Category Archives: Letter To Editors

Family Christmas Celebration -2019

I penned the following article on Christmas celebration and have sent it to our local newspaper (North Renfrew Times) for publication – on 12 December 2019 . They may or may not publish. It is their xprerogative . However, as per every year , I will circulate and send by e-mail the article to my family members, friends , colleagues , contacts and social groups I am associated with.

12 December 2019

Family Christmas Celebration

Come November, cold season starts and mood changes for Christmas holidays.

One by one houses get lit by outside lights and strings of lights add festive mood to the populace. There is magic in the air.

At night the whole street becomes heavenly – sometimes with snow on the ground.

The Christmas holidays are secularized with decorated Christmas tree, artful display of lights and Santa Clause doing his Ho! Ho! Ho! Even those of us who are not Christians by faith are also celebrating Christmas with gusto. Christmas is celebrated around the world in many countries with or without large Christian population.

Kids are looking forward to have Santa Clause bring gifts for them and their friends – there would be laughter with caring and sharing. One need not be a Christian in partaking in the festivities. There is the underlying message of love, sacrifice and being compassionate for all when we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. These values are the foundation of caring and sharing society for peaceful and progressive existence.

For us, the family start xpreparing for visits and family get together. My son’s family phoned from Toronto early in November that they will be coming over to Deep River during Christmas. This is our family holiday tradition since many years. My daughter& family are nearby – thus we have a very nice get together. All grandchildren – 3 from Toronto and 2 nearby – have wonderful time. They are so loving and playful with each other – making grandparents very ecstatic.

The children love to see each other and spend the day playing games and sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for each of them.

We feel fortunate to have our family together during Christmas holidays.
Every year, we are fortunate to attend a Christmas Party at Ken and Leela Philipose”™home here in Deep River. This has become a cherished annual family holiday tradition within the local East Indian Community. Ken & Leela have been hosting this celebration of Christmas since long – since many years as I remember – more or less from the year we settled in Deep River in 1986.

Their Christmas Party is open to people of all faiths. The guests attend with gusto and excitement and join the hosts in carol singing, enjoying snacks and drinks and warmth of each other”™s company. There is much laughter and merriment during the Party.

I understand that both Ken and Leela are Saint Thomas Christians, also called Syrian Christians of India, who trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. According to history, Saint Thomas, one of the disciples of Christ, came the South Indian Kerala coast in in the 1st century. Kerala is known for their paddy fields, coconut trees, rivers, backwaters and houseboats. People of Kerala have a literacy rate, the highest in India.

As Deep Riverites for many years both Ken and Leela are socially active and have philanthropic hearts. Recently they contributed a large sum ($19,000.00) to our Hospital Foundation towards capital equipment purchase.

The main focus of Christmas celebration is the birth of Lord Jesus or Christ. We know that historically Jesus existed and the baby was born to change the world. The basic teaching of Christ is to love your Lord, your God with all thy strength, love your neighbor as thyself and be a peacemaker and pray for your enemies. He also teaches, what you do for the poorest of the poor, you have done for me.
I am not a Christian by faith and I do worship the Almighty under Hindu tradition – which encourages all to be a spiritual person and believe in a higher power. I pray that Christmas 2019 is observed by us keeping in mind the sacrifice and the most illuminating message of Hope that Lord Jesus has brought to the human kind. This will keep us from despair and encourage us for helping actions.

Let yearly Christmas celebration become a pointer to peace and a reminder that there is more to life than fights and arrogation of power and wealth. When we meet our family and friends (during Christmas holidays) let us seek forgiveness for any misdeeds done to them by us and forgive them for any perceived or real misdeeds done by them to us. This will be a gift par excellence!

Pass it on and see the magic!

My wife Jackie and I wish you all a very uplifting Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy Holidays to all.

China and Canada Conundrum

The following article was sent to our local newspaper (on Sunday 01 December 2019) for publication in their ” Letter to Editor ” section.

30 November 2019

China and Canada Conundrum

 

Its Christmas time & it’s time to remember and have in our thoughts our Canadian detainees in China.

We Canadians are believers  in law and fair play . Our laws are transparent.   We care for each other.

I believe that the detention of two innocent Canadians and the  sudden court rulings of execution against two others  is in disproportionate retaliation for the arrest by Canada  in Vancouver of  Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

As we can recall –   on December 1, 2018, Meng was arrested at Vancouver International Airport by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the request of the United States for allegedly defrauding multiple financial institutions in breach of US imposed bans on dealing with Iran.

The two detainees ,   Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig  have not yet been charged . Neither has been given access to a lawyer during more than 11 months of incarceration, nor have they been allowed to see family .

The other Canadian detainees Robert Schellenberg and Fan Wei have   had their sentences upgraded suddenly   to   execution sentences   as a retaliatory measure by China after Miss Mang Wanzhou was charged by the Canadian   law agencies.

Canada stands firmly opposed to the use of the death penalty everywhere around the world        We should be particularly concerned when it is applied to Canadians.

This is unfair and against human rights .   One can relate to genuine charges but the arbitrary detention of innocent Canadians by China   as a retaliation is definitely in the realm of bullying.

Miss Meng, the Huawei executive definitely requires fair hearing and justice – which the Canadian courts will provide, She already is free on bail and allowed all movements and activities.

In Canada, the judicial proceedings for Ms. Meng will play out as they should. She has the best lawyers money can buy.

The detention of Mr. Kovrig in particular warrants naming, as he is a Canadian diplomat who was on leave when he was kidnapped ”“ a gross violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961.

Further , China has also put a halt in the purchase of   the Canadian Meat products and also of canola seeds – to put political pressure on Canada for withdrawing the case against the   Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

It seems that Canada is not getting any traction with   the Chinese authorities for release of the Canadian detainees.   With four Canadians languishing in Chinese prisons, Canada has the need to persuade China , by whatever means ,   to return them.       Due to trade impact – our policy so far seems to be  “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” appeasement of China – which can impact Canada”™s domestic and global interests .

I pray that this issue is resolved soon and the Canadian detainees can come safely home  before Christmas.

Our Canadian Diversity – Diwali celebration

This article was published in our local Newspaper North Renfrew Times (   a bit edited   to shorten it ) on Wednesady 13 November 2019

3 November 2019

Our Canadian Diversity   – Diwali celebration

The Lions Hall in Chalk River   was buzzing with excitement as more than 200 people, in festive mood,  gathered there   on the evening of   Saturday   2nd November 2019   to celebrate the annual Diwali festival.

The event was organized by the East Indian Community of the Renfrew   County . Many participants came in wonderful  traditional dresses which added color to the event.   It was very heartening that many friends (belonging to different cultures ) also joined in the celebration.   India is a land of diversity   – which is  complementary   to our Canadian society with multi-cultural ethos.

The evening reverberated with cultural entertainment program   lasting for just a little less than two hours.   There were stage dances ,   songs and instrument playing adding to the festivities.     The Indian classical ” Bharat Natyam   ” dance amongst others  was   cheered   and applauded by all .  Young as well as high school kids along with adults (both male and female)   performed   variety   of    musical and dance performances .   The talent of   budding performers was very visible.   That cheered the participants –   and the time just flew by.

After the entertainment program   all   settled down to enjoy the delicious and tasteful   catered Indian food  –   with a number of   traditional choices .    It must be noted that at an Indian / Hindu festival /event – food is always   vegetarian as many in India do not consume meat and when it is devoted to any deity the non-vegetarian food is a no no   – because many Indians do consider all living beings as sacred .

Once coffee/tea and dessert was consumed ,  the participants relaxed, intermingled   and chatted with each other.   In fact they did the intermingling and chatting even before the entertainment program started .    They wished each other Happy Diwali .

This year Diwali,  in fact,  was on Sunday October 27

The finale of the evening started after the meal /dinner , that was when the floor was open for anyone who wants to dance to the rhythmic beats streamed out by the DJ.     Some of recent  Bollywood   as well as Bhangra   tunes   were offered . The floor was thronged by young and old -all freely dancing with so much fun and tempo.   The program started closing down slowly but definitely at about 10.00 pm.  and one by one families started   to return to quiet of their homes

I am sure all celebrated the evening’s Diwali festival with gusto and reverence in heart.

Coming back to Diwali festival – this is celebrated in India since many millennia .

Diwali, the “festival of lights” is the most important festival for Hindus around the globe.

At the present time , it is said that the Diwali is a Hindu festival. However for millennia there was no religion called Hindu religion in India . It was an open society in ancient India   and people were free to debate and decide as to how to further their spiritual beliefs. The free debate and discussions were encouraged,

This then have generated into an amalgam of religious beliefs   – what is in present day known as       Hinduism . Hinduism is unique in that it”™s not a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies.

The word Hindu or Indu was used by Greeks to denote the country and people living beyond the Indus river. By the 13th century, the word Hindustan began to be used as a popular alternative name for India, meaning the “land of Hindus“.   Eventually, any person of Indian origin who did not practice Abrahamic religions came to be known as a Hindu, thereby encompassing a wide   range of religious beliefs and practices.

The most prominent legend attached to Diwali is that of Lord Rama.  Based on the holy epic Ramayana, the first Diwali was celebrated by the people of Ayodhya to welcome their beloved prince back to his kingdom.

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic, composed sometime in the 5th century BCE, about the exile and then return of Rama, prince of Ayodhya;

Lord Rama was a great warrior King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman. Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka.

After this victory of Good over Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps  ( ” diyas “)   – when the oil is burnt by the wick .

Over the millennia , the deeper meaning and lessons from Diwali celebration is inferred by the religious leaders   and the public.  Diwali is celebrated for the victory of Good over Evil .

It shows and guides all of us that   good deeds are important and necessary for progress and peace in life.   It is better to be productive and contributory towards progress and   well being of the family, friends and society in general . It is sort of bad and bordering on evil to be disruptive   and vindictive.

This is similar to Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus when celebrating Christmas but the underlying deeper meaning that we celebrate is that God Almighty cares for us and He even would send his only son to earth for our salvation. Christmas teaches us to be sharing and caring.

The   lighting of the ” diyas ” when celebrating Diwali signifies that one needs to get rid of the selfish and materialistic thoughts which frees one from all forms of sadness   and grief.

” Diyas” symbolize goodness and purity, and lighting them denotes dispelling darkness and going into light.

Hindus believe that placing a   ‘”diya ” generates positive energy into the environment. The energy generated gives a positive effect on all the living organism. It leads to a spiritual path and provides serenity of mind and soul.

I believe , lighting a candle in a church provides similar serenity of mind and soul. The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life,    Candle light often evokes the warmth of home and family.

As I understand , Hinduism is the world”™s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.   Roughly 95 percent of the world”™s Hindus live in India. Because the religion has no specific founder, it”™s difficult to trace its origins and history. Hinduism is unique in that it”™s not a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies.

So I wish all a Happy Diwali and wish/pray for   spirit of brotherhood and peace.

Letter to Editor – An Article titled ” Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) “

The following article was submitted to North Renfrew Times for publication and was published in their   Wednesday 09 October 2019 edition.

————

03 October 2019

Hi

Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF)  

Just a thought !   How come this development at Chalk River site is   still pending ?

What is the issue?     What’s the snag?   Why there is a delay in approval by the  Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission ( CNSC )?   The   CNSC’s  quiet is deafening   – to say the least !

It’s been a long while and not much has moved except the much talked about recent   CNL advertisement on the back page of recent edition of North Renfrew Times (NRT) .

Yes,   there have been a few Letters To Editor to NRT   pertaining to be about NSDF but really these were polemics   ( I would say academic polemics) about the definition of a   ” mound ” and  also about the mute point of whether CNL   can claim about many wonderful technologies developed over the   years   at Chalk River nuclear site.

Well let that be as it may be   but it seems the development is stalled.

I   may be wrong   but to my simple mind it (this proposed development)  is  a few years  late   when it should have been implemented for the good & planned development of the Chalk River site  —   impacting   the future of   the local   community and for the good of the country as a whole.

I understand that there is  so much legacy wastes lying around and scattered at various locations at the CNL site – which do present a danger ( both radiological and non-radiological ) to habitat.   Further, CNL site is old and most existing buildings /structures / site services may be somewhat non-code compliant and tending towards being decrepit and building structures seem to be mostly of wooden construction and could be ” tinder ” and thus posing a definite fire hazard.

Added to that –   many of these structures and services are somewhat contaminated  by  radioactivity – the  site being a nuclear site operating nuclear research reactors and related facilities over many years.

So it is in the interest of the safety and environment that   such a facility is built   which would allow engineered operation , monitoring over long period   and   be able to take corrective steps in time , if a need arises .

While I am fully in favour,  in principle , for the development of such a facility at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) site – it is troubling to note the proposed site  is in close proximity of the Perch Lake  close to Ottawa River ( and the Perch Creek which facilitates the flow to the Ottawa River ).  

I believe that the facility will be designed to withstand a very high seismic event   but am not sure about the details .   It  may be safe when fully completed   but would the seismic event be managed when the facility is part complete ?      I understand that that   it will take a long time for the facility to be fully complete.

I am not sure   that   unusual climatic conditions such as   cloud bursts   are   part of the design criteria.   I  assume that this and other   environmental   conditions are considered  when designing the facility .

All this can be assured to public   if   CNL or CNSC or AECL   come out and   step up to the plate   and identify or announce whether the siting, the detail design and operation of the said facility   –   all have been professionally reviewed by identified independent   and qualified reviewers . Their (the professional qualified reviewers ) concurrence may contribute   towards the much awaited approval by CNSC.

I really would not worry about the name   given to the facility.

 

 

 

 

POEM – Celebrating Canada Day -01 July 2019

Following poem was penned by me to celebrate the Canada Day – 01 July 2019 and to express our appreciation for living in Canada. The poem was widely circulated but unfortunately did not get published in the North Renfrew Times (local newspaper).

Hi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           June 15 2019

As we are on the cusp of celebrating our Canada Day on Monday July 01 2019,   we are so proud to be citizens of this wonderful country. A country which is so profound   in its beauty and geography along with the best human values for being caring and compassionate country.    It’s   a shining beacon to all the world for democracy, equality and peaceful existence for all its citizens.   I express our appreciation for Canada in a poem given below. We celebrate Canada Day with warm patriotic feelings in our heart and with pride and joy.

POEM

Our admiration for Canada – O! Canada – 2019

We admire and are in love with your virtues

Your Humility

Your Humbleness

Your Humanity

it’s Just out of this world

We are so proud   O! Canada

We admire and adore your Flora and Fauna

Your Land

Your Lakes

Your Rockies

Just so breathtaking

We are so enchanted   O! Canada

We admire and appreciate your democracy

Your care for freedom

Your care for equality

Your care for human dignity

Just so fulfilling

We are so indebted   O! Canada

We are so passionate about you

O! Canada

We celebrate Canada day

With enthusiasm, pride and joy

We stand on guard for thee

 

Letter to Editor – An Article titled ” Health of The Planet “

My article on the subject of Health of the Planet – published in the North Renfrew Times on Wedneday   24 July   2019

17 July 2019

Health of the planet

We are all concerned about the health of the planet.   We have a challenge to build a sustainable future .   I am glad that lately this   subject is touched upon in the North Renfrew Times .

It is nice to talk about the   health of the planet.   We should all be constantly focused on that.

Recently I wanted to buy a large balloon with “Happy Birthdays ” inscribed for my grandson’s birthday and also other balloon with his age inscribed .   All helium filled . This would make good colorful decoration   and ambience.

Believe it or not I got vetoed out for that . I was told that the grandson does not want balloons – as that would add to pollution .   Modern day balloons are made from materials such as rubber, latex, polychloroprene, or a nylon fabric .

Balloons are fun and make great decorations. But balloons can be a big problem when they are deliberately released into the environment. The litter is not only a blight on landscapes, waterways, trees and power lines, but balloons and balloon strings can entangle, choke or kill marine life and other animals.

That’s not to mention the wasteful use of helium, a non-renewable resource.

I am proud that my young grandkids are aware of the need for safeguarding the planet. They are the ones who will inherit the world.

When we talk about saving planet – we go on spending thousands of dollars on fireworks during Canada Day or other major festival events. This add pollution in the atmosphere   and we spend our tight tax dollars.

I think there is something morally wrong here.

What   astounds me most is the demoralizing story about how some Canadians have behaved wrongly over last few years – sending our garbage (& used plastic materials ) to other countries of this planet on false documentations (it seems). Canada is losing prestige and trust. This is not the way to improve the health of the planet.

Now we have such Canadian trash coming back from countries such as  Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

Research  ” on-line  ‘ will bring out the following stories reported in our various national newspapers .

  • Containers of Canadian trash that festered in the Philippines for years arrived back in Canada just in time when Canada was to celebrate the country’s 152nd birthday.

The arrival brings nearly to a close the nearly six-year long garbage saga that led to a

diplomatic dispute with the Philippines and drew attention to the growing global problem

of plastic waste.

  • 83 shipping containers of plastic garbage were discovered in the main Cambodian port of Sihanoukville, with what Cambodian media reports say were fake import documents labeling the containers as recyclables.

Cambodia says 11 containers of Canadian trash were among illegal garbage shipments.

  • Malaysian officials  opened a shipping container  filled with plastic bags from major Canadian chains, as well as product packaging stamped with “Made in Canada” labels from recognizable  brands.

Please note as far as I understand – Canadian officials have not yet explained how the garbage is leaving Canada without permits or what, if anything, can be done to halt the practice.

And we say for us the health of the planet is important   and we want to save planet – whose planet ?

Let us be not coy. Let us accept the reality that saving planet is not easy and every small step by individuals is worthy of admiration specially our children’s view is important .

Also   our honesty will win the day – and let us stop the practice of sending our trash to other countries of the world .

Democarcy at work

I wrote this article on the eve of Municipal Election of 2018 in Deep River.

The article has been forwarded to local newspaper for publication (on 16 Sept 2018)

 

Democracy at work

Deep River is all excited about the upcoming Municipal election. We have many candidates for Mayor and Council . Also for the Reeve position. It is really very heartwarming that we have a diverse group of people offering their time and effort for the good of the town.

There is proliferation of meetings , signposts and pamphlets . The whole town is now decorated with these signposts – some small, some large and all of different colors and height. It adds an ambience to the town.

Our democracy is very transparent and without impact of wealth or power of an individual. What is needed is a genuine commitment for serving the public . Yes, the candidate needs to be polite , civil and have demonstrated genuine good work ethics.

Each candidate projects his or her vision for the future of the town and the method by which such vision will be attained. At least an effort will be made to achieve the stated vision in partnership with other elected members. As we have a democracy in action, any future will be molded with a majority of the Council members in sync. The elected Mayor really cannot dictate his/her views or vision .

Having listened to many candidates at various forums or in private conversation along with reading pamphlets from each candidate the following common objectives are surmised by me.

1) Most candidates seem to want

Ӣ the Town to have a great relation with CNL Рour largest employer

Ӣ to bring about growth of more diverse economic activities in the Town.

Ӣ definitive real housing development within our Town for different categories of people Рsenior, young and for those of lower income.

This has been an effort in the past for Economic Development but not much diversification has been seen . I think with new technology – it is believed some on-line businesses can be developed.

A focused tourism type business has a possibility . For example, an escorted holiday package can be developed – for city populations (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal etc) when the Town can during summer offer boating, pontoon parties, swimming at our two beaches coupled with lessons for boating and fishing . In winter, the Town can offer actual cross country skiing, downhill skiing as well as coaching for such skiing . And in the evenings for entertainment at various times we have plays , orchestra , dances and other programs that can be developed. We also have Lawn Bowling, Card Games ( Bridge ), golf etc which can be weaved into the program. An genuine entrepreneur , I am sure can develop a good package -but will need cooperation and help from the Town . This can bring employment and income for many diverse group of people in the town .

 

Remember, there are so many newcomers in our country who require ” hand Holding – someone who can show/teach techniques ” for things like boating (and other river activities) , skiing, fishing, card playing etc.

2) Most candidates are genuinely concerned about high property taxes that we have in Deep River . This subject has been discussed and studied by previous councils but we have not seen any reduction in taxes.

Many feel that increase in population in the town will spread the tax burden and thus help in reduction. However, it seems many new employees by CNL or the Garrison wants to stay around Petawawa due to lower taxes there.

Note: Increase in population is feasible if new businesses are developed or attracted in the Town. So far instead , over last few years , we have seen closure of some of the existing businesses.

Many feel that we have Cadillac Police Service and Fire Department – these two services need fair amount of our taxes.

I am sure previous Council(s) have looked at these services and have come up against a wall for any major changes though some movement is noted.

May be an out-of- box type solution is necessary . What ? A restructuring of Municipal administration and/or restructuring current duties of Police and Fire personnel or how about offering Police Services to adjoining towns like Chalk River . Our Police Force is closer than OPP.

I believe the new Council will have their work cut out for this issue. For an out-of-box type solution , a focused leader with a penchant for success is necessary.

We are enchanted and excited by the process of our democracy, our genuine participation in our future and we are fortunate to have many good candidates to stand for election. This is a real democracy at work.

Only job remaining is for all of – each and every one of us – to understand the nuances and commitment of each candidate and go out on the voting day to vote for those we prefer.

 

 

 

 

Thank You Canada – POEM – for 1 July 2018

On the eve of celebrating Canada Day (01 July 2018)   – I have written a
POEM – which expresses my/our Thank You Canada – for bestowing respect, dignity and growth of   our family and friends.

Note: This Poem has been circulated to North Renfrew Times   for publication and also many contacts and friends. The   POEM was published in the North Renfrew Times in their Wednesday 27 Jun 2018 edition.

POEM

Thank You Canada  – O!   Canada     – 2018

Thank You   Thank You   Thank You

Canada   our land

So   beautiful

So empowering

So polite and respectful

With four seasons

With people from all over

For freedom, equality and dignity

We are passionate about you

 

Thank You  Thank You   Thank You

For our 44 years within your bosom

For our children & their spouses

For our great grandchildren

For our friends in Niagara Falls

Where we started

For our friends in Deep River

Where we are in retirement

For our friends in many cities

Where   we had worked for living

 

Thank You   Thank You   Thank You

For our Canadian extended families

For fulfilling our dreams

For being there when we needed

 

O! Canada

We celebrate Canada day

With enthusiasm, pride and joy

We stand on guard for thee

Our Recent Visit – Oshwal Center in London, U.K. and the Jain Temple

The following article i wrote re: my impressions of the Oshwal Center and JainTemple in LOndon, U.K. – which we recently visited – during the month of September 2017.     The article was sent to the Editor of Oshwal News (published in Londion U.K.) – for a possibility of publishing this article in the newsmagazine.       So far I have not heard from the Editor – of the status of the article.

8  October 2017

Our Recent Visit – Oshwal Center in London, U.K. and the Jain Temple

We recently visited the Oshwal Center in London, U.K. and the Jain Temple situated at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire   when my wife and I had an occasion to travel to the U.K. from Canada.

It’s a fabulous place and worth a visit. We in   fact had visited (during our stay in London) the Oshwal Center (& the JainTemple) two (2) times for different programmes. The first one was on   SamvatsarÄ« Lunch day on Sunday 03 September 2017 and the second time was during a Snatra Puja at the Jain Temple on Friday 15 September 2017.

We found the Jain Temple to be very pretty and appealing. During the SamvatsarÄ« Lunch day, we were a tad bit early – so it afforded us time to go over to the Temple – offer our prayers and then went on the grounds to enjoy the garden and many different well carved   ” stambhs – pillars.

The Jain Temple

The Jain Temple is a “Shikhar Bandhi” Jain Temple and is popular with artistic carving.   The inner sacred sanctum houses idols of 3 Tirthankaras   (spiritual teachers of the dharma – righteous path) .   Mul nayak is Mahavir Swami; on his left is Parshvanath and on his right is Adishvara.

There is a ” Hand with Ahimsa Chkara ” on the ground along one side of the Temple. It is called the Ahimsa Hand (Jain Hand) and symbolizes non-violence. It is a right hand shown facing upwards (fingers up), with the thumb slightly pointed out.

Some believe it to be the Saṃsāra, a “wheel of life” on which there are depictions of birth, life, death, and reincarnation/death, along with the actions and consequence”™s of one”™s past, present, and future (Jain Hand).

Over upper level ground – a magnificent grove of trees is planted – some   52 trees – representing 52 villages of Halar.  Note: Halar is a county/borough in Saurashtra , Gujarat, India – from where originally members of our Visa Oshwal community   migrated – about a century ago – to go overseas mostly to Bombay and then to Kenya & other parts of East Africa .

Each tree is planted on its own separated from each other by a fair few feet and each tree is surrounded by a concrete round platform   ( ” Otlo “- a Gujarati term )   depicting the name of a village and donors who have contributed funds towards planting that particular tree & platform.

This Temple is gaining reputation for an excellent place for pilgrimage (by Jain visitors to London) and also by tourists   interested in knowing/understanding other culture/religion/tradition of the world.

The carved artistic temple along with well laid out and spacious garden provides the peaceful and solemn ambience for those seeking spiritual experience.

Samvatsari   Lunch

The Samvatsari lunch was held at the main building – utilizing all the halls   (and a marquee)- as to accommodate many participants who had come to share this joyous but somber day in the Jain calendar.

The   organization was superb, the enthusiasm and caring attitude of the volunteers were exemplary and worth to be proud of. The crowd was well behaved and remained in queue where so needed. We   stood in the queue and there we met some of our London family members and acquaintances. Further we met others in the queue  resulting in   camaraderie.

As the queue wound down to the lower basement hall, we were greeted with smile and   ” namaskar ” by specially posted volunteers welcoming the participants with humility and wishing all of us a nice lunch. This was very profound in lifting our joyous spirit and at the basement hall – we picked up our lunch (chosen by each of us from a variety of menu items) served by volunteers posted at various tables. After pick up of the lunch   – we proceeded to the marquee which was erected next to the Main Building . There we all sat down and had our lunch – with quiet and relaxed manner.

After lunch, we came out to the grounds – from exit side – and there we had some time to mill around meeting more of our family members and some old acquaintances.

After finishing our lunch- we spent some time at the Main Building halls – where the ” health challenged”  guests were served lunch. The love and care shown by the volunteer servers to each and every guest was exceptionally heart-warming.   We ended our visit to the Oshwal Center by 3.30 pm and returned back very contented after enjoying the modern facilities and very warm welcome for the Samvatsari   Lunch.

My admiration and many thanks ( and  ” Koti koti vandan ” ) to all the volunteers who made the day very comfortable.

Snatra Puja

Friday 15 September 2017 ) was a special day at Oshwal Center for Snatra Puja   – which my sister Ranjan and brother-in-law Mahendra would like to participate. So we joined them.   What an experience!

I had not done Snatra Puja for a long   time – so this was an opportunity to remind me about  our Tirthankar Bhagwan achieving liberation from life and death cycle (attains Moksha) and provides an inspiration as to what can be achieved.

Also did ShantiKalash Jal puja,   Chaitya Vandan (praying to the Tirthankars at the temple ), & performing Aarti .

As I understand –     Snatra Puja is a common Puja widely performed by most of the Deravasi Jain worshipers. It is also a starting Puja before any other main Puja.

Snatra Puja is a celebration of life of Tirthankar Bhagwan . This Puja recital explains the effect of Bhagawan”™s birth on the whole universe, narrates how glorious the occasion was and how much joys were shared by all the living souls including all heavenly souls.

Also did ShantiKalash Jal puja,   Chaitya Vandan (praying to the Tirthankars at the temple ), & performing Aarti .

Note:   ShantiKalash Jal puja   –   Water symbolizes life”™s ocean of birth, death and misery. This Jain puja reminds that one should live one’s life with honesty, truthfulness, love and compassion towards all living beings. This way one will be able to cross life”™s ocean and attain liberation (Moksha).

LINK: http://www.jaincentreleicester.com/resources/puja/

Lunch was provided in the hall. The volunteers and the care was outstanding. The lunch was very delicious – prepared with love.

We also had the privilege to listen to the Oshwal Center President Mr. Tushar Shah – who provided background about various   activities that the Community is currently engaged on.   Very vibrant and modern thinking .

All in all, our visits to the Oshwal Center provided a religious/spiritual and social contexts for our short visit to London, U.K.     It   provided the view as to how we as   a community are leapfrogging into the modern time and  yet keeping “volunteerism ” as a central mechanism for our advancement. Our Jain Religion which proclaimed “Non-Violence “as its central precept some 2500 year ago is becoming an engine for a viable peaceful existence in this world.

 

 

 

POEM : O! Canada Happy 150th

Here is the POEM I penned on the occasion of   Canada Day and its 150th Anniversary.

This POEM was recited at the Renfrew Bridge Club game held to celebrate Canada’s 150th – on Wednesday   June 28, 2017.

The POEM has also been sent to North Renfrew Times for publication. So far not happened.

Mayor of Deep River has sought permission to recite the poem on Saturday ( Canada Day celebration   ).

24 June 2017

O!  Canada

 

Happy 150th

We adore you

Our benefactor par excellence

 

Endowed with Four Seasons

A great landscape

from sea to sea

 

An embodiment of freedom

Equality , Diversity , and Humanity

Our Canada instills dignity in all

 

Men, women, children

From all over

We rejoice your embrace

 

A developed country

Humble and well poised

Technology   savvy , peaceful

 

Many Many thanks

For accepting us in your fold

Being there for our children

 

We celebrate Canada day

With gusto, pride and joy

Happy 150th Canada

 

O!   Canada

We stand on guard for thee

 

Pravin Shah