Jania draws ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ cartoon 2012

Jania draws a 2"X2" cartoon figure showing a boy hi-fiving a  powerful girl having six hands and hair over her one eye with a style of Jhansi Ki Rani TV serial presently on air.

 

A trip to Reno Feb 2012

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Jania & Jia

J(ania) & J(ia) participating in Langar Sewa! 2012

Banda Singh Bahadur-A tribute by Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore's Tribute to Banda Singh Bahadar
BANDI BIR - The Captive Hero
from Katha (Legends), 1899
This poem is based on the anthology of the British historian Todd. The facts narrated by Todd have not been distorted in this poem. However, this is one of the poems where Nobel-Laureate Tagore upholds that the seeming defeat of the Sikhs was a victory in the test of history. It as the victory of their spirituality over the brutal force they had to encounter. That is why Sikh ideal survives as a dynamic force, one of the noble heritages that will propel the Indian nation forward. And what happened to the omnipotent rulers (Mughols) who had let the hell loose on this beautiful earth, cultivated cruelty and inhumanity at its highest and appeared invincible? In the words of the Poet - "With blood stained sword in hand, with their bloody look, They hide face in the children's lesson book ..." [Rajat Das Gupta]

On the banks of the five rivers,
Up rise the Sikhs spontaneous;
With hair coiled above their head
Inspired by the Mantra their Guru spread
Fearless and unyielding.....
"Glory to Guruji" - thousands of them
Resound the horizon;
At the rising sun of the dawn
The Sikhs stare with deep emotion
With new awakening.
"Alakha Niranjan!" (means 'Holy Spotless'= God)
The war cry of the rebellion;
Let loose their chilvalry;
On their ribs clank swords luminary;
In wild joy was Punjab's insurrection
"Alakha Niranjan!"
There came a day,
Thousands of hearts were on their way
Without any binding or fear,
Life and death at their feet slaves mere;
There on the banks of those rivers
The tale of that day still shivers.
At the tower of the Delhi palace,
Where the Sikhs are apace -
The Badshajada' s drowsy spell
Time and again they quell;
Whose voices there, the dark sky tear?
Whose torches set the horizon afire?
On the banks of the rivers five,
For supreme sacrifice was their dive,
Unleashed there was the flood
Of the devotee's blood.
From thousands of hearts torn apart
For destination divine in their lark -
The heroes putting their sacred blood mark
On the forehead of their motherland
There around the five rivers so dear and grand.
In the Mughol and Sikh battle
Their embrace to each other throttle
Like the fight between the eagle and snake,
Deep bruise one to the other did make.
In the fierce fight of that day -
In blood craze "Din Din" the Mughols bay,
"Glory to Guruji" - was the Sikh's commotion
In their divine devotion.
At Gurudaspur castle
When Banda was captured amidst all bustle
In the hands of the Turani troop,
As if a lion fettered with his group;
To capital Delhi they were taken,
Alas, at Gurudaspur Banda was beaten!
The Mughol soldiers march ahead,
Kicking up the road dust in sneer,
Hoisting the Sikh's chopped head
At the blade of their spear.
Follow them Sikhs seven hundred,
Tinkles their chain,
Throng people on the road widespread,
Windows open - a glimpse they fain,
"Glory to Guruji", the Sikhs roar,
For fear of life none is sore,
Sikhs with the Mughols to-day,
Stormed the Delhi road all in gay.
Started the scurry,
For lead in the carnage was their hurry;
They line up at the dawn
Defiant till their execution.
"Glory to Guruji" was their slogan
Until they were done.
Thus over a week,
The arena turned bleak;
With seven hundred lives gone -
Upon the martyrs' immortalization.
On the last round of cruelty
Banda was ordered by the Kazi
To kill his own son,
At ease to be done.
In mere teen was the boy,
With hands tied thrown as a toy
Into the lap of Banda and without a word
He drew him close to his heart.
For a while he put his hand on his head,
Just once kissed his turban red.
He then draws his dagger,
Whispers in the child's ear -
"Glory be to Guruji - fear not my son"
A virile in the boy's face did burn -
In his juvenile voice the court did ring
"Glory to Guruji" as he did sing.
With his left hand Banda held the boy,
With right struck the dagger in his ploy,
"Glory be to Guruji", was all he did implore
As he took to the floor.
Silence fell in the court,
Guruji's inspiration still not abort.
Then with tong red hot
Banda's body was pieced apart;
A word of moan he uttered not
And all in calm did he depart.
As stopped his heart throb
Witnesses closed eyes - silence choked pin drop.






Jan 13, 2011

 

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A Unique Temple Dakshinamurthy Vadodara

This unique Dakshinamurthy temple is situated in the compound of EME School of Indian Army at Vadodara. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, the idol is seated in south-facing position.

The structure of the temple was built in 1965 in the shape of Geodesic dome with the help of Aluminum waste sheets from Aeroplane etc. The temple conceived and designed by Brig AG Eugene, represents architectural facets of all religions.

1 Arches: represent JAINISM

2 Dome: Islamic half circle as in moon.

3 Pagoda type spire on the dome represents Budhisim

4Tower spire:70 ft high as a Church like look.

The temple is based in an area between five vad-Banyan trees for which the city of Vadodara is famous and named after.

Dakshinamurthy imparts wisdom and teachings to all intuitively in silence. This temple is a big attraction for both tourists and devotees. 

Shilpy's Dad Maj Gen Harkirat Singh led the family troops. I was overawed by the hospitality of the Army

The remarkable entry to the Geodesic Dome conceived and designed by Brig. AG Eugene in 1965. The Aluminium waste sheets from Aeroplanes etc were used to errect the structure

Being honored with a copy of a CD of Sacred Sri Bhagwat Gita by Sh Anup Jalota

Pandit Ji performing Mantras for peace and wellbeing. The color of the sacred diety was black which was both attractive and pleasing to the eye.

Influenced by the Ambience, Peace and Tranquility of the shrine, I felt so humble and grateful for the life to have lived thus

Sri Hanuman Ji Shrine is followed by Sri Sai Baba, and Sri Ganesha shrines

The Shiv Lingam surrounded by Banyan trees is wrapped in a air of calmness and stillness. The temple is an ideal place for meditation.

The whole area is sprawled with statues of hundreds of years old collected by army men. These are not complete so not Poojya, but divine works of Saguna worship

Sri Hanuman Ji Shrine

This is a miniature repilica of an artificial cave, modeled on the famous Amarnath Gufa(Cave). The darkness, the dipping water, the snow(referigerated) covered lingam and the continous Shiva Mantra chanting makes it really fascinating experience.

The snow covered pious Lingam is stunningly appeasing to bow your head.

Sri Ganesh Ji Shrine

After the great trip to Cave

Meticulously laid out Statues of Brahma, Surya, Harihara, Vishu, Laxmi, many forms of Shiva and 39 statues of Mahishasur mardini

Harvinder is ringing the bell while Shilpy's Mom watches

Technical arrangement of continous flow of water over the Lingam

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Father-Daughter Dance

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Tassajara Hills painting by Jania

As Jania is very keen to learn painting, I gladly offered my personal tools to her to try her hands.

I wanted her to see a view on her own and use her fresh mind to catch the the visible environments in the country side and convert the same into painting. At the same time, I wanted to give her a subject which contained minimum number of objects. So I decided to drive her to not so busy place where she can see the green rolling hills, blue sky, some flowers and may be a structure or two.

As I drive through the Windermere Pkwy towards east, I just parked the car and set up the painting station. She simply jumped upon the view I showed her through her palm windows. She had been doing similar paintings in her school class and hence was addequately confident.

She grasped it quick, and started painting the sky blue. She could not find any hills as green. On my querry she  suggested to mix yellow and green to give dull brown shade.

She suggested the road as orange as sidewalks usually are. I really appreciated her fruitful idea. She mixed red and yellow to make it a little orrange tint. The fence was there to make in black.
The structure she did red is a water tank under construction. So 2-3 more flowers in the foreground and the painting, by just turned six Jania, is ready for all to see and enjoy.


Tassajara Hills





Jania starting with painting the sky blue.



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Laxmi Villas Palace, Vadodra



Laxmi Vias Palace is an architectural marvel designed in Indo-Saracenic style built by Maharaja Sayajirao III  in 1890 at a cost of GBP 180,000 equivalent to Rs 60 lakhs at that time.

Laxmi Vilas Palace is the largest private dwelling built till date and is four times the size of Buckingham Plalace. At the time of construction, the Palace boasted the most modern amenties such as elevators. Major Charles Mant was the architect.

It remains the residence of the Royal family who continue to be held in high esteem by Baroda residents.

The palace compound is of over 700 Acres(2.8 sq. km) and houses a number of buildings including Moti Baug Palace and the Museum building. Many famous cricketers like Vijay Hazare, Gaekwad, and Pathan brothers have played in the Moti Baug Cricket ground. 



The grand entrance with huge flower vases, sculpures busts



Maharani





Amazed by the impressive Armoury collection and well kept swords





The splendid Italinate marble courtyard of water fountains guarded by marble statues




Mosaic tiles floor, chandeliers, elephant busts and wall decorations.




The Darbar Hall with sculptures, stained glass windows, the Murano tiled venetian mosaic floor, Belgian Chendeliers, walls with intricate mosaic decorations all with stunning finishes just mesmerise you.
This is sometimes the venue for music concerts and other cultural events.




The exit is as impressive







Awesome courtyard landscape

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Travels in India

Biking at Khardung La in Ladakh is one adventure worth trying

Want to do

More than just sightseeing on your vacation? Say, something more fun and a wee crazy along with some adventurous exploration of nature.

Seasoned traveller, actor and VJ Gaurav Kapur, who has just finished grooming Fox History and Traveller's new show Freaky Traveller's host, tells us about five of his most favourite, wild vacation spots in the country. So, if you too are looking to unleash your inner freak, then pack your bags for these roller coaster experiences.

Here's all that you need to know before embarking on a crazy vacation in the country. Be assured, it will be a trip you'll never forget.

Debasmita Ghosh

Ladakh

Ladakh is a classic adventure destination and Leh is its lush heart. Biking in Khardung La at 18,000 feet above sea level is quite an experience. The winding roads, unpredictable weather... it's like the ultimate test for any travel freak!

How to get there: There are regular flights (Jet Airways and Alliance Air ) to Leh from Delhi. The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Jammu Tawi is the closest rail head connecting to Delhi. From Jammu Tawi, taxis are available for Ladakh.

Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, provides the perfect peaceful break from mundane city-life routine. The setting is made for paragliding as the serene views give you a sense of calm before the pulse-racing adventure in the air! It's like flying in the lap of nature -- closest to being a free bird.

How to get there: Flight services are available to Gaggal airport, 10km from McLeodganj, thrice a week. Kangra and Nagrota are the nearest meter gauge railway stations. Regular deluxe bus services are available from Delhi for about R1,000.

Arunachal Pradesh

The 'land of the rising sun', Arunachal Pradesh is abound with unmatched natural beauty, such as thick bamboo forests, varied wildlife, etc. A highlight for me is the Khik Saba Festival -- a harvest thanksgiving festival during November-December. Endowed with colour, vigour and a sense of mystery, the festival is a confluence of prayer and soulful dances.

How to get there: Lilabari Airport in Assam, 67km from Arunachal Pradesh's capital, Itanagar, is the closest airport. Again the most convenient railway station is North Lakhimpur in Assam, about 60km from Itanagar.

Karnataka

Picturesque Karnataka has lots to offer to avid travellers. There are many glorious temples, ancient monuments and rich national parks. However, the water buffalo racing in Kambala is one freaky fun that shouldn't be missed. Slushy muddy water, adrenaline rush for the race and the rustic setup -- the excitement is almost palpable.

How to get there: To enjoy the Kambala festival, you can visit Udupi in Karnataka, where the festival is held. The nearest airport is Mangalore Bajpe airport, 60 km from Udupi. Udupi railway station lies on the Konkan Railway line, and is well connected with major cities on Konkan line.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a fairy tale land of deserts and lakes. The forts and havelis here paint a wonderful picture of the opulence that once ruled the region. However, for an adrenaline rush you have to see the camel races, dune bashing or undertake the desert safari.

How to get there: For watching dune bashing or camel racing, head to Jaisalmer. The nearest airport is Jodhpur, 300km away. There are regular flights from Delhi to Jodhpur. There are direct trains from Delhi to Jaisalmer such as Palace on Wheels.

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Kids and PaInting!

Gobind & Jania learning water colors!-2012

Memorable day at Taj Residency, Aurangabad.

This Taj Residency has been set up in a Palace style. It was lucky break that we got into this awesome Hotel. It was not a good begining to start the vacations at the previous hotel we stayed for a night. A tiny cockroach also co-hebited in the room we were alotted. Harvinder showed her surfing tricks and got hold of this place at very reasonable price. We instantly grabbed the opportunity

The mix of continental and Indian breakfast was warmly offered

Beautiful Paintings of Krishna surrounded by Radhika and Gopis.

Stunning Landscape in the back yard

Golden canopy in the Lobby

Typical flower setting

The fauna brightens up Harvinder even in the evening

Harvinder in her signature smile

Awesome setting for an  evening when folk artists entertained the guests

A friendly honeymoon couple...  Sidharth who after his higher education from Australia was destined to start a Diary Farm in a Village in Gujarat. India was on her way up, if the  movement of people back to villages is any indication.

Another excellent Painting of Krishna lifting the entire Govardhan Hill, thus defeating the intentions of Lord Indra.

An impressive Gaurd

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