3.3.21 and
4.1.14, that women undergo the thread ceremony
before beginning their education, and says that
women studied grammar
Women, who so desired, could undergo the
sacred thread ceremony or Upanayana (a sacrament
to pursue Vedic studies), which is only meant for
males even to this day. Co-education seems to have
existed in this period and both the sexes got equal
attention from the teacher. Moreover, ladies from
the Kshatriya caste received martial arts courses
and arms training.
Women & Marriage
The wife should address the assembly as a
commander.~ RV 10.85.26
According to Manusmriti there are eight types of
marriage, of which four were more prominent. The
The Importance of Women in
Indian Scriptures
Sopanam - July, 2014 5
Cultural
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frst was brahma, where the daughter was given as
gift to a good man learned in the Vedas; the second
was daiva , where the daughter was given as a gift
to the presiding priest of a Vedic sacrifce. Arsa
was the third kind where the groom had to pay to
get the lady, and prajapatya, the fourth kind, where
the father gave his daughter to a man who promised
monogamy and faithfulness.
In the Vedic age there was both the custom
of Kanyavivaha where the marriage of a pre-
puberty girl was arranged by her parents and
praudhavivaha where the girls were married
off after attaining puberty. Then there was also
the custom of Swayamvara where girls, usually
of royal families, had the freedom to choose her
husband from among the eligible bachelors invited
to her house for the occasion.
The hymn 10.85 of the Rig-veda states that
the daughter-in-law should be treated as a queen,
samrajni, by all the family members especially the
mother-in-law, husband, father-in-law.
Polygamy:
Thus certain mantras in Vedas describe demerits
of Polygamy.
compares existence of multiple wives with
multiple worldly miseries. ~Rig Veda 10.105.8
A man with two wives is pressed from both
sides and weeps like a horse that neighs when
pressed from both sides by spokes while driving a
chariot. ~ Rig Veda 10.101.11
Two wives make life aimless. ~ Rig Veda
10.101.11
May a woman never face threat of another co-
wife. ~ Atharva Veda 3.18.2
As yearning wives cleave to their yearning
husband, so cleave our hymns to thee, O Lord most
potent. ~ Rig Veda 1.62.11
Wifehood in the Vedic Era
As in present, after marriage, the girl became
a grihini (wife) and was considered ardhangini
or one half of her husbands being. Both of them
constituted the griha or home, and she was
considered its samrajni (queen or mistress) and had
an equal share in the performance of religious rites.
Rig-veda says the freedom of choosing of
husband: A woman can choose her own husband
after attaining maturity. If her parents are unable to
choose a deserving groom, she can herself choose
her husband. ~ 9.90-91.
The Manusmriti enjoins, Let mutual fdelity
continue until death. This may be considered the
summation of the highest law for husband and wife.
~Manu Smriti IX 101
O bride! May the knowledge of the Vedas
be in front of you and behind you, in your centre
and in your ends. May you conduct your life after
attaining the knowledge of the Vedas. May you be
benevolent, the harbinger of good fortune and health
and live in great dignity and indeed be illumined in
your husbands home. ~ Atharva Veda 14-1-64
Divorce, Remarriage & Widowhood
Divorce and remarriage of women were allowed
under very special conditions. If a woman lost her
husband, she was not forced to undergo the merciless
practices that cropped up in later years. Both the
Manusamhita and the Arthashastra state that if
a husband is impotent, a traitor, an ascetic or an
outcast, or missing for a prescribed number of years,
the wife take her property (Stridhan), leave him
without blame and marry again. The Arthashastra
also declares that in other circumstances, divorce
can take place only by mutual consent.Prostitution
in the Vedic Age.
In NAsmR 12.45-48, there are three types of
punarbhu, or a remarried widow: The virgin widow,
the woman who abandons her husband to take up
with another man and then returns to her husband,
and the woman who has no brothers-in-law who can
give her offspring.
Unfortunately today some orthodox persons deny
the right of women even from chanting the Veda
and Bhagwat Gita. Persons from other religion like
Islam and Christens try to defame the moral value
of women in Hinduism. However, they cannot cite
any authoritative scripture to support their views.
Any book in Sanskrit cannot be accepted as a
scripture or divine revelation. In the past when the
famous poet, Sanskrit scholar and spiritual savant,
Vasishta Ganapati Muni, the foremost disciple of
Sri Ramana Maharshi, challenged these orthodox
persons to provide evidence to support their claims,
no evidence was forth coming. Even today they
cant fool people with their propaganda.
Sopanam - July, 2014 6
Spiritualism
ArmnId
+.ooao,cmoeo _mimio
_mo.oooio_ .c.eoo
e mai ._-omo oe_-
.JmveJvvio ooaecoe-e_ g
mai-a-a ...eommzem.
goeia .emmz_ e a-azem
_m ._-oio. ~eo1 oJ.o
., oe.io, am, _mimio
o..omeim oeo., aiaem
zocm aem am ca .i.i.
mm z.ea_e ooeoizeJ,
g.eeJ, oeoaeia oeaeJ
_m- .c.eoo, _oea _cmoe
m+i amoem c.i_i.iiae. oa
aimeiaeoemmoio zmc. o..m
_m ~:mo:1o, omm.i,
oeem1mzea zo.eo .oi_i..
_m oiJaoi. co+ooiio
oaeo ooo1zmioim
oo..eia mioe~eo .ooiim-
ueJria oeoaeia~mioe~eo
ooai. aemcamae_a_im-_m
ooao ~ cmoeooio eme oecee-
aioeoo aio, .1zo ~e:mooim
ueJria ~em _m mi~oio
aem-i .1.e oJmame.emio oim
cmeac-.
:meJ .1a~mcaec_vio
ooaomi~e: ooiom .e.oJ gi
cvemi.mcoe-e_, ozomioe.io
oioJ. :m, ozoim goeia
.oocam caeJm zmJ, o.J a.zo
zo oaemzia amoio zmJ _m1
.omia_ omeiam.
cme.mazi .eJ
mi.eJ ~eoi am,
o1a.aei o-i_i. .ai
.io..emio .e-amem
_oi cme. mazi .eozei
coe.eo ze:oim _miJ
mi~i~ oicae-i o-oi
o~izaoim .oa~e:.
..o _+oae, .oi~ac_
.e-_i. ooJ.m oc.~m .m
oz1a, .ea _m1 .coa
.i.e-i-, ozo .eomim
~eooJ.o _m oeoaeia
mioe~eo .i.e-i-, omoea
_m oimio oeoaeiaca_oio _o
.i.ioemcmea-J mazi .eJ
t o . co.1~ooJco.1
ozioeoa_io :cm~m .ao
. omoi_i.im. ~eo1 oeJ.o1a
oaoie mi~_io .~e~m
.moio .:e mazi .eJ
ca_oim ..o _+oaeizem.
o~iza
cme.mazi .eJ
&
mi~i~ oicae-i
Cultural
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Sopanam - July, 2014 7
.ioa_ ~eo1 .oaoim
g+_icma _omem c.i_i..
_oze oe.._io m_m
_oee.a ~eo1 ooaoi-
v1moeoze ooao~e~c ooio
oiom ooimico om:miaeoemim.
meomoio aem cmoeo .oiaeoem
aem ooao .oi.o. _m :me
or- (zeoe ozoeomz1comi)
c.mem cmoeo .oomi~zeaem
.ai omo. or om .oacoeJam,
cmoeo .oia zac_ o1, .ioa
ooo, maiooio ao ooa,
cmoeo. .a ~ai am-io zo_io
m aiem ~ai cmm.
:. _ooim_ .oooicma
.oi omzo gaJ~iaem....
_oe maic- oz:ze
maio .1aozecmmo
omm .oam, ooaem,
zmcaeumzea a-ic.Jmem.
om ._-oi om oe-im
oeoaeia .oaoaoi._ uem
e maiio _meam gmi.eo
.oom. _m _m, _m _mm
a_im.emoiooimzem ._
o, _oiaim o~izeocoe- v1miaem
ao ooamo _m ~emi
o.azeamo _ .emoim
_Jvv omem. _ caeu .oi
omzoa gmi.eocoe- zcmoem
ao ooa. oaeoziazei _o
mioe~eo1oi .io-Jcme,
.a mioe~eooim ~e:zece
ozeo mioe~eo m+ice ueJria
mioe~eooio .eueo ooam.
mioe~eo oue.o_io oim aimo
v1miaeo_ mioe~eozemeio, ueJria
mio~eo ooamo v1miooaoi._
mioe~eozem. v1miooim
gaoziaoa_io, oJ~_io .ooeo
gmi.eoz_ e omzo o~-ia
oo.
+. momzo zeuz_ze_
aoo oaoi.....
ooicm: .ce:zi.aemiiam
e oz.oio _ ze_-me go
:mc~eaea. mea_em. ooaem
om omi- zeuzc_e-_ aom
oiJ_eazem. zeuz:ome or-
ooicm: .ce:oi mea_- .ioc
.moic oeu1oiamm.
Cultural
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Sopanam - July, 2014 8
Spiritualism
ArmnId
oz.oicma oom.i-i.
a_e-ia_em zeuz.. omiooim
omomo cmmo.ae_em mai
o ooaooemm _oze
._-o o~mi. maia_ oaoi.
cmeav1mio m_ memczoioem.
zeuz. oza om o oi
cmea ae+.a_ micm.o.Jm
o1aiaeo_ .ao gJvvmm
mea. gJvvicamom. .mc_e+
zeuz. om m+i oiamoei
ozaemia v1mio ae+.a_io oim oza
zo_imeammeio ooio aem
_ o ooamoim o~em
omem. _mJoomia~o,
ozeoze zcoemam_ _m
.o_aeJai-io mJoi.mm.
ae.aia.c.em _oio-izem.
v1miooim eueJo.a_o
e ~emoe cmeaoem .mzim
v1miamo. oz.oim zaueio
oimam _~cmeao v1miamm
uee_zm. _oea o~-iam miam
zeooia-o .i~ao oz. coi-m
mmmi_ia_zem. zo~zo_a_ _
cmoa_ei zeom aem mioom.
oz.oio _o ..o _meem or.
c.oaaim- -ioim- .azei
.oiaia. oez.ia .oiaooaoi.
me.emea. .aoi oamoioe_
aezio omioim c.oaaio
mao o-, oz. zooeai
o-am oo.c.em ma .,
~J ., o~i.e. .oa,
or. .ao .eeiia _coe-
o1Jm or- a1eao. _meo
z_imioi e .-ia m_ze+iaecoe,
o-om1imoeume ee_
o.eiaecoe oza zo
_memmim. _o coe~o
omJa .m o o.o_
miozi.aemm _o+omo .a
a.~i.a mm .o_ae
oi ~ a1 oi c m ae m c .e a m
g.oaze ae+. _mim mo
oio mmi ~1~mi omem.
+.o1oz.oioe_ .mJoo
., o1 oz. coi-m
mmmi_a....
e o1 _m oimio _m
o1ooio o~izeoiam, _m
oeuoac_, .izioiac_,
oeooco oii.oimmaiem
aem. o1a oz.oio ocmoe
e _-zm _ _- oii.oimem
meomoio o1- ocm-. o1-
_.ao oii.oia, om oeuoa_
.zemui .cevo_-oem _mo
o1a uee_ omo_m. _
omo_ , aoi.Jm micmacoe-
.cevo_-om. .mc_e+
miae.a-iz_ c.eammem
o1a.. ooio acoe-
ooiv1miameo_ .ai aiaem
zocm .maia.a ae-am.
zm aem_imc_emoz.oio
o1a.a mimaac_e, o-i.zJomac_e
_m. omoom, .ioe.ze
oeoomzm_mem o_-
.i ooe .i oo .aao oi m
.oomem .mc_e+ o1a.aemmim.
ei-o o1a. .ce:oi-
m+iimemm~izeoiacme+ o1uo,
o1.1mo., z :eJ.1a.1mo.
ea guoia oz.oio
mJoi.mm. moioeoeeui. c.em
.1mooioieam e oz.oio
oeuem o1-oa _ozeo
_o_moeoem. m1-ioao,
eoai-io, oe+imi-_io ea
o1v1mio oaiozmeoemm
mi.1o ae+.a_ _m a-immm
_mi-ea o1 oo oo oii.oia
aoeJvviaaem .uimiui. .aze
o.o aeza_im-, .maia.a
mioe~eo ooamcoec-e_
omm- maiooaoi.
caeumoia_eamoim- ea
_ ..o.a .i.e co-e.
g~m~zoio, o1io ~zoio,
oomi.eo.az-iz_-eo o1a_
oz.oio ocmoe _- oii.oim.
..oz.oim ze_io
:mazem _o oez.
oiJrioia _.ce:_-oe.....
Cultural
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Sopanam - July, 2014 9
ze eiam e oi.io zeozm
o~miamo a1eazeo,
oic~ueazeozeae ze.
oz.oim o~imoiaoam ze
. eoe oe.io .ioa_zimeo
_.ae_em oeuiam. .eooz.oio
gooiazei omomoo oo
_m oeJooa _oieeoa-i
o:1aiaem oeoeacme+ememm
oz. v1miooio ce:o co-mo.
oz.oim _me mi~e: vo.ai-im
a_- a+im .mJoi,
.iozme e .eo oz.oioa-i
.ae.zeam _m .io m_Jm mm.
e~-.oJoiJremoio mioeJoia.a
m1rzeJa ooe.aJa
ameaeeJa .eovaJa,
oe+ime_ia.azm eommc-oe
.e oiJm.iaeom. o. .moo
z_mJa _.ae.ozeacm _m
o.mze .eJooem _oe zeoio
.imimzmecmmo. maiim oeJoo
.zemui aocme.omoiooim
oz.oio .ioaze .mJoia.
_meam. cmea o_icma zeozei
.m guoia cmeaazoio
_o mi.emze oz. caeu
m_Joi-oimeio cmea a-oo
a-oo v1J_oiicmaea _oic.a.
oz.oim .ioiam oo.azm
oimio a1eaoz. oiJrioiio
or- .e m_ mmoem
t. o1 .ea1am, .e..eom
~eo1mze ae+._e-a.
orim_ oeoz....
ooze oeoz eiam
oeozm. aem _ m
.ioa_m_Jm miaoi. ...eom
m_ moouzem ~eo1 v1mio
m1amoio o1v1miooaoi. ooiem
or- .io- goca_-oma_e
cmo. zomice oaiam.
oaemo o1vimiooaoi._
oz:ze ooima. o.
oooaemo _oi.eoe_
oe.io.oa_zme, cmo_io
zoo~-ea_e a.zmeoioia_e
_~izeJ _meim vcae.m1o
(.mo) ui.im e:_io
.e-oim .ce.iocoe-e_
aoia .J.a_io _J_im
vaeoia_e o1 oemio_
aemeoea. omio:oa_,
z.eeavize, e oezevo z+mm
oioiaem ao__mze o1a.
_oi.eoaemomeim. _oea
~eo1 o1ooim o~izeoiaemm
e ~oaemoim eJr_-oma_em.
omi- o1 eiam .~m
a1+cme ~ia_c-mm._cme
__ uem oza aemeoim. zoi.
a-aoim oaioooio, aia_
.i.emiamoio, om ueJriazei
ooaeommei m_Jomoioz_
mmi _omeoio oz. o1io
_o_i.oaem o1- .eo
v1miocoae. a-aoioao_
v1miooioeim .eueo. _meo
.iooim oe.m+ia_immi-ce
aioi+o c.em .im _m ooe_
~eo1 o1v1miooio _m _mo
mioziamim. _meo .eocm
~eooio o1 maio oJ.ze
1oiioom zeoia_im. _memim
.e..eo o1meo .ioa_- miamze
ooamzem ~eooio aemmo.
o1 oeoooim .o.mia
omoeioa_ oioi., ao_
mmi.oia oeoo oue.iam
.e..eo.io, o1 om_- oo
oii.oia, om __im oooze
oeuoa_ gmi~ai. zcmoem
c.i_iam ~eo1 .ioa_ orio
oeoz .eco oeuiaim.
.. amim .meoi oz.mzei
_-.c_e.....
. o i o o i a _ i m
.oiamoe.._imoeuoa.
co-mmJ. _o mic.~i_iaeoe
moiai~-. ca_oim oemoia-o
:mzei oeu1oiammJ _moio_o,
.meov1mioo_i _oia mmi
ooimmeimim. .a cooima.
_oia .o1a oioaoeim..
Cultural
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Sopanam - July, 2014 10
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Reshmy Krishnakumar
Questions
1. Name Indias National Aquatic animal?
2. Which is the only country whose postage stamps do not feature the
name of the country issuing it?
3. Who wrote the book What Young India Wants?
4. Who is Indians frst woman Grandmaster in chess?
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute located at which place?
6. Tripitika is the religious book of _________?
7. Which two people made frst mobile phone conversation in India in July 1995?
8. Which day is celebrated as World Red Cross/Crescent Day?
9. Which Indian ruler requested Napoleon for help to drive away the British from India?
10. Which temples build by Pallavas during the medieval period known as Seven Pagodas?
Answers page - 15
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z~ziim _~oim, .meo
v1miooim o~-_im zo_-aeo
or- oe-im ommze
.oao, oii.oim e.a
oco.meoiac_ae. ouiazei
oii.oim e mi~e:. .meooioi-io
o~-_-m oe-im ooim g.e_
v1mio 1oia_ caeu.Jmze
ve:oce-oii.oia o_-
maiv1miooim, a-a_im, .oi
.oi .meoi aeza_im- oz.oim
oomJoiaem ooe ve:ae e
vomi~e:. co.oco.m, uJrcaeum,
or- oe-im :oimi:oia_im_
oioeo ve:o .meov1miooio
ouiazeiia _mem .mc
o-ooiac_e. _oia coemio. aem
zo_imeam cmeaoim .m~e:_io
oi_im- ~eo v1miam, ~eooim
oeoaeia oiocme-, _mim ooicme-
a-oo a-oo acoe- ~eooim
ooaeoaoi., _mo oeuoa_
aoi. a-oo caeumeeeo ~eo
mi .meov1mio g~i.c_e+emm
.oamc, .meov1mooioe-micme,
omuiaemcoe, ~eooimoi _mi-o
oeoaeia .mJoo.azm oiio
oim cooo ooaimc amc_e.
.meoi oz.oim aJra.moim,
ve:oim oo_-em zeocz
_oiae_.
+. ooao~eoi- amim
.mJoo_ aoi.......
~eo1 ooaoi-
goeozem ooao. ~eo1ze
ooima_-me oi.eoJ.ioi.
ooim _memJazmae._oem.
ooaemom ~eooim
o.Jmze vaeoc.a
co-iommme ooaooio
ga~-eamoio oozim.
aemco._ ooiv1mi. ooao
cmea z+mm _oic.Jmiiamoio e
oomzim. aiam, .eo1mze
omiueo_im- ._ ooao~e~,
.am o-iomze 1oiio mioiz
._-m ooao~e~. cmea _m
ooe~c_e-em ooaoo
oz1.iamo. ooimio co.m, aemm,
z mi~e:1oa_ em o-_zmm
o_iiamoem ooaooim
cmeazz_ o:1ae. amim
Cultural
kmwkvImcnIw
Sopanam - July, 2014 11
Cultural
kmwkvImcnIw
gce~_io .e-oc_e.
o~izeo coemi. omi- g_a. .o.
ooaooio g.mioiz o-om,
.i.e-ia. o-i_iam. oio omJ
~eo1 ooaooim oooo
ooaooim- oii.oim. zeozm
~eooim moo.co._iooim
_oi vo_ ooao emi_iam.
~e~e.oo meomoio ooae.oo
a-iem. ooaooim- ~eooem
oe o-ooimo.
+.am, oe.io _mim
oz.oaei _io
_.ce:.ozeae
am oe.iomzme
zo~m.oim .ce:oi-
oe.m+ia_im .aze _-a_em. zo
ooae _mea oiJ_eazei
oeu1oiaem ama.a, oe.iooio
oeuia. ameoeoom, meozea
mai ooae ommoeazmoio
o.zim. e om o:1o, e
om oe.ioaoi ea gooiaem
o.oo .ueozem. o.om
cmeacoe-, o.v1miac_e-
o.mJoio .mJommoeam.
ameoeoo zo~zo_io mi.emzeam.
ooaeomzeam. oJ~ oioa
_cmeao ameoe.io goeoo
zo~o g.eoczam .oi omzo
meoio oim oamm. _mJo
amJ :iza_, i.mi. c~ea_
gm om oiamo. o.zeuz.
.mc_e+ miamze ae+._e-a_icma
aia_ oia a_io .oim
o.ooae omm ~emo
ooozei m_em oomoiaeo
z-i_ia. meo e mai- ~emo
m_Jo, oeo__ ooozei
._-o. mam cvemi.
cvemi~em ooeoca.mzei v1miam
.o_ae- e omzoemim or-
zmio, omi- om e o:1o, e
oo ea .am oo~oi, m_
g.eoazeiia. aia_im
ame~i.i m_Jomo om-
maiomiaoooio _.aia. cz_m,
_mm, o:1oac.i cam_Jm
aemzem _cmo. aua_i,
a-iem ea uee_ aemmem
oeui.. mmie .oac.a o..o
oozemeim. aiaem zocm
.oa. _oia aei. zemi,
oz:m, ea aiaemo .i
aueaoa_zeim. _m .ioa_
ommzeamoio _mJ m.i. .e
.ooemzm.
e_ eoa. _oia _m
c.meim. caec_v mioe~eo
.Joiea mcoe-e_ mioe~eooim
.ie .J_oa oz: ~eooJ.o
gm.zem _m _oiam
coemiim. ~eoeo, .izem~
.oJuez eoa_ _m v1miooim
_aemco mmi omeo.
omem _m aem _o.mi.oiam.
am goeoom, meo
eoa_zea .ioeoe.ioo_io
oimam mi.emzei .ioiaeo, o
._-eo _m oe.ei.im.
+t. azeaece-....
v1miooio ._-mim aemzemio.
cmeaoaoi., v1miooaoi....
maia_aoi., ao_aoi.,
ooieo_ oz. ~emi v1miooioei
om, om oeuoa_ gmi~aicam
aem. v1miooio z+mm aoecam
ooae ._c-m aem. _o o
oii.oim. azeoim _me
ocoe~_, aoa_ gooiam.
.ca om .emoaoi.
.aze omcaeucoe- v1mioo
coeaiaemem oeuiam. om
v1mio om .ioa. cmeaoio
ooim, zeJoJ.om, oi.ecaeum
ooamoeam _m .io
azeaeimmemm.
Sopanam - July, 2014 12
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Passionate, poetic and progressive, Shri Narendra
Modi is one of independent Indias most popular
leaders. A transformational leader known for
delivering results, he is an embodiment of courage,
conviction and compassion.
Born on September 17, 1950 into a humble family
in Vadnagar, Gujarat; Shri Modi has lived his life by
the principle of Antyodaya or serving the farthest.
His personal journey up to leading the worlds oldest
civilization and youngest nation today; reinforces
the very Idea of India wherein every Indian can
realize his or her aspirations.
A powerful dreamer, Shri Modi compliments
vision with the remarkable ability of implementing
the same. His approach balances the importance of
big and small; leveraging on global as well as local
strengths.
Peoples Leader
A leader of, for and by the people, Shri Modi
commands respect, love and trust across the country.
He is forever in their midst, constantly travelling
Shri Narendra Modi :
Prime Minister of India
and on public fora; embodying their concerns and
aspirations. Continuing the same online, the tech-
savvy leader connects with millions of Indians at a
minute to minute basis.
Through his impeccable track record as a Chief
Minister, Shri Modi secured three consecutive 2/3rd
majority mandates for his party in the state of Gujarat.
And today, people of India have overwhelmingly
reposed their faith in him giving him a historically
decisive mandate to take the nation forward.
In his more than 12 years tenure as the Chief
Minister of Gujarat, Shri Modi brought about
paradigm shift in the lives of the people in Gujarat
by delivering Pro-active Pro-people Good
Governance. He is now poised to do the same for
the nation at large.
Growth Engine
Under his leadership, Gujarat has maintained
more than 10% GDP growth rate for over a decade
now. And moreover, this growth was balanced
with Agriculture, Manufacturing and Services all
growing by 10%.
Vikas Purush (Man of Development)
Growth and prosperity in Gujarat has strategically
been translated into development for each and
citizen of the state. Scaling up social sector fund
allocations, strategic mission mode campaigns have
been launched focussing in the domain of Health,
Education and Livelihood. Examples include
Chiranjeevi Yojana for institutional delivery, 108 for
Emergency Response services, Kaushalya Vardhan
Kendra for skill development, SCOPE and eMpower
for developing soft skills, specialized universities
like Raksha Shakti, Forensics, Petroleum, Law,
Infrastructure technology and so on.
Subsequently, Gujarat realized a Sarvasparshi
(all pervasive), Sarvasamaveshak (inclusive) and
Sarvangi (holistic) model of Development. The
outstanding successes of many such initiatives
taken under his leadership have in fact spawned
subsequent nation-wide roll outs.
Bharath
Dharshan
`mcX Zi\w
Sopanam - July, 2014 13
Jan-Bhagidari
Extending his faith in people, Shri Modi has
made Jan-bhagidari (peoples participation) central
to major government initiatives. Examples stretch
from Beti Bachao Abhiyan ( Save the Girl Child
campaign) to Shala Pravahotsav (School Enrolment
Festival); Gunotsav a quality drive in primary
schools; Krishi Mahotsav (Farmer Mega festival)
a month long farmer education cum awareness
drive; and Wasmo a community-driven drinking
water management program.
Empowering the Weak
Shri Modi believes in empowering the weal
and marginalized, such that they can write their
own destiny with pride and respect. Resources
have been converted into special programs like
Vanbandhu Yojana for tribal districts, Sagarkhedu
Yojna for coastal districts, Shaheri Garib Samrudhi
Yojana for urban poor and Garib Kalyan Mela for
ensuring 100% funds reach 100% benefciaries
by directly distributing assistance to eligible BPL
benefciaries.
Strong Foundation
All this is enabled by comprehensive
infrastructural base Shri Modi developed across
the state of Gujarat, focussing on the 3S model of
Scale, Speed & Skill. From world class Highways to
247 power supply, sate wide Gas and Water Grids
and Broadband network up to Village Panchayat
Levels.
Minimum Government
Maximum Governance
Shri Modi has brought about an unprecedented
transition from Political Interference to Political
Intervention. He has empowered not just government
offcers but the people at large by making decision-
making Decentralised, Participatory and Transparent.
By running a policy driven government he has
removed discretion, thus empowering bureaucratic
decision making while minimizing the scope for
corruption. This is further reinforced through
technology, with eGovernance initiatives insuring
Easy, Effective and Effcient governance.
Global Recognition
Government of Gujarat has won more than 300
awards in the past decade; including the likes of the
UN Sasakawa Award, World Bank Green Award and
CAPAM award. The Chief Ministers Offce has been
recognised by the United Nations for Improving
transparency, accountability and responsiveness in
the Public Services. Shri Modi has been rated as the
Best Chief Minister of India many times over by
professional research and media agencies.
Author, Poet & Student
As an author, Shri Modi has penned several
books and articles on social, cultural, philosophical
and spiritual issues in Gujarati, Hindi, English
and Marathi. Having a Masters degree in Political
Science, his deep study of Politics of the day as an
ever eager student has also continued unabated.
Bharath
Dharshan
`mcX Zi\w
Sopanam - July, 2014 14
Spiritualism
ArmnId
A new government and a new leader have been
elected in India. The country has given one of its
biggest mandate to Shri. Narendra Modi and the
party that he represents, The Bharatiya Janata
Party.
The absolute majority enjoyed by the party and
the coalition NDA, expresses the feelings of the
common man who had been extremely agitated at
the lack of development, a slowing economy and
extreme corruption that was rampant across the
country. The partys decisive victory refects the
Nations desire for a dynamic and strong leader to
take the Nation forward, energizing the economy
and ensuring National security.
The real test begins after the offcial ceremonies
are over. How will the government perform?
What model of governance will it adopt? Many
discussions and views are being expressed but Shri.
Modi seems to be playing the cards close to his
heart. His council of ministers, has a good mix of
experienced, intelligent, committed young leaders.
Leading a nation is different from leading a state.
Millions of people have been given hope. A hope
Views
hoWw
Krishna Kumar Paliath
to see the Param Vaibhavam of our Nation. To
see our Nation attain the most respected position in
the world championing the cause of world stability
and peace from the position of visible strength.
We hope the Government will carry forward its
initial steps in strengthening our partnership with
neighboring countries and international powers.
The Government must work to ensure that the
nations presence in the region is felt and a dynamic
shift must happen to stop the current approach of
aggressiveness by our neighbours. At the same
time we need to ensure that a cordial relationship of
mutual assistance and understanding is developed
thereby reducing territorial tension, promoting
trade and peace. As a nuclear capable nation with
provocative neighbors we need to re-establish our
relationship with them. Modis initial diplomatic
steps are a re assurance that we can take this
forward in the right way. Strong non - military
or essentially military options must be pursued
against nations that attack our sovereignty.
The government should aim to ensure that
economic growth is no more hampered for reasons
Sopanam - July, 2014 15
Views
hoWw
of ineffective governance and reluctance to take
bold corrective steps. We must aim to reduce red
tapism and corruption in the system. With a sizable
population of youngsters in the country, it would
be essential to jump start a process of investment,
education and development that will ensure job
creation. For the country's youth, employment,
education, corruption and clean governance are
paramount
Our relationship with worlds major powers can
be better if we were to ensure a viable and strong
business opportunity for them to expand in our
nation. But, then again, this cannot be at the cost of
surrendering or destroying our domestic industry.
Our indigenous industries and markets must be
allowed to develop and grow through research and
investment. This will ensure good competition on
equal terms with foreign investors.
Though this government has received a huge
mandate to form the government, it would be good
to reach out to a huge percentage of population
who has not voted in favor of the NDA. We
would be expecting more confdence building
measures from the government. A general sense
of hopelessness has crept into the minds of people
with regard to the performance of our government
institutions. This is needs to systematically tackled
and improved. Improving medical care facilities
goes hand in hand with sanitation.
We would expect the new government to take
strong measures to fght the menace of internal
strifes caused by the Naxalites and other separatist
organization. Lack of action from the government
prompts splinter groups to take up rebel anti
government stances that can quickly bring about
disturbances in the society. In many other parts of
India, this lack of any future prospects (economic
or social security) is also pushing thousands to
the arms of insurgent groups which provide them
with basic necessities and security from the armed
forces that are often known to even target innocents
to elicit information.
The new generation expects the government
to give up vote bank politics based on religion
and caste. The government must ensure the basic
tenants of our constitution are upheld in the true
spirit of the democracy.
Above all we need to see continuous growth that
will assure all the citizens of India and they will
once again have hope and a vision to continue. The
governments propeople policy will ensure their
support at all times to take the nation forward.
1. Gangetic Dolphin
2. Great Britain (UK )
3. Chetan Bhagat
4. Koneru Humpy
5. Darjeeling
6. Buddhists
7. Jyoti Basu & Sukh Ram
8. May 8
9. Tippu Sultan
10. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Quiz Answers
Sopanam - July, 2014 16
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Geographical indications enables stronger
protection to some of the exclusive variety of
merchandise. For an easy understanding of the
subject let me discuss the subject quoting some
of the Indian merchandise like the Basmati rice,
Darjeeling Tea, Agra Petha, Bikaner Bujia, going
more specifc to the southern side we have the
Aranmula Kannadi, Payyanur pavithra mothiram
(though I have my own reservations about the
registrability of this product), kanchipuram sarees,
tanjavur thalayatti bommai, mysore silk etc. The
products bearing Geographical Indication mark
derive their exclusivity from their place of origin
and possess qualities or a reputation that are
attributed to such place of origin, typically having
quality that is derived from their place of production
or the products are infuenced by specifc local
factors, such as climate and soil. Most commonly,
a geographical indication consists of the name of
the place of origin of the goods.
A products quality, reputation or other
characteristics can be determined by determining
where it is manufactured or where the product
comes from. Geographical indications is generally
associated with name of a certain place in a
country.
Geographical Indication registration are granted
to provide stronger protection to the products from
fraudulent copycats, as under the trademarks act
the protection accorded is limited.
As we have referred top trademark in the
A Curtain Raiser to Geographical
Indications
above paragraph it becomes my duty to point
out the difference between a trademark and the
Geographical Indication. The difference between
a Trademark and a Geographical Indication lies in
the fact that as far as a trademark is concerned, a
trademark is a sign used by an business person to
distinguish its goods and services from those of
other persons business. It gives its owner the right to
exclude others from using the trademark. Whereas,
a Geographical Indication tells consumers that
a product is produced in a certain place and has
certain characteristics that are due to that place of
production. It may be used by all producers who
make their products in the place designated by a
geographical indication and whose products share
typical qualities.
The Geographical Indications of Goods
(Registration and Protection) Act' 99 lays down the
criteria and procedure for registration of products
known and distinguished by their geographical
indications in India. The geographical indications
registry is located in Chennai and it is the only offce
Adv. Jithesh Nambiar
Law
\nbaw
Sopanam - July, 2014 17
in India for registration of geographical Indications.
Geographical Indications are distinct from
other forms of Intellectual Property like patents,
trademarks and copyrights, because the ownership
of the rights in Geographical Indications is vested
with a "community" or a "group of people" rather
than an individual or a corporate or non-corporate
frm as is the case with other form of Intellectual
Property.
The person applying for the geographical
indication status have to comprehensively describe
for record the distinguishing features of the product
along with the application for registration. Once
the application is submitted to the Geographical
Indications Registry then an expert committee
verifes the claims before granting the registration
to the applicant.
Now the question arises why the Geographical
Indications needs to be protected. Geographical
Indications needs to be protected to protect the
rights of the manufacturers/producers and the
rights of the consumer as the consumer purchases
the product believing it to be genuine and thereby
trusting on the products quality as it is originating
from that particular place. Many of the Geographical
Indications have acquired valuable reputations
which is acquired over a period of years and if not
adequately protected, it may be misrepresented by
dishonest commercial operators and may result in
loss of reputation for the product and also for the
producers/manufacturers of such product.
The Geographical Indications Act, in India
provides for the protection of Geographical
Indications and it also provides for provisions
against infringers. On International level the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide
for the protection of geographical indications, most
notably the Paris Convention for the Protection
of Industrial Property of 1883, and the Lisbon
Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of
Origin and Their International Registration. In
addition, Articles 22 to 24 of the Agreement on
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
Rights (TRIPS) deal with the international
protection of geographical indications within
the framework of the World Trade Organization
(WTO).
Till date over 200 applications have been made
with the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai
to register various Geographical Indications.
Law
\nbaw
Sopanam - July, 2014 18
Spiritualism
ArmnId
News
hmI
India has been a prominent center of learning
since ancient times. The land was one of the most
advanced regions in various felds of science.The
Indian subcontinent has been a major contributor to
the world and has excelled in felds of astronomy,
numerology, arithmetic, mineralogy, metallurgy,
logic, information and technology. Some of
the inventions even date back to as early as the
Indus Valley Civilization. Historical evidences
and excavations by archaeologists ascertain the
dominance of India in the feld of science and
technology.
10. Cotton Gin
Cotton Gin is a machine used to separate cotton
from the seeds. The evidence of this machine was
found through the carvings on Ajanta caves where
the pictures of these machines were engraved.
Dating back to 500 AD, this hand roller machine
was locally called Charkha. This machine has
undergone changes through the course of time but
the most primitive form of cotton gin originated
from India.
9. Buttons
Buttons are a major part of our clothing even
today. Buttons were invented in India and various
historical evidences and excavations prove that
buttons were used by the people belonging to
the Indus Valley Civilization. Shells were given
various shapes and were pierced into a hole. Earlier
they were used more as an embellishment but were
gradually used to fasten clothes.
8. Natural Fibers
Natural fbers like wool, cotton and plant
originated from India. Evidences show that people
of the Indus Valley used cotton and India pioneered
the art of cotton spinning and used it in making
fabric. Jute, a plant fber, was cultivated in India
Top 10 Biggest Inventions by
Indian People
Science
imkv{Xw
Sopanam - July, 2014 19
Leprosy was frst noticed by Indians and
various ancient remedies are also mentioned in the
Atharva Veda. Lithiasis treatment or the treatment
for eradicating stones was frst introduced in
India. Small Pox vaccinations were frst cured in
India and symptoms and ways of immunization
against small pox were mentioned in 8th century
by Madhav. Ayurveda and Siddha are the two
primitive methods of treatment that originated
in India and are still used as an alternate way of
treatment. They were used for holistic healing
and ancient sages of India mastered this treatment
method. Another Indian medical practitioner named
Upendra Nath Bramhachari invented methods to
treat Visceral Leishmaniasis or Kala Azar. This
Nobel Laureate was responsible for the eradication
of this ailment.
5. Diamonds
Diamonds were frst mined in India. Huge
deposits of diamonds were found in Central India
and it gradually developed as a precious stone.
India till 18th century was the only country where
diamonds were found and were later on exported
to other countries. Indians were well aware of the
physical properties of diamond like its durability,
ability to cut other hard surfaces, sparkling effect
and the refractive property. Various ancient books
have mentioned the use of diamond as a tool and
since ancient times and was later exported to other
countries. Cashmere wool, which is supposed to be
the fnest wool was frst made in Kashmir and was
used to make hand- made shawls. These shawls
have maintained their richness and exclusivity
even today.
7. Surgery
Cataract surgery and plastic surgery were also
frst performed by the ancient physician Sushruta.
These surgeries dated back to 2000BCE and his
work were later translated to Arabic language and
gradually passed on to European countries. He
used a curved needle and removed the cataract by
pushing the lens. The eyes were then immersed
in warm butter and were properly covered till
they were completely healed. People from far off
countries came to India to seek treatment.
6. Medical Treatments
News
hmI
Science
imkv{Xw
Sopanam - July, 2014 20
Spiritualism
ArmnId
hmI
have also mentioned the exquisiteness of this
sparkling stone.
4. Dock

India was the frst nation to have a dock that
dated back to 2400BCE. People belonging to the
Harappa Civilization were the frst to build a dock
in Lothal. This proves their immense understanding
of oceanology and marine engineering. The Lothal
Dock proves their precision and vast knowledge
about tidal waves and hydrography. Without
having a thorough knowledge of these topics, it is
impossible to build a dock.
3. Crucible Steel
High-quality steel has been produced in South
India since ancient times. The technique used to
manufacture it was later on called the crucible
technique. Pure wrought iron was frst put together
with glass and charcoal in a container and was heated
till the metal melted and absorbed the carbon.
2. Ink
Ink made from various materials was frst invented
in India. This black pigment was used in writing
manuscripts in ancient India. India ink was made by
burning tar, pitch, bones. Carbon was the primary
pigment of India ink.
1. Zero
Mathematics does not make sense without zero.
Although it has no value, it plays a vital role in
Arithmetic. Aryabhatta was a great mathematician
and an ace astronomer. His contribution to
mathematics is unimaginable. Use of Place Value
System was clearly mentioned in Aryabhattas
Bhakshali manuscript and thus zero came into
existence. No particular symbol was given to zero
but the presence of zero was evident from his
work.
News
hmI
Science
imkv{Xw
Sopanam - July, 2014 21
hmI
Mathru
Dharshan
amXr Zi\w
o1a_- oo~mcmea .~cmoio
oim moozem. ooioeo o1
v1miooimoeuoa_ omic.~zem.
ece mi~coo1 o~iza1aiamo,
ocmoeai o1Jamo _ oo~m
cmeao oim aemem. o1 oo
._-omoio om_- .oam,
.emoaoi._ .aze omcaeum,
a-a oe.._, mioe~eom,
o.o_ _me .eueozJ.iamm.
.mc_e+ a-aoioao .m ooim_
zmuemac_e-zem oe .maia_
m_Jomo. _meo ~emi v1miooio
_m aoecmm zmcaeum,
gJvvmm, mi.emze .io ooam
u1o om.a m~iaeo c.eam. _o
oe.._im- e .mai a-a
_m omoeoim a1+icma mcme.,
~eeacme., ao.a-i _omeoio
oioa oreacme.om_- maiom
.ioa_ om zeozm e a-aoa-i
._-oaem. guoia aemo
o1a.moe~eo.ze, oemoiaze
m_ zm.oiio oioam. _meo
oeoaeiaze , ueJriaze o1
._c-mo goeia zm.aooi.
om maio ._-como zeoi
aemoim v1miooe.._io
ooimezem. guoia v1mio oe...
a-oo oeuoa. oza ooamm.
ocoe-e_ oimui g.ea_. _o
oe1J_oa_ ao. a-i oe .J.
.cmom. o1a.a _-.-emm .im
czama_aoi. o1a. o~iza1aiam
..o_aoi.z_ .J.emio.
ooim mio~eomz_ o1a.
oemoiazei .icmea oioamm-
_mzooioei .ziam
o1.~ ozo eueJozeaem
o1a oemoia oeoo gm.zem.
.maia.a _mo mioe~eo ooam.
o1a. o oemoiazei .e.o
co-m
o1 oa oaoi.
caeumoia_eiiam
o1a_ a.zeoiaeo,o:1aiaeo
gmaia_ .oi_iam
coe~o z1mia_- ooi.oz_
_ aemo ooim _.ce:co
oeuoac_ e_ .oia+iac_ aoi.
aia.a uem ooam
mJoi.mm mime.cze.o,
a-aoim ooeo.,
maia., a-a. _m
orim_ oam _mim aoaem o1a.a
aieazei .mJoiaem oeuiam.
o1uo, .m~m.o o-i
mi.oa.aoi uemmeam.
a-ae:.ai-io _oiooiei
caeumoam o-om.
om o.o. oue.iamoim-
aiea zo__, cmooa_ ocoe~_
.emam, o1 aeza. _meam.
oom+i .m oez.caz .i.e-ia.,
caeumoam aeoa., amoimi:
o-i cam., o oe+io .i.1mo
o~. _mim o-_eam.
gooiazei om o1 maiooio
o~izeoiam, om o1 oeuoa_
oii.oim, om _.aoio o
_mm, aemoim oe1J_oa_
uzei coi-m, ao o1a_ei
o oii.oim omoicma o1 zeom.
~eo1 o1ooim o-ioueoze ueJria
zm. v1miooio o-iooeam. oio
zeomoz.oio om zeJoJ.ia_eae.
cme.mazi .eJ
Sopanam - July, 2014 22
Spiritualism
ArmnId
tkhmZis A_ kwLS\Ifmb hnNm`mcXn sshntbpw amXrkanXnbptSb
pw kwbp B`napJyn h\nXImbp GIZn\ inime ""in'' kwLSnnp.
2014 sabv 30\v Amknb Cy sk{ kv Iqfn hv \S inime Kphmbq {io
Irjv W tImtfPv kwkv IrXhn`mKw Aym]nI
tUm.ev ani `{ZZo]w sImfpn DZv LmS\w
sNbv Xp. B[p\nI ImeLn \ne\nev
kmaqly hyhIsf ap\nn, kv {XobpsS
`uXnIhpw, am\knIhpw, BymnIhpamb
Da\w eyamn kwLSnn inimebn
200 ]cw h\nXI ]sSpp.
4 `mKfmbn \S inimebn amXrI amXrXzh
pw Krl Spw_ ]cn]me\hpw F hnjbn
tUm. ev ani apJy{]`mjWw \Sn. kv {Xo
kw_amb am\nI kwLjfpsS A]
{KY\hpw amKZi\hpw DsSpn cq]oIcn
hn`mKn sshnse n\n ssktmfPnpw Iuknedpamb {ioaXn. Zo]v Xn
Irjv W\mb, {ioaXn. eo\ k\ Fnh msSpp. {]kv XpX hnjbn {]mt
bmKnIamb dppI DsSpnbmbn mv . A\nX Pb, Zo] cLp, A\
A\ojv Fnh in_ncKoXw Be]np.
Dp tijw \S apJmapJw ]cn]mSnbn tUm. Anfn Sn.sI. (ssK\tmfPnv ),
tUm.sUbv kn t\m_n (C.F.Sn. & P\d saUnkn), {ioaXn. enj [nPn(Ubojy),
tUm. kcnX(ssK\tmfPnv ), tUm. k_nXshtSjv (H]v XmtamfPn) Fnh in
imebn ]sSphsS BtcmKy kw_nbmb tNmZyv adp]Sn ]dp.
sshInv \S {]uVKw`ocamb kam]\ ktf\n hnhn[ kmaqly kmwkv Im
cnI kwLS\IfpsS h\nXm {]Xn\n[nI ]sSpp. inime P\d Iho\ {]
oXm hnPbam Ayw hln NSn ka{K kv {Xo imoIcWw `mcXob ]
cnt{]yw F hnjbn tUm. ev ao i kwkmcnp. NSn sshnse
{]ikv X KmbnIbpw kwKoX Aym]nIbpamb {ioaXn. Aw_nIm kqcy\mcmbWs\
{]hmkn kaqln\v \Inb ka{K kw`mh\I ap\nn BZcnp. civ an Ir
jv Wam (tkm]m\w CamKn FUn) AhXmcnIbmb NSn jo_ kcn (
Chv tImUnt\) kzmKXhpw, AUz. hnZy kptamZv ( hnNm`mcXn FIv knI}Sohv
AwKw) \nbpw Biwknp.
hnNm`mcXn sshv GIZn\
h\nXminime kwLSnnp
News
hmI
Sopanam - July, 2014 23
Vichar Bharathi and Mathru Samithi, the two affliates of Seva Darshan Kuwait conducted one day
workshop named Sakthi for the women in Kuwait. The workshop organized exclusively for the ladies
and by the ladies was held on 30thMay, 2014 at the Indian Central School, Abbassiya. Dr. Laksmi
Sankar, Asst.Professor, Dept of Sanskrit, Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, inaugurated the workshop
by lighting the traditional lamp. More than 200 women attended the workshop which was designed with
an aim to uncover, develop and ignite the inner potential of women, taking into consideration the present
day social scenario.
Dr. Lakshmi Sankar presented the frst session which dealt with ideal motherhood and family
management, quoting the importance of a mother in molding the attitude of our pampered new generation.
The second session included a theory and practical session handled by practicing clinical psychologists
and counselors Mrs.Preethi Krishnan Nair and Mrs.LeenaSanal as a journey through feminine inner self
along with an attempt to analyze and provide tips to tackle the emotional stress in daily life.
The face to face interactive session with a panel of expert lady doctors on the queries related to
feminine medical disorders was handled by Dr.Ambily T.K. (Gynecologist), Dr.Daisy Noble (ENT
and General Medicine), Mrs.Lisha Dhiji(Dietician), Dr.Saritha (Gynecologist) and Dr.Sabitha
Venkatesh(Ophthalmologist).
The workshop was concluded with a grand function named Sree Sakthi. Lady representative of
various socio cultural associations in Kuwait graced the function presided by General Convener Preetha
Vijayakumar. Dr.Lakshmi delivered the key note speech focusing on the overall women empowerment
in terms of Physical, Emotional and Spiritual upliftment - Indian perspective.
Famous classical exponent and music teacher Smt.Ambika Soorya Nrayanan was honoured at the
function for her sincere contributions to the expatriate society in Kuwait. Smt.Sheeba Sarin ( Event
coordinator) extended a warm welcome to the audience and Adv. Vidya Sumod delivered the word of
gratitude at the function coordinated by Smt. Reshmy Krishnakumar. Anitha Jayan, Deepa Reghu,and
Archana Anish presented the unique song at the workshop.
Vichar Bharathi conducted
Sakthi
News
hmI
Sopanam - July, 2014 24
Spiritualism
ArmnId
News
hmI
Sopanam - July, 2014 25
News
hmI
Sopanam - July, 2014 26
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Art &
Litrature
IekmlnXrw
eiao come ooe orio
ooiceze o o-aaeim
oemoeo moeom comeiooim
oJev oi-o. ooia o~-_
oev oii. aieoei _mm
_oem zeJzm gcme.i.._meo
oo.cooioc.~ e o.1i
ca.aa ou1.i z.J~i-
oouiaem mveu oiJri.eo
moeoo muiaem oeuiazm
oo o~-_ oJev oiia
m~iazm. _o cac_e. _mm
oo~-oei . .im1- em gcme.iaem
aeao co ou1.i z.J~i-
o-o .m _ ae ooii..
ou1.i z.J~i m_ gcme.i. om
v1mm amioeo .oeo e mmi
aeoeuiazme oo oJev
comeJa oiJ.aimeio oo
om omom mi.ei.. om v
cmecae.aeeJozeazeio oo om
_m z.o g oeooio zco
.mJoiae_ .mzm ou1.i z.J~i
oii.oim oo o v1moe:
.m. _mm ou1.iz.J~i-
oouia. _.ce:i. mveu
oiJri.. a-eo _mm .ioea, .eJ,
:em1m _mio zm gu_
oiJri. ..ioea .1.cz.o, .eJ
z.emi~mmio, :em1m o:icomo
m~zeaa .ioaemo aemmmo
o.i_iaoei o:icomm oJvvoo
:em1mm ome+ieo gmoe+i
ae-aa .o.
oo mveuoeo _mm moeoo
mui. oJevzea m1m-o
moiam aem ou1.i z.J~i- .om
.i_meom om .ioemim goe:
om zeoem omJ.io oim ooim.
om .ioemio zmoio aemoi.
come- coJa .i_meoo o-eo
cae.zmei. oeJuoio z+ai comozeJ
om o.oie .ioemim oouia.
e.i.. _m .ioemio comozeJ
coe.i.. ooioeo _oia comeme
o.i_iam .i_meom omoi..
aaem. .i.o ooie :ozi-
o1o .i_meom _oaem o._..
omoeo .z.imm .oa_ c.eoi.
aca m gm._-a .i_meom
.oa o zme oa_ oom
comeme ~ozzeam. .imm .oa
aca _m ~1a. o~iza1aiaem
oioa oeuiaim ooaemem
aem oz.oimoio. o1
gm._oc.em aem o.eoim
a_ oomeo cmea z+mm
~ozzeio1. ooca .i_meom
.oa.comeim comeJ oioiam
mi.oim _oia oeo.zim cmea
z+mm ~ozzeiae_ ooio
aeo .-zeio _oiaoioeoe
miceumzim comeea ~ozzeam.
.imm ooca
.ii.aem .oaaca o1 em
zo_imeam oe.oim g.eo
_mi-oimmeamcme oe.
omi-mime~iam. ooo oz:_
g:.iammo go oz:_
.i-ia-m. oim .ioeme ou1.i z.J~i
oo- z:_oioei om oouia.
om amia+i.. oo_ e
z.e.~m .ooem o1. o1
.ioemioc_emoamc- z:_.
g:.iaaem cmmo
.i_meoo caeu _oi.. .z.imm
aeoaom1m om .ioe:oi
oeimmm oroiaa az
e.iaa .. :. .imi-cme+
oe _m ou1.iz.J~ic_em_
z.ezooa .o.Jm oziam.
gomev caemi
au
Sopanam - July, 2014 27
Art &
Litrature
IekmlnXrw
What is "Clutter"? Clutter is described in the
Penguin Pocket dictionary as to fll or cover
untidily with scattered things"...Clutter can be both
physical and mental.
How does an object which seemed much needed
or necessary for a person or in a house, turn into
clutter? That is the physical fact of cluttering your
house, offce, garden, shop, cupboards, shelves,
drawers. Do you feel that your "Home "is full of
unwanted things?
When i buy things , I have a reason for doing so.
When i keep something given by another person
as a gift, i feel that i value that persons presence
in my life. I keep things for the sheer pleasure it
gives me in seeing them. I keep books, because in
my entire life books have given me so much, it has
been my friend all through life, never once failing
to distract me from any stress, never demanding,
never selfsh, flled with life in various mind sets,
cultures, feelings. I keep clothes given to me by
my mother, my aunt, though old, which reminds
me of them., i feel their presence, I feel that they
are just beside me, when I wear those clothes. I
kept the jeans and slippers given by my sister, as i
feel loved when i wear it.
I believe that my hoarding mentality began very
early, like when i was around 5 years, and my
naughty younger brother used to throw my toys
around, I had only one doll, a foreign-looking"
doll gifted by my uncle, and a tea-set ,a small white
one with cute cups and saucers, spoons, milk jugs,
and sugar bowl, it was in the 1970's when having a
toy was considered luxury, unless you had relatives
abroad. My brother successfully demolished some
of my tea-set articles, and in a ft of rage, my
mother threw away the rest, at least that is what
she told me. When I came back from school I was
greeted with the news that my toys were thrown
in the "kappana" or drainage. In those times only
rain water used to fow through the kappana, i
rushed out in my uniform, successfully evading
my mother, went close to the kappana, searching
for my toys, the drainage was so deep and wide, i
feared i would drown if i entered. I searched with
my eyes, my tear-flled eyes to no avail. There was
a slight spattering of rainfall just then, thunder was
heard in the distance, the gathering clouds flled
my heart and mind with even darker thoughts. My
tears mingled with the raindrops falling on my
face.
After I had my daughter, i bought her many
toys, many dolls, and many toy houses were gifted
to her, but she had absolutely no interest in it., I
was shocked, and I still am, as to how she was
able to resist such wonderful toys.
Now that my kids are grown, i have the luxury
of staying at home - alone, and with all the time
for myself to mull about what I liked and missed
most. i have 2 toy tea sets, one blue and one
white with red fowers. My husband doesnt mind
my idiosyncrasies, if it doesnt disturb him . Yes,
i have my eye on another tea set in IKEA, a tiny
one, very costly and very delicate. i have given my
heart to it. May be i will be gifted with this on our
anniversary or on my birthday, I cant wait.
So can you call all memories clutter,???
Adv. Vidya Sumod
C
l
u
t
t
e
r
Sopanam - July, 2014 28
Spiritualism
ArmnId
Shivaji's offering
In the 17th century, there lived a king called Shivaji
in the Western part of India (Maharashtra of today). His
mother, Queen Jijamata, raised him spiritually teaching
him to chant (repeat) The Lord's Name when he was just
a child. She also taught him all the skills necessary to
become a just ruler. Under the care of his mother and
with the spiritual guidance of a Saint, Ramdas Swami,
Prince Shivaji grew up to be an ideal young king. He
courageously led the Marathas (people of that region)
against the oppressive rule of the Mughals (invaders
from Afghanistan). He established an ideal kingdom,
based on spiritual values like courage, effciency and
tolerance for all religions, even as the rest of India still
suffered under Mughal rule.
One day, while Shivaji Maharaj (king) was attending
to some royal matters, he heard a mendicant calling for
alms. Immediately recognising the voice as that of his
Guru, Ramdas Swami, Shivaji rushed to greet Him. He
humbly invited Swamiji and the devotees travelling with
Him, into the palace. After they were seated and fed a
royal meal, Shivaji wrote something on a piece of paper
and offered it to Swamiji.
The devotees travelling with Swamiji were curious.
They had expected that the king would offer Swamiji a
royal meal and then a donation; they wondered what he
had written on the piece of paper. Swamiji already knew,
from within, what Shivaji had offered and what the
devotees were wondering. So He told a devotee to open
the letter and read it out loud. The letter was Shivaji's
will: Disciple Shivaji is offering all property, wealth and
kingdom to his Guru, Samartha Ramdas Swami.
Swamiji said, "If you offer me all this, even the
kingdom, then what will you do?" The king replied, "I
will offer myself completely to serve You, at Your feet."
( Dear children, 'offering myself' means following the
Guru's guidance, serving the Guru and spreading His
teachings.)
Swamiji smiled and said, "Follow me then; let us go
around and ask for alms!" Immediately the king went
into the palace and returned in a few minutes dressed
in simple clothes. He joined the group asking for alms.
The seekers with Swamiji were stunned to see the king's
obedience and his willingness to serve the Guru. After
a little while the group, including Shivaji, stopped to
rest near a river. Swamiji called everyone close and
continued the conversation with Shivaji.
Swamiji said, What is the use of a kingdom to me?
Hence, I will not keep the kingdom you have offered.
Swamiji continued, "From today onwards, I appoint
you as my representative to rule the kingdom in God's
Name." Obediently, the disciple Shivaji returned to
His Guru's palace and ruled the Guru's kingdom as
His representative and by His Guru's grace, he ruled it
righteously, in the Name of God.
Moral: The above story shows how much Shivaji
loved God and his Guru. So much that he could easily
offer his entire kingdom at the Guru's Feet. It also shows
that an ideal ruler and a Hindu, would lead by example
and rule the kingdom as God's kingdom, for the good of
the people.
We hardly have the kind of wealth that Shivaji
Maharaj had, but we too, can offer whatever we have to
God. We can learn to do so by daily offering our mind
(by chanting) and our intellect (by sharing information
about Hinduism with our friends and family, as well as
regularly doing as per others wishes, etc.).
Bala Lokam
_metemIw
Sopanam - July, 2014 29
The full moon day of the month of Ashadha
(July-August) is traditionally celebrated as Guru
Poornima. Guru means teacher and Poornima means
the full moon day of the month.
This day is also known as Vyasa Poornima. The
great Sage, Vyaasa was born on this full moon day.
He completed the codifcation of the four Vedas on
this day. He completed the writing of the eighteen
puranas on this day. Owing to the passage of time
Vyasa Purnima came to be called Guru Purnima.
How does this Sanskrit word Guru come from?
The Gu means darkness and Ru denotes
the remover of that darkness. What is darkness?
Darkness is our ignorance,
defciency and lacking. Thus the one who removes
our ignorance and defciency is a Guru. In other
words, Guru is the one who gives us a knowledge
and lights up a wisdom in us.
The mother (parents) is considered as our
frst Guru. Mother gives everything to her child.
Remember ! what your mother taught you? She
taught you love and devotion.
She taught you language. She taught you how to
walk and how to talk! She taught you all kinds of
immotions and manners. The very frst lesson that
you received is from your mother. Following verse
glorifes the Mother as Guru Gurumadhye sthitaa
Maataa Matrimadhye sthito Guru
In the Guru lives the Divine Mother, in the
Mother resides the Guru
Is the mother only a Guru? No!! Mother is not
the only Guru. We acquire knowledge from others
too such as School Teacher, College Lecturer or our
Coach or even the Shikshak at our Balagokulam.
They are also referred as Guru. One should always
be thankful to whom he or she gains knowledge and
wisdom. One should always give respect to Guru.
A Guru also inspires and guides us on to the path
of God-realization. In Hindu tradition, the Guru is
looked upon as an embodiment of God himself. It is
through his grace and guidance that one reaches the
highest state of wisdom and bliss. On this auspicious
day of Guru Poornima, many disciples perform a puja
of their respective spiritual preceptor (Guru). One
may even celebrate in silence, reading the religious
scriptures. The best form of worshiping Guru is to
follow his teachings, remember/implement them
and propagate them.
In our Bala Darshan we do not consider an
individual as a Guru. Why is that? Why dont we
consider an individual as a Guru? It is because an
individual, such as mother or a school teacher or even
a shikshak at Balagokulam, can not be a permanent
guide for all time to come. All of them are mortal,
and however great, have their own limitations.
So we have chosen a higher symbol of Saffron
that represents all the gurus and sages.
The annual function of Sri Guru Pooja in our Bala
Darshan presents a moment of introspection for us
to check up how far we have progressed in this path
of renunciation and selfess service to the society
over the last one year, and take lessons from it and
resolve to march faster in the current year.
Guru Poornima
Bala Lokam
_metemIw

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