Word Up 2015

My laptop crashed five days back, after Windows were reinstalled on it, I started it and the first page I opened on internet was of Indiblogger. I found that Indiblogger Team is organising Word Up 2015 on July 11, 2015 in my city – Gurgaon. The speakers will be KV Sridhar (Pops), Aashish Chopra, Arun Nair , Kiran Manral, Lakshmipathy, Nandita Iyer and Rachit Hirani. I desperately wanted to attend this blogger meet. I have always enjoyed the blogger meets organised by Indiblogger. The first time it was in New Delhi HP IndiBlogger Meet 2011 and next time in Biggest Indiblogger Meet 2015 at Kingdom of Dreams, Gurgaon. This time also I want to be a part of Word Up 2015. I have applied and waiting for an invite from Indiblogger with my fingers crossed.

First International Yoga Day

 A lecture cum demonstration was organised in our society. Lecture was given by Dr. N. D. Sukla. He first explained about the Pantanjali Yoga Sutras i.e yama, niyam,  asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, Samadhi. He demonstrated various lying, sitting and standing exercises and asanas explaining about there benefits. He briefly explained various mudras, pranayams and laughing exercises. In the end there was a prayer for the peaceful, healthy and happy world.

              Time to relax - Everyone lying in shithil asana.

                Me - Practicing standing yoga asanas.

                 A group photo with my yoga students.
After yoga session there was a samosa party! :))

Beautiful cup lights

This photo grabs my attention in first look because it looks beautiful and attractive. The cups and plates are very innovatively used to make lamps. I loved the way how unused or incomplete set of crockery can be converted into beautiful cup lights. Drill a hole in the middle of saucer and cup and paste them together with epoxy glue. Add a cord and fitting to hold the light bulbs. Lampshades made out of used crockery are ready to be used. They can be hung in row or unevenly to decorate the house.

I liked the article ‘Make or Break’ very much on the Crafts section of  Rewardme. It explains in detail how unused and incomplete sets of crockery can be used to create wonderful items like various sizes of cupcake stands, holders to hold jewellery or other small items, reading lamps etc. The article is written in a very simple language explaining each and every point in detail.  The loveliest décor pieces can be created by playing with colors and different types of ceramics.

New designer cupcakes or cake stands can be created by placing the saucers and plates at the base of cups, small bowls and egg cups. Epoxy glue can be used to glue the pieces together and stay there longer. Silicon glue or glue gun provides a weaker bonding. The crockery items can be mixed and match to give a total new look to tea set. Combination of different sizes and colours can be used to create new pretty stands which can be displayed on your kitchen shelves.

For creating something innovative out of ceramics they need to be drilled. It should be done with utmost attention. For that one requires some practice and patience. A cylindrical diamond bit should be used for ceramics which usually have a tip through which water can flow to keep the ceramic item cool. The item should be kept wet wile drilling as it will prolong the life of ceramic drill. To avoid any slippage, drill a hole on a wooden block of the same size needed on the ceramic piece and hold the block while drilling. First drill a small groove and then hold the drill upright and drill the whole circle. The manufactures guidelines on speed drilling should be followed. Most importantly be patient while drilling otherwise it will break or crack.

To create the best out of the waste this is the best article!

Theme 1 “I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.”

Non-veg recipes

My Facebook status was
An ISKCON bhakt told me, "Watching non- veg recipes on T.V. is a sin! You must stop it immediately!"
Mrs. 'P' : Lol
I : The question is if there is a worm in a vegetable and chef cooked it without noticing it and I am watching that recipe on TV then whether this is a sin or not?
Mrs. 'P' : Good Question! And what will happen if a person who doesn't know about the protein addition and eat that food?
I : What else I can say on SNS except that Japa Meditation sequel is coming soon! :)
Mrs. 'P' : It will result in the rebirth into this wretched world & the bhakt will be thinking loudly where he had gone wrong while doing Japa Meditation.
I : What if the bhakt is reborn as a carnivorous animal???????

Seven months break

“I want to write a book. I want a break from the business work.” I told my father with a bit of hesitation in my voice.

He raised his eyes from the papers he was screening and asked “For how long?”

“At least one year.”

“You can take seven months break only. If you are dedicated you can finish one year work easily in seven months.”

“Fine, papa. If the book doesn’t complete in seven months then can I take one or two more months break.”

“No. You have to do it in this time limit. On which topic you want to write a book?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“To be successful, the first step is to fix your goals. Now, your long term goal is to finish this book from idea to print in seven months. You can divide this goal into immediate and short term goals. Work hard to achieve those goals. You will be able to achieve what you desire.”

When I was six years old, one day when I was not able to recite the table of seven correctly, he asked me to stand straight till I recite the tables correctly. I told me that I am feeling cold and want to sit in the quilt. But he didn’t allow me to enter the warm quilt as the warmth made me sleepy. When I recited it correctly after repetition of several times, he gave me a tight hug! That hug always reminds me of his discipline and love. 

As I had very less time, I started working on it. I decided to write a book on ‘Japa Meditation’. I framed the chapters first, and then draw a basic detail of all the chapters. I explained each and every topic in detail with witty or thought provoking examples. Illustrations were embedded in it. The most difficult work of editing of book was done with the help of my family members, friends and mentor. At last my book was published in seven months.

Yesterday, the book review of my book ‘Japa Meditation – The Easiest way to Calm the Mind’ appeared in Navbharat Times. I showed him the newspaper. The book review was written beautifully and in very simple words. With his moist eyes he hugged me tightly and said, “I am proud of you my child. You did it in the time prescribed.”

I said, “It happened because of your discipline, principals and love!” 

Dear readers, “This father’s day, I am expressing my love towards my dad by participating in the #HugYourDad activity at BlogAdda in association with Vicks.”

Soul stirring b’day celebration

I can never forget 3^rd December, 2014! What a hectic day it was!! I neither find the time to pick up the phone of my relatives and close friends who desperately wanted to wish me on my b’day nor could reply to wishes pouring in through sms. I got up late in the morning because I worked till 3 a.m. on my laptop. My boss has assigned me to organise a conference of five hundred persons and all of them were the top businessmen who would be attending that meeting.

I quickly took shower, dressed up and was in my office in just 15 minutes. May be I got ready like a robot with low battery! The function was going to begun in one and a half hour. Everything was ready except the hall which was untidy. Phew! The sweepers had not turned up! One of the staff members informed me that they were on strike. I was just about to have a heart attack then suddenly got an idea to call an emergency meeting. Everybody gave their unique but somewhat bizarre ideas to solve this not so complex problem but none of them was practically feasible. I called waiters, gardeners, helpers and peons to make the hall dust free and spotless and for that they would be paid some extra bucks.  

Money makes the world go! Not really! They all refused to clean the place because a pigeon was lying dead on the floor with its feathers scattered all over. I said confidently, “If nobody is interested in cleaning then give me the broom I will clean it. The function is going to start at the right time!” They were ashamed and regretted what they had said. At last it was cleaned and the function was organised well. All the members were happy and satisfied with the arrangements. By the end of the program, my energy was drained up in organizing, attending, meeting businessman and in solving the most unexpected problem. I was about to go home to enjoy my b’day then I received an sms from my boss.

An urgent meeting in the Ruby Hotel. Reach soon.

I was so tired how I reach there was a surprise for me! I gathered all my strength and entered the park of hotel. A huge circular stage was set on which Anushka Manchanda was singing in her melodious voice ‘Apna har din aise jiyo, jaise ki aakhari ho’. I melted down and forget for a moment that I came here to meet my boss. My fatigue evaporated. I felt refreshed. My eyes brightened. Not only my lips but my heart was also singing!

As the song ended, my eyes started searching the boss in the crowd. But I couldn’t find him. My mobile rung, it was a call from my boss. He said,“Happy B’day! Enjoy!! I hope you like the surprise!!!” Then, Anushka Manchanda started singing song, ‘Theepidika Theepidika’ in her sweet and sexy voice. Allu Arjun entered from the underground stage in a very impressive style. The beats gained pace and my heart missed a beat! His vibrant moves uplifted my spirits. I was mesmerised with his electrifying and almost impossible dance moves. His dancing prowess was bracing, stimulating and invigorating. What was a soul stirring experience it was!

“I am blogging for #MaxFreshMove activity atBlogAdda.com. Are you?

VICCO Turmeric Cream with Foam Base

“Granny, I applied the newly brought cream on my face. Now look there is an allergy reaction on my skin as my skin is ultra sensitive.” I complained. “I have to attend a college function tomorrow evening. What will I do?”

“You can cover your face like Spiderman then nobody will be able to see it.” My granny suggested with a little wink.

Although I wanted to laugh but couldn’t. And said, “Granny, please suggest something really good as the function is very important for me.”

“The market is flooded with the products which can cause harm to your skin and body. While selecting a cream for your face you should be overcautious. You should buy only those products that have Ayurvedic base like VICCO Turmeric Cream. It is the best solutions for all your problems like oily skin, pimples and blackheads. VICCO Turmeric Cream with Foam Base is a one-step-solution to all skin care problems. It’s Ayurvedic formula with microbicidal properties of turmeric which is extremely beneficial as an effective medicine for the prevention and cure of pimples, blackheads and oily skin with every wash. With the use of Vicco Turmeric Cream with Foam Base, you will come closer to the power of turmeric and Ayurveda and ward off bacteria and microbes from your skin with every wash. It also helps in preventing and curing skin infections, rashes and allergies. It helps to stop the bleeding of minor wounds and heals them, treats minor cuts and small injuries as well.”

“Where I will get it?”                  

“It is available right now at your nearest retail store. You can also purchase it online on snapdeal.com, shopclues.com, ebay.in, paytm, peopleskart.com, simply.com, bigfyda.com and shop@kartbin.com. Haven’t you seen the advertisement of VICCO Turmeric Cream on T.V. and magazines?” 

“Yes. Many times.”

“VICCO Group has emerged today as makers of the best internationally known products of the Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of natural medicines. Their various products are Vajradanti Powder, VajradantiPaste, Vajradanti SF (Sugar Free), Turmeric Skin Cream, Turmeric WSO, TurmericSkin Cream in Saving Cream Base, Narayani Cream, Turmeric Skin Cream with FoamBase which are exported to various countries like U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Surinam, Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, U.K., Germany, Holland, Italy, Cyprus, Srilanka, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, West Indies, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, France. Moreover VICCO laboratories are the winner of Golden Globe Tiger Award.”

“What else I can do for glowing skin?”

“Drink lot of water. It will be better if the water is lukewarm. Eat fruits daily rich in Vitamin C like amla, citrus fruits and guava.” Granny looked out of the window and saw Aloe Vera plants of various sizes growing in the garden. “You can rub the juice of Aloe Vera on your face for glowing skin.”

“How pimples can be prevented?”

“Drink neem leaves juice.”

“Oh granny! It tastes terrific bitter.”

“It purifies blood and gives redness to your cheeks.”

“Tell me something easier!”

“Buy VICCO products and use them regularly to have a glowing skin free from pimples, oily skin and blackheads. You can upload your resume on their site, make your career with VICCO and earn some bucks as your pocket money this summer vacation.”

“WOW! I love you and VICCO!”  

Curved Aloe Vera

This is a very unique modification of Aloe Vera whose one part is curved and the other part is straight and normal like any other Aloe Vera. I planted this Aloe Vera in a pot a few months back in my balcony garden. From the past two weeks, a small curve at the base start erupting. The curve is growing bigger and bigger day by day. Lets see whether it remains attached with the base of plant or detached itself from the main plant or has some unique medicinal properties as compared to a normal plant!   

Coin Car

Wow! What a car! Coin and coins all over! This is amazing to see a car with coins on the whole body. Coins are pasted beautifully and delicately on the whole car. They are arranged side by side filling the space and covering the base. They give shinning appearance and unique getup to the car.

Wierd home work

Earlier, a few decades before the home work was given to children and was done by them like writing pages, solving problems, drawing diagrams and preparing models. But these days the home work is given to children by most of them is done by their mothers. The mothers will search Google, discuss with friends and relatives and still will find it difficult to do and will blame the teacher what the hell she has given. One of such suffering mother told me, "My child has got a weird assignment in Maths. He has to write the price of samosa, movie ticket, ludo, comic book and coca cola bottle in 1950 and 2015. Not only this what one can buy with Rs.4200 in 1920 and 2015?"

Dear readers, can you help her?

Poetic book review of 'Japa Meditation - The Easiest Way to Calm the Mind'

Dear readers,
You must have read a lot of book reviews but have u ever read a poetic book review? Vyomi Malik has written a poetic book review of my book 'Japa Meditation - The Easiest Way to Calm the Mind' very beautifully. Here is the link http://vyomimalik.blogspot.in/2015/06/youmakemewin-nominating-fellow-blogger.html

On her suggestion I also nominate my blog for WIN 2015. Fingers crossed! :)

From the pen of...Dr. S. N. Mathur

'From the pen of...Dr. S. N. Mathur' is the small collection of fine articles written by Dr. S. N. Mathur which was printed to publicly appreciate his writings and was gifted by his family members on his 80th birthday. This booklet contains the gems of wisdom along with anecdotes. Some of them are 'Better late than never', 'Service above the self', 'Forget and forgive' and 'This too shall pass'. The author has imparted his valuable knowledge in a very interesting way through his life's incidences and humorous happenings around him.

Although the booklet contains a good collection of anecdotes on growing old gracefully but the one I liked the most, I am sharing here. One day the author met his friend and was delighted to see him cycling even at this age. His friend said, "One day I heard some strange noise coming from the cycle. I checked the brake, lining and chain cover and reset them in a hope to correct the fault. On starting the cycling again I found that noise was still coming. Finally, I discovered that the strange noise was not coming from the cycle but from my own knees."

The back cover of booklet tells 'About the Author'.

Awakening of my Kundalini energy

With my closed eyes, repeating the mantra calmly, I was experiencing the complete darkness and not the usual vibrant and ever changing violet lights which I saw almost daily. Without worrying about the inner lights, I constantly chanted the mantra - slowly and gradually. As soon as my mind was absorbed in the mantra then I felt a sudden jerk. Was it an earthquake, hitting the Himalyan mountain range again? The jerk stopped. It didn't reappear. I ignored it and diverted my mind back to the chanting of mantra with faith. Again my mind was concentrated and absorbed in the divine nectar of the mantra. My body shook vibrantly. I opened my eyes. I saw myself shaking. At that time, my spine was not less than a reverse pendulum - swinging to and fro without stopping. My neck was oscillating like a round ball attached to a pendulum clock. Some unknown force was working which was beyond my control. The movement slowed down and stopped as if nothing has happened a minute before. 

I changed the direction of my thoughts back to mantra and felt the bliss. A spam of hotness rushed upwards, making me sweaty all over. Although I was a bit frightened and scared but I was certain that it was not an outer quake rather some inner quake. Curious to know more about the inner happenings, I once again closed my eyes and concentrated my mind on the mantra. I impatiently waited for something surprising to appear. Alas! nothing happened! 

Because of that I felt disappointed, tried to forget that the incidences. I focused my mind again on mantra; its each and every syllable with full devotion. Deeply meditating upon it, I felt as if I was immersed in the ocean of peace and serenity. All of a sudden an electric current pass through my spine. It shook me. An inner dormant energy - Kundalini was awakened! 

Combination of traditional and modern motifs

This painting has a very pleasing combination of traditional and modern motifs. The traditional motifs of trees, plants and birds are eye catchers. The modern motifs like bus, truck, car, van, jeep, scooter, cycle, motorcycle, autorikshaw, aeroplane, helicopter, multistory buildings and signal tower are drawn artistically. Automobiles motifs are amazing! The human motifs are drawn in traditional style but surprisingly they are doing modern day activities like cycling, riding a vehicle, going for shopping, taking a dog for a walk or controlling the traffic. It is really fun to spot all these things and activities in this painting.

I clicked this painting at Heritage Transport Museum, Manesar.

Beautiful gift I recieved

Today Mrs. Vandna Mathur gifted me this beautiful key ring which she brought for me from Honk Kong. She has gone there to spend her vacations with her sister. The colors of key ring are very attractive yellow, red and skyblue. I will put my house keys in it and whenever I will open the main door of my house I will remember her. 

Butterfly and honeybee

Butterfly and honeybee are drinking nectar together in these photos. It is very difficult to click the photo of a butterfly as it flies away and honey bee can sting on getting close. But I get both of them in my picture frame and they pose nicely for me. ;) These two pics I consider to be my best shoots.