tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post3605558735149949504..comments2024-03-08T04:51:31.564+05:30Comments on Musings of an Unknown Indian: Chanakya, the 'Yug Purush' and the Chanakya legend.Roshmi Sinhahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-50729717609624924032010-10-28T03:18:13.208+05:302010-10-28T03:18:13.208+05:30Your efforts are good Roshmy........see another YU...Your efforts are good Roshmy........see another YUGPURUSH of Modern era on www.rahul123way.wordpress.com<br />and send your precious comments on it..<br /><br />thanks<br />Rahul Kumar Singh,Political WriterNITISH KR EK YUG PURUSHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01298913672911103675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-6111917815396383652009-12-12T09:45:19.084+05:302009-12-12T09:45:19.084+05:30@ Sunil: America barely has a history. Their '...@ Sunil: America barely has a history. Their 'history' is hardly some 300/400 odd years. Infact, their 'history' is pretty much like our 'current affairs'... ! Yet they make tall claims.<br /><br />They have even patented the 'basmati rice'. The British now claim that the 'chicken tikka' originated in Scotland... ! I ask you!<br /><br />The West is even claiming that the 'yoga' is theirs. And patenting it. Infact, it was not 'yoga' but 'yog' (as you have rightly mentioned). An ancient art which came about from the rishis and sages of yore... in this very subcontinent. <br /><br />Are we able to do anything about it... ??? NO.<br /><br />We need to pause, catch our breath and reflect. Introspect collectively... as to where, why and how we have come to this. How have we reduced ourselves to our current state... when not so long ago, we were on the top of everything... ?!!Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-57441364279163113272009-12-12T09:40:50.176+05:302009-12-12T09:40:50.176+05:30@ Sunil: I agree with you Sunilji.
English langua...@ Sunil: I agree with you Sunilji.<br /><br />English language has originated much later... and has borrowed heavily from Sanskrit.<br /><br />So, 'Pitr' has become 'father'. <br /><br />'Matr' has become 'mother'. <br /><br />'Bhratr' became 'brother'.<br /><br />'Kumari' became 'Mary'. <br /><br />'Victavati' became 'Victoria'. <br /><br />'Agnisikha' became 'Agnezka'. And so on and so forth.<br /><br />But the West (esp. the Europeans and the Americans) would make us believe otherwise. They want us to read, learn and know... what they would like us to read, learn and know. And therefore believe.<br /><br />They are taking out patents on... hold your breath... neem, turmeric, garlic, ginger and other spices.<br /><br />They claim these grew in their lands centuries ago... and from there came to Asia including the Indian subcontinent.<br /><br />There is no class of people called Australians, Europeans or Americans. They are all settlers. The original inhabitants of these lands: the Red Indians, the Aborigines, etc are being systematically obliterated. Many clans have even become extinct.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-69935305425718870672009-12-10T23:44:18.170+05:302009-12-10T23:44:18.170+05:30I completely agree with you on every word you have...I completely agree with you on every word you have written above.<br />sad that "yog" had to come back patented as YOGA to gain acceptance here.Wish there were more people who thought on similar lines.<br />Besides the nonchalant attitude of our genre other fact that is truly disturbing is rigidity of opinion .People have such closely held opinions that they mistakes for thoughts that are very difficult to change.Had compassionately written about it on post titled "fallacies of intellectual extremism "<br />Regards and keep the fire burning...Sunil Balanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14806041150956325741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-87116809494213785112009-12-09T12:35:53.658+05:302009-12-09T12:35:53.658+05:30@ Sunil: We have completely forgotten the greats l...@ Sunil: We have completely forgotten the greats like Acharya Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy, Dr. Meghnad Saha, Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose. The list is very long indeed. And includes: Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskara I, Bhaskara II, Shushruta, Kalidas, Rabindranath Tagore... they are all our unsung heros. Topping the list is the great genius Chanakya of course.<br /><br />We are a nation in thrall of matinee heros and cricket heros.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-27919496857618211322009-12-09T12:25:56.133+05:302009-12-09T12:25:56.133+05:30@ Sunil: I wonder... why Bengal was divided... and...@ Sunil: I wonder... why Bengal was divided... and the 'leadership' of the Congress party conveniently given to this 'gentleman' and his favourites. While inconvenient folks e.g., Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ashutosh Mukherjee, etc... conveniently met their maker while in England, where they had gone to meet certain people along with a list of demands. These people were not keen or happy with those demands, btw.<br /> <br />If you notice... the majority of the social reformers came from the eastern part of India... and they were reasonably successful in their endeavours too. In those days, Bengal was the hub of all activities in India and was a very large area. Consisting of present day W. Bengal, Bangladesh, Orissa. With close ties to Tripura and Assam, even Bihar and Jharkhand. Wonder why this land was the first to be 'divided' ostensibly on 'administrative' grounds...<br /><br />We need 'permission' to sing our own national song and national anthem. There is no precedence of this kind... anywhere in the world. Ever.<br /><br />How did a momentous decision such as partition, (how and when it was to be done and the transfer of 'power'... etc) taken in a mere 4-5 months... ??? <br /><br />All... good questions and no answers.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-33481915093823073102009-12-09T12:21:31.067+05:302009-12-09T12:21:31.067+05:30@ Sunil: I agree with you, Sunilji. And I'm fo...@ Sunil: I agree with you, Sunilji. And I'm following your blog.<br /><br />The colonial rule in India... has been the most toxic. It has left behind a poisonous legacy and destroyed our culture/customs/traditions. Most of our prudishness and many of our social evils (which the gangs of 'sons of the soil' vow to uphold) originate from the 'colonial rule' and the British.<br /><br />We learn twisted history written by foreigners. I wonder why our books, history books and other text books... written by foreigners.<br /><br />We have reduced the greatest Emperor... to have ever walked on this planet... Chandragupta Vikramaditya... to only 'Vikram and Betal'.<br /><br />We have completely misunderstood/misinterpreted "ahimsa" or "non violence". A certain 'gentleman' was a 'means to an end'... through which the 'Imperial powers' were able to impose this shameful and distorted theory of "non violence" on us and on their other colonies. We have elevated this 'gentleman' to that of a revered saint.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-67277457851178100002009-12-09T11:37:55.692+05:302009-12-09T11:37:55.692+05:30Absolutely correct. We look to west for recognitio...Absolutely correct. We look to west for recognition or should I say for approval before deciding what is good or bad for us.Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has been playing veena for almost his complete life but we recognised his talent after he got garmmy. Our colonial menatlity has not subsided. <br />Reagrding teachers, yes, best brains dont find it glamourous and I agree most pathtic aea is primary eduaction.<br />Most of my writings in my blog are centered around these issues only. Do have a look sometimes if time permits.<br />Regards, and people like you give me hope......Sunil Balanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14806041150956325741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-21773323253972252372009-12-08T13:18:26.717+05:302009-12-08T13:18:26.717+05:30@ Sunil: All this... in a nation which was the sea...@ Sunil: All this... in a nation which was the seat of learning... until a few centuries ago. People all over the world would travel to this great land to imbibe knowledge. We were the best in everything - economics/maths/science/medicine/arts/warfare/fine arts/literature/crafts. You name it. We had the best of minds amongst us.<br /><br />The great and much celebrated German poet/writer/ philosopher Goethe is on record that he has been 'influenced' by Kalidas' "Meghdutam". Much is made of Goethe's works... but how many of us know about Kalidas' and/or read "Meghdutam" apart from his other works... ??? The much popular dance form of "Flamenco"... is actually a combination of India's most graceful dance form "Odissi"... and Arabian. How many of us know that or even want to... ??? Miyan Tansen could create magic with the way he rendered the 'ragas'... he could set everything on fire... by the "Rag Deepak" and bring down the rains with his rendition of the "Rag Megh Malhar". Today... nobody can do that. Why??? 'coz the complete wordings of these ragas have been a casualty of the ravages of time... due to gross neglect.<br /><br />We are more keen to read Machiavelli's "The Prince"... and overlook one of the greatest genius Chanakya.<br /><br />Even the present area of 'Chambal' was a seat of learing... many centuries ago. See what has become of it now? This decadence is destroying our nation.<br /><br />China followed borrowed processes (read: western) for decades. Result: famine, high unemployment, etc. Then they looked inwards. The results are there for all to see.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-51472741113493491292009-12-08T13:17:32.111+05:302009-12-08T13:17:32.111+05:30@ Sunil: I agree with you.
People seem to think t...@ Sunil: I agree with you.<br /><br />People seem to think that teaching or teachers have no 'value'. Completely forgetting the fact... that teachers are the backbone of a nation. The minds they nurture are the future of this nation.<br /><br />In ancient times... things were different. Maybe even until a few centuries ago. Teachers were most respected, they were the 'Gurus'. One who imparted knowledge and guided the students... and prepared them for this journey called life.<br /><br />Things have taken a 180 degree turn now.<br /><br />I fail to understand how reservation can be extended to teachers. They should be selected on merit alone... everything else should not matter.<br /><br />I will give you an example... something I have witnessed myself.<br /><br />There is this guy who became a lecturer at one of the premier engineering institutes of this country... due to reservation. He was asked to explain the functions of the 'float'. He said... "you don't know the meaning of float. Float means float. So, it will float." Shocking... right... ?!! I have witnessed many such instances.<br /><br />The condition of the primary and secondary education system in this country is pathetic. No minister/politician/NGO/Social worker/Philanthropist thinks it worthy of being spoken of. There is no glamour involved in it. Right... ???Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-75141957496764755672009-12-08T12:07:58.337+05:302009-12-08T12:07:58.337+05:30@Roshmi, the pleasure is all mine.... i found thos...@Roshmi, the pleasure is all mine.... i found those words from the serial so meaningful that I could not resist but upload it on you tube.<br /><br />You are right that the committed teachers are becoming an extinct spice .After doing post grad in Engineering and then in management I decided to be a teacher and one question that I always find so ridiculous to answer is "You are so well qualified then why are you teaching"? I think the question itself reflects our mindset.<br />Your blog is truly informative ...keep up the good work and keep enlightening....<br />RegardsSunil Balanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14806041150956325741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-2456463912853710772009-12-08T10:20:41.731+05:302009-12-08T10:20:41.731+05:30@ Sunil: Thanks Sunil for those encouraging words....@ Sunil: Thanks Sunil for those encouraging words... and welcome to my blog!<br /><br />Thanks for the link. It is a clip on what is expected from teachers. Sadly... such teachers are fast becoming extinct. The quest for power, commerce and politics have changed everything. For the worse...Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-51384605026491663092009-12-07T21:13:16.506+05:302009-12-07T21:13:16.506+05:30Roshmi, Reading some of your posts were indeed a p...Roshmi, Reading some of your posts were indeed a pleasure to say the least . Regarding Chanakya I think you have covered the legend very nicely.Take a look at this you might like it <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC7_MsnjZcQSunil Balanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14806041150956325741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-24182286008931600432009-04-29T09:07:00.000+05:302009-04-29T09:07:00.000+05:30@ Varun... Thanks a bunch for your review and enco...@ Varun... Thanks a bunch for your review and encouraging words. Stay tuned!!<br /><br />Your blog makes for quite an interesting read... keep blogging!!<br /><br />Cheers!Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-83473854200393996432009-04-28T22:54:00.000+05:302009-04-28T22:54:00.000+05:30excellent post Roshmi. I'm a big history addict an...excellent post Roshmi. I'm a big history addict and I find such articles some of the best spends when we talk of time! <br />real substance!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-39796123482092283642009-04-14T20:40:00.000+05:302009-04-14T20:40:00.000+05:30From Chanakya's teachings and philosophy this conc...From Chanakya's teachings and philosophy this conclusion can certainly be drawn.<br /><br />Some other quotes on fools (by Chanakya) are as follows:<br /><br />1. Do not keep company with a fool for as we can see he is a two-legged beast. Like an unseen thorn he pierces the heart with his sharp words.<br /> <br />2. The serpent, the King, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be awakened from sleep. <br /> <br />3. A stillborn son is superior to a foolish son endowed with a long life. The first causes grief for but a moment while the latter like a blazing fire consumes his parents in grief for life.<br /> <br />4. Foolishness is indeed painful, and verily so is youth, but more painful by far than either is being obliged in another person's house.<br /> <br />5. The man who remains a fool even in advanced age is really a fool, just as the Indra-Varuna fruit does not become sweet no matter how ripe it might become.<br /> <br />6. There are three gems upon this earth; food, water, and pleasing words - fools (mudhas) consider pieces of rocks as gems.Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-88579196032165502232009-04-13T22:08:00.000+05:302009-04-13T22:08:00.000+05:30I have also heard a very interesting quote attribu...I have also heard a very interesting quote attributed to Chanakya,<BR/>"It is useless to argue with a fool"<BR/>No idea, though, whether this is authentic or not.Sujoy Bhattacharjeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05780198919060262785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-991580499888274682009-04-13T11:14:00.000+05:302009-04-13T11:14:00.000+05:30Thanks Sujoy, for the review! Appreciate it.As you...Thanks Sujoy, for the review! Appreciate it.<BR/><BR/>As you know, Indian history is not very well documented... hence there are a lot of overlaps. This story could well be true for Shivaji too!<BR/><BR/>In our History textbook in school, we had the story of Alexander the Great and King Porus - where Alexander gives back Porus his kingdom (we are told) when Porus replies to his question, "How should I treat you?" - when brought in front of him as a prisoner in chains. We are told that Alexander was impressed with his answer and immediately released Porus. This story is no doubt fascinating but I am yet to find an echo of it or rather yet to find authentic historical proof of this story in some other work by a historian. <BR/><BR/>Similarly, there are diverse/multiple views re: the death of Chanakya or the manner of his death, that is.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!Roshmi Sinhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514206548071810133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217471848749520142.post-87305508311912588062009-04-12T23:17:00.000+05:302009-04-12T23:17:00.000+05:30Amazing amount of knowledge you have compiled here...Amazing amount of knowledge you have compiled here, especially the parts about Hindu mythology, and it was quite unbaised.<BR/><BR/>"Chānakya's initial attempt to overthrow the Nanda King failed, thereafter he came across a mother scolding her child for burning himself by eating from the middle of a bun or a bowl of porridge rather than from the cooler edge. This incident served as an eye-opener for Chānakya and he realized his initial strategic error and, instead of attacking the heart of the Nanda territory, slowly chiped away at its edges. "<BR/>I think this incident was attributed to Shivaji, an too lazy to look up though.<BR/><BR/>Cheerio,Sujoy Bhattacharjeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05780198919060262785noreply@blogger.com