Madurai Meenakshi Temple: THEN and NOW

The overwhelming experience of my recent visit to Madurai is one of the most memorable one. This was my third visit to Madurai, the first being purely a religious one, the second an unexpected quick visit and the third was a well-planned one with an intension to mainly study the architecture and to document photographically some unique sculptures. The Navaratri festivities, music, dance and drama performances at the temple made my visit more enchanting. Since ancient times temples have not been just religious centers but social and educational centers as well.  The huge corridors and long platforms alongside serve this purpose. Besides, they provide livelihood for small traders of flowers, coconuts and other pooja materials. The Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple is one of the most visited temples of India. The temple has a brilliant structure and is a wonderful masterpiece created by skilled craftsmen. We visited the temple twice, one in the late evening on our arrival and the second on the next day. Change is the law of life and I was curious to see the changes in the activities around the temple. It was stunning, the change is enormous!! 

The colossal Gopuram- one has to struggle to get the complete view.

I remember my previous visit, when we entered the temple complex the colossal tower, massive pillars, life size sculptures bowled us over. We could photograph complete gopuram from a distance. But this time it was an unsuccessful attempt to capture the complete view of the temple gopuram. Many walls and fences have come up inside the temple where there were open spaces. 

Look at the condition of the designer pillars and lintels! nailed and used for hanging bananas, wooden and plastic items. The wall behind is fitted with shelves to store.

Absolute abuse of the sculptures! The two orphaned sculptures appear praying with folded hands to free them from suffocation!

Commerce is found everywhere in India and Meenakshi Amman temple complex is not an exception. But the extent of impact is worrisome. We entered from the eastern gate and wondered whether we were at the temple or in the market! The huge pillars and tall sculptures were not seen. They were hidden behind the series of displays and hangings. The number of shops had multiplied ten times. Permanent shops have come up in large numbers inside the temple complex. 

These pillars are carved all around but completely blocked by shop keepers.  

The space between the pillars has been occupied by traders. Temporary sheet roofs have been fixed by nailing the stone pillars. The beautiful carvings on pillars are completely eclipsed. Not just this, more horrifying sight welcomed at the entrance! One of the sculpture’s hands, neck, waist were used to tie metal wires from one end to another which was used to hang beads necklaces, bags, souvenirs!! 

Majestic sculpture behind bars!! Look at the right hand wrist tied with threads to support the hangings!

The beauty of the temple architecture and artistic sculptures, pillar carvings have been marred by indiscreet use of nails, bags, hangings, wires on pillars, sculptures and ceiling by shop keepers within the temple complex. The Pudhu Mantapam gate was locked and tailors and dress makers have occupied the entire space at the entrance and prevent visitors from entering. 

Pudhu Mantapam entrance blocked by dress makers. Beyond that blue gate lies invaluable architectural treasure. 

Further, many rare sculptures were oiled, smeared with sandal paste, turmeric and kumkum. I went in search of one of the rarest of the rare sculptures Vyaghra Vinayaki (female form of Ganesha having the face of an elephant and body of a tiger) which I had seen in my previous visit and mentioned in one of my posts.  This time I could locate it after a long struggle, as it was completely smeared with sandal and turmeric paste and covered by a cloth from neck to the bottom. No doubt, temples have religious significance. But protecting architectural heritage is equally significant. I feel devotees should not be allowed to use all the sculptures for this kind of worship. 

Rarest of the rare sculpture  Vyaghra Vinayaki in pitiable condition.

 Beautiful sculptures completely covered with oil, turmeric, sandal paste and kumkum. The fourth from left is the rare sculpture ' Sharabheshwara' ( having face and body of a lion with an elephant trunk- also called Yali).

The center of attraction in the temple complex is the Thousand Pillared Hall. The main row of pillars is well maintained. As we go to the left and right sides of the hall it is poorly lit or fully dark and mostly used as storing space. The security stops you from going further by saying nothing is there to see! Private guides go unmonitored when they touch, beat, tap on the sculptures carved on pillars. There were a few small shops in Madurai temple complex which sold pooja items. But today commercial activities have grown manifold to such an extent that the tourists are deprived of enjoying the rich architecture. 

Metal wires are tied to the grills of beautifully carved high beams which damage the carvings.

Why and how can we be so indifferent towards our historical heritage? It is disheartening to notice ignorant people who are unmindful that they are doing an irreparable damage to invaluable archaeological masterpieces. We are the custodians of our heritage and have the responsibility to preserve it for our future generations. It is the responsibility of the civil society to transfer that heritage to the next generation. 

Helpless sculpture stands as a mute spectator right in front of the protectors.

We can never create such magnificent monuments in our lifetime. Created thousands of years ago, such great treasure has been carefully preserved for us by our earlier generations. The very basic idea of temple and sanctity is fast changing in modern days. It is our country; it is our rich heritage, since time immemorial. It is our moral, ethical, as well as legal responsibility to preserve this ancient heritage for the future. Aren't we that much capable? 

The Cultural Wealth

The epic Ramayana of Valmiki is the most popular and revered Magnum Opus of our country Bharat. The Ramayana is not just a piece of literature, but the heart and soul of Hindus. The Ramayana is beyond all ages, national boundaries and cultures. It is not just a religious text, but the mirror to the societies of all times, ethics of politics and morals of relationships- altogether a way of civilized life. 

Adikavi Valmiki

An individual can have either Sattvik or Rajasik or Tamasik components or energies of mind, or can have a mixed amount of all the three in varied proportions. The predominant one determines the quality of mind which in turn decides the quality of life. Adikavi Valmiki has drawn three scintillating pictures of three distinctly contrast societies and levels of civilizations- 1. Sattvik in Ayodhya reflecting a high level society  2. Sattvik and Rajasik in Kishkindha representing middle level 3. Tamasik in Lanka representing low level.

The Sattvika culture of  Ayodhya 

The Aryan society of Ayodhya was a Sattvik society with high values. It had a highly organized political institution managed by benevolent king assisted by counselors and spiritual guru like Vasistha. The king enjoyed the obedience and trust of the citizens of all varnas. Values like respect for parents, mutual devotion between husband and wife, love and concern among brothers were the strong foundation on which family tree grew stronger and lived longer. Donate, sacrifice, protect, do charity, penance, worshipthese were the guiding principles. Ayodhya represents a worthy society cherishing Sattvik values.

The Rajasik culture of Kishkindha - brothers against each other

On the other hand, Valmiki has portrayed the Vanara society of Kishkindha. Neither animals nor humans nor demons, they lead a kind of strange life. But for Hanuman who stands out as an exception by being wise, intelligent, pious, honest and dependable emissary, all other Vanaraslead an awkward life. Their culture had the characteristics of both Sattvik (good administration, devout friendship) and Rajasik (loose family bond, hatred between brothers). They had wealth but no morals. Womanizing, restless mind, destructive actions, intolerance, drinking and rejoicing these vices controlled their lives.  

The Tamasik culture of Lanka

In contrast with Ayodhya and Kishkindha cultures, Valmiki presents an altogether different society of Lanka- the Rakshasa society. Ten heads and twenty hands of Ravana, unusual sleeping pattern of Kumbhakarna, heavily built bodies of males and females, excessive eating - everything uncommon. The kingdom had huge palaces, powerful military, heavily built and guarded fort, enormous wealth and learned king. But learned Ravana lacked wisdom, lacked brotherly love and concern, was egoistic and stubborn. Vibhishana was a misfit in the society.

Valmiki’s message is very clear and loud. Any culture or civilization with only military power, political strength, immense wealth, splendid buildings and scholarship will not survive for long.  Many civilizations like Egyptian, Babylonian, Roman, Greek civilizations were born and later perished.  India suffered external invasions for more than 2000 years. Though India was exploited politically and economically by the outside forces, its culture remained intact. India successfully encountered all invasions. The core ideals of our culture cannot be broken or shaken. The civilization of Bharat continues to flourish with its deep rooted value systems which are universal in nature. A country becomes great not with its wealth but with its spiritual strength and high moral values which give a sound foundation for the country as stronger roots of a tree hold it longer. A strong culture is perennial; flows incessantly from generation to generation.

Valmiki has portrayed the three contrast societies to clearly establish the fact that only a distinctive culture with strong universal values will be able to survive. Kishkindha and Lanka had to bite the dust and perish while Ayodhya rose to the pinnacle of glory.

photos source- internet

The ‘Stick’y Story of Gandhi’s Dandi March

While preparing a video for the song ‘Inninisu nee Mahatma…..’ composed by renowned literary laureate, Shri Manjeshwara Govinda Pai, I was wondering if there is any special connection between Gandhi and Pai. After digging deep, I bumped into the blog of Dr. Jyotsna Kamat, the well-known historian. It was really amazing to find the connection!! On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, I want to share this interesting episode from Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Every one of us knows about Dandi March undertaken by Gandhi to begin Civil Disobedience Movement. Do you know there is a close connection between Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March and famous Kannada poet M. Govinda Pai?

Sri M. Govinda Pai

M. Govinda Pai was an illustrious prose and poetry writer as well as historian in Kannada. He was well versed with many languages and has written essays and poems on Freedom Movement and patriotism. It was during freedom movement that he was impressed by Gandhian ideals and principles. He went to Navasari, Gujarat, to study Gandhism and also to learn Marathi and Gujarati. He became close friend with Shri Dattatreya Balakrishna Kalelkar (known as Kaka Kalelkar). Kaka Kalelkar was a close associate of Gandhi in propagating Swadeshi and Hindi. However, after a brief stay Govinda Pai had to go back to Manjeshwara due to his wife’s ill health.

In 1920 Kaka Kalelkar visited Mangalore in connection with Hindi propagation and decided to meet his dear friend Govinda Pai at Manjeshwara. Though it was a day’s meeting, both friends had great time together discussing varied topics from literature to national movement. At the time of departing Govinda Pai gave him a walking stick as a gift. It was a light weight but strong and very rare cane stick which had beautiful natural black spots on it.

The same cane stick gifted by Govinda Pai used by Gandhi during Dandi March

Gandhi launched Civil Disobedience Movement with the historic Dandi March in 1930. Gandhi had to walk 240 kms to reach Dandi. Kaka Kalelkar gave Gandhi the cane stick gifted to him by Govinda Pai as it was light and strong. The same walking stick that we see in pictures of Gandhi on Dandi March!! Is it not amazing? As Jyotsna Kamat says we have heard guru giving the ‘taste’ of cane to a erring shishya, but how delighted this poet from Manjeshwara would be to see his stick in the hands of his spiritual guru!!

When Godavari Meets Krishna

River linking projects are always celebrated by the public and the media. River linking ideas were conceived way back in 1980s but could not take shape due to lack of political initiatives. “One of the most effective ways to increase the irrigation potential for increasing the food grain production, mitigate floods and droughts and reduce regional imbalance in the availability of water is the Inter Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) from the surplus rivers to deficit areas” , says the official website of National Water Development Agency, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.

 The present Union Government has launched incredibly ambitious (incredibly reckless??!!) Inter Linking of Rivers (ILR) project. This project has two components — the peninsular and the Himalayan. The peninsular component involves the rivers in southern India developing a 'Southern Water Grid' with 16 river linkages in different states. The Himalayan component, on the other hand, was conceived for building storage reservoirs on the Ganga and the Brahmaputra and their main tributaries. The Himalayan component is comprised of 14 river links including Brahmaputra and Ganga.
Almost 35 years of its conception, finally the first river linking project is underway with Godavari- Krishna linking through a canal. On 16th Sept, 2015, the CM of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated this project with lot of pomp and show and emotionally called it ‘historic moment’ and ‘Pavitra Sangamam’ (Holy Confluence).

Map source: Indian Express

How it works? The Godavari River water is lifted through pumps at Pattiseema village  and diverted into the Polavaram Right Main Canal (3.9 kms away) to reach the Prakasam Barrage on the River Krishna at Vijayawada, 174 kms away. The original plan is to eventually divert water to the Polavaram dam. But the dam is still under construction and will take another 5 more years to be completed, as such the Naidu government decided to launch Pattiseema Lift Irrigation scheme on 16th Sept. By next year, 24 vertical turbine pumps of 4,611 HP each will lift and pump the water through 12 rows of pipelines into the Polavaram canal. The project is expected to create some 87 million acres of irrigated land, and transfer 174 trillion litres of water a year. Also, half a million people are likely to be displaced in the process, according to a report  by Upali Amarasinghe, a senior researcher at the International Water Management Institute, Hyderabad.

River Godavari in full strength

India’s 168 billion dollar river linking project is a disaster in waiting!! Already ecologists and environmentalists have warned that the benefits of river linking are a misconception and misleading. There is half knowledge or little clarity on the ultimate impact on such massive projects of linking 16 rivers in the south and 14 in the north!! 

River Krishna 

What is wrong in river linking if we can divert flood water which in any case flows into the sea?? Well, rivers have life and are extremely dynamic. Each river has its own pH level(acidity or alkalinity) which is strictly regulated in nature.  This unique feature of each river nurtures unique flora and fauna. The first devastation of linking rivers is change in pH level which results in extinction of life forms.  Mixing of water of two rivers will certainly hamper the intricate and delicate ecology of river systems. Rivers flow naturally, there is no concept of surplus or deficit of water. Surplus water during rainy season is needed for rivers and that is how ecosystems work. Each river has its own path, intricacy and importance. This is evolved over millions of years. River carries important nutrients that replenishes sea and shoreline. These nutrients play a crucial rolein the breeding and survival of many marine creatures. Controlling or blocking river flow will affect marine life.India has variety of topography like grass lands, deserts, valleys, forests, dry lands, mountains, coasts and climatic conditions like hot, warm, cool, cold, low rain or more rain so on. Each one has its own unique life supporting system and mechanisms.  Altering the course of the river will be devastating.
 Here are some excerpts from eminent persons….
A river isn’t a pipe that we can control. You cannot compare Ganga with any other river.For instance, in the Ken-Betwa project, the core area of the country. of the Panna national park will be affected. The government, wanting to do the project for political reasons without any sort of clearances, is basically, redrawing the entire geography. – Dr Latha Anantha, Director, River Research Centre. 
There is no scientific basis for this. How do you conclude that river-linking project will be good? One has to exhaust all options such as watershed development, rainwater harvesting, and ground water recharge, optimizing existing infrastructure and cropping methods and then we can conclude that water-linking might be good. For instance, look at Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The Marathwada region in Maharashtra is the worst drought-hit state in India today, and belongs to the Godavari basin. But at the same time, you want to divert water from Godavari to Krishna. It doesn’t make sense. There has to be assessment done because there is huge impact on the nature.– Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator, South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People.
River-linking is a social evil, economic evil. The interest in river-linking now is due to the big bucks involved in it for dam builders. A canal is not a river and it cannot support an ecosystem. What happens to everything that is living in the river? When water flows, there are a number of factors associated with it. There are microorganisms and there is marine life. – V Rajamani, Professor emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
These projects are not viable. The environmental issues relating to these projects are very huge. There is a big problem of desilting and there is no clarity on where the silt be actually dumped. Will it be somebody’s farm and will the farmers be affected or not? The government has not come clear on any of those points. So considering these environmental and community issues, overall I don’t think these projects are really viable. - Sushmita Sengupta, Deputy Programme Manager, Centre for Science and Environment.

River is not just certain volume of water that Pattiseema  pumps can lift and throw! Naming it ‘ river linking’ is absolutely false and misleading.  In fact the Times of India report rightly concluded: “The state government should take up environment impact study through a third party and take remedial measures before releasing water into the canal.” 

Meeting between Godavari and Krishna does not appear to see a happy event.

Sources:

Reports from The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express

Website of National Water Development Agency

Website of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People

http://qz.com/

Pictures are Flat- Life has Depth

I have never been good at drawing pictures, though I tried very much to be one. I feel amused when I recall my attempts to draw animals, human faces and so on. I remember my science teacher, who taught us to draw a scenery- a tree, two clouds, the sun, a hut, waves of water, four flying birds. When he repeatedly drew the same on the black board, I asked him to teach some other drawing. He smiled and said that he knew only one, the same scenery!! Later when I was in high school , I looked at some books about how to draw, but the mystery of drawing remained mysterious and washed away the slightest hope that I could probably draw some beautiful picture one day. Though we had an art teacher, she hardly taught us anything. That period was not called Art Class; it was called SUPW- Socially Useful Productive Work.  Sadly, that turned out to be Some Useful Period Wasted!! Only later, when I read about the right side of the brain, that I understood why I drew so badly!!

Exploring through imagination which has no bounds

A few days back, during my routine rounds, I observed a 1^st std  girl with a few sheets of paper and pencil sitting at her desk and getting ready to draw. I went closer and observed her with utmost curiosity. She thought for a while, and started to draw a big tree. She began to move her pencil from the bottom of the paper till the top part and drew two lines which were parallel for some length, cross cut in the middle and again moved up parallel. Then she drew a few thin lines on both the sides of the top half of the parallel lines. Now it looked like a tree with branches. She started to draw leaves. I went near and asked, ‘What are you drawing?’ She said, ‘I don’t know what to draw!’ ‘You can draw a tree! , I said. Without any hesitation and fear she said, ‘I don’t know how!’  I was surprised! What a revelation!!

Pictures are just symbols depicting life- Real Life needs deep understanding 

We say and believe, that a picture looks like life, but in real it doesn’t. Pictures are flat, life has depth. In fact, the girl was not drawing a tree, but recognizing her drawing as a symbol of a tree. The lines on the paper did not appear to her like a tree , but it ‘meant’ a tree! For her a tree is a complicated piece which has color, texture, shape, mass, light and shade. She said’ I don’t know how’ as she was unable bring all these qualities in her drawing. Children’s imagination is unlimited. Their assimilation of ideas is outstanding.

Awaken the child’s natural genius by triggering her imagination and nurturing her creativity.  Such children will grow up to be alert adults who can cope up with life’s twists and turns. Such adults see things in new ways and find solutions to problems others might miss. Problem solving and innovative thinking begins with the power of imagination. 

Photo copy rights: Ravi Hegde

Lamenting Stones- Turuvekere

Hoysala Temples.... when we hear these words , Belur, Halebid and Somanathpur temples come to our mind. But Hoysala temples are not restricted only to these places. They are found in abundance in other parts of Karnataka as well.  It is my passion to visit ancient ornate temples with good sculptural art that are not very well known or unnoticed. This summer I thought of exploring three places located close to each other in Tumkur district. I was accompanied by some of my cousins and friends from my village.

Simple but attractive outer wall carvings- Chennakeshava temple at Turuvekere, Tumkur district 

Five tiered ornamental Shikhara- Chennakeshava temple, Turuvekere

An inscription in Kannada on the lintel- Chennakeshava temple, Turuvekere

Our first stop was Turuvekere. This town has three temples belonging to Hoysala period. The Chennakeshava temple and Moole Shankara temple ( moole in Kannada means corner)are the typical examples of Hoysala architecture. These eastern facing temples are built on a star shaped platform. The temples are simple and do not have much carving. The outer walls are ornate with small shrine like structures and pillars. The NAVARANGA or pillared hall is adorned by carved pillars. The lathe turned pillars have almost lost their shine. Both the temples have lot of land around , but left uncared and neglected.  

Carved stone slabs,destroyed due to vandalism have been replaced  with plain slabs. But still writing on wall continues uncontrolled.

The Gangadhareshwara temple is the most beautiful temple of Turuvekere. It is unique in many ways. The temple is very well maintained. The Nandi which is 7+ ft tall is amazingly beautiful. The bell carving around the neck, the highly polished shiny face, the lines of carvings on the belt and around forehead, intricate carvings of anklets are all mesmerizing. 

Intricate carvings on Nandi- Gangadhareshwara temple, Turuvekere

 The sanctum sanctorium (Garbhagriha) has a unique Shiva Linga. It has the shikha on which the image of Ganga is carved. We can see fountains of water flowing in the form of Prabhavali. The Ardha Chandra (half moon) is also carved. The curly hair of the shikha is very beautifully depicted on top around the Shiva Linga. Nowhere have I seen this kind of Shiva Linga. This temple also has ornate pillared hall.  The domical bay of ceiling in the Mantapa is richly carved. Another attraction of the temple is the huge stone bell hung to the ceiling outside at the right side exit. Just inside the bell there is a unique carving of Bedara Kannappa offering his eyes to Lord Shiva.

Unique Shiva Linga- Gangadhareshwara temple- Turuvekere

Moole Shankara temple- Turuvekere

Completely neglected pillared hall-Moole Shankara temple-Turuvekere

Chennakeshava and Moole Shankara temples are protected monuments under ASI and were constructed  between 12^th and 13^th centuries by the Hoysala army commander Somanna. Unfortunately these temples are not maintained properly. Except for the regular pooja, nothing else is done. When we reached the Chennakeshava temple, the very aged archak chanted a few broken incomplete mantras, placed two flowers on the head of the deity, did aarati and said pooja over and he has to close the temple. As per the ASI rule the temple has to be kept open till 6 pm. He said, ‘when no one comes here, why should I keep it open?’ He was right in a way!! At Moole Shankara Temple, we had another bitter experience. The Archak was restless, as if we were disturbing him!! When I asked why it is so dark inside, he rudely replied, ‘you should have brought electricity with you!!’ I was about to say ‘….torch..??’ but swallowed my words and pitied at the state of affairs. 

Reflecting over the grandure of the Hoysala temple architecture, with mixed feelings, we proceeded towards Araluguppe to see another architectural  wonder. 

A Thai 'TEMPLE' with a 'TIGER' mask

When we were planning our Thailand tour itinerary, I came to know about Tiger Temple, where tigers are domesticated by Buddhist monks. Immediately I included in the list out of curiosity. Never ever thought my experience would be a ‘life time’ experience. Now you start thinking…. If you think Tiger Temple is some kind of spiritual sanctuary, you are wrong! If you think those monks have that ‘great power’ of taming a tiger, how thoughtless you are!! If you think tigers are well fed and treated for injuries then released into the forests it is your utter stupidity!!! If you think, by chance you are injured by the tiger your insurance will cover you, I pity you!!!!... Now you stop thinking and read my experience.

A beaming Miss Pam, our tourist guide, described Tiger Temple as the greatest place for tigers. My curiosity increased. I interrupted her by asking how is it possible to tame a ferocious tiger. She didn’t like my question, obviously. She squeezed her eyes, twisted her lips and whipped ‘Madam, you go there and see, you can sit on its back, take its head on your lap, kiss the tiger too!’ A strange sound came out of my throat, unknowingly. I swallowed rest of my questions.

Tiger temple is a popular (?) tourist destination in Thailand. Its success is based on the claims that tigers are rescued from poachers, they live peacefully amongst monks, who are actively engaged in rescue work. When we reached the main gate, we saw the board displaying this information. After walking inside for a long distance we reached a dusty, stony, rocky (artificially created) area with lot of people. There was a ‘white’ guy announcing the charges for each action (abuse!) with the tiger—photo keeping your hand on its back, sitting on its back, taking its head on your lap, hugging, even teasing!!!! Yes, you read right. There is a separate location where mostly foreigners enjoy teasing tigers with sticks, loud music, whistle, loud noise!! The next 60 minutes were a torture for us to see the hapless tigers lying under the hot sun, drowsy, not even knowing what is happening around.

Every day between 1pm and 4pm tigers are on public display. Tourists can touch and pose for photographs for a fee. During these sessions, tigers are exposed to 3 hours of direct sunlight of 40 degree and more. As soon as we enter our camera is taken away by the staff who take our photos and we are not allowed to take any pictures. I was shocked to see the staff drag tigers to give appealing poses with tourists by pulling their tails, punching on sensitive parts or pricking with sharp objects. I saw, to my horror, a staff pulling the head of a tiger up and heavily dropping on the lap of a smiling woman for a ‘special’ photograph!! The tiger did not make any noise of pain! He did not know where he was and what was happening around. This was the story of all tigers there. It is obvious that all tigers were heavily drugged. It is impossible for a tiger to be so submissive without heavy sedatives. So what I saw was not real, it is just ‘touristic’. The ‘real’ tiger will kill. I was told by one of the staffers that there more than 100 tigers in captivity for this purpose. They are confined to a small cage for more than 20 hours. They are mainly fed a vegetarian food, which causes health problems to this carnivorous animal.

Hundreds of visitors, some of them children, are encouraged to go close to the tigers for photo sessions. Staff is unprepared or ill-equipped to deal with potential emergencies. Tiger Temple (ashamed to use the word temple) clearly renounces the responsibility for injuries by asking visitors to sign a disclaimer at the entrance. Don’t think these monks are good either. I heard, a few men are ‘made’ monks and they roam around when there are visitors. I saw a couple of monks in one of the remote areas smoking and holding beer bottles.

Be aware and wake up to the realities. Your visit to Tiger Temple will cause more harm than good to tigers. It is horrible and unethical to use photogenic tigers as photo props. Now you again start thinking……….. 

SUPER STAR TEACHER

Busy schedule for teachers and students during exams, but a bit relaxed princi!! Reflecting over my professional journey, I remember a fascinating story that I read sometime back from a book by Debashis  Chatterjee. 

A Guru had two students, Govind and Gopal( don’t remember which names Mr.Chaterjee used in the story! So I am using my own, anyway it won’t matter as long as the moral is drawn!! ). The Guru knew that Govind was a promising teacher. He advised him to teach a few students. Govind did a great job and got better ratings than his Guru from his students. He didn’t realise that the Guru had given him quick learners. The guru praised the accomplishment of Govind but added that Gopal was a gifted teacher and better than him. Disappointed Govind asked the Guru, what made him to say that Gopal was better. The Guru was thoughtful for a moment, then gave a tough task to Govind and Gopal. Both were asked to teach  three illiterates in the city- a cobbler, a potter and a carpenter. Three months time was given to both.

Govind thought it was rather an easy task. When he can teach brilliant minds what was a big deal in teaching ordinary illiterates. His enthusiasm slowly started vanishing when he failed to convince any of them. He got the reply from all the three that they have got enough education and literacy they needed to run their business!! After a month he returned to the Guru. The Guru consoled him saying even Gopal could not convince them and teach a single word .Govind raised a question, “ if Gopal also could not do it, as you yourself accept now, how do you say he is better than me?”

The Guru smiled and said, “ when Gopal realised that he could not teach them, he didn’t return like you did. He stayed there for full three months. When he came back he was an excellent carpenter, potter and cobbler. He utilised the time to learn new things. He has that exceptional quality to learn from even illiterates. His passion for learning makes him better than you.”

What an inspirational story!! Still lingering in my mind. This extent of curiosity to learn from every corner without hesitation makes a gifted teacher, SUPER STAR TEACHER

Alone - Lonely

Walking along the sea shore on a beautiful evening, varied thoughts flooded my mind. There was silence except the sound of sea waves and cool breeze. The horizon was turning pinkish red as the Sun was ready to say good night. The Sun was alone, as me!! But he is not lonely. He has the entire universe with him.I watched the sea waves rolling in and rolling out. We roll in to this world and roll out of the world. We are born as one and go back as one. But we too are not lonely!! We are one with the solitude of the sea, the hills, the waves, the birds, the Sun, the entire universe. I gazed at the fisherman’s boat returning after a tiresome day. I could imagine the happy faces of the fishermen. The setting Sun, reflecting his redness on water said, ‘you are one with me, alone but not lonely, you merge with the magnitude of all life forms.’ This is the greatness of life! I am in the company of my own greatness.

The thought of greatness raised questions in my mind. Can anyone become great in spite of not having any fame, power or money? Is greatness not born out of inspired heart?? Should the world approve one’s greatness? Can we all become great even if we don’t win a Nobel prize??? 

Can Morals –Ethics be Taught within Four Walls of classroom??…

A positive childhood in love and care is the most influential factor for the development of a strong human being. With busy working parents, broken families, schools are hopelessly over-strained with this responsibility. Most of our fairytale culture is based on the idea to teach moral concepts to children through some literature and assessments, which do not give any guarantee that they have been learnt and imbibed in behaviour. 

  I am stunned to see advertisements on ‘Value Education Products’. Recently, I met a self proclaimed value educator in one of the Education Fairs. Last week I met her in my office, who showed me on her laptop how she is going to conduct Value Education classes. There were some animations and an online test. Higher the test points, higher the value imbibed by the student. I was amused when she said, ’you can assess your students on the basis of the score they get in MCQ test!!!! No wonder increase in crime rate is directly proportionate to this kind of value education!!!!
PHOTO COURTESY: Ravi Hegde  biologisthegde@facebook.com   biologisthegde@gmail.com                                                                          

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Enjoyment vs Discipline

When I reflect on my classroom experiences, I remember one interesting episode. The father of my student of class 7 came to meet me. I was teaching English. I was a bit surprised to see him, as he hardly came to school. He had a note book in his hand. He appeared angry. I, with my usual smile, asked what can I do for him. He sarcastically said ‘Don’t do anything for me, do for my daughter!!!’. He opened the note book and showed a English essay which I had marked in his daughter’s note book. He pointed towards my remark ‘excellent’, and asked, ‘Madam, did you go through the essay or just remarked? Her language is not up to the mark. She has made many grammatical errors. But still you call it excellent? You have not even underlined the errors.’ 

 I was unmoved by his confrontation. Again with a cool smile I explained to him. ‘Your daughter’s favourite subject is English. She loves to write, is the 1^st person to finish any creative writing task. I want to nourish this passion of hers. Your daughter needs encouragement more than the exact rules of grammar or high standard language. If I highlight her mistakes and rob her love for the subject, she will never try to write independently. She may gradually pick up the rules, but will never regain her love for writing once she loses it.’ As I was speaking, the frowning eyebrows of the father slowly eased out.

I had realised that the real delight and encouragement are as much essential for enjoying learning as discipline was.