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Showing posts from August 19, 2013

WHY NARENDRA MODI CAN BE PM?

N arendra M odi’s re-induction into the Bhartiya Janata Party’s( BJP ) Central Parliamentary Board, along with the inclusion of his confidant Amit Shah as the party general secretary, are clear indications that the BJP prime ministerial candidate debate is settled within the party. Modi, the only chief minister to make it to the party’s top decision making body, is also included in the party’s election committee, thereby giving him a say in finalising the candidates for the coming elections. Modi’s elevation, as expected, was not received well by his critics and the Congress. Telecom minister Kapil Sibal was quick to respond with: “The re-induction of Narendra Modi to the BJP’s parliamentary board will cause self-destruction of the BJP.” Scores of editorials and op-eds emphasising why Modi would/should not be the PM of a   diverse and pluralistic society like India , will follow in days to come. It is indeed a bit rich coming from those who endlessly cajole and implore a dyna

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet? To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula. The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray: *****"Saraswati namasthubhyam Varade kaama roopini Vidyaarambham karishyaami Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa"***** *****"O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of Boons and fulfiller of wishes, I prostrate to You before starti